Timothée Chalamet has disclosed that his all-time favorite movie is Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, a revelation shared during an October 2025 appearance on NBA star Anthony Edwards’ YouTube channel for the inaugural Believe That Awards. Known both for his striking acting roles and discerning taste as a movie fan, Chalamet cited this film when asked about his favorite movie, highlighting its lasting impact on him.
Chalamet explained,
“I always say ‘The Dark Knight,’”
reflecting the high regard he holds for Nolan’s superhero film. He also added,
“That’s always going to be my favorite. But my favorite of the year has been ‘Heat.’ I saw ‘Heat’ late, and ‘Heat’ is a classic.”
The connection between these favorites is clear, as Michael Mann’s 1995 thriller Heat served as a significant influence on The Dark Knight, which has become a defining film in the superhero genre.
Why The Dark Knight Stands Out Among Superhero Films
The Dark Knight is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies ever made due to its profound influence on the genre and cinema at large. It was the first comic book adaptation to surpass the billion-dollar box office milestone, accomplished years before the Marvel Cinematic Universe established its dominance. The film is also notable for Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar win for his portrayal of the Joker, adding critical acclaim to its commercial success. These achievements helped elevate superhero movies from niche entertainment to respected art, paving the way for future successes in the industry.
Chalamet’s Unlikely Path Away from Superhero Roles
Despite his admiration for The Dark Knight and revealing to The New York Times that the film inspired his interest in acting, Chalamet has expressed reservations about entering the superhero genre himself. This reluctance might come as a disappointment to Warner Bros., which holds an exclusive first-look deal with him and would likely favor casting him in a DC Comics property, such as Nightwing.
Chalamet attributes part of his hesitancy to advice from Leonardo DiCaprio, his co-star in 2021’s Don’t Look Up. When asked if he had contemplated playing a superhero, Chalamet recalled,
“Well, Leonardo DiCaprio said to me, ‘No superhero movies, no hard drugs,’”
and added,
“Which I thought was very good.”
This guidance appears to have influenced his cautious stance on superhero films.
Possibility Remains for Chalamet’s Future in Superhero Cinema
Although currently hesitant, Chalamet did not completely close the door on superhero projects. He emphasized that he would consider such roles if the script and director met his standards, suggesting that quality and creative vision remain crucial factors. This leaves Warner Bros. and DC Studios the challenge of assembling the right conditions—possibly involving Christopher Nolan, whose work he deeply admires—to entice Chalamet into the superhero realm.
Given Chalamet’s stature and the enduring influence of The Dark Knight, his eventual participation in superhero cinema could signal a significant moment for the genre, potentially sparking fresh interest and new creative directions in future projects.
