In a world where movies often feel like they’ve lost the cultural cachet they once had, Christopher Nolan’s filmography has proven to be the exception. Whatever subject he chooses to tackle seems destined to become a smash hit, and The Odyssey is no exception, with the film on track for a massive opening weekend. His movies have become true events, making him perhaps the most bankable filmmaker in Hollywood.
But what is Christopher Nolan’s best movie?
Earlier this week, we posted our definitive ranking of Christopher Nolan’s films, naming 2008’s The Dark Knight his best overall movie. However, that choice was far from unanimous, at least according to the talkbacks. Everyone has their own favorite. Some prefer the early indie spirit of Memento, while others consider the underrated The Prestige or 2014’s Interstellar to be his masterpiece. Now, it’s your chance to have your say by voting in the poll below.
Nolan’s rise to fame is perhaps the most impressive of any director since Steven Spielberg, but what’s notable is that he wasn’t an overnight success. His first movie, Following, came and went without much fuss, while Memento, despite its critical acclaim, was more of an arthouse hit than a blockbuster. Even Batman Begins was a surprisingly modest success, earning $375 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, meaning its profit margin was relatively slim.
Of course, The Dark Knight became a mega-hit, and almost all of Nolan’s movies since then have been international blockbusters. Before that film, The Prestige was a rare commercial disappointment, grossing just $53 million domestically.
With The Odyssey looking like it could approach $1 billion worldwide—although it’s still too early to tell—Nolan’s remarkable box office streak remains alive and well. He’s one of the few directors in Hollywood who likely has absolute carte blanche when choosing his next project, and it’s well deserved.
Here’s the poll: