List compiled by Eddie on 14/07/2017
It’s hard to imagine modern cinema without him, so it’s an amazing feat that within a mere 18 years in the industry, British filmmaker Christopher Nolan has made such an indelible mark on the movie making industry.
Whether it’s with his more low-key yet no less intricate smaller scale tales or his rewriting of the superhero/blockbuster event pictures, in the space of 9 features films (his 10th, Dunkirk is mere days away!) Nolan has established himself as a director of unique talents, with his construction of stories, his way with a set piece and his often underestimated ability to draw out stand out performances from his leads – his drawn career best turns out of Guy Pearce, Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger and Matthew McConaughey.
It’s fair to say that in his years as a feature film director, Nolan has yet to make a “bad” (as the below list attests to) movie and while the Academy and other industry awards continue to ignore his skill and individual feats, its highly likely that for years to come Nolan’s movies will continue to be loved and adored by movie loving audiences the world over, as they appreciate the standout products he delivers.
Happy reading and happy watching.
9. Following (1998)
Nolan’s low budget ($6000 to be exact) black and white debut may be a DIY effort but it also harbors many of the skills the filmmaker would go onto exhibit in his larger scale efforts. An intriguing and twist laden tale of young writer/turned stalker Bill, Following is worth the time for fans of Nolan and those who seek famed directors early works.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – No.
8. Insomnia (2002)
While it never reaches the grand heights it sometimes threatens to, Insomnia certainly draws out a great double bill of Al Pacino and Robin Williams acting turns and the two industry veterans no doubt relished working with the then still up and coming director. The unique surrounds and setting of Alaska and its strange all day light are a real highlight also.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – No.
7. Batman Begins (2005)
Acting as if Batman and Robin never even happened, Nolan, seemingly out of nowhere, not only bought back Batman to our big screens in a stunning fashion but re-wrote the superhero movie rulebook with this gritty and drenched in realism take of the Capped Crusader. Inspired casting of Christian Bale and a large number of practical stunts set in place the beginnings of an incredible trilogy.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – No.
6. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Living up the standard that The Dark Knight laid down before it, it was never going to be an easy job for The Dark Knight Rises to conclude the Nolan Batman trilogy in a fashion that would please everyone but with a star studded cast (of which Tom Hardy’s Bane is the standout), some amazing set pieces (a stadium collapse is particularly unforgettable) and a fitting final stanza, Dark Knight Rises is a blockbuster extravaganza of the highest order.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – Yes.
5. Memento (2000)
For his second feature film Nolan went far and beyond what is to be expected from a young budding filmmaker with this impeccably constructed narrative that deals with events in reverse. Australia’s own Guy Pearce delivered what was then and still likely is his best ever turn as confused Leonard and Memento is well deserving of its high regard in the minds of movie goers and a quintessential piece to the reason why Nolan can be seen as one of the modern eras greatest ever storytellers.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – Yes (a short story).
4. Inception (2010)
Working with the greatest canvas he’d yet been given, Inception saw Nolan explore the worlds of our dreams to mind blowing effect. With numerous spectacles of flipping cities, snow-capped explosive heists and spinning hotel rooms, Inception is a high-concept blockbuster that works and one of recent year’s most talked about narratives, with its many open for interpretation possibilities.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – No.
3. The Prestige (2006)
Who would’ve thought that the personnel warring between two magicians would’ve been so special? but thanks to Nolan and his script writer brother Jonathan, The Prestige quickly became one of the most beloved thrillers of all time. Made in between the then two biggest hits of Nolan’s career in the form of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, The Prestige may’ve been missed by some upon initial release but has steadily been discovered by more and more fans as the years draw on.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – Yes.
2. Interstellar (2014)
Much has been spoken about Interstellar on this blog over the last 12 or so months but any chance that may arise to support this grand and adventure laden Sci-Fi must be taken. Misunderstood by some who took everything far too seriously and found faults in the most mundane of things, Interstellar is original filmmaking at its most grand and visually spectacular and there’s a beating heart that lays at the centre of all the spectacle that many such films could only hope to achieve. An epic tale that features terrific performances, production values and one of the all-time great movie scores thanks to Hans Zimmer, Interstellar is a classic for the ages.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – Yes.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
If Batman Begins rewrote the superhero rulebook then The Dark Knight took that rulebook, blew it up, then created a whole different beast entirely. A once in a lifetime type of event that was only heightened by the tragic passing of its star making performer Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight has brilliance in all areas and it’s to this day one of the most exciting and perfectly constructed blockbusters that’s ever been made. Filmmakers may’ve tried and are still trying to emulate what Nolan created with this tale but its unlikely anyone will ever get close too what was achieved with this, the greatest superhero movie ever made.
Written by Jonathan Nolan? – Yes.
Nice and difficult ranking there! I’d probably have Inception and Dark Knight topping mine off.
Milo.
Both great films man. For me Inception lost a little bit of shine the more times I saw it but its still a ripping flick.
E
I’d have Inception up with the Dark Knight as well but I’d also have Batman Begins up there as well, possibly even ahead of those two.
Big call mate but there’s no denying its a great flick.
If Nolan had stopped with Begins he still would’ve changed the genre for the better.
E
I still need to watch Interstellar and The Prestige. Thanks for the reminder!
Oh man you should do that right away ha. Two amazing films.
E
Great list! Haven’t seen Interstellar and Following yet. Memento would top mine followed by Dark Knight, Inception, The Prestige, Insomnia, Dark Knight Rises and Batman Begins.
Both films you should check out. I’m always surprised about the bad wrap Interstellar sometimes gets. It’s a mind blowing epic.
E
Good list. I think Memento could be easily on third position as well!
Such a good film. I still can’t believe it was only Nolan’s 2nd film.
E
Me too. I wish he’d still do minimal and independent stuff.
Great list! I think I would have Inception at the top of mine though.
I reckon there’d be quite a few more that would as well mate. For me I dont think anything could ever top the Dark Knight.
E
Nice work, personally I find the lighter atmosphere of Inception has me coming back to it more, but it’s pretty hard to deny the brilliance of The Dark Knight.
Knight it just so endlessly rewatchable. Just has so many great elements and so layered for a film of its type.
E
I have a love-hate relationship with Nolan. I love Memento, Inception and The Prestige but I am probably the only person who doesn’t love his take on Batman.
I must admit to being a big fan and can’t wait for Dunkirk but I can see why Batman wouldn’t be for everyone.
E
The old Batman films had their own flair as well.
Great list, glad Interstellar is right up there!
Yeh I’m a big big fan of Interstellar mate. What an epic!
E
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I appreciate the acknowledgement of Jonathan Nolan’s contributions to his brother’s films! And the way you did it made me laugh! Great list.
Cheers Moon. Jonathan really is a true talent. Its exciting he has own projects now.
E
I’m personally just reviewing all of Nolan’s films every Monday since Dunkirk’s release and I find your ranking pretty interesting. I will probably rank them myself when I have wrapped up all the reviews but to do that, I need to find a copy of The Following!
Look forward to your rankings man. Following for me was really hard to find but stoked I found a copy and got to see it.
E
I was reading about Dunkirk the other day and I was recommended a movie called ‘Ran’. Have you ever watched it?
Hi mate, must admit I’ve never heard of it but must have a look about what it is!
Please let us know if it’s any good if you do catch it.
E
My bad! I certainly have heard of Ran, as soon as I looked it up I knew what was up 🙂
I really do have to go back through Kurosawa’s works as I’ve never seen them in entirety.
E
I watched it immediately after I read on Al Jazeera’s review of Dunkirk.
Ran was utterly heartbreaking and that is what war movies are supposed to be like, I guess. You should watch it once. Here is the rotten tomatoes link:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ran/
Mate you’ve got me pretty keen!
E
Looking forward to the review!
Looking forward to experiencing it mate, thanks for bringing it back to my attention!
E
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