Christopher Nolan is one of the most brilliant and visionary filmmakers of our time. His filmmaking uses a lot of practical effects instead of CGI. From his early works to his recent epics, each film stands as a testament to his unique style and dedication to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. In this article, we rank Nolan’s 12 most iconic films from best to worst.
Christopher Nolan’s Top Movies Ranked:
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Topping our list is none other than “The Dark Knight,” the second installment of Nolan’s critically acclaimed Batman trilogy. Featuring the unforgettable portrayal of the Joker by the late Heath Ledger, this film transcended the superhero genre, earning widespread praise for its dark and sophisticated narrative, as well as its exploration of morality and chaos. It’s no surprise that this film remains a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Synopsis: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker (Heath Ledger) suddenly throws the town into chaos, the caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism.
Watch The Dark Knight on Prime Video.
2. Memento (2000)
“Memento” is a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the mind of a man suffering from anterograde amnesia, played brilliantly by Guy Pearce. The film’s nonlinear storytelling, where scenes play in reverse order, leaves the audience just as perplexed and disoriented as the protagonist. Nolan’s ability to craft a compelling narrative in reverse is nothing short of genius, making “Memento” a timeless classic.
Synopsis: Leonard (Guy Pearce) is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty, however, of locating his wife’s killer is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he’s going, or why.
Watch Memento on Netflix.
3. Oppenheimer
“Oppenheimer” is a biographical film, which centers around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who played a pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, played by Cillian Murphy. With Nolan’s penchant for historical accuracy and storytelling prowess, “Oppenheimer” is undoubtedly one of the most important films of his career. “Oppenheimer” ensures historical accuracy.
Synopsis: From Christopher Nolan, ‘Oppenheimer’ tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy), a brilliant theoretical physicist who was appointed as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II, and Oppenheimer’s journey as he works tirelessly to develop the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project, a top-secret government initiative. He works closely with Leslie Groves (played by Matt Damon), a military leader tasked with overseeing the project, and faces opposition from scientists who question the morality of creating such a destructive weapon.
Check out: Oppenheimer: Release Date for 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD.
4. Dunkirk (2017)
“Dunkirk” stands out as a powerful and immersive war epic that tells the harrowing story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. By masterfully interweaving three different timelines, Nolan skillfully captures the tension and bravery of soldiers and civilians during this critical historical event. The film’s stunning visuals and intense sound design earned it critical acclaim and several Academy Award nominations.
Synopsis: In May 1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable naval and civilian vessel that could be found. At the end of this heroic mission, 330,000 French, British, Belgian and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated.
Watch Dunkirk on Netflix.
5. The Prestige (2006)
“The Prestige” is a spellbinding tale of rivalry and obsession between two magicians, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Set in Victorian-era London, the film navigates themes of sacrifice, dedication, and the cost of pursuing greatness. With its mind-bending twists and turns, “The Prestige” showcases Nolan’s ability to mesmerize and surprise his audiences.
Synopsis: The period thriller is set in Edwardian London where two rival magicians, partners until the tragic death of an assistant during a show, feud bitterly after one of them performs the ultimate magic trick – teleportation. His rival tries desperately to uncover the secret of his routine, experimenting with dangerous new science as his quest takes him to the brink of insanity and jeopardises the lives of everyone around the pair.
Watch The Prestige on Netflix.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
As the genesis of Nolan’s Batman trilogy, “Batman Begins” revitalized the superhero genre by providing a fresh and grounded take on the iconic character. By delving into Bruce Wayne’s origin story and transformation into Batman, the film laid a solid foundation for the subsequent installments. Nolan’s focus on character development and emotional depth set the stage for the success of “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Synopsis: A young Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels to the Far East, where he’s trained in the martial arts by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows. When Ducard reveals the League’s true purpose — the complete destruction of Gotham City — Wayne returns to Gotham intent on cleaning up the city without resorting to murder. With the help of Alfred (Michael Caine), his loyal butler, and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a tech expert at Wayne Enterprises, Batman is born.
Watch Batman Begins on Netflix.
7. Inception (2010)
Dreams become a thrilling battleground in “Inception,” as Leonardo DiCaprio leads a talented ensemble cast in a world where skilled thieves enter people’s dreams to steal their deepest secrets. Blurring the line between reality and the subconscious, “Inception” dazzles with its visually stunning sequences and challenging philosophical themes.
Synopsis: Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief with the rare ability to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets from their subconscious. His skill has made him a hot commodity in the world of corporate espionage but has also cost him everything he loves. Cobb gets a chance at redemption when he is offered a seemingly impossible task: Plant an idea in someone’s mind. If he succeeds, it will be the perfect crime, but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb’s every move.
Watch Inception on Prime Video.
8. Insomnia (2002)
“Insomnia” marks Nolan’s first foray into Hollywood filmmaking, boasting a gripping psychological thriller with an all-star cast led by Al Pacino and Robin Williams. Set in the vast landscapes of Alaska, the film explores the moral dilemmas of a sleep-deprived detective entangled in a murder investigation. Nolan’s deft direction and captivating performances make “Insomnia” a must-watch in his filmography.
Synopsis: The film follows two Los Angeles homicide detectives investigating the murder of a teenage girl in Nightmute, Alaska. After the killer witnesses an accidental shooting committed by one of the detectives, they create a plan for both parties to mutually avoid prosecution.
Watch Insomnia on Prime Video.
9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The concluding chapter of Nolan’s Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises,” delivers an epic and emotionally charged conclusion to Bruce Wayne’s journey as the Caped Crusader. With Tom Hardy’s menacing portrayal of Bane and Anne Hathaway’s enigmatic Catwoman, the film adds new layers of complexity to the already beloved franchise.
Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman (Christian Bale), in collusion with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), vanished into the night. Assuming responsibility for the death of Harvey Dent, Batman sacrificed everything for what he and Gordon hoped would be the greater good. However, the arrival of a cunning cat burglar (Anne Hathaway) and a merciless terrorist named Bane (Tom Hardy) force Batman out of exile and into a battle he may not be able to win.
Watch The Dark Knight Rises on Netflix.
10. Interstellar (2014)
Venturing into the cosmos, “Interstellar” takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through space and time in a desperate attempt to save humanity. The film’s awe-inspiring visuals and Hans Zimmer’s haunting score amplify the emotional weight of the story. While it sparked debates over its scientific accuracy, “Interstellar” stands as a grand and ambitious cinematic spectacle.
Synopsis: In Earth’s future, a global crop blight and second Dust Bowl are slowly rendering the planet uninhabitable. Professor Brand (Michael Caine), a brilliant NASA physicist, is working on plans to save humans by transporting Earth’s population to a new home via a wormhole. But first, Brand must send former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and a team of researchers through the wormhole and across the galaxy to find out which of three planets could be humans’ new home.
Watch Interstellar on Netflix.
11. Tenet (2020)
True to Nolan’s signature style, “Tenet” challenges its audience with a complex time-inversion concept that demands active engagement and multiple viewings to fully grasp its intricacies. With standout performances by John David Washington and Robert Pattinson, the film delivers high-octane action and mind-bending sequences that Nolan fans have come to expect.
Synopsis: A secret agent is given a single word as his weapon and sent to prevent the onset of World War III. He must travel through time and bend the laws of nature in order to be successful in his mission.
Watch Tenet on Netflix.
12. Following (1998)
Nolan’s directorial debut, “Following,” is a low-budget indie gem that showcases his early filmmaking talent. Shot in black and white and featuring a non-linear narrative, the film foreshadows Nolan’s love for intricate storytelling and exploration of complex characters.
Synopsis: A young writer living in London follows people in the hope of using their lives in his novels, but the hobby becomes an obsession and he soon finds himself going further than intended.
Watch Following on Apple TV+.
