Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey becomes highest-grossing R-rated film of all time

Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey has reached another major box-office milestone, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film in history despite competition from Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

The Matt Damon-led film has grossed $1.352 billion worldwide, surpassing the $1.338 billion earned by Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.

The Odyssey has collected around $516 million in the US and Canada and more than $800 million internationally. The film opened in theatres on July 17 with a strong $123 million domestic debut.

Its international performance has been even stronger. The film became the sixth movie this year to cross the $1 billion mark and currently ranks as the second-highest-grossing film of the year, behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Its box-office run received an additional boost following its delayed release in China. The film is projected to cross $1.5 billion before completing its theatrical run.

Ryan Reynolds reacts to Deadpool losing record

Deadpool & Wolverine star Ryan Reynolds congratulated The Odyssey after his film lost its record as the highest-grossing R-rated movie.

Sharing a clip from the 2024 superhero film on social media, Reynolds wrote: “Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Odyssey for becoming the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time. That is one helluva car.”

The Odyssey has also become the highest-grossing film of the careers of Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland.

What is The Odyssey about?

Based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey follows King Odysseus, played by Damon, as he embarks on a perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

Along the way, Odysseus encounters mythical creatures and other dangers while trying to reunite with his wife Penelope, played by Hathaway, and his son Telemachus, played by Holland.

The film also features Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, Travis Scott and Benny Safdie.

The Odyssey has received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for its performances, visual style and dramatic storytelling. The film is also being viewed as a strong contender for major honours at next year’s Oscars.