Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' Surpasses 10 Million Viewers in South Korea

Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' has surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea. It is the second film this year to reach this milestone in the domestic box office, following Jang Hang-jun's 'The King’s Affection,' and the first foreign film to do so this year.

According to distributor Universal Pictures, 'Odyssey' crossed the 10 million mark around 4 p.m. on September 6, achieving this record 33 days after its release on August 5. The film attracted 301,247 viewers on September 5 alone, bringing its cumulative total to 9,768,259, and saw a surge in attendance over the weekend, reaching the 10 million milestone the following day.

The film's box office performance has been remarkable. 'Odyssey' surpassed 5 million viewers on its 13th day and exceeded 7 million on the 19th day. Its explosive early momentum indicated a strong potential for reaching 10 million. It broke the 8 million mark in just 24 days, setting a record for the fastest foreign film to do so this year, and reached 9 million viewers on the 27th day, three days faster than 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which achieved this on its 30th day. In doing so, 'Odyssey' surpassed the final scores of the highest-grossing foreign films in the past three years, including 'Elemental' (7.24 million viewers in 2023), 'Inside Out 2' (8.79 million in 2024), and 'Zootopia 2' (8.61 million in 2025), making it the highest-grossing foreign film in South Korean history.

The box office trend has remained stable. 'Odyssey' maintained its position at number one in the box office on September 5. On the same day, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' continued its long run with a cumulative total of 8,737,145 viewers, but 'Odyssey' drew in viewers in the 900,000 range, leading the race to 10 million. Even in its fifth week of release, it held the top spot in real-time ticket sales, with ticket reservations in the late 200,000 range, demonstrating its staying power.

Beyond domestic success, 'Odyssey' has also performed well globally. Since its release, it has topped the box office in 69 countries, with a global opening weekend gross of $264.06 million, surpassing 'The Dark Knight Rises' to set a record for Nolan's highest opening. As of September 6, the worldwide box office revenue exceeded $1.56 billion, placing it second in global box office rankings for 2026. North American earnings are around $570 million, while international earnings outside North America are approximately $980 million. The film has received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable achievement for an epic adaptation in a market dominated by superhero sequels and established franchises.

The 10 million milestone is significant for Nolan, who previously attracted 10 million viewers in South Korea with 'Interstellar.' With 'Odyssey,' he has now become the only foreign director with two films reaching this mark in the country. His previous works, including the 'Dark Knight' series, 'Inception,' 'Interstellar,' 'Dunkirk,' 'Tenet,' and 'Oppenheimer,' have solidified his reputation among South Korean audiences.

'Odyssey' tells the story of Odysseus, the hero who leads the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War, as he battles the wrath of the gods to return home. Adapted from Homer's 'Odyssey,' regarded as the first epic of humanity, the film explores universal themes of human will, homecoming, and the conflict between gods and humans, all presented through Nolan's grand scale and philosophical perspective.

Critics have noted that 'Odyssey' is a film best experienced on a large screen with sound. The combination of real locations, live stunts, practical effects, and cutting-edge IMAX technology with minimal CGI has resonated with audiences. It is the first film in history to be shot entirely in IMAX film format. Even before its release, demand for special screenings in IMAX and Dolby Cinema led to rapid sellouts, with some fans resorting to purchasing tickets on the black market for over $100.

Promotional events leading up to the release also contributed to its success. In August, Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron visited South Korea to meet with the press and fans. Related events and interview footage circulated online, boosting the film's visibility before its release.

The film's success has extended beyond theaters. According to Kyobo Bookstore, sales of related books, including 'Odyssey' and 'The Odyssey,' surged by approximately 600% in July compared to the same period last year. In the second week of August, related titles ranked second in the comprehensive bestseller lists of Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24. Sales increases were noted across various formats, including children's editions, translations, and e-books. Additionally, search interest in 'Odyssey' increased by 3.3 times and 'Greek and Roman mythology' by 3.6 times on Millie's Library after the film's release, surpassing previous adaptations like 'Project Hail Mary' and 'The Overstory.'

Exhibitions have also attracted audiences. A special exhibition titled 'Greece: The Great Civilization Shaped by the Sea,' which opened on August 11 at the National Incheon Marine Museum, focuses on the 6,000-year history of ancient Greece, including the story of Odysseus. Exhibits related to Homer’s bust and characters like Agamemnon have drawn visitors from the film.

With 'Odyssey' surpassing 10 million viewers, attention now turns to its final audience count. Its strong performance in the box office and ticket sales in its fifth week suggests the possibility of setting a new record for Nolan's highest-grossing film in South Korea. 'Odyssey' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.