Leonardo DiCaprio has disclosed his favorite Christopher Nolan film, which surprisingly is not Inception, despite him starring as the lead in that movie. Instead, DiCaprio selected The Dark Knight as his preferred Nolan work, highlighting his admiration for the acclaimed filmmaker’s broader portfolio.
DiCaprio played Dom Cobb, a unique kind of thief who infiltrates people’s dreams to steal secrets, in Nolan’s 2010 sci-fi thriller Inception. Working alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Arthur and Elliot Page’s Ariadne, Cobb’s journey intertwines corporate espionage with a haunting personal past, creating a complex and intense storyline.
In a joint interview with actor Benicio del Toro for Collider, both actors revealed their favorite Christopher Nolan movie, with DiCaprio stating:
DICAPRIO: “Dark Knight.”
DEL TORO: “Dark Knight. Yeah. Batman.”
Why Leonardo DiCaprio Prefers The Dark Knight Over Inception
Although DiCaprio starred in Inception, he named The Dark Knight as his top Nolan film. Released in 2008, The Dark Knight is part of Nolan’s Batman trilogy and stands as its most successful chapter. This DC Comics adaptation earned numerous accolades, including a posthumous Academy Award for Heath Ledger’s unforgettable portrayal of the Joker. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide and is considered one of the most successful and influential movies ever made.
Inception also achieved commercial success with over $830 million in global box office revenue and several Academy Awards. Still, DiCaprio’s performance did not receive major awards recognition, and the sci-fi plot left some audiences puzzled despite its popularity.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s body of work is widely admired, with Inception often cited as one of his standout roles alongside titles like Catch Me If You Can, Titanic, Django Unchained, and The Wolf of Wall Street. His preference for The Dark Knight illustrates his respect for Nolan’s artistry beyond his own starring role in Inception, acknowledging the cultural and cinematic impact of Nolan’s most successful project.
Reflecting on DiCaprio’s Nolan Film Choice
The selection of The Dark Knight as a favorite resonates deeply for many fans and industry observers. It marked a turning point for superhero films, elevating the genre with a darker tone and a complex villain in Heath Ledger’s Joker. Christian Bale’s performance as Batman further solidified the film’s iconic status.
Del Toro and DiCaprio’s unanimous praise for The Dark Knight may suggest DiCaprio’s possible frustration over missing award recognition for Inception. Nevertheless, Inception remains a beloved movie among fans, praised for its innovative visuals and the memorable score composed by Hans Zimmer.
