Leonardo DiCaprio's Favorite Nolan Film Will Surprise You (It's Not Inception)

Forget Inception; Leo's top Christopher Nolan movie takes us to Gotham, sparking questions about his famous "no superhero movies" rule.

TL;DR

• Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro both named The Dark Knight as their favorite Christopher Nolan film.
• This choice is surprising given DiCaprio's known advice to Timothée Chalamet to avoid superhero roles.
• The preference likely stems from The Dark Knight's unique artistic ambition and grounded approach to the genre.

Imagine sitting across from Leonardo Dicaprio, asking him to pick his all-time favorite Christopher Nolan film. Most might expect him to humbly name Inception, the mind-bending blockbuster he headlined. After all, it was a huge success for both him and Nolan, earning Oscar nominations and cementing Nolan's status as a blockbuster filmmaker with original ideas.

But when the question came from Collider's Steve Weintraub, DiCaprio didn't hesitate. His answer, blurted out almost in sync with his One Battle After Another co-star Benicio del Toro, was a resounding, "The Dark Knight." This wasn't a choice he mulled over; it was an instant classic for him.

Unpacking Leonardo DiCaprio's Unexpected Choice for Nolan's Best Work

This choice might raise a few eyebrows, especially for those familiar with DiCaprio's career philosophy. He's built a formidable reputation for tackling complex, character-driven roles, often steering clear of big studio franchises and the superhero genre specifically. In fact, a famous piece of advice he gave to his Don't Look Up co-star, Timothée Chalamet, was pretty blunt: "no hard drugs and no superhero Movies." (Source: British Vogue, as referenced by multiple articles like FandomWire and ComicBook.com). Chalamet even admitted, "I follow them both!"

So, what gives? Is Leo secretly a caped crusader fanboy? Not quite. The more likely explanation lies in how Christopher Nolan approached The Dark Knight. Back in 2008, Nolan redefined the superhero genre, infusing it with dark analyses of society, profound questions about what heroism truly means in a modern world, and intensely grounded action sequences.

This was a stark contrast to the burgeoning Marvel universe, which by 2018 (when DiCaprio gave his advice to Chalamet) was dominating with a more formulaic, often studio-driven approach. DiCaprio's warning to Chalamet wasn't necessarily against the genre itself, but rather against the tendency for superhero films to become less about artistic ambition and more about commercial formulas. The Dark Knight stands out as an outlier, a film that earned critical acclaim and fan respect by pushing boundaries, not just ticking boxes.

Examining the Artistic Merits That Elevate The Dark Knight

It's tough to definitively declare any single Christopher Nolan film his "best" when you consider masterpieces like Oppenheimer, Memento, or Interstellar. However, The Dark Knight certainly has strong merit as a top contender, and DiCaprio's choice isn't without significant justification. One key aspect that sets it apart, as noted by sources like Collider, is its action sequences. Nolan managed to find a sweet spot between grounded combat and grand spectacle, making it arguably the best action work he's ever done.

The fight scenes, starring Christian Bale's Batman, are notably improved over Batman Begins. Nolan opted for brighter environments and higher contrast — think the neon-lit car park and the Joker's daytime bank heist — making the action far clearer and easier to follow than the overly dark Gotham streets of its predecessor. Compared to The Dark Knight Rises, the choreography feels more fluid, with Batman's updated cowl even allowing him to turn his head – a subtle but impactful improvement for a character known for stiff movements.

The film's action is also far more "digestible" than some of Nolan's other complex works like Inception or Tenet, which famously mess with time and physics. While still epic — like the timed extraction of Lau or the multi-story hostage rescue in the climax — The Dark Knight keeps its momentum and stakes linear. This directness, without over-complicating things for the audience, likely resonated strongly with Leonardo DiCaprio, who appreciated the clear, impactful storytelling.

"No superhero movies, no hard drugs."

— Leonardo DiCaprio's advice to Timothée Chalamet (Source: British Vogue)

The Hilarious Irony: DiCaprio's Nearly Villainous Turn in the DC Universe

The irony of DiCaprio's "no superhero movies" stance becomes even more amusing when you learn he almost stepped into the DC universe as a villain! Director Zack Snyder revealed during a Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver promo chat that he once met with DiCaprio to discuss the role of Lex Luthor. Yes, the bald-headed nemesis of Superman, known for outsmarting the Man of Steel.

Snyder recalled DiCaprio having "a lot of great ideas" and being "really smart about the material," appearing genuinely intrigued by the concept. (Source: Screen Rant, via FandomWire). However, DiCaprio ultimately pulled away from the role, which eventually went to Jesse Eisenberg. While it would have been fascinating to see his intense, dramatic take on the iconic supervillain alongside Ben Affleck's Batman, DiCaprio's decision kept his "no cape" rule firmly intact.

He clearly prefers to enjoy these worlds from the audience, appreciating films like The Dark Knight for their artistic merit without having to wear the cowl, or in this case, a bald cap, himself. It's a testament to his commitment to his chosen path.

Example: Imagine a young, promising actor, fresh off indie success, gets a call for a massive superhero franchise. They might be tempted by the fame and financial security. But then, they recall DiCaprio's advice, considering whether the role offers genuine artistic challenge or if it's merely a cog in a larger, studio-driven machine designed for mass appeal rather than profound storytelling. This personal deliberation mirrors the thoughtful choice DiCaprio himself advocates for.

Beyond Batman: Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro's Other Revered Directors

The Collider interview wasn't just about Christopher Nolan. Weintraub also prompted DiCaprio and del Toro for their favorite films by other legendary directors, revealing more about their cinematic tastes. For Steven Spielberg, DiCaprio quickly settled on the classic shark thriller Jaws, while del Toro went with the heartwarming alien tale E.T. These choices were described as fairly predictable, yet beloved.

When it came to Stanley Kubrick, both actors readily agreed on the monumental science fiction epic 2001: A Space Odyssey. However, DiCaprio confessed it was "tough" to choose, name-dropping The Shining, Barry Lyndon, Clockwork Orange, and Spartacus as other strong contenders that made the decision so difficult. This highlights the depth of their appreciation for film history and directorial vision.

DiCaprio even shared a cool anecdote about Nolan's own admiration for Kubrick. Apparently, Nolan once secured an original print of 2001: A Space Odyssey with its original soundtrack and screened it for several people, including DiCaprio, a few years back. (Source: ComicBook.com). This little detail underscores the deep respect these filmmakers share for cinema history and craft, further illuminating why a film like The Dark Knight, which pushes boundaries, would earn their highest praise.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan himself is busy crafting his next epic, The Odyssey, a big-budget adaptation of Homer's classic. Set to release on July 17, 2026, it already boasts an impressive cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson. Tom Holland has already teased that filming under Nolan was the "best experience" he's had on a film set, promising a movie "unlike anything we've ever seen." (Source: GQ via GamesRadar+). It seems Nolan continues to challenge expectations, whether in or out of a superhero costume.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Dark Knight and DiCaprio's Picks

• What is Leonardo DiCaprio's favorite Christopher Nolan film? He and Benicio del Toro both stated their favorite Christopher Nolan film is The Dark Knight.
• What is the runtime of The Dark Knight? The Dark Knight has a runtime of 152 minutes.
• Where can I stream The Dark Knight in the U.S.? The Dark Knight is available to stream on HBO Max in the U.S.
• When was The Dark Knight originally released? The Dark Knight premiered on July 16, 2008.

Practical Takeaways for Film Fans and Aspiring Actors

• DiCaprio’s choice of The Dark Knight highlights the film’s lasting impact as an artistically ambitious, genre-defining masterpiece that stands apart from typical superhero fare.
• His "no superhero movies" advice seems less about disliking the genre and more about prioritizing creative integrity and unique storytelling over potentially formulaic blockbusters.
• Nolan's ability to ground grand action and complex themes in a clear, compelling narrative is a major draw for discerning actors and filmmakers, even those outside his usual circle.
• Even A-list actors like DiCaprio have strong, well-reasoned opinions on cinematic excellence that often extend beyond their own collaborations, appreciating craft wherever it appears.
• The conversation reveals a deep respect among top talents for directorial vision and film history, inspiring fresh perspectives on beloved classics.

Sources

• Collider: "Leonardo DiCaprio's Favorite Christopher Nolan Film is a Superhero Movie"
• ComicBook.com: "Leonardo DiCaprio Is Right About Nolan’s Best Movie"
• Evolve Media: "Leonardo DiCaprio names 'The Dark Knight' his favorite Nolan film; fans recall his 'no superhero movies' advice to Timothée Chalamet"
• FandomWire: "Leonardo DiCaprio’s Golden Rule for His Career Is 'No Superhero Movies'"
• GamesRadar+: "Leonardo DiCaprio’s favorite Christopher Nolan film isn’t Inception"
• Screen Rant (via FandomWire): "Zack Snyder Says Leonardo DiCaprio Was Considered For Lex Luthor In The DCEU"
• British Vogue (referenced by multiple articles for Timothée Chalamet quote)
• GQ (referenced by GamesRadar+ for Tom Holland quote)