Few filmmakers in Hollywood have achieved recognition of Christopher Nolan. Ever since his rise to popularity in the 2000’s, Nolan has become one of the greatest directors in the film industry. Whether it’s stories of dark superheroes fighting crime, thieves infiltrating dreams or men with memory loss, Nolan has made memorable movies. Nolan’s strength as a filmmaker has been his ability to make blockbusters that strike a balance between storytelling and spectacle. Given the number of classic movies the filmmaker has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for Nolan’s greatest movies.
1. The Dark Knight
When it comes to the greatest comic-book movies ever made that shine bright, it’s worth discussing “The Dark Knight”. I’m a huge fan of Christopher Nolan and adore his movies. However, “The Dark Knight” remains my favourite film without a doubt. Released in 2008, Nolan’s film has stood the test of time as a groundbreaking piece of Cinema that changed the comic-book genre. Nolan truly poured his heart and soul into making a movie that’s become a piece of art. Boasting breathtaking action sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s a magnificent masterpiece that works on every level. At the centre of it all is a legendary performance by Heath Ledger, who embodies the maniacal personality of an iconic villain in popular culture. Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker that blew audiences away is a sad reminder of a deceased actor that’s no longer with us today. Nearly 20 years after the Joker instilled terror challenging the caped crusader, it’s a rousing reminder of a filmmaker whose timeless movies I’ll forever treasure.
2. Inception
Dreams are complex states of the mind. A psychological state that people experience sleeping at night, dreams are complex. Everyone experiences dreams that have a huge impact on their identity. Sometimes our dreams are joyous events that we come to care for, but they can also be a nightmare causing fear. Few science-fiction films I have ever seen have depicted the complex nature of dreams as accurately as “Inception”. Released in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending blockbuster offered a deep glimpse at dreams that pose danger. Nolan’s most complex movie offers a thought-provoking glimpse at dreams shaping peoples’ identities. Packed with breathtaking action, clever storytelling and strong performances, it’s a spectacular science-fiction masterpiece. At its heart is a phenomenal performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a fascinating guilt-ridden hero. A joyous dream come true, it’s powerful reminder of a filmmaker that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences by telling complex stories that audiences value.
3. Oppenheimer
Few historical figures that overcame bombing disaster are as fascinating as Oppenheimer. Several years ago, Oppenheimer was a war hero that created a bomb causing sorrow. While the bomb played a pivotal role in WWII, it caused feelings of guilt that led the inventor’s life to spiral out of control. In 2023, Christopher Nolan’s brought the iconic innovator’s life to the big-screen in his Oscar-winning movie “Oppenheimer”. A breathtaking historical biopic, it celebrated the legacy of a historical figure that’s iconic. Nolan uses practical effects to create a realistic depiction of an atomic bombing. At the heart of the movie is an extraordinary performance by Cillian Murphy, who embodies the complex personality of an innovator in history. Ultimately, though, what makes “Oppenheimer” a masterpiece is its message about bombing damage. Nearly 80 years after an iconic inventor designed an atomic bomb causing consequences that were catastrophic, it’s a powerful reminder of a filmmaker that hasn’t lost abilities to make movies that are fantastic.
4. Batman Begins
Not many superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Batman. Created during the 1930’s, Batman has proven to be one of the world’s greatest superheroes. With his larger-than-life presence, crime-fighting skills and childhood trauma, Batman has stood the test of time as one of the greatest heroes in the comic-book genre. Over the years, the caped crusader’s timeless stories have been adapted into memorable movies. I adore all the movies that have brought the beloved hero to the big-screen, but “Batman Begins” stands out the most. Released in 2005, Christopher Nolan’s movie did an extraordinary job of reinventing the beloved superhero from an emotional perspective. Packed with breathtaking action, sharp storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best comic-book movies ever made. Ultimately, what makes it stand out from other Batman movies is its message. The film delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone facing trauma at an early age. A breathtaking beginning of a beloved franchise, it’s a soaring reminder of a filmmaker that excels telling stories of superheroes that are emotionally satisfying.
5. Memento
Memory loss is a devastating condition that affects a person’s abilities to function. Memories are an essential part of our lives that shape our identities. Being able to remember events is a crucial part of living. Without memory, a person would be rendered incapable to carry out daily activities. Few movies I’ve ever seen have captured the sorrow of individuals with memory loss as powerfully as “Memento”. Released in 2000, Christopher Nolan’s magnificent movie captured the life of a man with memory loss struggling to function effectively. It was the first film that introduced the world to a filmmaker with a unique style of telling non-linear stories. Like a mind-boggling jigsaw puzzle, Nolan draws viewers into the life of a tormented man whose memory is fading. Guy Pearce gives one of his greatest performances as Leonard Shelby, a troubled man with suffering memory. Ultimately, the film delivers a universal message that would resonate with anyone facing memory problems at an early age. As precious as Leonard’s photo album, it’s a magnificent reminder of a filmmaker that thrives telling complex stories of forgetful heroes facing sorrow.
6. The Dark Knight Rises
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start off on a high note. However, franchises rarely come to a satisfying closure. The final film in a successful franchise rarely ever manages to stick the landing creating a satisfying ending. That being said, “The Dark Knight Rises” is an exception. Released in 2012, Christopher Nolan’s comic-book blockbuster did an extraordinary job of bringing the Batman franchise to a satisfying closure. Nolan created a fantastic farewell to an iconic superhero whose stories cast audiences in a magical spell. Ultimately, what makes the film stand out in Nolan’s illustrious career is its emotion. Nolan successfully manages to bring Batman’s journey to a satisfying conclusion with one of the greatest endings in cinematic history. A breathtaking ending to a beloved franchise, it’s a captivating reminder of a filmmaker celebrating world-famous superheroes that are enduring.
7. Dunkirk
Over the past decade, the war movie genre has faced a decline in quality. Hollywood has long struggled to tell stories of WWII from a realistic point of view. With their loud spectacle, wooden characters and lack of innovation, war movies have become a chore to sit through. My issue with these movies is they focus on spectacle leaving little time for storytelling. However, “Dunkirk” definitely stands out as an exception. Released in 2017, Christopher Nolan’s film did an extraordinary job of capturing a real-life war on the big-screen. From a technical point-of-view, the film is an achievement recreating the trenches of WWII. However, what makes it a great war movie is its storytelling. Nolan finds a balance between spectacle and storytelling missing from most war movies. Unlike most war movies, the veterans are real people whom we come to care about. 90 years after the Battle of Dunkirk in WWII, it’s a powerful reminder about a filmmaker that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences telling war stories from a realistic point-of-view.
8. Interstellar
A common criticism often levelled against Nolan’s movies is they lack emotion. The filmmaker has often been criticized for making soulless spectacle without any emotion. However, “Interstellar” proves the filmmaker can make movies with emotional power. Released in 2014, the science-fiction epic found the filmmaker exploring the lives of astronauts on the big-screen. In the most emotional film of his career, Nolan captures the burden astronauts separated from children must bear. It’s anchored by a moving performance by Matthew McConaughey, who manages to convey harsh realities experienced by astronauts today. As powerful as Cooper’s bond with his estranged daughter, it’s a spectacular reminder of a filmmaker that succeeds telling strong stories of relatable characters that are placed through the emotional ringer.
9. The Prestige
Plot twists are tricky techniques to use effectively in movies. A series of events in a movie that proves to be unexpected, plot twists are tricky to pull off in films. In order for a plot twist to work well in a movie, it needs to not only be entertaining but also logical. Few films I’ve ever seen have pulled off plot twists as effectively as “The Prestige”. Released in 2006, Nolan’s spellbinding movie focused on lives of magicians facing adversities. Nolan expertly uses clever plot twists to keep viewers engaged in a story about two rival magicians that are competing. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both amazing, capturing the personalities of two magicians in a rivalry. As spellbinding as Borden’s magic trick, it’s a fantastic tribute to a filmmaker that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate audiences creating stories about characters that are tragic.
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10. Insomnia
Insomnia is a painful condition that has shaped my persona. Sleeping is one of those activities I’ve often found challenging. Ever since I was a young child, I’ve come to appreciate the concept of staying up late. These days I can easily get by with little sleep. As someone with a case of insomnia, I related to Christopher Nolan’s “Insomnia”. Released in 2002, Nolan’s most underrated movies captures hardships sleep-deprived individuals go through. Al Pacino and Robin Williams are both phenomenal, capturing personalities of two people that suffer from severe sleep issues. Nearly 30 years after Christopher Nolan picked up the camera, it’s a powerful reminder that the director hasn’t lost abilities to captivate making movies about characters enduring a dilemma that have stood the test of time as legendary pieces of Cinema.
The Film Buff 