Christopher Nolan with IMAX camera

If you've ever found yourself engaged in spirited debates about which of the Christopher Nolan's movies reign supreme - or the opposite - then today is your lucky day.
 
To celebrate the release of Nolan's highly-anticipated film Oppenheimer (don't forget to purchase your tickets here), we have meticulously examined all 12 of Nolan's feature films, taking into account Rotten Tomatoes reviews and rankings. The result? An extensive, comprehensive list: Christopher Nolan Movies Ranked from Worst to Best.
 

From the iconic masterpiece The Dark Knight to the mind-bending thriller Inception, we're delving into each movie from one of Hollywood's most influential and successful directors. Sit back, relax and join us on this exhilarating expedition. Get ready - adventure awaits!

 

Tenet

12. Tenet (2020)

Tomatometer score: 69%

What it's about: A secret agent (John David Washington) embarks on a dangerous, time-bending mission to prevent the start of World War III.

Tenet showcases Nolan’s signature narrative style. At its core, Tenet explores the concept of temporal inversion, following the characters as they move backwards and forwards in time, contending with everything from art forgery to environmental doom. It’s a captivating, thought-provoking adventure that leaves audiences pondering the fluidity of time and the very nature of reality.

To be fair, the film’s complexities aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Still, even those who prefer linear storytelling can appreciate its breathtaking visuals and top-notch performances and engage in the conversation. Tenet is a singular movie that pushes the bounds of traditional cinema, and a testament to Christopher Nolan’s visionary approach and distinctive storytelling. 
 

 

Following

11. Following (1998)

Tomatometer score: 82%

 

What it's about: Lacking prospects, a writer (Jeremy Theobald) begins tailing strangers, until he encounters a voyeuristic thief (Alex Haw).

Christopher Nolan’s first film, Following, may not be as widely recognized as some of his other masterpieces, but this must-watch hidden gem demands attention for its thought-provoking themes and innovative use of non-linear storytelling. Right off the bat, Nolan displays unparalleled narrative prowess – and he does it in a very efficient 70 minutes.

Following introduces us to a young writer who becomes captivated by the mysterious lives of strangers around him. Intrigued by their daily routines, he starts to follow them, unknowingly embarking on a perilous journey into a dark underworld of crime and deceit.

As with much of Nolan's filmography, Following delves deep into the exploration of identity and the consequences of unbridled obsession. Following is a complex, captivating movie, challenging viewers to question what is genuine and what is merely a fabrication. 

 

Interstellar

10. Interstellar (2014)

Tomatometer score: 73%

 

What it's about: Desperate to save humanity from a catastrophic famine, a team led by an audacious former pilot and a brilliant scientist (Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, respectively) embark on a perilous mission through a newly-discovered wormhole in hopes of finding a new home.

With Interstellar, Nolan leads us on a breathtaking cinematic voyage into the vast unknown, confronting the limits of human endurance and the boundless mysteries of the cosmos. It's also stunning to look at: Interstellar skillfully utilizes practical effects and awe-inspiring images, winning a visual effects Oscar in the process. 
 
Beyond its remarkable technical achievements, the film tackles profound questions concerning the meaning of our existence and our place in the vast expanse of the universe. It’s been a catalyst for passionate discussions among fans and academics alike, providing rich material for intellectual exploration, and it's an absolute must-watch for any admirer of Christopher Nolan's visionary filmmaking.

 

Christian Bale in The Prestige

9. The Prestige (2006)

Tomatometer score: 76%

 

What it's about: From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) were competitors. However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry, making them fierce enemies-for-life and jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them.

There’s much to admire about The Prestige. In telling the tale of rival magicians in turn-of-the-century London, Christopher Nolan digs into concepts of illusion, deception and obsession, skillfully weaving in intricate plot points and unexpected twists. 
 
Nolan’s signature narrative style captures the audience with intricate plot points and unexpected twists. It’s complex and elusive, and something you should absolutely experience. 
 
 

Batman Begins

8. Batman Begins (2005)

Tomatometer score: 84%

 

What it's about: In the wake of his parent's murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice.

Batman Begins marks a turning point in Christopher Nolan’s filmography as Nolan takes a deep dive into the origin story of the iconic character. Batman Begins raises questions about the motives behind vigilante justice, critiquing the corrupt systems that foster it and allow it to thrive.  Nolan doesn’t shy away from exploring tricky themes like fear, identity, and the search for justice along the way.

Featuring a stunning performance from Christian Bale, Batman Begins is a film that leaves viewers with much to contemplate about the world around them. It may not be at the top of this list, but we think it’s a masterful piece of filmmaking.

 

Inception

7. Inception (2010)

Tomatometer score: 87%

 

What it's about: A contemporary science fiction thriller about a corporation that has developed a technology that can enter dreams and extract information from the human mind.

Inception is a mind-bender of a sci-fi thriller. It examines themes of dream and reality with a layered, looping story so iconic that it has become a cultural touchstone. It’s the kind of movie that really rewards repeat viewings.

The team at the heart of the story – led by characters played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tom Hardy – move through reality within realities, taking us on a journey that might just have you questioning the solidity of the world around you.

 

Poster for The Dark Knight Rises

6. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Tomatometer score: 87%

 

What it's about: Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the terrorist leader Bane (Tom Hardy) arrives in Gotham City, pushing it and its police force to their limits, forcing its former hero Batman (Christian Bale) to resurface after taking the fall for Harvey Dent's crimes.

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises wraps up Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy by putting the Caped Crusader against his most formidable foe: Bane. The film explores themes of power, corruption and redemption via stunning visuals and unforgettable characters.

The Dark Knight Rises has all the hallmarks of a Christopher Nolan movie: Masterful storytelling, breathtaking action sequences and deep character examination. It’s captivating, challenging and a heck of a lot of fun.

 

Al Pacino and Robin Williams in Insomnia

5. Insomnia (2002)

Tomatometer score: 92%

 

What it's about: A veteran police detective (Al Pacino) is sent to a small Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. Forced into a psychological game of cat-and-mouse by the primary suspect (Robin Williams), events escalate and the detective finds his own stability dangerously threatened.

The psychological thriller Insomnia is the rare Christopher Nolan movie that he didn’t have a hand in writing, but he leaves his signature mark on this adaptation of the original Norwegian film. The story explores themes that we all face every day: Morality, guilt and what really motivates action. It’s a true testament to Nolan’s ability to craft captivating cinema.

 

Fionn Whitehead in Dunkirk

4. Dunkirk (2017)

Tomatometer score: 92%

 

What it's about: The story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France, during the Battle of France in World War II.

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk tells the story of the historic evacuation primarily through the eyes of young soldier Tommy (Fionn Whitehead). Nolan weaves together three storylines, representing different facets of the operation. 
 
It can be tricky to build tension when we know the outcome of a historical event, but that’s no issue for Nolan. Dunkirk keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with sharp editing, stunning visuals and powerful sound design centered on the unrelenting ticking of a clock. 
 
With Dunkirk, Nolan crafts an immersive viewing experience that’s a must-see for fans of war films and complex cinema.

 

Guy Pearce in Memento

3. Memento (2000)

Tomatometer score: 93%

 

What it's about: A barmaid (Carrie-Anne Moss) and a friend (Joe Pantoliano) help a man (Guy Pearce) who has developed short-term memory loss since his wife's rape and murder.

Christopher Nolan's Memento is a mind-boggling puzzle that has left countless moviegoers scratching their heads – in the best possible way. A landmark in non-linear narrative, the film revolves around enigmatic protagonist Leonard’s (Guy Pearce) relentless pursuit to reconstruct the harrowing mystery of his wife's murder while grappling with the inescapable limitations of his short-term memory.
 
What sets Memento apart is its remarkable ability to mirror Leonard's fragmented psyche through its unique and unconventional structure, leaving viewers constantly questioning the boundary between reality and illusion. Bursting beyond conventional storytelling, Memento is more than a mere cinematic experience; it is a thought-provoking conversation starter that challenges audiences to piece together the fragments of this unparalleled creation. 
 

 

Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

Tomatometer score: 94%

 

What it's about: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

 
Christopher Nolan hit one out of the park with The Dark Knight, the second film in his Dark Knight Trilogy. With stellar performances from Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne), Heath Ledger (Joker), and Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Dent), this commercial and critical juggernaut is a must-watch.
 
The Dark Knight stands as a true masterpiece in Christopher Nolan's filmography, rightfully claiming the top spot on our list. Christian Bale is exceptional, mesmerizing viewers with his portrayal of Batman. This gripping movie weaves together layers of morality, challenging conventional notions of good versus evil and delving deep into the psyche of the iconic Joker, played expertly by Oscar-winner Heath Ledger. The story prompts audiences to question the very essence of heroism and its relationship with societal laws.
 
Critics and audiences both hailed The Dark Knight for its exceptional action-packed sequences and its ability to immerse audiences in its nuanced exploration of complex themes. The Dark Knight represents a monumental shift for superhero films, forever altering our notions of what this genre is capable of achieving.
 
With its remarkable depth and dynamic storytelling, The Dark Knight remains an unparalleled cinematic experience that further solidifies its place in cinematic history with each passing year.
 

 

And where does Oppenheimer (2023) rank?

 

 

Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer

1. Oppenheimer (2023)

Tomatometer score: 94%

 

What it's about: Oppenheimer traces the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), who is appointed to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. After years spent developing the atomic bomb, the team's work comes to fruition in 1945, when the world's first nuclear explosion forever changes the course of history. 

 
Christopher Nolan's film, the biopic Oppenheimer, is his greatest yet. In examining the life of one man Oppenheimer explores science, morality and the human condition.
 
With Oppenheimer, Nolan has crafted the perfect vehicle for Murphy's thundering performance. All of Nolan's hallmarks are on full display here: Multi-layered, non-linear storytelling; breathtaking visuals; and a knockout script. The intriguing premise is backed up by a stellar ensemble cast including supporting turns from Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh. It's a stunning addition to Nolan's singular body of work. 
 

Conclusion


Christopher Nolan directing Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan, the visionary filmmaker of our time, is renowned for his exceptional storytelling and groundbreaking movies that have left an indelible mark on the 21st century, crafting compelling narratives and pushing the boundaries of cinematic artistry. Each Christopher Nolan movie, from the mind-bending thrill of Inception to the ground-breaking action of The Dark Knight, captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and minds as devoted movie fans. Regardless of your personal taste or preference, you cannot overlook the sheer power of Christopher Nolan's artistry as a filmmaker.

If you are seeking an exhilarating cinematic experience that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, look no further than the latest offering from one of Hollywood's preeminent directors. Take the leap and purchase tickets to see Oppenheimer, one of the most highly anticipated Christopher Nolan films ever, in theaters.