Top 10 Christopher Nolan Movies

Despite directing only 11 movies in his eminent career, Christopher Nolan is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time. Themes like metaphysics, human morality, time, and functioning of the mind seem to really intrigue him. After all, his fans cannot imagine him directing a rom-com. He is well-known for his mega-budget projects, unique narrative techniques, and extensive utilization of practical effects. His movies have displayed minimum usage of VFX as he likes to give the most realistic cinematic experience to the viewers. Even after dedicating 23 years of his life to the film industry, he has never delivered a bad movie.

Check out the top 10 Christopher Nolan movies!

Tenet

Tenet (2020)

Tenet is a bit overstuffed but a worthy addition to Nolan’s filmography. He boldly decided to dispatch it in theatres in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Did it succeed? Nope! It reportedly lost nearly $100 million on the global box office. But his decision to drop this movie in theatres was applauded by many prominent celebrities in Hollywood.

A CIA agent who unravels a conspiracy that can destroy the flow of time forever… only Nolan’s precious brain is capable of bringing a story like this to the moviegoers. The protagonist, John David Washington, shines in the lead role. He also receives the crucial support of the new Batman, Robert Pattinson.

Insomnia

Insomnia (2002)

Insomnia features one of the unlikeliest pairs of performers in Hollywood… Al Pacino and Robin Williams! Their combination might have appeared strange at first, but both of them gave remarkable performances. Al bestowed a controlled and committed performance. On the other hand, Robin went for the maniacal and bat-sh#t crazy mode. This movie has frequently suffered ignorance from a lot of Nolan’s fans. It never reaches the cinematic heights of his other projects. But it certainly delivers a chilling and gripping watching experience to the audience.

The Prestige

The Prestige (2006)

This movie is one of the most beautifully filmed projects of Christopher Nolan! It commences like a conventional thriller until the climax literally blows the minds of the viewers. It consisted of a complex story. But it was filmed in the simplest way possible. All hail to Nolan’s supremacy! Jackman’s energetic and radiant performance by balanced by Bale’s smooth approach to the character. One can tell after watching the film that the latter felt his character to the deepest level possible. An underrated masterpiece!

Batman Begins

Batman Begins (2005)

When you do an in-depth character study of a superhero like Batman, you dispatch a movie like Batman Begins! Instead of going for the old and exhaustive darkly comic tone, Nolan decided to bring the most realistic and comic accurate version of The Caped Crusader. Yes, Liam Neeson and Katie Holmes did not look very convincing in their respective roles. But Christian Bale did not give the fans any reason to lambast his flawless performance. He was too good! It gives sufficient time to Bruce to evolve as the Batman.

The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

A movie like this is always hard to examine. Especially when it comes after its legendary predecessor… The Dark Knight (2008). It was always meant to be judged and compared with its previous entry. We cannot argue about that. But we can certainly highlight the memorable performances, amazing musical score, breathtaking action sequences, worthy adversary, and a fitting end to the iconic superhero trilogy.

The movie looks a bit jumbled in the beginning. But its high-voltage and thrilling climax tucked all the flaws under it. Tom Hardy’s brute performance blended with his high-pitched menacing voice was a treat to watch!

Memento

Memento (2000)

The movie that gave wings to Nolan’s directional career back then, Memento! It became a decent success in terms of collections. Now, it is hailed as one of his best projects ever. It was critically acclaimed for its unique and unconventional narration. The flawless fusion of black-and-white and coloured scenes still bewitches us. It focuses on a man who is determined to find the killer of his wife. He also severely injured his head, making him lose his memory after approximately 15 minutes.

Interstellar

Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar is by far Nolan’s most ambitious movie to date. An epic space adventure composed of accurate scientific concepts, Hans Zimmer’s mesmerizing score, heart-touching performances, and a staggering plot! We also cannot ignore the important contribution of his brother, Jonathan, in developing the script. Despite deftly managing all the elements, Nolan never forgets the primary component of the plot. The father-daughter relationship between Cooper and Murphy! The entire project depends upon the promise made by a father to his daughter.

Inception

Inception (2010)

Inception functions like an astute and chaotic game of chess that delivers a knockout ending. Based on the theft of subconsciousness of people, Nolan also explores other important functions of our brain to a great extent. Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) plans to implant the idea of his customer into his target’s mind. In return, he gets a free and legal passageway to return to his home in America.  The star-studded cast performed amazingly in this movie. It went on to grab four Academy Awards in various categories.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk is undoubtedly one of the best war movies of all time. Despite comprising of minimum dialogues, it grasps our attention with its perfectly executed suspenseful scenes. They appear more realistic with the movie’s top-notch musical score and elegant cinematography. The newcomers Fionn Whitehead, Harry Styles, Jack Lowden, and others performed outstandingly with the remaining veteran cast. Nolan elucidates Dunkirk’s evacuation from three different outlooks: land, sea, and air.

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight (2008)

You are looking at the greatest superhero movie ever, period. Hundreds of superhero entries have come and gone. But none of them managed to top this artistic piece of filmmaking. Nolan excelled at balancing its complex narrative structure with the overall dark tone of the movie. He superbly showcased the iconic clash between the Defender of Gotham and the Clown Prince of Crime.

Heath Ledger gave an astonishing and bone-chilling performance as the Joker. He was also rewarded with an Oscar (posthumously) for Best Supporting Actor. The remaining cast did an exceptional job as well!