Christopher Nolan is one of a select few directors who is globally recognized for creating films that evolve beyond your everyday movie experience into must-see events. Regardless of the genre Nolan is working in, audiences know that whatever he puts on the screen will be unique, fascinating, and created with exacting detail. We’re big fans of Nolan, and now we have the unforgiving duty of attempting to rank his incredible films. Please forgive us for even attempting this.
12. Following
While Following is absolutely an intriguing film that would pop out of any other director’s catalog as an underappreciated classic, with an oeuvre like Nolan’s, this can comfortably be ranked last. Consider this Nolan just getting his bearings in the film world (and doing a fantastic job right out of the gate).
Following is streaming now on Tubi and AMC+.
11. Insomnia
Insomnia is undoubtedly a well-made thriller starring the two incredible actors Al Pacino and Robin Williams. However, Nolan has no writing credits on this script, and it shows in the final product. This is competently directed, but lacked some of the signature personal touch he would later become known for.
Insomnia is streaming now on Freevee.
10. Memento
Only with a filmography like Nolan’s could anyone rank a stunning film like Memento near the bottom. It’s painful, but this is the price we pay for attempting such a feat. Memento is an unforgettable film that marks Nolan’s first notable foray into what has become a signature mark of his movies – a unique representation of time and how a story unfolds amidst it.
Memento is streaming now on Hoopla and Kanopy.
9. Batman Begins
Here’s where it really starts to get murky. At the time it was released, Batman Begins was clearly the best Batman film thus far, but after subsequent releases, it became clear that this film was very much a prologue to all of the stunning stories that would unfold later.
Batman Begins is streaming now on Max.
8. Tenet
Tenet is a very smart film, which is in some ways why it’s a little lower than the others. It’s easy to admire Tenet for the incredible planning and thought that went into every level of its creation; however, because of some of the stylistic choices (such as naming the main character Protagonist) it can leave the viewer feeling stunned, but a little cold and emotionally distant.
Tenet is streaming now on TBS or TNT.
7. The Prestige
The Prestige is very much a character drama. These characters feel like real people, and their situation gets twisty It’s not hard to fall in love with this film.
The Prestige is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.
6. The Dark Knight Rises
Upon release, many seemed let down by this film. Audiences were probably feeling the absence of the late great Heath Ledger, but Tom Hardy as Bane was an absolute scene-stealer, and the film is very well plotted. The Dark Knight Rises deserves more love.
The Dark Knight Rises is streaming now on Max.
5. Inception
These last five films could all be ranked number one, but that’s not what we’re doing today. Inception was an incredible and mind-bending film. If it has any mark against it, it could be that it took some very direct inspiration from the anime film Paprika (watch it – you’re welcome.) Inception is still an amazing film, though.
Inception is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
4. The Dark Knight
There’s not a lot to say here that hasn’t already been said for the last 15 years. The Dark Knight is debatably the greatest superhero film of all time. Heath Ledger’s performance deserved every bit of praise it got, and every aspect of production on this film was top-notch.
The Dark Knight is streaming now on Max.
3. Interstellar
Not ranking this at number one is soul-crushing, but alas, we rank it third. From the incredible score and the cinematography, to the emotionally resonant themes, Interstellar is the complete package.
Interstellar is streaming now on Prime Video, Paramount+, FX Now, and MGM+.
2. Dunkirk
This is the kind of movie that leaves you sitting in stunned silence at the end. The way time is utilized throughout the movie, the shots that seem impossible to film, and others that burn themselves into your memory forever – Dunkirk is likely to be remembered by future generations as one of the greatest war movies ever made.
Dunkirk is streaming now on Max and Netflix.
1. Oppenheimer
No spoilers here! But let’s keep it simple – with Oppenheimer, Nolan somehow managed to turn a three-hour biopic into a glue-your-eyes-to-the-screen thriller. Mark our words – when the Oscars are awarded next year, this one will win big in multiple categories.
We’re eagerly awaiting the streaming release of Oppenheimer so we can watch it again.