Five ofChristopher Nolan’s movies have made a new list of the greatest movies of the 21st century. While hisdirectorial debut inFollowingcame out in 1998, Nolan has really emerged as a filmmaker in the 2000s and cemented his iconic status over the last 25 years, with his breakoutMemento,hisDark Knighttrilogy, and his ambitious blockbusters.
Now, Nolan’s legacy as one of the greatest modern filmmakers is further cemented thanks to a new poll byThe New York Times, ranking the best movies of the last 25 years.Nolan’s work is well represented in the rankings, as he has had five movies make the list, more than any other filmmaker.
The Dark Knightranks the highest of Nolan’s movies, placing at 28. It is followed byInceptionat 58,Mementoat 62,Oppenheimerat 65, and Interstellar at 89. Other filmmakers with multiple movies on the list include Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher, each with three movies, and Paul Thomas Anderson with four. Bong Joon-ho’sParasitetopped the list.
What Christopher Nolan’s Five Highlighted Movies Mean
Nolan Is Undeniably One Of Hollywood’s Most Important Directors
Such a list of the greatest movies of the 21st century is bound to be debated endlessly, butChristopher Nolan’s representation on the list certainly highlights his influence over the last 25 years. Without a doubt, he has become one of the mostsignificant directors working in Hollywood today.
The Dark Knightwas really the movie that launched him as a director who fans put a lot of faith in. However, unlike a lot of filmmakers, he quickly proved that he was able to dip his toe into the superhero movie genre, then leave to make original movies on the same scale.Inceptionannounced his ambitious blockbuster vision.
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Oppenheimer
2023
Oppenheimerwinning Best Pictureand Best Director at the Oscars cemented that Nolan was one of the greats. However, the box office success ofOppenheimerwas almost more meaningful as Nolan’s name helped push a three-hour biopic to become one of the highest-grossing movies of that year.
However,the fact that Nolan has five movies on this list, but none higher than 28, highlights that there are some criticisms of his films. While the spectacle of his movies is undeniable, many have suggested a lack of emotional depth in his projects. It is that criticism that may have held Nolan back from making a truly revered masterpiece.
Our Take On The Ranking Of Christopher Nolan’s Movies
Some Other Christopher Nolan Movies Deserve More Praise
Many fans will be happy to seeThe Dark Knightranked as high as it is, as it is often consideredChristopher Nolan’s best movie. It certainly had a massive impact on blockbuster filmmaking over the last 25 years, and Nolan was able to take the world of Batman but create a movie that was very much his own.
Given the impactOppenheimerhad on Nolan’s career, winning multiple Oscars, and also proving his box office power, it is a little surprising to see it ranked so low. However, it is also a film that could become even more celebrated over the years. It is nice to seeMementostill acknowledged as the brilliant introduction of Nolan’s talents.
InceptionandInterstellarrepresent the ambitious sci-fi hits from Nolan’s career that helped establish his voice, withInterstellarcontinuing to rise in popularity. However, there are also some notable exclusions from Nolan’s filmography.The World War II movieDunkirkis perhaps Nolan’s best work as a director, while many considerThe Prestigethe true highlight of his career.
