Renowned director Christopher Nolan took home his first Oscar for his critically acclaimed film, ‘Oppenheimer.’
Oppenheimer swept the box office when it was released on July 21, 2023, reeling in a whopping $82.4 million in opening weekend, winning Nolan Best Picture and Best Director during Sunday’s award show.
While this is the filmmaker’s first Oscar-winning film, he has been producing movies since 1998 when he made Following – and has made 10 more since.
We asked ChatGPT to rank his other 11 films dating back to 26 years to the ‘Following’ and 2010 film ‘Inception’ up through his his 2012 film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and his 2020 film ‘Tenet.’
Renowned director Christopher Nolan took home his first Oscar for his critically acclaimed film, ‘ Oppenheimer.’ He won Best Picture and Best Director on Sunday
The historic film starred Cillian Murphy as J Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos lab that designed and built the world’s first atomic bomb during World War II – he is often known as the ‘father of the atomic bomb’
This marks Nolan’s second Oscar nomination since he was nominated for his 2017 film Dunkirk, but is the first time he has taken home the prestigious award.
He lost out to Guillermo Del Toro for his film, The Shape of Water.
The historic film starred Cillian Murphy as J Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos lab that designed and built the world’s first atomic bomb during World War II – he is often known as the ‘father of the atomic bomb.’
It also starred Robert Downey Jr, who won best supporting actor at the 2024 Oscars.
12. Insomnia (2002)
ChatGPT chose Insomnia because of its atmospheric tension and the strong performances
Nolan’s third feature film ‘Insomnia’ premiered at the Tribeca film festival on May 3, 2002.
The film cost just $46 million to make and grossed only $20 million in its opening weekend, but brought in a total of $114 million worldwide during it’s time in theaters.
Insomnia starred Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank and focused on two Los Angeles detectives who were sent to a remote area of Alaska to investigate the murder of a local teen.
ChatGPT called Insomnia ‘a solid entry in his filmography, known for its atmospheric tension and strong performances.’
It added: ‘While not as groundbreaking as his later works, it showcases Nolan’s ability to handle complex characters and narratives.’
10. Tenet (2020)
ChatGPT chose Tenet despite it receiving mixed reviews and because of its complex plot
Tenet had a significantly higher production budget of $200 million – making it Nolan’s most expensive project, even beating out Oppenheimer which had a budget of $100 million.
The movie’s box office sales grossed a total of $58.5 million in the U.S. and brought in $363.7 million worldwide.
Featuring Twilight star Robert Pattinson alongside John David Washington and Elizabeth Debicki, Tenet takes viewers into the world of a CIA operative who is recruited to stope a Russian oligarch from starting World War III.
According to ChatGPT, it listed ‘Tenet’ in the number 10 spot for its ‘mixed reviews’ revolving around ‘its complex plot and sound mixing but is praised for its ambitious approach to time inversion and visual spectacle.’
9. Following (1998)
ChatGPT chose Following because it showcased Christopher Nolan’s early talent for storytelling
Nolan’s ‘Following’ was his debut feature film and was made with one of his smallest budgets, costing just $6,000 to make.
It is a psychological thriller that paved the way for other neo-noir films.
‘Following’ centers around a man who lives a secret life of thievery, while also telling the story of a woman who confessed to watching her psychotic boyfriend commit a crime involving theft and murder.
Nolan more than doubled his investment in ‘Following,’ which made $126,052 in the box office and pacing the way for his other box office hits like The Dark Knight and Inception.
ChatGPT described ‘Following’ as ‘a low-budget neo-noir that showcases his early talent for storytelling.’
It adds that although ‘Following’ is ‘not as polished as his later works, it lays the groundwork for the director’s narrative complexity and themes.’
8. The Prestige (2006)
ChatGPT chose The Prestige because of its intricate plot and strong performances
‘The Prestige’ premiered on October 20 with a $40 million budget and received positive reviews, garnering a total of $109 million worldwide.
The film features Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Scarlet Johansson that is a thriller set in London where two magicians are partners until their assistant dies during a show.
The pair become rivals after one uncovers the secret to teleportation.
‘Although it might not be as universally acclaimed as some of Nolan’s other works, its intricate plot and strong performances make it a notable entry in his filmography.’ – ChatGPT.
7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Although The Dark Knight Rises didn’t receive the same acclaim as The Dark Knight, ChatGPT chose it as no. five because of its satisfying conclusion
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ – the sequel to ‘The Dark Knight’ – cost a shocking $250 million to make, but Nolan was rewarded with creating the highest grossing Batman film ever, bringing in just over $1 billion at the box office.
Nolan is known for re-using actors from his other films and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is no exception featuring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Michael Caine as his butler.
‘The final installment in Nolan’s Batman trilogy, ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ is praised for its epic scale and emotional depth,’ ChatGPT reasoned for ranking this film as Nolan’s seventh best work.
‘While not reaching the same critical acclaim as its predecessor, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.’
6. Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins immersion into Bruce Wayne’s origins laid the groundwork for ChatGPT’s decision to rank it as Nolan’s fourth best film
‘Batman Begins’ premiered on June 15, 2005 and introduced Nolan’s version of the Batman genre.
With a budget of $150 million, the film grossed $373.7 million worldwide, making it an international success.
According to ChatGPT, ‘Batman Begins’ ‘successfully redefined the superhero genre’ by immersing viewers into Bruce Wayne’s origin and ‘introduces a more grounded and realistic approach to the iconic character.’
5. Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar received a no. three ranking because of its stunning visuals and ’emotional resonance’
This film explores how to ensure man’s survival after Earth has been plagued by famine, droughts, and other natural disasters.
A team of astronauts explore a wormhole at the far edges of our solar system as they search for a way to sustain human life.
Featuring A-list actors including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Timothée Chalamet, it had a production budget of $165 million but grossed a total of $701.7 million worldwide.
ChatGPT said it ranked ‘Interstellar in fifth because it ‘explores ambitious themes of space, time, and human survival.
‘The film is known for its stunning visuals, emotional resonance, and Hans Zimmer’s powerful score, even though it has been divisive among audiences for its complex narrative.’
4. Dunkirk (2017)
Dunkirk’s ‘gripping cinematic experience’ prompted ChatGPT to rank it as Nolan’s fourth greatest work
Upon its release, ‘Dunkirk’ grossed $188 million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend and brought in a total of $525 million worldwide.
This film, which focused on the evacuation from a French town during World War II earned Nolan his first ever Oscar nomination in 2017.
‘Nolan’s direction, combined with Hans Zimmer’s intense score, creates a gripping cinematic experience that emphasizes tension and survival,’ according to ChatGPT.
3. Memento (2000)
ChatGPT chose Memento as Nolan’s third best film because of its ‘engaging storytelling and psychological depth’
‘Memento’ was Nolan’s so-called breakout film that put him in the running as a future A-list director.
It follows a man who experiences short-term memory loss after his wife was raped and murdered during a horrific break-in.
Starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano, the film brought in roughly $25 million in the U.S. and $40.1 million worldwide with a budget of $9 million.
ChatGPT said ‘Memento’ earned the number three spot because it ‘stands out for its unconventional narrative structure, exploring themes of memory and identity.’
The chatbot added: ‘The film’s engaging storytelling and psychological depth marked Nolan as a director with a unique and compelling vision.’
2. Inception (2010)
ChatGPT said it ranked Inception as no. two because of its layered plot, visual prowess and layered plot
Inception was another of Nolan’s psychological thrillers that follows Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who uses methods of espionage to invade his target’s dreams to steal valuable information.
This film because the fourth highest-grossing film of 2010, bringing in $839 million worldwide after having a production budget of $160 million.
ChatGPT said this film shows off how Nolan had mastered ‘complex narratives’ and ‘innovative storytelling.’
‘The film’s exploration of dreams, layered plot, and breathtaking visuals captivated audiences and critics, solidifying Nolan’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker,’ it added.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
ChatGPT listed The Dark Knight as Nolan’s best film ever made, excluding Oppenheimer, praising it as a ‘masterpiece’ because of the intense storytelling and complex characters
The complex characters and intense story has long made ‘The Dark Knight’ one of Nolan’s most revered films, with critics saying it ‘changed the way the world saw comic-book adaptations.’
‘The Dark Knight’ starred Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger as the Joker.
Nolan’s film grossed a whopping $1 billion worldwide after having just a $185 million budget.
‘The Dark Knight’ is often regarded as Nolan’s masterpiece, thanks to its complex characters, intense storytelling, and Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker,’ ChatGPT said.
The chatbot further added that this film ‘had a profound impact on the superhero genre and is widely celebrated for its thematic depth.’
