The Odyssey dethrones Avatar as Korea’s top-grossing international film

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has set a new box-office record in South Korea, surpassing James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water to become the highest-grossing international film in the country’s history.

The epic film had earned KRW 139.2 billion (approximately $101.5 million) by October 11, 2026, edging past Avatar: The Way of Water, which previously held the record with KRW 138 billion in earnings.

Starring Matt Damon as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, The Odyssey has attracted around 12 million moviegoers since its South Korean release on August 5. Its remarkable popularity has continued for weeks, with the film remaining at the top of the local box office for seven consecutive weekends.

The film has also achieved impressive results in premium cinema formats. Its IMAX and Dolby Cinema screenings have drawn strong audiences, with IMAX performances reportedly selling out through the fifth week of its theatrical run. These premium screenings have further boosted its overall earnings.

Another major milestone came when The Odyssey crossed 10 million admissions in just 33 days. It became the fastest non-franchise international film to reach the mark in South Korea. It also made history as the first international film rated for audiences aged 15 and above to achieve the milestone.

The achievement further strengthens Nolan’s standing among South Korean moviegoers. His earlier film Interstellar also enjoyed significant popularity in the country. With The Odyssey, he has become the first director to have two original, non-franchise international films attract more than 10 million admissions in South Korea.

The film’s promotional campaign also generated considerable excitement. A press conference in Seoul attracted 209 media representatives, while a premiere event organised by CGV received more than 32,000 applications. Recommendations from Korean celebrities, including BTS member Jungkook and TXT’s Soobin, also helped keep the film in the spotlight.

Despite claiming the international box-office record, The Odyssey has yet to become South Korea’s highest-grossing film overall. Two domestic productions remain ahead of it. The King’s Warden has earned approximately $111.7 million, while Extreme Job has generated around $101.8 million.

Nevertheless, The Odyssey’s achievement highlights the strong demand for large-scale original films in South Korea. Its sustained theatrical success, impressive admissions and popularity in premium formats have established it as a major international box-office phenomenon.