The best Christopher Nolan movies, ranked (including Oppenheimer)

6. The Dark Knight Rises

Concluding his Dark Knight trilogy, Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises debuted in 2012 and follows Bruce Wayne living as a recluse eight years after the events of The Dark Knight. But when a new villain named Bane emerges with deadly plans for Gotham, Bruce must suit up as Batman once more to protect the city. While the movie pales in comparison to The Dark Knight, it’s still a thoroughly entertaining watch with awesome visuals and performances.

Joining Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises is Tom Hardy as Bane, Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robin John Blake. Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman also reprise their roles. Similar to its predecessors, the movie features really thrilling action sequences that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Bane is such an intimidating villain and his introduction is seamless. The pacing of the movie is strong, with building tension, drama, and emotion.

The Dark Knight Rises had a lot to live up to after the major success of The Dark Knight, and while it might not have the same level of narrative depth as its predecessor, Nolan does a fantastic job bringing the critically-acclaimed trilogy to an end. It’s a worthy conclusion that leaves viewers satisfied.