Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic, The Odyssey, has officially set a new benchmark for the filmmaker’s career. According to data from Rotten Tomatoes, the film debuted with a 96% audience score, or “Popcornmeter,” based on over 500 verified ratings as of Thursday night.
This achievement officially surpasses The Dark Knight, which has held the top spot for Nolan since 2008 with a 94% audience approval rating. With the film’s critical “Tomatometer” also sitting at 96% across 276 reviews, The Odyssey now stands as the highest-rated film in Nolan’s filmography among both critics and audiences.
The film’s strong reception marks a significant turnaround following a lukewarm initial reaction to its marketing campaign. With a production budget of $250 million, the studio is now looking toward a strong box office performance. Industry tracking estimates a domestic opening weekend between $80 million and $120 million, following its wide release on Friday, July 17.
The R-rated feature, which clocks in at two hours and 52 minutes, boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Samantha Morton, and Elliot Page. As the film hits theaters, the combination of high critical praise and positive early audience sentiment is expected to be a primary driver for its commercial success.