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EntertainmentThe Odyssey Sets Nolan Rotten Tomatoes Record with 95% Critics' Score
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Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey' has achieved a record 95% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest for any Nolan-directed film. The R-rated, 2-hour-52-minute film opened to a projected $124.5 million from 3,919 North American theaters, marking Nolan's third-highest domestic opening weekend behind 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'The Dark Knight'. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, along with Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, the film chronicles the Greek king's perilous 20-year journey home after the Trojan War. The critics' consensus praises the film for reinvigorating ancient adventure with majestic sweep and primal human feeling. The article also provides a ranking of all 12 of Nolan's feature films on Rotten Tomatoes, with 'The Odyssey' topping the list at 95%, followed by 'The Dark Knight' and 'Memento' at 94%.
Source report
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey has not only dominated the box office but also set a new record for the director's films on Rotten Tomatoes.
Box Office Performance
Adapted for the screen by Nolan from Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey opened in theaters over the weekend and is projected to earn $124.5 million from 3,919 North American theaters — a remarkable figure given the film is rated R and runs 2 hours and 52 minutes.
This opening marks the third-highest domestic debut for a Nolan film, behind:
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012) — $160.8 million
- The Dark Knight (2008) — $158.4 million
Critical Reception
While The Odyssey did not surpass Nolan's final two Batman films at the box office, its reception from critics and audiences has set new records on the aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.
The early critics' score on RT's Tomatometer began at 98% based on 145 reviews after the review embargo lifted on Wednesday. As of Sunday, the score has leveled to 95% based on 345 reviews — the highest-rated movie directed by Nolan on the site.
RT's Critics Consensus: "Reinvigorating an ancient adventure with majestic sweep and sterling work by its colossal ensemble, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey imbues myth with primal human feeling."
About the Film
Rated R, The Odyssey chronicles Greek King Odysseus' (Matt Damon) perilous 20-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where he and his soldiers encounter gods, monsters, and other threats. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, among many others.
Christopher Nolan's Films Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Critics' Score
Since Following in 1998, Christopher Nolan has directed 12 feature films — all of which have received a "fresh" critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. Here is the full ranking:
| Rank | Film | Year | Score | Reviews | |------|------|------|-------|---------| | 1 | The Odyssey | 2026 | 95% | 345 | | 2 | The Dark Knight | 2008 | 94% | 339 | | | Memento | 2000 | 94% | 186 | | 3 | Oppenheimer | 2023 | 93% | 509 | | 4 | Dunkirk | 2017 | 92% | 469 | | | Insomnia | 2002 | 92% | 206 | | 5 | The Dark Knight Rises | 2012 | 87% | 374 | | | Inception | 2010 | 87% | 363 | | | Following | 1998 | 87% | 89 | | 6 | Batman Begins | 2005 | 85% | 285 | | 7 | The Prestige | 2006 | 76% | 208 | | 8 | Tenet | 2020 | 70% | 379 |
Source
Forbes - BusinessWestern
Part of this Story
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Premieres in London to Overwhelmingly Positive Early Reactions