Christopher Nolan undoubtedly has one of the most impressive and diverse filmographies in cinematic history. The three-time Oscar nominee has directed films from a wide variety of different genres, including sci-fi adventure films (Interstellar, Inception), neo-noir/psycho/mystery thrillers (Memento, Insomnia, The Prestige), superhero flicks (The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises), and of course, his precious neo-noir crime drama, Following.

As we can see from his films, Nolan is not afraid to experiment, to think outside the box, or take big chances on what Hollywood would consider risky content, but he's certainly not the first of his kind. In this video from Fandor, you can definitely see where his inspiration comes from as he names five of his favorite films. 


Unlike directors like Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, and Terrence Malick, it's really difficult to really pin down Christopher Nolan's creative style. In other words, it's much harder to watch a film and immediately be able to say, "Yep, this is totally a Christopher Nolan film." However, his films are unique in more subtle ways, their DNA written not necessarily with visual elements, but his signature structural, narrative, and cinematic elements, all of which tend to push the boundaries of the medium.

Even a cursory glance at his list of favorite films reveals how greatly they influenced his work. The experimentation of Kubrick and Reggio, the attention to architecture, and the juxtaposition of humanity and technology, of the natural and the artificial, of peace and war all echo Nolan's creative sensibility.

  • 2001: A Space Odyssey; dir. Stanley Kubrick (1968)
  • Koyaanisqatsi; dir. Godfrey Reggio (1982)
  • The Thin Red Line; dir. Terrence Malick (1998)
  • The Spy Who Loved Me; dir. Lewis Gilbert (1977)
  • Blade Runner; dir. Ridley Scott (1982)

Which films directed by Christopher Nolan inspire you as a filmmaker? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: Fandor