'The Odyssey' overtakes 'The Dark Knight Rises' as Nolan’s biggest film

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has officially become the director’s highest-grossing movie ever, reaching $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office after four weekends in theatres.

According to Deadline, the Universal Pictures epic has earned approximately $461.1 million domestically and $643.6 million internationally. The milestone puts The Odyssey ahead of Nolan’s previous record-holder, The Dark Knight Rises, which finished its global run with $1.085 billion.

The achievement adds to a remarkable box office year for Nolan and the cast of The Odyssey. The director’s films have now generated more than $7 billion worldwide, with Oppenheimer remaining another major success at $975.8 million globally.

The Odyssey has also become the second-highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, behind Deadpool & Wolverine, which earned $1.33 billion worldwide. It is currently the highest-grossing R-rated release of 2026 in both North America and international markets.

The film has also set career records for several of its stars, becoming the highest-grossing global release for Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson.

Based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey stars Damon as Odysseus and follows the legendary king’s journey home following the Trojan War. Nolan wrote, directed and produced the ambitious adaptation, which has benefited from strong audience interest in premium theatrical formats.

The movie is currently the second-highest-grossing film of 2026, behind Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which has surpassed $1.26 billion worldwide. Pixar’s Toy Story 5 ranks third with $1.09 billion.

Universal executives credited Nolan’s reputation for delivering major theatrical experiences and audiences’ continued interest in premium formats for the film’s success.