9 Christopher Nolan Movies to Stream Before Seeing “The Odyssey”
Get ready for the mythical action film with these must-watch Nolan titles.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Whether you've already secured tickets for The Odyssey or you're planning to see it in the weeks after its July 17 release, there's no better time to revisit the work of Christopher Nolan. The acclaimed British-American filmmaker has built one of the most celebrated filmographies of the past two decades, from his groundbreaking Dark Knight trilogy to the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer.
His latest project, The Odyssey, brings Homer's legendary epic to the big screen as a sweeping action-fantasy adventure. Following Odysseus' perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, the film features encounters with iconic figures from Greek mythology, including the Sirens and the Cyclops. Before (or after) watching stars Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Elliot Page, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway bring the story to life, revisit these nine essential Christopher Nolan films that showcase the visionary director at his best.
You may remember the title Oppenheimer, which came out in 2023 and runs approximately three hours. The thriller is set during World War II, focusing on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s work, who’s played by Cillian Murphy, in the coveted Manhattan Project. The story follows a team of scientists who develop the atomic bomb, leading to the world’s first nuclear explosion.
Interstellar
Interstellar
This 2014 film won 44 awards and received 146 nominations across the industry. The premise is that a NASA physicist, Professor Brand, is set on a mission to save mankind, by hauling those living on Earth into a new home through a wormhole. Former NASA pilot, played by Matthew McConaughey, is essentially sent via the wormhole to check out which galaxy is safe enough for the population to live on.
This Nolan flick also takes place in World War II, but instead tells the story of allied troops on the shore of Dunkirk in Northern France. The movie depicts the evacuation of British, Belgian, and Dutch soldiers in 1940. And yes, Harry Styles’ fans should know that he stars in the film, which may be reason enough to give it a go.
Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, may have the potential to mess with your head — literally. DiCaprio’s character, Dom Cobb, is able to penetrate people’s dreams and steal secrets from their subconscious, making him a highly sought-after weapon in the corporate world. It’s the perfect mix of science fiction and action.
The Prestige
The Prestige
Like most Nolan movies, there are many big names in this 2006 project, such as Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Scarlett Johansson. The period thriller tells the story of two rival magicians after the untimely death of an assistant in the middle of a show. The film explores one of the most extreme magic tricks: teleportation.
This 2002 title follows a veteran police detective, who you may recognize as Al Pacino, investigating the murder of a teenage girl in Alaska. The primary suspect, played by Robin Williams, takes the audience through a psychological game that touches upon themes of moral ambiguity and guilt.
The first of the three Batman films debuted in 2005, with actor Christian Bale playing the DC Comics character Batman. The superhero film follows a young Bruce Wayne who’s training to fight in order to stop injustice, with the intention of improving Gotham City.
The second film of the trilogy came out in 2008, with Heath Ledger as the Joker. The villain’s appearance is followed by chaos, tapping into the genre of a psychological crime thriller. Batman is forced to make impossible choices that may result in an anguished ending.
The Dark Knight Rises
The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is driven out of his self-imposed retirement to stop a ruthless terrorist named Bane (Tom Hardy) and a scrappy cat burglar (also known as Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway), from taking over Gotham City. Bruce then continues his training to work against Bane as he tries to stop his destructive master plan.
Olivia is a writer and content creator interested in food, beauty, entertainment, and fashion with a B.A. in Communications and Political Science. When Olivia isn’t typing away or reading Barnes & Noble’s latest psychological thriller, she can be found lying on the beach, binge-watching One Tree Hill, or sitting on a flight headed to her next travel destination.
Meet the Cast of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan
Get to Know New ‘Moana’ Star Catherine Laga’aia
What’s True and False About ‘Hamnet’?
