The best Christopher Nolan films to watch before ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’

Christopher Nolan is not just a famous Hollywood film director; It’s a complete cinematic genre. With an innate ability to produce stunning films on the themes of sci-fi, historical drama and thriller, the 55-year-old has built his fan base over the years. He is a master of experimental filmmaking, challenging norms and conventional storytelling. The revered director delivers box office blockbusters with epic visuals, often exploring time, reality, and philosophy. Ahead of “The Odyssey”‘s release on July 17, 2026, here’s a look at the films that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest storytellers of all time.

Christopher Nolan presents the terrifying biographical drama of Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. The 2023 film depicts the raw emotions of courage and guilt, showcasing the genius who created one of the most powerful weapons and its deadly repercussions. Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, the film was hailed as the best film of the year by critics, the Academy, and many fans. The film is available for streaming on Hotstar.

The film is set in a dystopian future, where humanity is on the verge of starvation due to crop failure and resource depletion. The film revolves around astronaut Cooper, who leaves his family behind and desperately tries to find a new home with his crew. After edge-of-your-seat twists and turns, he returns home, but the massive time gap catches him by surprise. The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, and stars Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and Timothée Chalamet. Watch it online on Prime Video and Hotstar.

“What is real and what is a dream?” It becomes the lingering question in people’s minds after watching the movie. This is what everyone calls the perfect Christopher Nolan movie, where a team that infiltrates and dreams of learning secrets has to plant one to get out of the whole mess. The film asks profound questions about memories, and contains amazing concepts and action. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, and the cast includes Tom Hardy, Elliot Page, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine. ‘Inception’ is available for streaming on Prime Video and Hotstar.

The film that established Christopher Nolan as a Hollywood star. In reverse chronological order, “Memento” follows a man with a memory that resets every two minutes as he tries to find the killer who killed his wife and left him with a brain injury. He tattoos the information he perceives onto himself rather than writing it down in a notebook, ultimately questioning the reality and sense of meaning in our lives. Starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jorja Fox, and Joe Pantoliano, Memento marks the beginning of the legendary journey. The film is available for streaming on Lionsgate Play.