Greatest Opening Scenes From Nolan Movies, Ranked

Christopher Nolan’s movies are known for grabbing you right from the start. His opening scenes set the tone, pulling you into complex stories with gripping visuals and clever storytelling.

I’ve ranked the 10 best opening sequences from Nolan’s films based on their impact, creativity, and how well they hook you. From mind-bending thrillers to epic blockbusters, these moments showcase his knack for starting strong.

10. Following (1998)

‘Following’ kicks off with a young man, played by Jeremy Theobald, confessing his habit of tailing strangers. The gritty black-and-white visuals draw you into his obsessive world.

This low-budget debut sets up a tense, twisty noir story. It’s a simple but effective start that hints at the clever plotting Nolan would become famous for.

9. Tenet (2020)

‘Tenet’ opens with a chaotic attack on a Kyiv opera house. John David Washington’s operative dives into a high-stakes mission with reversed-time elements.

The intense action and cryptic time mechanics grab your attention. It’s a bold setup that throws you into the film’s complex world without explanation.

8. Dunkirk (2017)

‘Dunkirk’ starts with young British soldiers, including Fionn Whitehead, fleeing gunfire in a war-torn street. The sudden violence and desperate sprint to safety hit hard.

The scene’s raw tension and sparse dialogue set the stage for the film’s relentless pace. It captures the chaos of war in seconds.

7. Interstellar (2014)

‘Interstellar’ begins with a dusty, dying Earth, where Matthew McConaughey’s Cooper farms in a bleak future. Old interviews hint at a looming crisis.

The quiet, grounded opening contrasts with the cosmic journey ahead. It hooks you with a human story before blasting into space.

6. The Prestige (2006)

‘The Prestige’ opens with a cryptic voiceover from Michael Caine and a shot of scattered top hats. Hugh Jackman’s magician performs a deadly trick gone wrong.

The scene teases the film’s obsession with deception and rivalry. Its layered setup pulls you into a world of secrets and betrayal.

5. Insomnia (2002)

‘Insomnia’ starts with a haunting aerial shot of Alaskan glaciers as Al Pacino’s detective flies in. A tense voiceover reveals his troubled past.

The stark visuals and uneasy tone establish the film’s psychological depth. It’s a gripping lead-in to a story of guilt and deception.

4. Memento (2000)

‘Memento’ begins with a Polaroid fading in reverse, showing a murder undone. Guy Pearce’s confused protagonist sets up the film’s backward narrative.

The disorienting sequence mirrors his memory loss, hooking you instantly. It’s a clever, unsettling start that demands your attention.

3. Batman Begins (2005)

‘Batman Begins’ opens with young Bruce Wayne, played by Christian Bale, falling into a well full of bats. The traumatic moment shapes his fear and future.

The scene blends childhood terror with a glimpse of his training years. It’s a powerful kickoff to Nolan’s grounded take on the hero.

2. Inception (2010)

‘Inception’ starts with Leonardo DiCaprio washing ashore, entering a dreamlike palace. The scene collapses into a heist, revealing the dream-within-a-dream concept.

Its surreal visuals and quick shift to action grab you tight. The opening perfectly sets up the film’s mind-bending exploration of reality.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

‘The Dark Knight’ opens with a daring bank heist led by Heath Ledger’s Joker. Masked clowns betray each other in a chaotic, perfectly timed robbery.

The scene’s intensity and Ledger’s chilling presence set a dark tone. It’s a masterful start that introduces the film’s iconic villain in unforgettable style.

Which Nolan opening scene hooked you the most, or is there another that deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!