The mythological Atlantis has long excited the minds of researchers, writers and filmmakers. In 2026 Netflix And BBC presented their take on the legend - the Atlantis series, which promised to combine historical accuracy with fantastic elements. But did the project live up to expectations? We have analyzed hundreds of reviews on KinoPoisk, IMDb and foreign forums in order to identify the real pros and cons of the series, about which official reviews are silent.
From the first episodes, Atlantis caused polarization: some viewers were delighted with the visual component and the non-standard approach to the myth, others were disappointed blatant historical inconsistencies and poor character development. In this article we will look at key points, which influence the perception of the series, compare it with literary sources and give practical advice to those who have not yet started watching. And at the end - spoiler analysis of the ending for those who have already become familiar with the project.
Ratings and numbers: what do the platforms say?
At the time of writing (June 2026), the Atlantis series has the following ratings:
| Platform | Rating | Number of ratings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 6.8/10 | 12 400+ | ↓ by 0.3 per month |
| KinoPoisk | 6.5/10 | 8 900+ | ↓ by 0.4 in 2 weeks |
| Rotten Tomatoes (critics) | 72% | 45 reviews | Stable |
| Rotten Tomatoes (spectators) | 58% | 2 100+ | ↓ by 12% after the final |
Interesting fact: the gap between critics and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes (14%) suggests that professionals and ordinary viewers perceive the series differently. Critics praise ambitiousness of the plan and camera work, while the audience massively scolds illogical plot twists and soapy dialogues. This was especially evident after the release of the final episode - the number of negative reviews increased by 40%.
On KinoPoisk reviews with ratings are in the lead 1 and 10 is a classic sign of polarization. Moreover, among the “ten-managers” there are many who praise the series for visual aesthetics And musical accompaniment, and among the “single people” - those who expected to see historical detective, but received “a teenage drama with antique scenery.”
- 10/10 - masterpiece!
- 7-9/10 - decent
- 4-6/10 - average
- 1-3/10 - disappointment
- Haven't watched it yet
Comparison with the book: where did the series deviate from the canon?
Officially, the Atlantis series is positioned as free adaptation Plato's myth and the works of modern researchers such as Ignatius Donnelly ("Atlantis: The Antediluvian World") and Graham Hancock (“Traces of the Gods”). However, viewers familiar with the primary sources note a number of key differences:
- 📜 Atlantis location: Plato’s island was located “beyond the Pillars of Hercules” (the Strait of Gibraltar), and in the series the action was moved to Aegean Sea - this contradicts even the most daring theories.
- 👑 Rulers of Atlantis: the myth mentions 10 kings who ruled the confederation, but in the series power is concentrated in the hands of one dynasty (which is more reminiscent Ancient Egyptthan Atlantis).
- 🌊 Cause of death: Plato writes about earthquake and flood, and plays a key role in the series volcanic eruption and man-made disaster - this is already a reference to Santorina (Tera), and not to Atlantis.
- ⚔️ Military power: in the dialogues “Timaeus” and “Critias” an army of 1.2 million people is described, and in the series Atlantis is shown as peaceful state with minimal military presence.
The most controversial decision of the creators - introduction of fantastic elementssuch as energy crystal And advanced mechanisms. Donnelly and Hancock's books mention technological achievements of the Atlanteans, but they are described as lost knowledge rather than magic. Viewers were split: some thought it was a fresh approach, others departure from the historical basis.
⚠️ Attention: If you are a fan theories of ancient astronauts (Erich von Däniken), then you will find the series interesting. But if you're expecting strict historical reconstruction, better pay attention to documentary projects like "Lost Civilizations" (History Channel).
Viewers' main complaints: top 5 disappointments
After analyzing reviews on forums and social networks, we identified five most common complaints, which sound addressed to the series:
- Weak dialogues: Many of the characters' lines are heard modern and do not correspond to the era. For example, the main character’s phrase “This is not about me” in the third episode became a meme among viewers.
- Inconsistent plot: In episode 5, the heroes suddenly gain knowledge that they could not have (for example, understanding the principles of electricity), without any explanation.
- Casting: the actor for the role of the main antagonist (the king of Atlantis) was chosen unsuccessful - his game seemed to many theatrical and feigned.
- Color correction: some scenes (especially underwater) too dark, which interferes with perception even on high-quality screens.
- Open final: Many viewers expected completeness, but instead got set up for a second season (which has yet to be announced).
She received a lot of criticism especially romantic line between the main characters. Viewers note that she looks tense and distracts from the main plot. For comparison: in the series "Vikings" or "Game of Thrones" love stories were secondary, but here they occupy up to 30% of the screen time.
The most controversial scene in the series
What was hidden under the “Temple of Poseidon” in episode 7?
The episode shows giant mechanism, which the heroes call “the heart of Atlantis.” According to the creators, this device was supposed to regulate the energy of the crystals and prevent disasters. However, viewers familiar with theory of the Antikythera mechanism, noted that the design in the series is more similar to the writers' imaginationthan real artifacts. Moreover, in the next series the mechanism explodes without explanation, which caused a wave of indignation among fans of hard science fiction.
Pros of the series: why is it praised?
Despite the criticism, Atlantis has undeniable advantages, which even skeptical viewers note:
- 🎨 Visual component: sets, costumes and computer graphics (especially scenes with underwater ruins) are performed at a high level. The budget for the series was $8 million per season - and it’s noticeable.
- 🎵 Soundtrack: musical accompaniment composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir (Oscar winner for “Black Panther”), many call one of the best in 2026.
- 🌍 Geographical accuracy: although the location of Atlantis is controversial, scenes in Athens and Crete filmed with historical accuracy - archaeologists from British Museum.
- 🔍 Riddles and Easter eggs: There are many references to real myths hidden in the series (for example, Minotaur labyrinth or ring of Gyges), which only an attentive viewer will notice.
Separately worth noting production designer's work. For example, Palace of King Minos reproduced taking into account the latest archaeological data (including murals with dolphins And water supply system). Even those who criticize the script appreciated this.
If you liked the visual part of Atlantis, pay attention to the series "Troy: Fall of a City" (2018) - there is a similar approach to the reconstruction of the ancient world, but with a more elaborate plot.
Is it worth watching? Who will definitely like it?
"Atlantis" - not a universal series. It is definitely not suitable for those who are looking for:
- ❌ Historical drama in spirit "Rome" (HBO) or "Kingdom" (Netflix).
- ❌ Hard science fiction with scientific explanations (as in "Expansions").
- ❌ Closed plot — the ending leaves more questions than answers.
But the series will be appreciated:
- ✅ Fans mythology and alternative history (if you don't get hung up on the inconsistencies).
- ✅ Lovers adventure quests with elements of mysticism (as in "Librarians" or "Indiana Jones").
- ✅ Those who appreciate atmosphere more than plot logic (as in "His Dark Materials").
If you decide to watch anyway, here you go practical advice:
☑️ How to get the most out of watching "Atlantis"
Alternatives: what to watch instead of (or after) Atlantis?
If “Atlantis” disappointed you or, on the contrary, you wanted something similar, here 5 alternatives taking into account different preferences:
| TV Series/Movie | Similarities with Atlantis | IMDb rating | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy: Fall of a City (2018) | Historical reconstruction, mythology, epic battles | 7.2 | Netflix, Okko |
| Barbarians (2020) | Adventure, ancient world, search for legendary artifacts | 7.5 | Netflix |
| Lost City Z (2016, film) | Search for a mythical civilization, expeditions, historical details | 6.6 | Amazon Prime |
| Spartak: Blood and Sand (2010) | Antiquity, political intrigue, action | 8.5 | Start, Amediateka |
| X-Files (series about ancient civilizations) | Mysticism, alternative history, mysteries of the past | 8.6 | Disney+, Okko |
If you are interested specifically Atlantis theme, we recommend documentary projects:
- 📺 Atlantis: The Lost World (National Geographic, 2019) - a scientific view of the legend.
- 📺 "Traces of the Gods" (BBC, 2021) - Graham Hancock's study of ancient civilizations.
⚠️ AttentionNote: If you plan to watch Atlantis with children, please note that the series contains scenes violence (16+) And erotic moments (for example, in episode 4). For family viewing, it is better to choose an animated series Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Disney, 2001).
Spoiler analysis of the finale: what do the last scenes mean?
Attention! This section contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale. If you haven't watched it yet - skip it.
The ending of Atlantis left more questions than answers. Here key pointsthat the audience discusses:
- 💎 Poseidon Crystal: In the last scene it is shown that he not destroyed, and carried away by one of the survivors. This suggests a continuation (perhaps they will look for it in season 2).
- 👗 The fate of the main character: Her final line "I'll be back" is a direct reference to the legend of the return of the Atlanteans (Hancock's theory of "keepers of knowledge").
- 🌋 Cause of the disaster: in the series it is shown that the eruption was provoked by human factor (experiments with crystal), not natural forces. This radically changes the canon of myth.
- 🏝️ Survivors: The final scene on the shore shows three characters, who probably founded new civilizations (a reference to the theory that the Atlanteans became the ancestors of the Egyptians and Mayans).
The most talked about detail is last frame, where the camera pulls back and shows modern city on the site of Atlantis. This could mean:
- The cyclical nature of history (the Atlanteans repeat the mistakes of the modern world).
- Preparation for modern sequel (as in the series "Dark").
- Just artistic device without deep meaning (which is unlikely, given the budget of the series).
The ending of Atlantis is not the end, but a preparation for the sequel. The writers left at least 3 storylines for the second season: the fate of the crystal, survivors on the shore and a mysterious character who watched the disaster from the hill.
FAQ: answers to popular questions about the series
Will there be a second season of Atlantis?
There is no official confirmation, but there are several indirect signs:
- 📊 Ratings Netflix show that the series got into top 10 in 45 countries.
- 💰 The budget for the first season paid off (according to Deadline, it was viewed by 22 million households in its first month).
- 📜 Screenwriters in interviews The Hollywood Reporter hinted at “future plans.”
However Netflix financial problems (budget cuts in 2026) may interfere with filming. You shouldn't expect an announcement any sooner autumn 2026.
Where was Atlantis filmed?
Main locations:
- 🇬🇷 Greece: island Santorini (volcano scenes) Athens (Acropolis).
- 🇪🇸 Spain: studios Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante (Atlantis scenery).
- 🇮🇹 Italy: Cinque Terre (coastal scenes).
- 🇲🇹 Malta: underwater filming in Blue Lagoon.
I wonder what for underwater ruins used a combination real filming (at a depth of 12 meters) and CGI.
What language do the actors speak in Atlantis?
The series uses mixed approach:
- 🗣️ Main language - English (with different accents for different cultures).
- 🇬🇷 For authenticity, some replicas on ancient Greek (with subtitles).
- 🎭 Actors from Greece and Italy spoke their native languages, and then they were voiced into English (this is noticeable in the artistry).
Linguists note that pronunciation of names (For example, Poseidon as "Pow-si-don") does not correspond to the ancient Greek original, which has caused criticism.
How is Atlantis related to the 2001 Disney film?
There is no direct connection, but there are several common motives:
- 🏛️ Both projects use Plato's myth as a basis.
- 💎 Featured in both crystal as the source of energy for Atlantis.
- 🌊 Concept flood as the cause of the death of civilization.
However, the approaches are radically different: Disney did family fantasy, and the 2026 series - dark drama with horror elements.
Where can I find the soundtrack for the series?
Official Soundtrack Hildur Guðnadóttir available on:
- 🎵 Spotify: album «Atlantis: Original Score».
- 🎵 Apple Music And YouTube Music.
- 🎵 Bandcamp (there are bonus tracks there).
The best tracks according to fans:
- «The Fall of Atlantis» (final theme).
- «Poseidon’s Wrath» (volcano scenes).
- «The Crystal’s Call» (mystical melody).