All 12 Christopher Nolan Films Ranked From Good to Masterpiece

Christopher Nolan’s movies are a wild ride of bold ideas, tight storytelling, and visuals that stick with you. From gritty crime tales to sprawling sci-fi epics, he crafts films that demand your attention and spark endless debates. Each one brings something fresh, whether it’s a clever twist or a deep emotional pull.

I’ve ranked all 12 of Nolan’s feature films, from solid efforts to absolute classics, based on their craft, impact, and rewatchability. Let’s jump into the list, exploring what makes each one shine.

12. Following (1998)

Nolan’s debut follows a writer, played by Jeremy Theobald, shadowing strangers until he’s drawn into a thief’s world. Shot on a $6,000 budget in black-and-white, its raw nonlinear story shows early genius. It’s a cult favorite.

The amateur feel and thin plot keep it from soaring. It’s a bold first step but lacks the polish of Nolan’s later work.

11. Insomnia (2002)

Al Pacino stars as a sleep-deprived cop hunting a killer, played by Robin Williams, in Alaska’s endless daylight. The tense cat-and-mouse game grips you. It grossed $113 million.

As a remake, it feels less like Nolan’s vision, with a straightforward story that doesn’t match his twisty style. It’s solid but not a standout.

10. Tenet (2020)

John David Washington plays a spy using time inversion to stop a global threat. The ambitious concept and slick action, like the reverse car chase, dazzle. It earned $365 million despite a tough release.

The dense plot and flat characters confuse more than captivate. It’s a bold swing that doesn’t fully connect.

9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christian Bale’s Batman faces Tom Hardy’s brutal Bane in Nolan’s trilogy finale. The epic stakes, like Gotham’s siege, hit hard. It grossed $1.08 billion.

The messy plot and pacing issues pale next to its predecessor. It’s a grand closer but falls short of the trilogy’s peak.

8. Batman Begins (2005)

Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne becomes Batman in a gritty origin tale. The strong cast, including Michael Caine, and grounded tone set a new standard. It made $374 million.

It’s a strong start but lacks the flair of later entries. The action feels tame compared to Nolan’s best.

7. Dunkirk (2017)

This WWII film tracks soldiers, like Fionn Whitehead, escaping a trapped beach. The nonlinear timeline and intense visuals, like the dogfights, won three Oscars. It grossed $526 million.

The minimal dialogue and cold tone limit its heart. It’s a technical stunner but doesn’t fully grip emotionally.

6. Memento (2000)

Guy Pearce’s memory-impaired man hunts his wife’s killer in a backward-told story. The gritty style and clever structure keep you hooked. It earned $39 million and two Oscar nods.

The innovative narrative and raw emotion shine, though its small scale keeps it just below the top. It’s a brilliant puzzle.

5. The Prestige (2006)

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play rival magicians in a twisty tale of obsession. The shocking reveal and intricate plot stun. It grossed $109 million.

The layered storytelling and performances are near-flawless, but it’s less grand than the top four. It’s a masterful thriller.

4. The Dark Knight (2008)

Christian Bale’s Batman battles Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker in a crime epic. The intense action, like the truck chase, and Ledger’s Oscar-winning role redefine superheroes. It made $1 billion.

The tight pacing and moral depth are stellar, though it’s edged out by tighter stories. It’s a genre-defining classic.

3. Oppenheimer (2023)

Cillian Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer, crafting the atomic bomb. The gripping drama and cast, including Robert Downey Jr., won seven Oscars, including Best Picture. It earned $975 million.

The dense history and emotional weight are expertly woven, but it’s just shy of the top two. It’s a near-perfect biopic.

2. Inception (2010)

Leonardo DiCaprio leads a dream-heist with mind-bending visuals and a killer cast, like Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The spinning top ending and layered plot are iconic. It grossed $836 million.

The flawless mix of action, heart, and innovation nearly takes the crown. It’s a sci-fi masterpiece that redefined the genre.

1. Interstellar (2014)

Matthew McConaughey’s pilot leads a space mission to save humanity. The stunning visuals, Hans Zimmer’s score, and family drama soar. It earned $701 million and an Oscar for effects.

The bold science and emotional core make it Nolan’s peak. It’s a sprawling, heartfelt epic that stands as his greatest work.

Which Nolan film tops your list, or did I rank one wrong? Share your thoughts in the comments!