Greek mythology is having a massive moment, thanks to Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, The Odyssey, which stormed theaters globally on July 17. The film has earned rave reviews—94% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an even higher 97% from audiences—proving that Nolan's ambitious take on Homer's classic resonates deeply. But the ripple effect doesn't stop there: it's also breathing new life into older mythological epics, with one 2004 hit experiencing a spectacular resurgence on streaming services.
Wolfgang Petersen's Troy, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, Orlando Bloom as Paris, and Eric Bana as Hector, has climbed the global streaming charts in July 2026. Currently holding the number two spot on AMC+ in the U.S., the film is benefiting from a wave of viewers eager to revisit or discover the Trojan War story after being captivated by Nolan's version. While Troy received mixed-to-positive reviews upon its release—critics praised its spectacle but noted a lack of emotional depth—it has found a second life as audiences seek out comparative watches or simply crave more mythological content.
The connection between the two films is more than thematic. Both feature star-studded ensembles and epic scale, but they tell different stories. Troy focuses on the real-world events of the Trojan War, beginning when Paris convinces Helen of Sparta to leave her husband Menelaus, sparking a conflict that brings the Greek armada to Troy's gates. In contrast, Nolan's The Odyssey follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his spiritual and emotional journey home after the war. For fans wanting to dive deeper into the mythology, Troy offers a grounded, action-packed prelude to the odyssey itself.
The renewed interest in Greek mythology was ignited even before The Odyssey hit theaters, thanks to early casting controversies that sparked debates about historical accuracy. While those discussions didn't hurt Nolan's film—they actually fueled curiosity—they also sent audiences searching for other mythological adaptations. Troy isn't the only beneficiary; other classics like the Coen brothers' bluegrass-infused take on Homer's tale are also seeing a bump, as noted in our look at that unique adaptation.
For those who want to compare the two epics side by side, Troy is currently streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., while The Odyssey is still in theaters. The timing couldn't be better for a mythological double feature. And if you're curious about how Nolan's film stacks up against other Greek epics, check out our showdown of Clash of the Titans vs. The Odyssey, which hits Peacock next month.
Interestingly, Troy was a project Nolan almost directed himself before moving on to other ventures. That near-miss adds another layer of intrigue to the current streaming surge, as fans imagine what might have been. For more on that, read our piece on the epic Nolan almost helmed.
As The Odyssey continues to dominate the box office—surpassing $306 million in its opening days and topping Blade Runner 2049—the appetite for Greek mythology shows no signs of slowing. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer inspired by Nolan's vision, Troy offers a compelling, action-packed companion piece that's now easier than ever to stream. Catch it on AMC+ and see why this 22-year-old epic is still captivating audiences worldwide.
