Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Becomes the Highest-Grossing R-Rated Film of All Time

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has officially become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, overtaking Deadpool & Wolverine at the global box office. The blockbuster adaptation of Homer’s epic poem has earned approximately $1.35 billion worldwide, surpassing the $1.338 billion lifetime total of the 2024 Marvel hit.

The record is particularly significant because R-rated films face restrictions on younger audiences. The Odyssey received its R rating in the United States for “violence and some language,” yet its nearly three-hour runtime and adult rating have not stopped audiences from turning it into one of the biggest theatrical releases in recent years.

The Odyssey Surpasses Deadpool & Wolverine With Global Success

The previous record was held by Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. While that film remains ahead at the North American box office, The Odyssey has benefited from its strong international performance, pushing its worldwide total beyond its Marvel competitor.

Ryan Reynolds also acknowledged the new record with a congratulatory message to Nolan and the cast.

“Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Odyssey for becoming the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time,”

Reynolds wrote.

A promotional landscape image highlighting the epic scale of The Odyssey and its mythological journey (Image via Universal Pictures)

The milestone adds to an already historic run for Nolan’s latest film. The Odyssey has also become the highest-grossing movie of the director’s career, surpassing The Dark Knight Rises. It has additionally broken the record for the highest-grossing IMAX release of all time, further highlighting the scale of its theatrical success.

Led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film follows the King of Ithaca as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. With its global box office total still growing, The Odyssey could continue setting new milestones before its theatrical run comes to an end.