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MOVIE · 2026 · R

The Odyssey

Not appropriate for the listed range — here's why.

16+
Youngest OK
16–17
Best for ages
0
Parent reviews

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Christopher Nolan's nearly three-hour take on Homer's epic is rated R for violence and some language. Common Sense Media says 15+, and the film is built around brutal war scenes, man-eating monsters and a grotesque transformation.

What parents need to know

  • The MPA rated it R for violence and some language; viewers under 17 need a parent or adult guardian to attend.
  • Violence is frequent and sometimes graphic: swords, spears and arrows pierce bodies, a brutal war scene leaves many dead, and guides mention drowning, poisoning, decapitation, stabbing and beatings.
  • Monsters attack and eat men, including a man-eating Cyclops and a six-headed beast, and a witch's transformation of men into pigs is described as grotesque body horror.
  • Animal cruelty is reported, and Kids-In-Mind mentions the deaths of dogs.
  • Language includes a couple of F-words and other strong words such as 's--t' and 'bastard' according to Common Sense Media; counts differ between guides.
  • Sex and nudity are limited: an implied sex scene or two bedroom moments, passionate kissing, brief non-sexual bare backsides and brief verbal references to sexual violence.
  • Characters drink ale, mead and wine, sometimes to visible drunkenness, and Odysseus eats lotus flowers that help him relax and forget.
  • Themes include war trauma, grief, loss, divine fate, loyalty and betrayal, and the film runs about 173 minutes.

Content breakdown

0 none · 5 a lot
Violence & scaresMature themesLanguage
Violence & scares

Severe

Sex & nudity
Some

Some

Language
A lot

Moderate

Drinking / drugs
Some

Some

Mature themes
Heavy

Strong

Mental-health weight
A lot

Moderate

Consumerism
None

Not present

In the plus column

Educational value
Some

What's the story?

Twenty years after leaving to fight at Troy, Odysseus (Matt Damon) is still trying to get home to Ithaca. His journey takes him across the sea and past monsters, a bewitching sorceress and meddling gods, while his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) is pressed by suitors to remarry and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland) goes searching for him. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan from Homer's ancient poem, the film follows father and son on separate paths toward a reunion, with a large ensemble cast that includes Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong'o.

Is it any good?

The Odyssey is rated R, unlike Christopher Nolan's PG-13 blockbusters such as Inception and The Dark Knight, and parents should treat it as an adult epic rather than a family adventure. The MPA rated it R for violence and some language. Under that rating, anyone younger than 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian in the theater. Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 15 and up, and Age Rating JuJu suggests 16 and up. Violence is the main reason. Common Sense Media reports frequent action violence with swords, spears and arrows, a brutal war scene, monsters that attack and eat men, and a grotesque sequence in which a witch turns men into pigs. Deseret News adds drowning, poisoning, decapitation, stabbing and beatings, and notes animal cruelty. Kids-In-Mind reportedly describes a battle that leaves many dead and a city in flames, and the deaths of dogs. Nolan has said he aims to give the violence weight without making it repulsive, but parent guides still describe it as graphic and sustained. Beyond the fighting, the scares come from creatures and body horror. Guides point to a man-eating Cyclops, a six-headed beast and Circe's transformations as the most disturbing moments. The film also runs about 173 minutes, which is a long sit for any teenager. Sexual content and language are secondary but real. Guides report an implied sex scene or two bedroom moments, passionate kissing, brief non-sexual bare backsides and brief verbal references to sexual violence. Language counts vary: Common Sense Media lists a couple of F-words, the s-word and 'bastard,' Kids-In-Mind reportedly counts at least three F-words, and Deseret News counts fewer than eight profane words in all. There is a lot here for teens who are ready for it. The film stresses hospitality, consequences, humility and loyalty, and shows how war damages everyone it touches, from soldiers to the families waiting at home. Teens who have read the poem in school may enjoy comparing the two. For younger kids and most middle schoolers, though, the combination of graphic violence, monsters and heavy themes of war trauma and grief makes this a clear wait-until-older choice.

Talk to your kids about…

Conversation starters for after watching together.

  • Odysseus is clever, but his pride causes harm to others. When has confidence or pride gotten in the way of a good decision for you?
  • The film treats hospitality to strangers as a sacred rule it calls Zeus' law. How do people treat guests and strangers today, and why does it matter?
  • War changes soldiers and the families waiting for them. What does 'coming home' mean after a long separation or a hard experience?
  • Penelope stays loyal and patient under pressure. What qualities does she show, and how do they compare with the strength of the warriors?
  • This story is thousands of years old. Why do people keep retelling it, and how does Nolan's version compare with the poem or other versions you know?

What's positive in here

Positive messages

  • Hospitality and the Golden Rule, which the film calls Zeus' law, are treated as sacred obligations.
  • Actions have consequences, and war harms everyone it touches.
  • Courage, integrity and teamwork are rewarded.

Role models

  • Odysseus is clever and brave and learns humility after his pride causes harm.
  • Penelope is steadfastly loyal, and Eumaeus and Telemachus show faithfulness and compassion.

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Scene-by-scene notes

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The Odyssey — Parent FAQs

Answers to the most common questions parents search.

  • What age is The Odyssey appropriate for?

    The Odyssey is rated by FamScoop for ages 16+. An R-rated epic with graphic war violence, man-eating monsters and grotesque body horror. Common Sense Media says 15+, other guides say 16+, and the MPA requires an adult companion for anyone under 17; younger kids and most middle schoolers should skip it.

  • Is The Odyssey OK for a 16-year-old?

    No — FamScoop's verdict is Skip or wait. It's not appropriate for the listed age range. The youngest age FamScoop recommends is 16.

  • What is The Odyssey rated?

    The Odyssey is rated R.

  • When did The Odyssey come out?

    The Odyssey was released in 2026.

  • How violent or scary is The Odyssey?

    Violence and scares are rated severe. Intense and/or graphic. Use caution.

  • Is there bad language in The Odyssey?

    Language is moderate. Recurring throughout. Watch with younger kids.

  • Is there sex or nudity in The Odyssey?

    Sex and nudity are some. A few notable moments, mostly off-screen.

  • Is there drinking, drugs, or smoking in The Odyssey?

    Drinking/drugs content is some. A few notable moments, mostly off-screen.

  • Where can I watch The Odyssey?

    The Odyssey is currently available on In theaters from July 17, 2026 (Universal Pictures); check local showtimes for remaining screenings, Digital rent or buy is reported for November 17, 2026, alongside 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases, No subscription streaming date (such as Peacock) has been officially announced as of October 2026.

  • What do parents need to know about The Odyssey?

    The MPA rated it R for violence and some language; viewers under 17 need a parent or adult guardian to attend.

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