4 Christopher Nolan Films Ranked Among Top 35 Best Movies of the 21st Century by Over 200,000 People

Christopher Nolan’s star is shining brightly yet again, following a recent list compiled by The New York Times. This extensive ranking includes their top picks for the 100 greatest films from the 21st century.

Although it may seem premature to compile a ranking for an entire century’s films, the list offers a diverse blend of filmmaking styles, genres, and visionary directors, not forgetting a generous helping of Nolan’s works.

Based on reports by The New York Times, an impressive five of Christopher Nolan’s movies have made it onto a notable list, surpassing any other director in this regard. This is quite significant. Over the past 25 years, Nolan has ascended from a promising independent filmmaker with Memento to one of the world’s most influential directors, renowned for his intelligent blockbusters and intricate storytelling. His films such as The Dark Knight, Inception, and Interstellar from the early 2000s and onwards have left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema.

On the list published by The Times, “The Dark Knight” was ranked as the second-best work by Christopher Nolan, coming in at number 28. Following close behind was “Inception” at position 58, “Memento” at 62, “Oppenheimer” at 65, and “Interstellar” lower down the list at 89. Notably, other filmmakers with multiple entries included Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Paul Thomas Anderson. However, Nolan topped them all with a total of five films on the list.

As a film enthusiast myself, I can’t help but share the intrigue when it comes to the latest fan ranking that’s shaking things up. With over 200,000 votes cast by fellow movie lovers like us, four of Christopher Nolan’s masterpieces have surged significantly, finding their places comfortably within the top 35!

This fan-selected compilation encompasses “Inception,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Interstellar.” These movies have all established themselves as firm favorites of the 21st century. Interestingly, “Interstellar” managed to reach the fifth spot, while “The Dark Knight” wasn’t far behind at number six. It’s evident that Christopher Nolan’s films still resonate deeply with viewers, long after their initial releases.

Among the highly-rated films by fellow movie enthusiasts, I found titles such as “Parasite,” “No Country for Old Men,” and “There Will Be Blood” standing out. Interestingly, according to the data, it was “Parasite” that clinched the top spot. The comprehensive list also showcased appreciation for animated films, international cinema, and lesser-known indie gems like “Aftersun” and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” It’s clear that while blockbusters still hold a special place, it’s not just about the big movies anymore.

  1. Parasite
  2. Mulholland Drive
  3. No Country for Old Men
  4. There Will Be Blood
  5. Interstellar
  6. The Dark Knight
  7. Mad Max: Fury Road
  8. Spirited Away
  9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
  10. The Social Network
  11. Inglourious Basterds
  12. In the Mood for Love
  13. Everything Everywhere All at Once
  14. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  15. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
  16. La La Land
  17. Get Out
  18. Moonlight
  19. Whiplash
  20. Arrival
  21. Children of Men
  22. The Grand Budapest Hotel
  23. Oppenheimer
  24. Inception
  25. The Departed
  26. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
  27. Dune: Part Two
  28. The Royal Tenenbaums
  29. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
  30. Brokeback Mountain
  31. Before Sunset
  32. Lost in Translation
  33. Gladiator
  34. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
  35. Aftersun

By the close of the day, it’s clear that Nolan has a strong standing in both critical and fan communities. His appearance on The New York Times list five times and having four top-35 rankings chosen by the public demonstrates the true breadth of his popularity.

Regardless if it’s the emotional ride of “Interstellar” or the edge-of-your-seat experience of “Inception”, people continue to view and revisit his films. As more lists like this appear in the future, it seems almost inevitable that Nolan will remain a significant topic in movie discussions.

One viewer commented on the list, ‘Great movies linger in your memory,’ and they’ve found that Christopher Nolan’s films resonate with them strongly, even after a long time.

If this many people agree, that says a lot.

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2025-07-04 11:18