The release of The Odyssey has triggered a sharp rise in UK interest in learning the Greek language, according to new analysis from Preply
Preply found that UK Google searches for “Learn Greek” have reached around 6,000 per month, a 550% increase compared with the previous month. The rise coincides with growing buzz around The Odyssey, which stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and premiered at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on 6th July 2026 ahead of its wide UK release on 17th July.
While Homer‘s original epic was composed in Ancient Greek, the film’s Mediterranean settings, mythology, and cultural backdrop appear to be prompting viewers to explore the modern language spoken in Greece today.
Two paths for new learners
Madeline Enos, language trends expert at Preply, said: “Homer’s Odyssey was composed in Ancient Greek, which differs significantly from the language spoken in Greece today. However, learners inspired by the film can explore either path: Ancient Greek offers the opportunity to engage more closely with Homer’s original text and the wider classical world, while Modern Greek can help them connect with contemporary Greek culture and communicate with speakers today.”
Enos added: “Films can spark an interest in language learning because they create an emotional connection with a story, its setting, and its history. Whether someone is curious about the language of Homer or the Greek spoken today, that initial spark can lead to a deeper understanding of Greece’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Preply connects learners with tutors specialising in both Ancient and Modern, so they can choose the path that best matches their interests and goals.”
Preply offers online tuition with tutors for both Ancient and Modern, and the company says it has seen renewed demand for both courses following the film’s release, connecting learners globally with instructors for personalised lessons.
Interest in Greek language and culture is not new in the UK, where classical education has long featured in schools and universities, but the scale of the surge linked to The Odyssey stands out. Experts note that blockbuster films frequently drive tourism and cultural engagement more broadly, pointing to increased visits to New Zealand following The Lord of the Rings and heightened interest in Parisian landmarks after films with strong French settings. The Odyssey, filmed partly in Greece, appears to be having a comparable effect on linguistic curiosity.
Modern remains the official language of Greece and Cyprus and is spoken by millions worldwide, while Ancient offers direct access to foundational texts in philosophy, literature, and history.
The film’s mid-July release has coincided with the summer holidays, potentially giving viewers more free time to pursue new interests, and UK searches climbed rapidly in the days following the premiere and wider release. Language learning specialists suggest the emotional pull of stories like The Odyssey plays a key role, with viewers drawn not only to the adventure itself but to the ancient roots of Western storytelling, prompting many to seek a more authentic connection through the language.
Preply says the 550% month-on-month rise points to more than fleeting curiosity, suggesting sustained interest that could translate into class enrolments or self-directed study. As the film continues its cinema run, further increases in related searches and bookings may follow, whether from those wanting to read Homer’s text in its original form or those planning a trip to contemporary Greece with new conversational skills.