Christopher Nolan’s latest film, The Odyssey, has been released to critical acclaim, joining a filmography that includes multiple entries considered among the greatest movies of all time. Ranking his 13 films is a challenge, but here is our Top 10, with Following, Insomnia, and Tenet failing to make the list.
10. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Nolan’s conclusion to his Batman trilogy is a decent effort, with Tom Hardy’s Bane stealing the show. At 165 minutes, it’s a bit of a slog and not quite up to the standard of The Dark Knight, but what is?
9. The Odyssey (2026)
Visually stunning with superb acting and action sequences, though somewhat dense with clunky editing choices. Likely to improve on repeat viewings.
8. Oppenheimer (2023)
Nolan finally won his first Oscars for this bold biopic, with Cillian Murphy taking home the Best Actor Academy Award. Powerful and well-written, but a dry, overstuffed, and incredibly dense three hours.
7. Batman Begins (2005)
Nolan rebooted Batman with Christian Bale, reinventing the superhero genre with a darker, more complex Caped Crusader set in a realistic world. An arthouse blockbuster full of James Bond vibes, now considered one of the most influential films of the 2000s.
6. Memento (2000)
Nolan’s breakthrough film, told in reverse chronological order, is a mind-bending thriller that established his signature narrative style. Guy Pearce stars as a man with short-term memory loss searching for his wife’s killer.
5. Interstellar (2014)
A visually stunning sci-fi epic about a crew of astronauts traveling through a wormhole to find a new home for humanity. Emotional and ambitious, with groundbreaking visual effects and a haunting score by Hans Zimmer.
4. Inception (2010)
A heist film set within the architecture of dreams, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Complex, inventive, and action-packed, it earned over $800 million worldwide and won four Oscars.
3. Dunkirk (2017)
Nolan’s war film depicts the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk during World War II. Told from three perspectives—land, sea, and air—it’s a tense, immersive experience that won three Oscars.
2. The Dark Knight (2008)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero films ever made, Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar-winning performance as the Joker elevates this crime saga. A dark, complex exploration of chaos and heroism.
1. The Prestige (2006)
Nolan’s masterpiece about rival magicians in Victorian London, starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. A brilliantly structured puzzle box of a film that rewards multiple viewings, exploring obsession, sacrifice, and the cost of greatness.
