Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind iconic films like ‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Inception,’ and ‘Dunkirk,’ has captivated audiences with his mind-bending storytelling and unparalleled cinematic prowess. With the highly anticipated release of ‘Oppenheimer’ on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to delve into a definitive ranking of all 12 of Nolan’s acclaimed works. From gripping thrillers to mind-bending sci-fi epics, join us as we explore the incredible filmography of this modern cinematic genius.
The Dark Knight (2008)
It’s a film that has cemented itself in cinematic history—the legendary ‘The Dark Knight‘ by Christopher Nolan. While ‘Oppenheimer’ might not match the countless viewings of this superhero epic, it’s for a good reason—’The Dark Knight’ is simply too much fun to resist. Regarded by many as the best superhero movie ever made, it owes much of its success to the unforgettable and Oscar-winning performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker. His haunting presence lingers in every scene, despite only being on screen for a fraction of the film’s runtime. The brilliant script, penned by the Nolan brothers and David S. Goyer, delivers iconic lines that have become ingrained in pop culture. The supporting cast shines, Hans Zimmer’s score adds a tense atmosphere, and the grounded action sequences leave a lasting impact. With its lengthy runtime, most of Nolan’s films feel immersive, but ‘The Dark Knight’ is one that audiences wish would never end.
Oppenheimer (2023)
In Christopher Nolan‘s ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023), the acclaimed director skillfully crafts a dramatic masterpiece with real-world importance. Based on the biography ‘American Prometheus,’ the film delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, championing science and powerfully reminding viewers of the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. While some critics find fault in its length and dialogue-heavy nature, Nolan’s adept storytelling and haunting post-Trinity test pep rally scene showcase his clever direction and emotional prowess. With Ludwig Göransson’s exceptional score enhancing the narrative, ‘Oppenheimer’ stands as a thought-provoking addition to Nolan’s filmography, striking a unique balance between historical accuracy and cinematic spectacle while leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
The Prestige’ (2006)
In Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Prestige’ (2006), audiences are treated to a captivating and marvelous mystery that revolves around the fierce rivalry between two turn-of-the-century magicians. Based on Christopher Priest‘s novel, the film boasts outstanding performances, with Christian Bale delivering a dogmatic portrayal, Hugh Jackman leaving a searing impression, and Michael Caine portraying an all-too-wise character. The Nolan brothers’ skillful script utilizes voiceover and narrative techniques with confidence, propelling the story forward with a gripping pace. As the plot unfolds, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, culminating in an unexpected and mind-bending twist that leaves a lasting impression. ‘The Prestige’ is a masterful cinematic experience that showcases the brilliance of Christopher Nolan’s storytelling.
Batman Begins (2005)
In ‘Batman Begins,’ the first installment of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the director successfully redefines the superhero movie genre. Departing from the quip-filled, CGI-heavy formula, Nolan treats the film as a larger-than-life crime drama with practical effects, setting a new standard for the genre. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Batman proves to be a worthy successor to the iconic cowl, while Michael Caine’s Alfred is unparalleled. The first hour of the film captivates audiences, showcasing the brilliant launch of a grown-up and sophisticated Batman series. Though the final act falters slightly, ‘Batman Begins’ remains a standout film that reshapes the superhero landscape and highlights Nolan’s prowess as a visionary filmmaker.
Inception (2010)
With ‘Inception,’ Christopher Nolan proves to be a cinematic mastermind, hitting a home run with this original blockbuster. Leonardo DiCaprio leads the film as a skilled man, adept at planting false memories in the minds of his corporate targets. Nolan’s signature talents shine through in this visually spectacular and exceedingly clever movie. The film’s mind-bending concept keeps audiences engaged, while the director delivers one of his coolest ending shots to date. Hans Zimmer’s score, famous for its iconic bwaaaahm, adds an extra layer of intensity and has become a memorable cultural reference. Undoubtedly, ‘Inception’ showcases Nolan’s ability to craft a thought-provoking and visually stunning cinematic experience, complemented by Zimmer’s outstanding musical composition.
Interstellar (2014)
While Christopher Nolan is occasionally criticized for his perceived aloofness as a filmmaker, ‘Interstellar’ proves to be a powerful exception. Anchored by a poignant and emotive performance from Matthew McConaughey, the film follows an astronaut on a daring mission to find a new habitable planet to save humanity from Earth’s impending demise. Although the narrative may contain some plot holes, the movie’s blend of cinematic wonder, reminiscent of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ and its emotional depth resonates with audiences, contributing to its immense popularity. ‘Interstellar‘ stands as one of Nolan’s most successful non-superhero films at the box office, showcasing the director’s ability to craft an intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.
Dunkirk (2017)
In ‘Dunkirk,’ Christopher Nolan demonstrates his masterful filmmaking prowess right from the first shot. The film opens with a striking scene, where falling leaflets juxtapose against a ticking clock, setting the stage for the harrowing plight of British World War II soldiers attempting to escape the invading Germans in France. Nolan’s skill in staging action is evident in a series of gripping sequences that unfold throughout the movie. However, while the film showcases every sweeping cinematic technique to draw the audience close, some of the heroes’ characters feel distant and interchangeable, preventing a deep emotional connection with them. Despite this, ‘Dunkirk’ remains a visually stunning and intense war film that exemplifies Nolan’s remarkable directorial talent.
Memento (2000)
Christopher Nolan’s sophomore effort, ‘Memento,’ co-written with his brother Jonathan, became the talk of the town and captured widespread attention. In this twisty noir thriller, Guy Pearce delivers a compelling performance as a man afflicted with short-term memory loss, desperately trying to unravel the mystery behind his wife’s murder. Nolan’s directorial finesse shines as he seamlessly blends an accessible genre movie with a challenging and intricate narrative. ‘Memento’ presents audiences with a captivating puzzle, showcasing the filmmaker’s ability to deliver a unique cinematic experience. The movie’s unforgettable ending leaves a lasting impact, solidifying Nolan’s reputation as a master storyteller who can skillfully craft a narrative that lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
In ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012), the final installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Tom Hardy delivers a marvelous performance as the menacing terrorist Bane. The film features some strong and gripping sequences, including the intense plane hijacking opener and Bruce Wayne’s compelling trial in The Pit. Nolan deserves credit for his ambition, as he dauntlessly explores a storyline where criminals take complete control over Gotham City, pushing the narrative to grand heights. However, the film does encounter some believability issues, particularly concerning the prolonged confinement of the police force in a sewer. Despite this, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ remains an action-packed and visually impressive conclusion to Nolan’s Dark Knight saga, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats till the very end.
Tenet (2020)
In ‘Tenet’ (2020), Christopher Nolan brings forth an intriguing concept as John David Washington portrays a compelling secret agent on a mission to prevent World War III, a war that unfolds between the present and the future. The film showcases Nolan’s signature filmmaking habits, including an oppressive soundscape that occasionally overwhelms the dialogue, stylish yet somewhat flat characters, and a twisty narrative that can at times leave the audience bewildered. However, ‘Tenet’ still manages to earn points for its cool aesthetics and innovative take on time travel, attempting to breathe fresh life into the genre. Despite its flaws, the film stands as a commendable effort from Nolan to deliver something original and visually captivating to his audiences.
Following (1998)
In 1998, Christopher Nolan made his remarkable debut as a director with ‘Following,’ a black-and-white film created on a shoestring budget of $6,000. Despite the limited resources, the movie showcased the budding director’s promise and laid the foundation for the themes he would continue to explore throughout his career. The protagonist is a single-minded and socially alienated individual who follows a strict code, a characteristic that would later become a recurring motif in Nolan’s works. The film’s twisty third act and sharp, expositional dialogue are hallmarks of Nolan’s storytelling style. The narrative revolves around a man in London who becomes entangled in unforeseen consequences after breaking his rule of never following the same person twice. Although some may argue that its 70-minute runtime is not feature-length, Nolan staunchly defends it, having invested three years of his life to bring the project to life. ‘Following’ remains a testament to Nolan’s early talent and serves as a valid and impressive entry in his esteemed filmography.
Insomnia (2002)
Even the least celebrated work of a cinematic maestro like Christopher Nolan is a testament to his talent. ‘Insomnia,’ a 2002 crime thriller, stands as the only film in Nolan’s directorial repertoire that he didn’t pen himself. A remake of a Norwegian title, the movie follows the journey of a seasoned Los Angeles detective, portrayed by Al Pacino, as he joins forces with a local investigator, played by Hilary Swank, to unravel a murder mystery in the remote wilderness of Alaska. While lacking Nolan’s trademark ambitious scope, ‘Insomnia’ remains a moody and captivating detective drama worth a watch for any true Nolan fan.