The Story of Film: An Odyssey

Right now you can watch The Story of Film: An Odyssey in Australia on DocPlay, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and JustWatch TV — and it earns the access it was given. Across 1 season, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Mark Cousins's involvement signals a level of cooperation that is hard to secure. Put it on tonight on DocPlay and see for yourself.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The Story of Film: An Odyssey approaches its subject with the rigour that makes documentary storytelling worth taking seriously. A worldwide guided tour of the greatest movies ever made and the story of international cinema through the history of cinematic innovation. The involvement of Mark Cousins and Mario Cordova signals a level of access rarely granted. It first aired in 2011. Documentary work at this level requires access that is hard to get and storytelling that does justice to it — The Story of Film: An Odyssey has both. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

Anyone after documentary work that genuinely informs rather than confirms will value The Story of Film: An Odyssey. Viewers who responded to Marvel Studios Assembled will find a lot to like here too. The complete run is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. The subject drives every choice here, not the other way around. The kind of production you finish and immediately want to read more about.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey wrapped up in 2011, created by and starring Mark Cousins — and 1 season is available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.