Ranking the Protagonists of 10 Christopher Nolan Films

Christopher Nolan is known for creating some of the most memorable movie characters of the 21st century. Since his debut with the independent film Following in 1998, Nolan has risen to become a beloved and popular filmmaker of his generation. His films are known for being grand, entertaining, and thought-provoking, spanning various genres from superhero action to war epics to sci-fi masterpieces. Fans can look forward to more exciting work from Nolan in the future.

While Nolan's movies are often praised for their stunning visual effects and practicality, the foundation of his films lies in his character writing. The Dark Knight, for example, is lauded for Heath Ledger's iconic villain performance, but Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman is equally well-crafted. In his latest film Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy delivers a standout performance that has put him in the running for Best Actor. Nolan's protagonists are truly unforgettable, each contributing to the richness of his films in their own unique way.

The Young Man - Following

Jeremy Theobald

Jeremy Theobold as The Young Man in a scene from Following. - Jeremy Theobald - The Young Man - Following

While some may consider Following as Christopher Nolan's weakest film, it's important to remember that it was made on a limited budget. Despite this, the movie is still well-crafted and thought-provoking. The Young Man, who is the main character, is quite interesting, although actor Jeremy Theobald may not reach the same level as other talented actors Nolan has worked with. The protagonist in Following is well-developed, but the performance doesn't quite match up to some of Nolan's other iconic characters.

Will Dormer - Insomnia

Al Pacino

Al Pacino holding a gun in the fog in Insomnia. - Will Dormer - Insomnia

Al Pacino, a highly talented actor, worked with director Christopher Nolan on the film Insomnia in 2002. Although Pacino delivers a strong performance as expected, the movie falls short because it is the only film he didn't write. In Insomnia, Pacino's character, Will Dormer, is not as captivating as some of his other roles, and Robin Williams steals the show as the main villain. It is unexpected that in a movie known for its psychological depth, Dormer's character isn't more intriguing.

Angier - The Prestige

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman in The Prestige - Angier - The Prestige

Both Hugh Jackman's Angier and Christian Bale's Borden manage to be likable and detestable at varying points in the movie.

Tommy - Dunkirk

It's difficult to determine who the main character is in Dunkirk as the film's protagonist. Both Hugh Jackman's Angier and Christian Bale's Borden are portrayed in a way that makes them both likeable and unlikeable at different points in the movie. Although Hugh Jackman delivers an outstanding performance, the focus remains on the contrast between the two characters in the film. Dunkirk is arguably one of Hugh Jackman's best movies, as he is presented with intense, exceptional dialogue that allows him to display a dramatic range that is rarely seen in his career. While Tommy's charisma is evident, he falls short of being the most captivating protagonist in a Nolan film.

Fionn Whitehead

Fionn Whitehead looking up on a beach in Dunkirk - Tommy - Dunkirk

Leonard - Memento

Leonard from "Memento" is not your typical character-driven protagonist. In fact, viewers may not even catch his name throughout the film. However, Guy Pearce delivers a remarkable performance as Leonard, drawing the audience in with his portrayal of a man navigating a complex and memory-challenged existence. Despite limited dialogue, Pearce's acting shines through in his body language and emotional expressions, immersing viewers in the unique perspective of living with short-term memory loss. As a lesser-known actor at the time, Guy Pearce's authenticity adds depth and intrigue to the character of Leonard.

Guy Pearce

Guy Pearce holding a Polaroid in Memento - Leonard - Memento

Cobb - Inception

Cobb in Inception stands out as a captivating and intricate film protagonist. The movie is filled with depth and rewards the audience for being attentive, offering various layers to Cobb's character through unique storytelling techniques. The non-linear narrative allows Cobb to be relatable and engaging, while also raising doubts about his trustworthiness. Unlike other Christopher Nolan films, Inception revolves around the compelling character of Cobb, and it is worth acknowledging the skill of the actor, as Leonardo DiCaprio brings Cobb to life with great effectiveness.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb shockingly looks at someone off-screen in Inception - Cobb - Inception

Tenet - The Protagonist

Christopher Nolan and John David Washington teaming up for a high-budget action-packed thriller with mind-bending twists is a surefire recipe for success, and "Tenet" lives up to expectations. While Washington's Protagonist is a compelling character, the film's main draw is its intricate plot rather than its characters. The Protagonist's mysterious background adds depth to the story, but it's not Washington's most standout performance, and some of the characters in "Tenet" are weighed down by excessive explanations.

John David Washington

John David Washington as the Protagonist Looking Serious in Tenet - The Protagonist - Tenet

Interstellar is another masterpiece from Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey as Cooper. Cooper's emotional journey through space and time to save humanity is a captivating and emotional ride. McConaughey's performance adds depth and heart to the film, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Interstellar showcases Nolan's ability to blend science fiction with human emotion, creating a film that is both thought-provoking and moving.

Matthew McConaughey

Interstellar's Cooper, Murphy, Tom flying in the drone - Matthew McConaughey - Cooper - Interstellar

Matthew McConaughey's portrayal of Cooper in Interstellar is undeniably phenomenal. He brings a natural charm to the character, making him emotionally relatable, charismatic, and funny. Cooper stands out as one of Christopher Nolan's most compelling characters, thanks to McConaughey's powerful and evocative performance. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep level reflects Nolan's belief in cinema as a visceral experience with grand, existential stakes.

Batman - The Dark Knight Trilogy

Christian Bale

Christian Bale as Batman interrogating Cillian Murphy as Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow in Batman Begins. - Batman - The Dark Knight Trilogy

For many fans of movies, Christian Bale's Batman is seen as the ultimate live-action version of the character. He is the only Batman who has a full story on screen, starting from his origin and ending with his retirement or death, depending on how viewers see it. Bale's Batman is strong and intimidating when necessary, but also shows compassion and humanity. The way he portrays Bruce Wayne is outstanding, with humor and emotional depth in his performance, giving him extra points for playing a complex character.

Christian Bale's Batman, out of all Christopher Nolan's protagonists, is the one audiences have connected with the most, building a strong bond with the character.

While Heath Ledger's Joker often steals the spotlight, Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman is truly remarkable. Despite The Dark Knight Rises being considered one of the weaker Batman films, the emotional payoff is profound thanks to the complete trilogy and expertly crafted superhero character development.

Robert Oppenheimer - Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer looking at horizon mid shot - Robert Oppenheimer - Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan's latest film, Oppenheimer, is a remarkable achievement in his already successful career. The movie has received both critical acclaim and commercial success, setting it apart from typical biographical films. What makes Oppenheimer stand out is its focus on the psychological study of the titular character, elevating it beyond a traditional biopic. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer further adds to the film's brilliance, solidifying his status as a legendary talent and one of Nolan's top collaborators.

Christopher Nolan's most intriguing protagonist is Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Murphy's performance brings one of the most significant historical figures to life with depth and empathy. Oppenheimer is given thought-provoking dialogue by Nolan, but Murphy's physical acting goes beyond the screen, making it a cultural sensation. This performance is arguably the most impactful in a Nolan film and may even secure Murphy the first Best Actor Oscar in Nolan's career.

Editor's P/S:

Christopher Nolan's films have captivated audiences with their imaginative storytelling and memorable characters. The article delves into the evolution of Nolan's protagonists, showcasing their complexities and the nuances that make them unforgettable. From the brooding intensity of Christian Bale's Batman to the enigmatic charm of Leonardo DiCaprio's Cobb in "Inception," each character embodies Nolan's unique cinematic vision. The article highlights the importance of character writing in Nolan's work, demonstrating how it elevates his films beyond mere entertainment to thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experiences.

The article also provides insights into the performances of the actors who have brought these characters to life. It acknowledges the exceptional performances of Al Pacino, Hugh Jackman, and Guy Pearce, while recognizing the standout work of Cillian Murphy in "Oppenheimer." The article effectively showcases how Nolan's collaborations with talented actors have resulted in some of the most iconic and compelling characters in contemporary cinema.