{"id":35259,"date":"2023-07-27T17:18:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T15:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1864479"},"modified":"2023-07-28T03:00:32","modified_gmt":"2023-07-28T01:00:32","slug":"christopher-nolan-movies-ranked-every-film-from-best-to-worst","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked-every-film-from-best-to-worst\/","title":{"rendered":"Christopher Nolan movies ranked: Every film from best to worst"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where does the director’s latest film Oppenheimer fit into his oeuvre? <\/p>

By Patrick Cremona\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 27 July 2023 at 15:18 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Few \u2013 if any \u2013 filmmakers in the world right now command quite as much interest as Christopher Nolan, and the auteur has another hit on his hands with the recently released epic Oppenheimer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A three-hour immersive character study of the \u2018father of the atomic bomb\u2019, the new film boasts a career-best turn from Cillian Murphy \u2013 and has hugely outperformed box office expectations on the back of a wealth of rave reviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But the question is, how does Oppenheimer compare to the rest of Nolan\u2019s filmography? Since debuting with the ultra-low budget Following in 1998, the director has made twelve features \u2013 each of which has further cemented his reputation as a modern master.<\/p>\n

From his expertly executed non-linear thriller Memento to his gritty reinvention of Batman with The Dark Knight trilogy, and from his operatic sci-fi epic Interstellar to his stirring Second World War flick Dunkirk, Nolan has tackled all manner of subject matters and themes while developing a number of instantly recognisable trademarks and motifs.<\/p>\n

And so, with the new release putting Nolan back in the spotlight, we at RadioTimes.com<\/a> got together to rank all his films in order of preference \u2013 read on to find out which took the top spot.<\/p>

12. Following<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Following.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Nolan\u2019s first feature marked him out as a sharp talent keen to experiment with structure and twisty narratives \u2013 a skill that he\u2019s been developing and refining ever since. Shot in streets familiar to Nolan from his time as president of the film society at University College London, and starring uni friends Jeremy Theobald and Lucy Russell, Following is a lesson in how to create a piece of art on next to no budget.<\/p>\n

Given the limitations, it\u2019s tough to compare favourably to what came later, when Nolan began to work with the financial backing and behind-the-camera personnel that allowed him to dream a little bigger. Looking back on the black-and-white, 69-minute debut, the themes of memory, identity and deception have been explored to greater effect in the director\u2019s later films, but that doesn\u2019t take anything away from this impressive calling card. \u2013 Christian Tobin, Production Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n

11. Insomnia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Robin<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Insomnia.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

One of Nolan\u2019s earliest films, Insomnia<\/span> feels as such \u2013 even though it is still an impressive achievement, particularly as one of the director\u2019s first films, he hasn\u2019t quite lasered in on his best qualities as a director. Insomnia<\/span> is also distinct in that it is the only one of Nolan\u2019s films for which he does not have a writer\u2019s credit, and you can tell.<\/p>\n

For some who are put off by the writer-director\u2019s love of complex storytelling and interest in subverting narrative structure, this may be a blessing, but for those of us who love Nolan\u2019s bold vision and distinct voice, it\u2019s something of a disappointment.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say this is a bad film \u2013 far from it. As a thriller, it really works, with some shocking reveals, a compelling concept at its core and some stunning central performances, particularly from the late, great Robin Williams. It just remains a lesser light in Nolan\u2019s canon, thus finding its place near the bottom of this list. \u2013 James Hibbs, Drama Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

10. The Dark Knight Rises<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Tom<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Dark Knight Rises.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Nolan\u2019s third and final Batman entry arrived with impossibly high expectations after the brilliance of The Dark Knight, so it was perhaps inevitable that the follow-up felt like something of a comedown. The set-pieces are still strong \u2013 the aeroplane extraction, the stadium explosion and Batman\u2019s back-breaking showdown with Bane are among the most impressive scenes in the trilogy \u2013 yet the whole package is disjointed and unusually plodding.<\/p>\n

Anne Hathaway is a standout as Selina Kyle, and although Tom Hardy gives it his all as Bane, the character is simply less interesting as a threat than what\u2019s come before. Elsewhere, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is largely wasted and poor Marion Cotillard has a thankless role even before that much-criticised death scene.<\/p>\n

And while even Nolan\u2019s best scripts aren\u2019t 100 per cent watertight, The Dark Knight Rises requires more suspension of disbelief than usual (every available police officer in the tunnels\u2026 really?). \u2013 CT<\/strong><\/p>\n

9. Tenet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"John<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tenet.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Many have longed for a James Bond film directed by Christopher Nolan<\/span> \u2013 perhaps even Nolan <\/span>himself<\/a> \u2013 and the influence of these films is evident in his work. However, the closest we have come yet to Nolan<\/span>\u2019s own espionage adventure has to be the ambitious science-fiction puzzle that is Tenet.<\/p>\n

With arguably his\u00a0sexiest cast to date, Nolan<\/span> zips across glamorous locations and narrative tricks with style and pizazz (but with some slightly questionable sound mixing). John David Washington is suitably enigmatic as The Protagonist, while Robert Pattinson\u2019s charisma jumps off the screen as the dapper Neil.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Elizabeth Debicki offers a textured turn to what could be a one-note role as \u201cthe wife of evil villain\u201d, while Sir Kenneth Branagh is at his scenery-chewing best as Nolan<\/span>\u2019s take on a Bond baddie.<\/p>\n

While the logic of the film may be off-putting \u2013 and some areas are needlessly complicated \u2013 it is hard to not get swept up in the tension and gravitas of Nolan<\/span>\u2019s Tenet. \u2013 Lewis Knight, Trends Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n

8. Memento<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Guy<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Memento.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

After first making waves with the ultra-low budget Following, this was the film that really launched Nolan\u2019s career and announced him as a cinematic force to be reckoned with. Based on a short story by his brother Jonathan \u2013 who has also co-written several of his other films \u2013 it tells the story of an amnesiac insurance investigator desperately attempting to piece together clues from tattoos and notes he has left to himself.<\/p>\n

The film\u2019s fascinating non-chronological structure, which like the newly released Oppenheimer makes excellent use of scenes shot in black-and-white, has become the stuff of legend \u2013 although perhaps ensures that no rewatch will ever quite live up to the thrilling experience of solving the puzzle the first time around. But complete with neo-noir trappings, a mood of distinct unease, and an impressive turn from Guy Pearce in the lead role, this was a major step up for Nolan \u2013 and it speaks to the strength of the rest of his filmography that it finds itself outside the top half of the list. \u2013 Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

7. Dunkirk<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Tom<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Dunkirk.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This 2017 Oscar nominee is a Second World War film as only Nolan could have made one, following the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk from three different perspectives: land, air and sea. With help from some superb practical effects work, tremendous sound design, and another terrific Hans Zimmer score, Nolan crafts an immersive spectacle brimming with tension.<\/p>\n

Nolan\u2019s attention to detail has always been a key part of his appeal, and it\u2019s arguably never been better than here \u2013 with the director employing historic boats and period airplanes to create a sense of realism that puts the audience firmly in the thrust of the action.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in addition to boasting impressive performances from a handful of relative newcomers \u2013 famously including Harry Styles \u2013 the film\u2019s cast also features many of Britain\u2019s finest thespians, with Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy chief among them. But crucially, none of these stars take centre stage \u2013 this is very much an ensemble piece speaking to the collective heroism of the evacuation, building to a stirring conclusion that proves Nolan can do emotion just as well as technical brilliance. \u2013 PC<\/strong><\/p>\n

6. Batman Begins<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Morgan<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Batman Begins.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The first film of Christopher Nolan<\/span>\u2019s foray into mainstream popularity and the first in his Dark Knight trilogy, Batman Begins is the director at his world-building best. Never has Gotham City felt so alive, visceral and gritty.<\/p>\n

The outing introduces us to Christian Bale\u2019s stellar playboy Bruce Wayne in an origin story that feels fresh, emotionally fraught and strong in character. Nolan<\/span> regular Cillian Murphy puts in a memorable turn as the Scarecrow, while Liam Neeson defies expectations in his performance as Wayne\u2019s mentor and later nemesis.<\/p>\n

With a strong ensemble including Sir Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman \u2013 and, yes, even Katie Holmes \u2013 Nolan<\/span> gives a Batman outing that feels show-stopping yet character-driven at the same time, and began a new era in superhero filmmaking.<\/p>\n

Coupled with Hans Zimmer\u2019s now iconic theme for Nolan<\/span>\u2019s Dark Knight, Batman Begins stands as a real testament to Nolan<\/span> adapting and redefining the modern blockbuster \u2013 LK<\/b><\/p>\n

5. Interstellar<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Matthew<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Interstellar.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Few sci-fi films have felt as epic in scope in cinema history as Nolan<\/span>\u2019s Interstellar: A glorious visual feast of a film that features an emotional odyssey across time and space, but is grounded in a heartwarming relationship between a father and his daughter.<\/p>\n

Matthew McConaughey offers some of his best work as roguish astronaut Cooper as he ventures out into deep space for humanity\u2019s salvation, promising to return to his daughter Murphy, played by a tearjerking Jessica Chastain as an adult.<\/p>\n

While its sentimentality and scientific exposition may not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea, rarely has the usually cold filmmaking of Nolan<\/span> ever had such heart, and for a film covering such complex ideas, Interstellar feels oh so personal.<\/p>\n

We cannot forget the mesmeric score from Hans Zimmer, either, which serves as one of his best collaborations with the director. All of the operatic storytelling and jaw-dropping filmmaking techniques build to a finale that will leave you breathless and feeling ever so tiny in the universe thereafter. \u2013 LK<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Oppenheimer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Matt<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Oppenheimer.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Nolan<\/span>\u2019s latest film is also one of his best \u2013 a stirring rumination on one of the most crucial, deadly moments of the last century, and an epic in every sense of the word. Nolan<\/span> brings all of his technical know-how, developed over almost three decade of filmmaking, to bear here \u2013 there\u2019s the time manipulation of Tenet and Memento, the mind-boggling practical effects of Dunkirk, and the heart-stopping tension of The Dark Knight, all of which have been perfected.<\/p>\n

He also benefits from his years of experience and acclaim allowing him to cast every available acclaimed movie star in even the most minute of roles. Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Tom Conti and more are all exceptional in the film, but Cillian Murphy is truly extraordinary, giving a performance for the ages in a role which is written with nuance and complexity to spare.<\/p>\n

Some minor pacing issues aside, when you leave the film you\u2019ll likely be gripped by two sensations \u2013 a drive to find out more about Oppenheimer\u2019s unbelievable story and a deep sense of existential dread. Don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you. \u2013 JH<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. The Prestige<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Christian<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Prestige.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Prestige might not have initially opened to quite as rapturous a reception as some of the other films in the upper part of this list, but its reputation has grown over the years to the point that it\u2019s now rightly regarded as one of the finest offerings in Nolan\u2019s impressive oeuvre. A period piece set in 1890s London, it follows two rival magicians played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as they attempt to outdo each other with increasingly outlandish \u2013 and dangerous \u2013 tricks.<\/p>\n

Consistently engrossing and drenched in atmosphere, the film intelligently explores themes of rivalry and obsession while delivering a typically intricate plot that packs all sorts of twists and turns into its runtime \u2013 including a corker of a final reveal that reframes everything in a completely different light. Bale and Jackman make for perfect foils and there are also impressive performances from Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson, but it\u2019s arguably a supporting turn from David Bowie as Nikola Tesla which is the most memorable performance in the film. This truly is a feat of movie magic. \u2013 PC<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. The Dark Knight<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Heath<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Dark Knight.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Dark Knight has gone down in cinema history for good reason. Undeniably the best of Nolan\u2019s Batman trilogy, many have tried and failed to replicate its unique gritty tone, bringing us comic book characters that were heroic, monstrous, flawed, and all too human.<\/p>\n

As one of Heath Ledger\u2019s final performances, it is also one of his greatest \u2013 with his Joker becoming instantly iconic. No one else could have offered up a performance so crazed, unhinged, chilling, nuanced and unpredictable. Over the course of two and a half hours, Ledger creats the blueprint for a comic book villain. Not only that, he takes a character that had already been through numerous iterations \u2013 and would go through many more after him \u2013 and makes his portrayal so unique that no one else could come close to rivalling it.<\/p>\n

From its beautifully crafted arcs to its shock factor, its originality to its addictive rewatchability, its intensity to Nolan\u2019s clear vision, The Dark Knight is undoubtedly a stone-cold classic. \u2013 Louise Griffin, Sci-fi and Fantasy Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Inception<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Joseph<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Inception.<\/span><\/figcaption> SEAC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Inception is Christopher Nolan<\/span>\u2019s greatest cinematic achievement; in a line-up of enormously heavy hitters from a blockbuster career, this 2010 thriller is the pinnacle.<\/p>\n

\n

With an all-star line-up, as is par for the course with the director, a Hans Zimmer score which has become iconic (if you can\u2019t hear that horn sound in your mind at the mere mention of Nolan then you\u2019re probably not a fan) and spectacular cinematography, this is where it all comes together \u2013 so much so it took home four Oscars at the 2011 ceremony and was nominated for a further four.<\/p>\n

Here, Nolan strikes the perfect balance between his penchant for grandiose explorations of such trivial topics as time and reality and the kind of tight direction and editing that makes for a pop-culture hit. Leonardo DiCaprio shines as protagonist Cobb, a specialist thief tasked with delving into others\u2019 subconscious for corporate espionage, who is himself attempting to bury a perilous personal tragedy deep in the recesses of his own mind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A layered thriller (in every sense of the word), Inception also sparkles with the ice-blue eyes of Nolan<\/span> muse Cillian Murphy \u2013 and his acting skills \u2013 as well as comedic levity courtesy of Tom Hardy and the earnestness of Joseph Gordon-Levitt\u2019s Mr Exposition. Add Marion Cotillard and Michael Caine and you\u2019ve got a quintessentially Nolan<\/span> cinematic celebration. \u2013 Minnie Wright, News Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oppenheimer is in UK cinemas now. Check out more of our\u00a0<\/strong>Film<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0coverage or visit our\u00a0<\/strong>TV Guide<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/strong>Streaming Guide<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to find out what\u2019s on tonight.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only \u00a31 with delivery to your home \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>subscribe now<\/strong><\/a>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to\u00a0<\/strong>The Radio Times Podcast<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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