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Christopher Nolan’s Top 30 Favorite Movies

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Entertainment - January 20th 2025, 12:00 GMT+1
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About this gallery:

For this list, we dug through interviews, documentaries, and the depths of the internet to uncover 30 of Christopher Nolan’s favorite movies. Instead of ranking them based on how awesome we think they are, we’ve arranged them chronologically. That way, it’s you who gets to watch them and decide their greatness! And hey, if you do check them out, drop us a comment with your favorite from this epic list of 30. We’d love to know what you think! | © Melissa Moseley

Cropped Greed

Greed (1924)

Erich von Stroheim’s Greed is not just a silent film; it’s an epic deep dive into the human obsession with, well, greed. Imagine taking Dostoevsky’s existential dread and combining it with the raw, unfiltered emotions of early cinema. Every frame feels like a painting, albeit one that screams, “Don’t touch my money!” Christopher Nolan must appreciate how Greed explores morality and ambition, two themes he regularly juggles in his own work. Plus, let’s not forget the audacity of von Stroheim – this was supposed to be eight hours long! Nolan probably loves that kind of bold commitment. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped Sunrise

Sunrise (1927)

F.W. Murnau’s Sunrise is like a tender love letter to cinema itself. It’s a tale of redemption, love, and the beauty of forgiving the man who nearly pushed you off a boat. The poetic visuals and innovative storytelling make it clear why this silent masterpiece is a Nolan favorite. You can almost see Nolan whispering, “I see you,” to the intricate camera work and dreamlike sequences. There’s no cape-wearing protagonist here, but the humanity on display would inspire anyone looking to capture emotion on screen. | © Fox Film Corporation

Cropped Metropolis

Metropolis (1927)

Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is the OG sci-fi movie that paved the way for dystopias, robotic revolutions, and future cityscapes. Watching it today feels like visiting the grandfather of every Nolan cityscape – Inception’s folding buildings owe a little debt to this one! And oh, Maria the robot? A legend. You know Nolan can’t resist a good moral quandary, and this film’s commentary on class struggle and technology’s role in society is exactly the kind of thematic depth he admires. | © Universum Film AG

Cropped All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

War is hell, and no film captures that sentiment more viscerally than Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front. The stark realism and gut-punching emotional moments make it clear why Nolan, the maestro of tension, considers this a favorite. Imagine Nolan taking notes on how the trenches are a psychological battlefield as much as a physical one. This film might not have Hans Zimmer’s booming score, but its haunting silence speaks volumes. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Testament of Dr Mabuse

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)

Who doesn’t love a criminal mastermind plotting chaos while pulling strings from the shadows? Fritz Lang’s The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is noir meets psychological thriller, the kind of genre blend that screams Nolan. With its eerie atmosphere and mind games, this film is a precursor to the crime dramas we know and love today. You can almost hear Nolan pitching a reboot: “It’s The Dark Knight, but 1930s German Expressionism!” | © Nero-Film AG

Cropped Foreign Correspondent

Foreign Correspondent (1940)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Foreign Correspondent is espionage at its most charming and thrilling. Picture a plucky reporter stumbling into international intrigue – it’s like Tenet minus the time inversion (and with a lot more trench coats). Hitchcock’s use of suspense and visual storytelling surely inspired Nolan’s own approach to tension. And yes, the umbrella scene is as iconic as any rotating hallway. One wonders if Nolan feels the same sense of glee when crafting a “How’d they do that?” moment. | © Walter Wanger Productions

Cropped Confidential Report

Mr. Arkadin (Confidential Report) (1955)

Orson Welles’ Mr. Arkadin is like watching a magician perform a trick while never explaining how it’s done. It’s mysterious, chaotic, and gloriously Wellesian. The film follows an investigator unraveling the enigmatic life of a millionaire, and if that doesn’t scream “Nolan material,” I don’t know what does. The nonlinear storytelling and moral ambiguity are basically a precursor to the psychological puzzles Nolan loves to throw at us. And let’s be real – if Christopher Nolan doesn’t secretly dream of being as cool as Welles, I’d be shocked. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped 12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men (1957)

Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men is proof you don’t need sprawling sets or time-bending plots to create edge-of-your-seat drama. One room, twelve jurors, and a whole lot of moral wrestling – this is Nolan’s kind of storytelling. You can almost imagine Nolan leaning in, captivated by how the film dissects human psychology and group dynamics. It’s cerebral, layered, and intensely gripping, much like a certain Bat-villain interrogation scene he directed. | © Orion-Nova Productions

Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia is the cinematic equivalent of staring at a painting that somehow moves, breathes, and tells you a story about heroism, hubris, and the vastness of human ambition. The sprawling desert vistas, unforgettable score, and Peter O’Toole’s iconic performance make this film a feast for the senses. You just know Christopher Nolan is nodding along, admiring Lean’s mastery of scale and character-driven storytelling. And don’t even get us started on the editing – that match cut? Pure magic. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Topkapi

Topkapi (1964)

Jules Dassin’s Topkapi is the ultimate heist movie, blending suspense, humor, and a cast of lovable rogues with a mission. You can see the seeds of Nolan’s Inception here – the meticulous planning, the tension-filled execution, and, of course, the team dynamics. This is the kind of film that makes you cheer for criminals because, honestly, they’re just so cool. Nolan probably keeps a secret list of films like this that inspire his own thrillers, and Topkapi is no doubt near the top. | © Filmways Pictures

Cropped The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

The Battle of Algiers by Gillo Pontecorvo isn’t just a movie – it’s a cinematic gut punch. Shot with such documentary-like realism, it feels like a newsreel that got lost in time. The political tension, the moral dilemmas, and the stark depiction of urban guerrilla warfare make it a masterpiece of storytelling. Nolan must admire the way it pulls no punches in its exploration of complex themes, something he’s no stranger to. Plus, the raw energy of this film would inspire any filmmaker who loves an immersive experience. | © Igor Film

Cropped 2001 A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is like an interstellar puzzle box, and you better believe Nolan cracked it long ago. This epic exploration of humanity’s place in the universe is an undeniable influence on Nolan’s own space odyssey, Interstellar. The minimalist storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and that haunting HAL-9000 voice are all hallmarks of a filmmaker pushing the medium to its limits. Nolan surely appreciates Kubrick’s dedication to leaving the audience with questions instead of answers – because where’s the fun in easy conclusions? | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped Ryans Daughter

Ryan’s Daughter (1970)

David Lean strikes again with Ryan’s Daughter, a sweeping romantic drama set against the backdrop of Ireland’s political turmoil. It’s visually stunning, emotionally charged, and packed with characters whose choices haunt them. This is storytelling at its most human, and you can bet Nolan appreciates how Lean creates tension from personal relationships just as much as he does from action. It’s the kind of film where every lingering glance and stormy sky seems to hold a thousand secrets. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped The Spy Who Loved Me

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Lewis Gilbert’s The Spy Who Loved Me is Bond at his most stylish and playful, complete with gadgets, underwater lairs, and one of the best Bond girls of all time. It’s escapism perfected, and Nolan, a master of blending serious storytelling with blockbuster appeal, surely admires its craftsmanship. From the iconic ski jump opening to the larger-than-life villains, this film is pure cinematic fun. Plus, who wouldn’t want to take notes on how to make a submarine car look cool? | © United Artists

Cropped Star Wars

Star Wars (1977)

George Lucas’s Star Wars is the ultimate hero’s journey, blending mythology, technology, and imagination in a galaxy far, far away. It’s the kind of world-building that makes filmmakers like Nolan dream of universes yet to be created. Lightsabers, the Force, and John Williams’ iconic score – what’s not to love? Nolan probably sees Star Wars as proof that you can tell a deeply personal story while dazzling audiences with state-of-the-art effects. And admit it, who doesn’t want their own Death Star? | © Lucasfilm

Cropped Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1978)

Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind takes the concept of alien contact and turns it into something profoundly human. From the haunting five-note melody to Richard Dreyfuss sculpting mashed potatoes like his life depends on it, every moment is memorable. Nolan must appreciate the film’s ability to combine wonder and terror in equal measure – no exploding spaceships required. It’s a masterclass in building suspense and awe, something Nolan excels at in his own way. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Superman

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie is the film that made audiences believe a man could fly, and it’s no wonder Christopher Nolan cites it as a favorite. With Christopher Reeve’s pitch-perfect performance as the Man of Steel and John Williams’ iconic score, this film is the blueprint for superhero movies as we know them. Nolan, who gave us a grittier take on the genre with The Dark Knight trilogy, likely admires how Donner balances heart, humor, and spectacle. Plus, let’s not forget the groundbreaking effects – Nolan knows that technical innovation is key to telling larger-than-life stories. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Alien

Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott’s Alien is the ultimate sci-fi horror experience, a movie that makes you want to clutch your chest for all the wrong reasons. With its claustrophobic atmosphere, stunning practical effects, and one of the greatest heroines in cinematic history, it’s easy to see why Nolan loves this one. The way Scott builds tension in the silence, letting fear fester before delivering its horrifying payoff, feels like a precursor to Nolan’s own mastery of suspense. And who wouldn’t be inspired by H.R. Giger’s nightmarish alien designs? This film is a perfect blend of artistry and terror. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Bad Timing

Bad Timing (1980)

Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing is a haunting psychological drama that lives up to its title – it’s all about messy, obsessive love at its most destructive. With fractured timelines and raw performances, the film feels like an emotional puzzle, much like Nolan’s Memento. Roeg’s experimental editing style and ability to explore human darkness must resonate with Nolan’s penchant for non-linear storytelling. The movie isn’t easy to watch, but its power lies in its unflinching honesty, which is exactly the kind of storytelling Nolan admires. | © Rank Organisation

Cropped Blade Runner

Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott strikes again with Blade Runner, a sci-fi masterpiece that asks big questions about humanity, memory, and the soul. Its neo-noir aesthetic and atmospheric world-building are so iconic that they’ve influenced countless filmmakers, including Nolan. You can almost picture him taking notes on how Scott combines stunning visuals with a deeply philosophical story. And let’s not forget Rutger Hauer’s legendary “tears in rain” monologue – it’s the kind of moment Nolan loves to craft: poetic, emotional, and unforgettable. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Koyaanisqatsi

Koyaanisqatsi (1983)

Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi is an experience more than a film, blending hypnotic visuals with Philip Glass’s pulsating score to explore humanity’s impact on the world. It’s a movie without dialogue, but every frame speaks volumes – a bold artistic choice that surely appeals to Nolan’s sense of cinematic ambition. The film’s juxtaposition of nature and technology feels like a thematic cousin to Interstellar’s exploration of human progress and its costs. It’s the kind of film that invites you to think deeply, just the way Nolan likes it. | © IRE Productions

Cropped The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff (1983)

Philip Kaufman’s The Right Stuff is the definitive space exploration movie, charting the bravery and ambition of the Mercury astronauts. It’s a film that feels both epic and personal, qualities that Nolan has perfected in his own storytelling. From its rousing score to its authentic depiction of scientific achievement, you can see how it might have inspired Nolan’s Interstellar. The camaraderie, rivalry, and sheer awe of spaceflight make this a timeless celebration of human ingenuity. | © The Ladd Company

Cropped Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983)

Nagisa Oshima’s Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence is a poignant and haunting film about the emotional scars of war. With David Bowie giving one of his most restrained and affecting performances, the film explores themes of honor, culture, and forgiveness in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Its psychological depth and stark beauty feel like the kind of storytelling Nolan gravitates toward. And then there’s Ryuichi Sakamoto’s unforgettable score, which lingers in your mind like the film’s emotional weight. | © Recorded Picture Company

Cropped The Hit

The Hit (1984)

Stephen Frears’ The Hit is the kind of crime film that sneaks up on you, much like its hitmen protagonists. Starring John Hurt and a young Tim Roth, this film is equal parts existential road trip and quiet meditation on loyalty and betrayal. It’s the perfect slow-burn thriller, packed with understated performances and tension you can cut with a knife. Nolan, a master of subverting expectations, must love how Frears flips the typical crime genre on its head. The dry humor and the constant, looming threat of violence feel right up his alley. | © Castle Films

Cropped Street of Crocodiles

Street of Crocodiles (1986)

The Brothers Quay’s Street of Crocodiles is a mesmerizing stop-motion masterpiece that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. Its surreal imagery and haunting atmosphere are unlike anything else, a dreamscape that invites you to interpret it for yourself. Nolan, who’s no stranger to crafting cinematic dreams (Inception, anyone?), must appreciate the way this short film pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Every frame feels alive, full of unsettling details that linger long after the credits roll. | © Atelier Koninck

Cropped For All Mankind

For All Mankind (1989)

Al Reinert’s For All Mankind isn’t just a documentary – it’s a poetic tribute to the awe and wonder of space exploration. Using real footage from NASA’s Apollo missions, the film captures the grandeur and fragility of our place in the universe. Nolan, whose Interstellar similarly grapples with humanity’s relationship with space, must admire the emotional resonance Reinert achieves with nothing but archival footage and Brian Eno’s transcendent score. This is a film that looks outward but also deeply inward, much like Nolan’s own work. | © Apollo Associates

Cropped Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan redefined the war film genre with its unflinching portrayal of combat and the emotional toll of conflict. The opening D-Day sequence alone is a masterclass in immersive filmmaking, the kind of visceral experience Nolan likely takes notes on. The film’s exploration of sacrifice, duty, and humanity under pressure is perfectly aligned with themes Nolan frequently tackles. You can bet he’s as moved by the quieter, introspective moments as he is by the film’s harrowing battle scenes. | © DreamWorks Pictures

Cropped The Thin Red Line

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line is war as poetry, a haunting meditation on the fragility of life amidst chaos. It’s the kind of film that looks beyond the gunfire to ask big, philosophical questions about existence and humanity. Malick’s use of voiceover, lush cinematography, and dreamlike pacing creates a deeply introspective experience, one that must resonate with Nolan’s love of layered storytelling. This isn’t just a war film – it’s a spiritual journey that lingers in your mind long after it’s over. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life (2011)

Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life is less a film and more an ethereal experience. With its ambitious mix of family drama, cosmic imagery, and existential musings, it’s easy to see why Nolan is drawn to it. Malick’s exploration of life’s dualities – grace and nature, joy and sorrow – echoes Nolan’s own interest in humanity’s complexities. And let’s not forget Emmanuel Lubezki’s breathtaking cinematography, which makes every frame feel like a painting. This is storytelling at its most ambitious, something Nolan surely appreciates. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped First Man

First Man (2018)

Damien Chazelle’s First Man takes a deeply personal approach to one of history’s most monumental achievements: landing on the moon. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Neil Armstrong is introspective and restrained, capturing the quiet determination of a man reaching for the stars. Nolan must admire Chazelle’s ability to balance the epic with the intimate, much like he does in Interstellar. The film’s visceral lunar landing sequence, shot with breathtaking realism, is the kind of technical brilliance Nolan respects. | © Universal Pictures

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Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind cinematic masterpieces like Inception, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar, is celebrated for his innovative storytelling and unparalleled attention to detail. But have you ever wondered which films have shaped the mind of this modern-day auteur? As someone who has redefined contemporary cinema, Nolan often draws inspiration from classic and groundbreaking films that have left an indelible mark on the art form.

In this article, we delve into the 30 movies that Nolan holds in high regard – an eclectic mix of timeless classics, genre-defining gems, and influential works that continue to inspire filmmakers worldwide. From suspenseful thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, these films offer a window into the tastes and influences of one of the greatest directors of our time.

| © BAFTAs

Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind cinematic masterpieces like Inception, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar, is celebrated for his innovative storytelling and unparalleled attention to detail. But have you ever wondered which films have shaped the mind of this modern-day auteur? As someone who has redefined contemporary cinema, Nolan often draws inspiration from classic and groundbreaking films that have left an indelible mark on the art form.

In this article, we delve into the 30 movies that Nolan holds in high regard – an eclectic mix of timeless classics, genre-defining gems, and influential works that continue to inspire filmmakers worldwide. From suspenseful thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, these films offer a window into the tastes and influences of one of the greatest directors of our time.

| © BAFTAs

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