Christopher Nolan fans can rewatch one of his most underrated movies, becauseDunkirkis now streaming on Netflix.Nolan’s best moviestend to focus on unique concepts and original stories, like the dream-sharing technology inInceptionand the inverted timeline ofMemento.However, he has shown a willingness to experiment with new genres and forms throughout his career. His Oscar success withOppenheimershows that he can adapt to new challenges while still bringing his characteristic flair to proceedings.
Nolan is one of the only directors in Hollywood who will have a big audience lined up for his movies, no matter what they are about. This has given him the freedom to push his boundaries as he pleases, because he knows that people will be along for the ride. More often than not, these experiments result in groundbreaking original movies that combine critical appeal with blockbuster commercial success. Many of his movies have a lot of rewatch value, likeThe Dark Knight, The PrestigeandInterstellar.Dunkirkrarely attracts the same level of attention as these other hits.
Dunkirk Is Now On Netflix - What It’s About
Nolan Brings A Real-Life War Story To Life
Dunkirkis based on a true storyfrom the Second World War, and it’s one that has entered the British national consciousness.The story follows the daring rescue of thousands of stranded soldiers from Dunkirk in France, as German forces were advancing on them from all sides. Nolan tracks the action from land, sea and air, as military men and ordinary civilians work together to bring the troops home.Dunkirkhas a great ensemble castto bring the Second World War story to life, including some Nolan regulars like Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy.
This story has come to represent the national spirit of unity and determination in Britain. The image of the small boats coming to the rescue is one of the great emblems of the nation during wartime, even to this day. Most of Nolan’s movies aren’t particularly British at all, butDunkirkis one obvious exception. AlthoughThe Prestigetakes place in London, it doesn’t say anything about the country in the same way thatDunkirkdoes. Nolan’s take on the events might seem patriotic, but the ending reveals a more profound and unsettling truth about war.
Dunkirk Set The Stage For Christopher Nolan To Do Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer Might Not Exist Without Dunkirk
Oppenheimerfinally saw Nolan take home the Oscar for Best Director, which underlines the impact that the film had. Of course, Nolan was already a huge name, butOppenheimerseemed to grant him access to new levels of critical acclaim. It’s possible that none of this would have been possible without Nolan first makingDunkirksix years earlier.Dunkirkwas Nolan’s first movie based on historical events, and it’s interesting to note thatOppenheimercontinued the trend of examining Second World War stories in depth.
Dunkirkhas been praised for its historical accuracyin the past. It’s not just the fact that the story sticks to the broad strokes of real history without altering or adding too much;Dunkirkalso looks the part. Nolan is famously dedicated to practical effects wherever possible, andDunkirkuses several period-appropriate boats and aircraft. Some of the ships were used during wartime, and they only had to be repainted to match those of the British Navy. This same attention to detail is part of what would later makeOppenheimerso immersive.
Nolan’s Next Movie Is An Adaptation But Not Of A True Story
The Odyssey Is Nolan’s Second Adaptation In A Row
Nolan’s adaptation ofThe Odysseyis already one of the most exciting movies of 2026. He has a keen eye for cinematic spectacle, so there aren’t many directors better placed than him to adapt Homer’s epic saga. Nolan has made a few adaptations over the years, includingThe Prestige, Insomniaand, of course, theDark Knighttrilogy.The Odysseyis a new kind of challenge, however, since it’s one of the most famous literary texts in history.DunkirkandOppenheimerprove that Nolan can make pre-existing stories feel new and vibrant, which bodes well forThe Odyssey.
