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The Odyssey

The Odyssey

Defy the gods.

2026172 minRMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Christopher Nolan
Starring
Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson

Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage, he is forced to confront the whims of gods, mythological monsters, and trials that stretch both his cunning and his humanity to the breaking point.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Odyssey?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Odyssey to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

Buy · $19.99

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Odyssey?

The Odyssey earns 10 badges, led by Top 1% in Action and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Odyssey worth watching?

The Odyssey's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 5.2M ratings across 6 sources. 89% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

99th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2020s

Critics 88 · Audience 81

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

89% liked it

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2020s
89% rated it 7–1011% rated it 1–6

Critics 94% · Audience 96%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 0 noms overall

99th percentile

5.2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 6% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$250M
Opening weekend$124M
Domestic gross$619M
Worldwide gross$1.8B

Returned 7.0× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

An ambitious, technically stunning epic that prioritises scale and spectacle over Homer's mythic complexity.

Fans praised

  • breathtaking IMAX cinematography and practical scale
  • visceral Cyclops and Circe sequences
  • Damon's haunted, weary performance as Odysseus

Detractors panned

  • flat, emotionless script with jarring modern dialogue
  • miscast lead actors fail to disappear into roles
  • sound mix drowns dialogue under deafening score

What stands out

Cinematography90

Impeccable IMAX framing, ravishing landscapes and practical sets

AtmosphereDivisive78

Gritty, tactile world; mythical encounters feel terrifyingly real

ActingDivisive72

Damon, Hathaway, Pattinson praised; Holland, Zendaya, Nyong'o seen as miscast

Plot and storyDivisive58

Episodic structure — collection of short films stitched together

CharactersDivisive55

Odysseus reduced to brooding PTSD case, stripped of cunning

Pacing50

First act sluggish, second half propulsive yet rush-through episodes

Sound and musicDivisive48

Göransson's score epic but thunderous mix drowns voices

Dialogue35

Anachronistic modern language, expository on-the-nose lines

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is The Odyssey like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
TenseTriumphantMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsEpic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats Homer's epic with reverence and a modern psychological depth, playing the journey straight as a grand adventure and a character study.
The rideThe film balances tense monster encounters with the emotional weight of homecoming.
StructureThe film follows Odysseus's journey through distinct episodes (Polyphemus, Circe, etc.) while maintaining an overarching homecoming arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe homecoming is satisfying but the hardships of the journey linger, leaving a mix of hope and nostalgia.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Quest
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% (this title) · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Journey home: The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows Odysseus's perilous journey home, fitting the quest archetype with a journey_home subtype.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Odysseus's longing to return to his family after the Trojan War and the perseverance needed to reunite with Penelope.
StanceThe film affirms the value of home and family after a long struggle.

The world

AncientWildernessDomesticFantasy
Orchestral modernAmbientForeground music · original score · Ludwig Göransson
SettingAncient Greece and the mythical Mediterranean
MusicThe score provides epic and emotional underpinning for the journey.

Content guide

Is The Odyssey okay for kids?

R

The Odyssey is rated R: “Rated R for violence and some language” (MPAA). As of October 4, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (80/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at moderate (41/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at severe (87/100). Overall it is heavier than 56% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 45 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • ArgentinaATP
  • Austria14
  • Belgium16
  • BGC
  • CL14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ID13+
  • IndiaA
  • Israel14
  • Italy10+
  • LTN-13
  • LU16
  • LV16+
  • MexicoB
  • MOC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway12
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • PRR
  • SingaporeNC16
  • SK12
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan12+
  • TH15
  • Türkiye16+
  • UA16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 74% of all filmsHeavier than 56% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 14%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 23%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Odyssey have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Odyssey?

Cast

Matt Damon
as Odysseus
Tom Holland
as Telemachus
Anne Hathaway
Robert Pattinson
Himesh Patel
Charlize Theron
John Leguizamo
Corey Hawkins
Elliot Page
Shiloh Fernandez

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Odyssey?

Movies like The Odyssey include Asoka (2001), Ulysses (1954) and Cold Mountain (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in ancient times, and most are films that feel epic.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Odyssey?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.