Christopher Nolan

Directing

Christopher Nolan

Born 1970-07-30 · Westminster, London, England, UK

Christopher Nolan (born 30 July 1970) is a British and American filmmaker. Known for his Hollywood blockbusters with complex storytelling, Nolan is considered a leading filmmaker of the 21st century. His films have earned over $7.7 billion worldwide, making him the third-highest-grossing film director of all time. Nolan's accolades include two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two British Academy Film Awards. He was also appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019 and was knighted in 2024 for his contributions to film. Nolan developed an interest in filmmaking from a young age. After studying English literature at University College London, he made several short films before his feature film debut with Following (1998). Nolan gained international recognition with his second film, Memento (2000), and transitioned into studio filmmaking with Insomnia (2002). He became a high-profile director with The Dark Knight trilogy (2005–2012) and found further success with The Prestige (2006), Inception (2010), Interstellar (2014) and Dunkirk (2017). After the release of the critically polarising Tenet (2020), Nolan parted ways with longtime distributor Warner Bros. Pictures over their streaming release strategy and signed with Universal Pictures for the highly successful Oppenheimer (2023) and The Odyssey (2026). The former won him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. Three of Nolan's films have been inducted into the United States National Film Registry. Additionally, two of his films are among the highest-grossing films of all time. Infused with a metaphysical outlook, his works thematise epistemology, existentialism, ethics, the construction of time and the malleable nature of memory and personal identity. They feature mathematically inspired images and concepts, unconventional narrative structures, practical special effects, experimental soundscapes, large-format film photography and materialistic perspectives. His enthusiasm for the use and preservation of analogue and IMAX film cameras in cinema production, as opposed to digital, has also garnered significant attention. He has co-written several of his films with his brother, Jonathan, and runs the production company Syncopy Inc. with his wife, Emma Thomas. Nolan has also been president of the Directors Guild of America since 2025. Description above from the Wikipedia article Christopher Nolan, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Acting credits

The Odyssey: The Making of an Epic poster
6.4

Go behind the scenes of Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey. This special documentary explores the monumental undertaking of adapting Homer’s foundational saga for the big screen, charting a grueling 91-day principal photography schedule across six countries. From the revolutionary use of brand-new IMAX film technology to the massive coordination of over 5,300 custom-designed costumes, discover how a star-studded cast led by Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway brought the dangerous, timeless world of ancient Greek gods and monsters to life.

The Odyssey: The Making of an Epic

2026

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound poster
6.9

The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound

2019

Heath Ledger: A Tribute poster
8.3

On January 22, 2008, the entertainment world was rocked by news that one of its brightest young stars had unexpectedly died. This film is a commemorative special dedicated to the life and works of this complex and unique talent who died before his time.

Heath Ledger: A Tribute

2009

Ending the Knight poster
7.1

A comprehensive look into how Director Christopher Nolan and his production team made "The Dark Knight Rises" the epic conclusion to the Dark Knight legend. These cover stunts and action, production/vehicle design, various effects, photography and shooting IMAX, sets and locations, sound design and music, story/character areas, cast and performances, and some general thoughts about the series.

Ending the Knight

2012

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert poster
8.2

An extraordinary live performance of Hans Zimmer's most beloved and renowned movie soundtracks, including music from Dune, Gladiator, Interstellar, and The Lion King. Featuring conversations with creative collaborators Billie Eilish, Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Finneas, Jerry Bruckheimer, Pharrell Williams, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and more.

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert

2025

Side by Side poster
7.3

Since the invention of cinema, the standard format for recording moving images has been film. Over the past two decades, a new form of digital filmmaking has emerged, creating a groundbreaking evolution in the medium. Keanu Reeves explores the development of cinema and the impact of digital filmmaking via in-depth interviews with Hollywood masters, such as James Cameron, David Fincher, David Lynch, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Steven Soderbergh, and many more.

Side by Side

2012

These Amazing Shadows poster
7.4

Tells the history and importance of The National Film Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself.

These Amazing Shadows

2011

Interstellar: Nolan's Odyssey poster
7.8

A look behind the lens of Christopher Nolan's space epic.

Interstellar: Nolan's Odyssey

2014

Inside Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer poster
6.5

A look behind the scenes of Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" about an American scientist and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

Inside Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer

2023

Catwoman: The Feline Femme Fatale poster
8.3

A documentary about the history of Catwoman from DC.

Catwoman: The Feline Femme Fatale

2021

Cinema16: British Short Films poster
5.2

This critically acclaimed DVD contains 16 of the best classic and award winning British short films and delivers a snapshot of British cinema past and present. It includes films from Britain's most exciting new talent alongside early shorts from it's most successful filmmakers' amongst them Chris Nolan (Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins), Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien), Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies) and Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours). 01 About a Girl - Brian Percival 02 Boy & Bicycle - Ridley Scott 03 Dear Phone - Peter Greenaway 04 Doodlebug - Christopher Nolan 05 Eight - Stephen Daldry 06 Gasman - Lynne Ramsay 07 Girl Chewing Gum - John Smith 08 Home - Morag McKinnon 09 Joyride - Jim Gillespie 10 Inside Out - Tom & Charles Guard 11 Je T’aime John Wayne - Toby Macdonald 12 The Sheep Thief - Asif Kapadia 13 The Short & Curlies - Mike Leigh 14 Telling Lies - Simon Ellis 15 UK Images - Martin Parr 16 Who’s My Favourite Girl? - Adrian J. McDowall

Cinema16: British Short Films

2003

Inside 'Interstellar' poster
6.9

Cast and crew of Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" discuss project origins, the film's imagery, ambitions, incorporating IMAX footage, the human element within the film, arm shooting locations outside of Calgary, the set construction and design, working with real corn, mechanical characters, including backstory, design, the blend of practical and digital effects in bringing them to life, the differences in the characters, the human performances behind the characters, the creative process behind the film's music, Icelandic locations, vehicle interiors, the processes of simulating the absence of gravity, the crucial end-film visuals and influence and inspiration for future generations

Inside 'Interstellar'

2015

To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb poster
7.7

Explore how one man's relentless drive and invention of the atomic bomb changed the nature of war forever, led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and unleashed mass hysteria.

To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb

2023

The Science of Interstellar poster
6.9

Matthew McConaughey narrates a fascinating look at Christopher Nolan's sci-fi film, 'Interstellar', including scientific foundations, the work of consulting Scientist Kip Thorne, basic film themes, the science behind the search for planets capable of hosting life, space-time and the theory of relativity, the science of wormholes and black holes, crafting the film's visuals based on real scientific observation, the birth of the universe, the Dust Bowl and the evolution of dust as a toxin, the likelihood of future dust storms, the prospects of escaping a dying or doomed planet and the possibilities of colonizing Mars.

The Science of Interstellar

2014

Joker: Put on a Happy Face poster
8.0

Featuring interviews with filmmakers and industry legends, discover the origins and evolution of The Joker, and learn why The Clown Prince of Crime is universally hailed as the greatest comic-book supervillain of all time.

Joker: Put on a Happy Face

2020

Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot poster
6.8

Actors, crew and executives who worked at Warner Bros. Pictures recall their days at the studio.

Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot

2013

The Batmobile poster
6.8

Witness all five Batmobiles together for the first time in history. Dive deep into every aspect of the most awe-inspiring weapon in Batman’s arsenal as you journey through the birth and evolution of this technological marvel and cultural icon

The Batmobile

2012

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics poster
7.0

A look at the history of the comic book publication that launched such legendary characters as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics

2010

Gotham Uncovered: Creation of a Scene poster
7.0

Director Christopher Nolan and creative collaborators unmask the incredible detail and planning behind The Dark Knight, including stunt staging, filming in IMAX, the new Bat-Suit and Bat-Pod and other exclusive features.

Gotham Uncovered: Creation of a Scene

2008

The Director's Notebook: The Cinematic Sleight of Hand of Christopher Nolan poster
8.8

Behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of "The Prestige" (2006).

The Director's Notebook: The Cinematic Sleight of Hand of Christopher Nolan

2007

Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of The Dark Knight poster
7.5

Delve into the world of Batman and the vigilante justice that he brought to the city of Gotham. Batman is a man who, after experiencing great tragedy, devotes his life to an ideal--but what happens when one man takes on the evil underworld alone? Examine why Batman is who he is--and explore how a boy scarred by tragedy becomes a symbol of hope to everyone else.

Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of The Dark Knight

2008

Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel poster
7.2

An in-depth look of the 40 year journey, from post-war Germany to Hollywood royalty, of Hans Zimmer, the man who’s become the dominant force in the world of movie soundtracks. His film credits include The Lion King, Rain Man, Pirates of The Caribbean, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Trilogy, 12 Year A Slave, The Thin Red Line, The Da Vinci Code and Dune.

Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel

2022

The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy poster
6.9

This feature-length documentary delves into the trilogy, opening with the inspiration and vision for the new Batman films and inching its way toward the Rises finale and the culmination of nearly a decade of creative blood, sweat and tears. Candid, thoughtful and extensive, and comprised of revealing behind-the-scenes footage, countless interviews, audition tapes (with Christian Bale and Cillian Murphy doning the cape and cowl), and a narrative grip and momentum all its own, it leaves no stone unturned.

The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy

2013

No artwork available
5.3

Spielberg, Soderbergh, Stone, Friedkin, Scorsese and others tell how Kubrick's directorial style influenced them and how his unique style was developed.

Stanley Kubrick in Focus

2012

Behind the camera

The Odyssey poster
8.0

Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage, he is forced to confront the whims of gods, mythological monsters, and trials that stretch both his cunning and his humanity to the breaking point.

The Odyssey

2026

The Odyssey poster
8.0

Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage, he is forced to confront the whims of gods, mythological monsters, and trials that stretch both his cunning and his humanity to the breaking point.

The Odyssey

2026

The Odyssey poster
8.0

Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage, he is forced to confront the whims of gods, mythological monsters, and trials that stretch both his cunning and his humanity to the breaking point.

The Odyssey

2026

Interstellar poster
8.5

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

Interstellar

2014

Interstellar poster
8.5

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

Interstellar

2014

Interstellar poster
8.5

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

Interstellar

2014

The Dark Knight poster
8.5

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

The Dark Knight

2008

The Dark Knight poster
8.5

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

The Dark Knight

2008

The Dark Knight poster
8.5

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

The Dark Knight

2008

Inception poster
8.4

Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: "inception", the implantation of another person's idea into a target's subconscious.

Inception

2010

Inception poster
8.4

Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: "inception", the implantation of another person's idea into a target's subconscious.

Inception

2010

Inception poster
8.4

Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: "inception", the implantation of another person's idea into a target's subconscious.

Inception

2010

Oppenheimer poster
8.0

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Oppenheimer

2023

Oppenheimer poster
8.0

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Oppenheimer

2023

Oppenheimer poster
8.0

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Oppenheimer

2023

The Dark Knight Rises poster
7.8

Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

The Dark Knight Rises

2012

The Dark Knight Rises poster
7.8

Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

The Dark Knight Rises

2012

The Dark Knight Rises poster
7.8

Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

The Dark Knight Rises

2012

Man of Steel poster
6.7

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Man of Steel

2013

Batman Begins poster
7.7

Driven by tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the corruption that plagues his home, Gotham City. Unable to work within the system, he instead creates a new identity, a symbol of fear for the criminal underworld - The Batman.

Batman Begins

2005

Batman Begins poster
7.7

Driven by tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the corruption that plagues his home, Gotham City. Unable to work within the system, he instead creates a new identity, a symbol of fear for the criminal underworld - The Batman.

Batman Begins

2005

Memento poster
8.2

Leonard Shelby is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife's killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he's going, or why.

Memento

2000

Memento poster
8.2

Leonard Shelby is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife's killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he's going, or why.

Memento

2000

Dunkirk poster
7.5

The story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain, Canada and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk between May 26th and June 4th 1940 during World War II.

Dunkirk

2017