The Odyssey becomes Christopher Nolan's highest-rated movie
The Odyssey has officially surpassed Memento and The Dark Knight to become Christopher Nolan's most critically acclaimed work to date.
The Odyssey becomes Christopher Nolan's highest-rated movie
Christopher Nolan has reached a new critical peak with the release of The Odyssey, which officially opens in theaters on Friday, July 17, 2026. The Greek epic has claimed the top spot as Nolan's highest-rated film to date, boasting a 96% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem, following the journey of the Greek king Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he attempts to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War to reunite with his son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), and his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway). The production marks a technical milestone as the first feature film shot entirely with Imax 70mm film cameras.
Early critical reception has praised the film as a "breathtaking, sweeping, technically exquisite" work that balances mythical elements with emotional groundedness. Reviewers have highlighted the visual spectacle and use of practical effects, while noting the film's thematic exploration of the horrors intellect can inflict on others — a parallel to the themes found in Oppenheimer. The ensemble cast is expansive, featuring Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Travis Scott, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton, and Himesh Patel.
The film's arrival has drawn praise from industry peers. Tom Cruise, a fellow advocate for the theatrical experience, shared his approval on social media on Thursday after attending an early screening. Cruise thanked Nolan, producing partner Emma Thomas, and the crew, stating, I can't wait to see it again!
A Shift in the Nolan Rankings
The success of The Odyssey reshuffles the hierarchy of Nolan's 13-film filmography. Based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings, the director's top five films now stand as follows:
| Rank | Film | Rotten Tomatoes Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Odyssey | 96% |
| 2 | Memento | 94% |
| 3 | The Dark Knight | 94% |
| 4 | Oppenheimer | 93% |
| 5 | Insomnia | 92% |
The rankings highlight a career characterized by a fascination with time, memory, and identity. Memento, released in 2000, is noted for its nonlinear structure and exploration of amnesia, while The Dark Knight is credited with elevating the superhero genre through its complex crime story and Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker.
Nolan's more recent works have also seen significant success. Oppenheimer earned the director his first two Academy Award wins for Best Director and Best Picture, grossing over $976 million worldwide despite competing against Barbie. Earlier sci-fi efforts, such as Inception and Interstellar, established his ability to blend high-concept physics with emotional narratives.
From Indie Roots to Global Spectacle
The scale of The Odyssey stands in stark contrast to Nolan's beginnings. His directorial debut, Following, was a black-and-white independent crime thriller shot on a shoestring budget of £6,000. Over two decades, Nolan transitioned from this low-budget start to directing massive blockbusters, including the Batman trilogy, which began with Batman Begins in 2005.
While most of his work is highly acclaimed, some projects faced more critical scrutiny. Tenet, released during the COVID-19 pandemic, was described by some as frustratingly convoluted and plagued by muddled sound mixing. Similarly, Insomnia — a 2002 remake of a 1997 Norwegian film, is cited as a project where Nolan worked from a script he did not write.
As the industry continues to navigate the balance between streaming and cinema, Nolan remains a champion of the big screen. This commitment is shared by Tom Cruise, who is currently preparing for the release of his own upcoming film, Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which opens in theaters on October 2.
