Top Ten: Christopher Nolan films

From his breakout hit Memento to the Dark Knight trilogy, Nolan’s distinctive style has certainly left an impact on modern day cinema. So, without further ado, here is every Nolan film I have watched ranked from worst to best. Did your favourite reach the top? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below – I love hearing your thoughts!


8. Interstellar (2014) – With such high expectations, as the film progressed, I became more and more disappointed. I will still give credit to where it’s due. It’s obvious that Nolan really wanted to make a head scratcher and this time with the laws of general relativity which the film does closely follow. I had problems enjoying this film on several levels. Perhaps Nolan should stick to thrillers…Sorry.


7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – This narrative by Christopher Nolan doesn’t quite place any demands on the mind and is a simple movie, to say the least. The twist in the tale is not shocking by any means. However, the making is what lifts the movie. The action scenes are very well done, particularly Batman’s stunt sequences.


6. Insomnia (2002) – Al Pacino pulls off the tired and drugged look due to his insomnia and literally sleepwalks through his role. Robin Williams as the writer/killer Walter is passable. This is one of Christopher Nolan’s very few straight forward films. Intense, gripping, involving and a must-see!


5. Batman Begins (2005) – Awe-inspiring film making by Christopher Nolan. Engaging and intriguing. Never a dull moment in this film. I must point out, Christian Bale’s hoarse voice for Batman is also quite great. Moreover, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman make good support roles. The climax train sequence is executed in a terrific manner. Great concept.


4. The Prestige (2006) – A one of a kind about the fascinating world of magic. It’s gripping the whole way with never a dull moment. The film is dark and grim. The music is minimal and the film is driven by the concept and the class actors, especially Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Hall.


3. Inception (2010) – A thought provoking narrative with no lack of action and wit, it’s brilliant entertainment and great for after-viewing conversation. It goes quite fast (despite the film being fairly long) and you have to pay attention, but that shouldn’t be a problem because your eyes shouldn’t want to leave the screen. Nolan has created a wonderfully imaginative world where nobody is safe, even when their bodies shut down and decide to roam the depths of the human subconscious.


2. Memento (2000) – This film has got to be one of the best films I’ve seen. At first, this film didn’t quite appeal to me. A film in backwards sounds more like a gimmick than a real film to me. But the reviews were what threw me in – some critics even rated this higher than some of the Academy’s best picture nominees. So, it proves you shouldn’t judge any film based on how it seems. Each minute had me gripped, and the whole experience simply left me stunned. Open yourself up to Memento and let it expand your mind. You will not regret it.


1. The Dark Knight (2008) – By far the best comic book film to date. The Dark Knight is also one of the best films ever made. It certainly sets a standard for films that few can ever surpass. It is dynamic, thought-provoking, intense and fun. Heath Ledger gives a performance that is unmatched by any other actor. His portrayal of the Joker is so perfectly disturbing it is almost scary. The directing, acting, narrative and score are simply exceptional! If you have not already seen this film, I suggest you stop what you are doing and watch it right away.


14 thoughts on “Top Ten: Christopher Nolan films

  1. Great list! I think mine would look something like
    1) The Dark Knight
    2) Inception
    3) The Dark Knight Rises
    4)Memento
    5) Interstellar
    6) Batman Begins
    7) The Prestige
    8) The Following
    9) Insomnia

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  2. Nice work – really enjoy reading your blog. 🙂 I’ve seen 5 of the 8. For me…

    1. Memento
    2. The Dark Knight
    3. Inception
    4. Batman Begins
    5. The Dark Knight Rises

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  3. My order would be very similar to yours, although I’d probably have Memento at 1, Inception at 2 and The Prestige at 3. I’d also have Interstellar last but I still enjoyed it to a certain degree.

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  4. I have yet to see Insomnia, but I will definitely be checking that out! My husband loves Christopher Nolan films.
    I’m one of the few who LOVED Intrstellar, but perhaps that’s because I wasn’t a Nolan nut beforehand. (And though I think he’s talented, I’m still not necessarily an adoring fan. Just a general one. Ha)
    Inception was great, but for some reason it just doesn’t do much for me personally. Memento didn’t shock me as much (but I was given slight spoilers as to the style of filming). And The Prestige has always been quite interesting to me.
    And let’s be honest, Heath Ledger combined with the score (specifically it’s resonance with the Joker) makes The Dark Knight. I could watch that over and over and just study his performance and how the score flows with the film, and I’m not even a huge Batman nerd!

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    • Thank You for the comment Heather! That’s great to hear! I agree, Inception is a pretty hard film to get into and only seems to rub off on a few people. Yes, Ledger was just perfect for the role – the very best! Such a shame he is no longer with us, I would have loved to have seen him pull off further roles that are equally as exciting and interesting!

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  5. Hey, I love your blog. It’s everything I aspire mine to be in the future. It’s also really cool how we have pretty similar taste, from what I’ve seen from your blog so far. I absolutely LOVE Christopher Nolan, he’s one of my favourite directors. I love how he tackles complex issues like time or memory in such an incredibly real (and sometimes tender) way.

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  6. Think my order would be,

    1. Inception
    2. Memento
    3. The Dark Knight
    4. The Prestige
    5. Batman Begins
    6. The Dark Knight Rises

    I wouldn’t even put Interstellar on my kist, hated it. Good list though

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  7. Mine would be:

    8. The Dark Knight Rises
    7. Insomnia
    6. Batman Begins
    5. The Prestige
    4. Interstellar
    3. Memento
    2. Inception
    1. The Dark Knight

    Yours is great too

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