20 Films Nolan Wants You to See

Ever wondered what movies inspire a filmmaker like Christopher Nolan? In this video, we explore 20 films that Nolan personally recommends — some of which had a huge impact on his own iconic movies. From cult classics to major blockbusters, these films offer a fascinating look into the mind of one of Hollywood’s greatest directors. Be sure to stick around for the ones that inspired some of his most famous scenes!

You might also like:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more TV & movie magic.

#ChristopherNolan #DavidBowie #classicmovies #MichaelMann #QuentinTarantino

[JohnVKaravitis]

The Hit (1984)
The Hateful Eight (1985)
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Hitcher (1986)
Alien (1979)
For All Mankind (1989)
Foreign Correspondent (1940)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Metropolis (1927)
Heat (1995)
Baby Driver (2017)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
First Man (2018)

You're welcome.

[joncumber]

First Man is quite underrated. Brilliant immersive tale on the genuine terror of the entire endeavor.

[JeffreyDeCristofaro]

Lawrence of Arabia, 2001 and The Battle of Algiers are among my Top Ten Favorite Films of All Time!!!

[Sean]

Metropolis is probably the most extraordinary piece of work ever made on film, i can´t wrap my head around how people must have felt watching that film when it came out in 1927.

[Ldvcts]

I was 11 when I saw Lawrence of Arabia when it came out on a big screen. Even at that age I knew I was watching something very special. And I am an old woman now and it’s still my favorite. Saw 2001 when I was 16 on a big screen that was curved. That was also amazing. First Man I watched twice in the theatre. Such an under rated movie!! I had just graduated high school and watched with the rest of the world as this happened. I like the perspective of it being not so much about the moon landing but about Armstrong and his personal journey. Very moving. The problem I have with Nolan is how in his movies he does not know how to direct women - they are always two dimensional. And I disliked Oppenheimer. That was his time to give him an Oscar which happens so often in the movie industry. To me his best film will always be Inception. His list is all over the place - but those 3 I mentioned above I think he got right.

[KingTateGreene]

When I saw Interstellar, I felt out of my world. When the credits rolled it all hit me and I just cried until the very end of them. Impactful is an understatement.

[crystalshaw]

Heat is also one of my favorite movies of all time. Al Pacino and Robert Deniro gave such excellent performances.

[jasonwebster]

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) was the film for which Stanley Kubrick won his only Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

[ytucharliesierra]

The Hitcher with Rutger Hauer is definitely a gem.

[thomaschacko]

Two of my favourites on Mr Nolan’s list: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” I’m gratified in particular that the best Bond film is part of it.

[indigohammer]

I met him at a private screening of "Sex Lives of The Potato Men". A visual triumph which left Nolan in tears at the end.

[masudashizue]

A director's favorite films speaks volumes about his inspiration and trajectory.

[RyanFloom]

0:54 “exactly the kind of minimalist storytelling Nolan loves”

[LandyVlad_Rides]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a brilliant film.

[bogeymenproductions]

I would love for Nolan to make a fully authentic version of H.G.wells.The War of the Worlds. I think it could finally be done justice.

[paulentwistle]

I’m at my house in Milazzo Sicily at the moment and he was here about 2 weeks ago. He was looking at the Castle here as a location for his next project which is a remake of The Prisoner which starred Patrick McGoohan in the late 60’s. The original was filmed at Port Merrion in Wales.

[kengruz]

I'm delighted to see Stephen Frear's "The Hit" on Nolan's list, as this film, unknown to many, is one I am always ready to champion. It's low-key, somewhat exotic, indie-feel, crime film, alternating between its segments of tension with those that breathe. It's a cat-and-mouse game. You'll see John Hurt in a steely role unlike those he often plays. And you're never really sure how this journey that the principals are on will all play out.

[Tavat]

“The kind of minimalist storytelling that Nolan loves” and yet never ever applies to his own films.

[nmarks]

Thank you for your no-nonsense approach to making videos.

[markpayne]

Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence is an underrated film- excellent work