Christopher Nolan’s latest film, The Odyssey, brings one of literature’s greatest adventures to a new generation. At 172 minutes, it may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of other ways to follow Odysseus’s journey home. For nearly 3,000 years, Homer’s legendary poem has inspired countless adaptations across film, television, books, music, and more.
Whether you want to explore the original story or discover a fresh take on the Greek hero’s long journey, here are five other ways to experience The Odyssey.
1. Other Films: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
If a traditional historical “sword-and-sandals” epic isn’t your thing, several films have reimagined The Odyssey in unexpected ways. Stanley Kubrick drew inspiration from Homer when naming 2001: A Space Odyssey, while 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie borrowed elements such as a Cyclops-like villain and a magical bag of winds.
The Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou moves Odysseus’s journey from the Greek Isles to the American South during the 1930s. George Clooney stars as escaped prisoner Ulysses Everett McGill, who encounters characters inspired by the Cyclops and Sirens as he tries to return to his wife.
2. Podcast: The Rest is History’s “The Complete History of Homer’s Odyssey”
In the podcast “The Rest is History”, British historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland (no, not that Tom Holland) discuss some of history’s biggest moments, from earth-shaking battles and vicious rulers to the origins of different cultures.
In a two-hour episode, the pair summarize and discuss Homer’s epic poem in great detail. What makes it unique is how the hosts weave in the historical context surrounding the story, explaining what the ancient Greeks believed, how the epic reflected their worldview, and where some of its legendary locations are thought to be today.
The result is both an excellent guide to The Odyssey and a fascinating history lesson, making the ancient epic feel richer and more accessible.
3. Books & Retellings: Stephen Fry’s “The Odyssey”
A major trend in books today is the retelling of myths and stories from history, with authors recontextualizing characters, expanding their backstories, and giving ancient tales new life. There’s no shortage of novel retellings of Homer’s poems. Madeline Miller’s Circe, Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, and Claire North’s Ithaca are just a few examples.
For a fuller look at Odysseus’ journey, along with characters such as Menelaus and Helen, try actor Stephen Fry’s The Odyssey, one of his four books on Greek mythology. Fry uses dry British humor, modern language, and the occasional pop culture reference to make the story lighter and easier to grasp without taking away from the quality of Homer’s tale.
4. TV: The Simpsons’ “Tales from the Public Domain”
After 37 years, animated series The Simpsons has retold almost every story worth telling, and The Odyssey is no different. Back in 2002, the other famous Homer donned Greek attire and took on the role of Odysseus in the episode “Tales from the Public Domain.”
In a segment within that episode called “D’oh, Brother Where Art Thou?” Homer as Odysseus leads the invasion of Troy and defeats the King (Ned Flanders). We then follow his hilarious misadventures as he tries to head back home to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus (played by Marge and Bart, naturally). Some of these silly retellings of the original include Patty and Selma as the not-so-alluring Sirens and a battle with Penelope’s suitors that included Krusty the Clown, Mr. Burns, and Groundskeeper Willie.
5. Musical: “EPIC: The Musical”
If you prefer a little music with your epic poems, search for singer-songwriter Jorge Rivera-Herrans’ nine-part, two-act album musical, EPIC: The Musical. Released between 2022 and 2024, the sung-through adaptation follows Odysseus’ entire journey, from the moment he leaves Troy to his return to Ithaca.
The project gained popularity on TikTok, with several cast members even hired through auditions on the platform. There are also plans to adapt the album into a possible animated film, stage production, and even video games.
The Odyssey has remained one of the world’s most enduring stories, inspiring generations of writers, filmmakers, musicians, and artists to reinterpret Homer’s epic in new and unexpected ways. Whether you prefer reading a modern retelling, listening to a history podcast, or singing along to a musical adaptation, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Odysseus’ legendary journey. And as Nolan’s brilliant new adaptation proves, this ancient tale still has plenty of adventures left to tell.