Christopher Nolan Movies Ranked: Celebrated as one of the greatest filmmakers of our generation, Christopher Nolan is a creative genius and master storyteller with an extremely consistent track record. None of his movies were criticized as “bad”, as there are a very few which didn’t meet the high standards he keeps setting with each one of his films. From directing one of the best superhero film trilogies to blowing everyone’s mind with Inception and Interstellar, the man has done it all (except for romantic comedies). So, here are his directorials (or should I say, ‘works of art’) ranked from worst to best.
Last updated after Oppenheimer release
Also Read: David Fincher Films Ranked
Also Read: Terminator Movies Ranked from Worst to Best
Starring – Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw
Genre – Neo-Noir / Crime-Thriller
Following tells the story of a young man who follows strangers around in London (to find inspiration for a novel) and how he is drawn into the criminal underworld as a result. The narration is in a non-linear format which is one of Nolan’s favorite storytelling devices – he used it again in films like Memento and The Prestige. As this was his first film it had a shoestring budget ($6000) and scenes were rehearsed multiple times to avoid retakes and keep the costs low. The film won several awards, received critical acclaim and kickstarted the directing career of one of the greatest filmmakers of the 21st Century.
Starring – Washington, Pattinson & Debicki
Genre – Sci-Fi / Action-Thriller
Tenet is Christopher Nolan’s latest film and is one of the most visually stunning films ever brought to the screen. Lead by solid performances from John David Washington and Robert Pattinson, Tenet is the very definition of a blockbuster. This film is without a doubt a confusing epic that demands multiple viewings. While that may be true Tenet will also provide you with the ideal film experience that will leave you wanting more. – Robert Arcidiacono (@arcmoviereviews)
Starring – Pacino, Williams & Swank
Genre – Mystery / Thriller
Insomnia, the third Christopher Nolan directorial narrates an enigmatic plot that clouts you away with its perplexing screenplay and a few remarkable performances from Pacino and Williams. Despite the inconsistent tone and the slow pace, Insomnia fascinates you as a viewer and I deeply and one of the underrated movies of Nolan.
Starring – Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney
Genre – War
Receiving eight Academy Award nominations, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is sheer cinematic brilliance and a classic example of a movie you shouldn’t miss watching on an IMAX screen. Everything from the exceptional sound mixing and sound design, Hans Zimmer’s spine-chilling background score and Hoyte van Hoytema’s premium camera work, this movie also tells an emotionally moving story and tbe aftermath of the Battle of France in the most realistic way possible. One for the ages!
Starring – Cilian Murphy
Genre – Biopic
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the mastermind behind the atomic bomb. Nolan’s storytelling prowess and Cillian Murphy’s standout performance make it a cinematic triumph. The non-linear structure, coupled with Ludwig Göransson’s compelling score, creates an immersive experience. Christopher Nolan’s judicious use of visuals and sound design elevates the narrative, exploring the moral complexities of Oppenheimer’s legacy. – Stephanie Young
Starring – McConaughey, Hathaway, Chastain
Genre – Science Fiction
One of the most puzzling Christopher Nolan movies I’ve ever ever seen, Interstellar tells an emotionally-riveting story and is a visual masterpiece which enriches the movie-going experience for a viewer who loves to delve deep into the movie speculating, understanding and learning more about the subject.
Starring – Christian Bale & Tom Hardy
Genre – Superhero
One of the most satisfying endings of an outstanding character, The Dark Knight Rises (although cluttered with quite a few plotholes) narrates an inspirational, soul-stirring story of an outmanoeuvred character and once again relies heavily on the quality of the storyline and the splendidly written characters. It is indeed a remarkable finale and a well-executed movie to end the series on a high note.
Starring – Hugh Jackman & Christian Bale
Genre – Psychological Thriller
The Prestige, best known for its impeccable story, screenplay and direction narrates an intense plot complemented by some great performances which were a treat to watch. It is not only an exceptional movie but, is also a prime example of Christopher Nolan’s remarkable directing ability and his tremendous storytelling expertise.
Starring – Christian Bale, Katie Holmes
Genre – Superhero
Applauded as one of the best superhero origin movies ever made. Batman Begins had a lot riding on its shoulders when it released back in 2005, not only to set up the franchise, re-introduce a beloved character, narrate a superior story but, it also had to clean up the mess of Clooney’s Batman and Robin (1997). Exceeding everyone’s expectations, this Christopher Nolan directorial laid the groundwork for one of the most illustrious trilogies ever.
Starring – Guy Pearce & Carrie-Anne Moss
Genre – Neo-Noir / Psychological Thriller
The second film of Christopher Nolan is without a doubt one of his best screenplays to date as it revolves between the past and present life and every single frame was executed perfectly, be it the color palettes and the enthralling vibe which keeps the movie moving. Keeping it clever and funny at the same time, Memento is an underrated psychological thriller and not a jocund movie to sit through.
Starring – Leonardo DiCaprio
Genre – Science Fiction
Directly after The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan’s tour de force, Inception is one of the greatest films of this decade. With a deeply layered story, masterfully written screenplay and making sure that the movie is fascinating enough to sit through, Inception accomplished a handful of things and re-imagined of how a psychological story can be portrayed and narrated flawlessly.
Starring – Christian Bale, Heath Ledger
Genre – Superhero
Undoubtedly, the best comic book movie ever made or if not one of the best movies ever made, The Dark Knight is a masterpiece through and through. Everything from the incredible storyline, swiftly paced screenplay and few of the best collective of characters in a single movie, The Dark Knight set the standards sky-high making it impossible for any comic book movies to reach. Accompanied by the most iconic character performances by Heath Ledger, this movie (not Avengers: Endgame) will be remembered as the only and the definitive example of how a superhero film should be made.
Also Read: DCEU Movies Ranked from Worst to Best
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