Steven Spielberg Reveals His Favorite Christopher Nolan Movie Is ‘Memento’

Steven Spielberg has finally put an end to a long-standing debate among fans by naming his all-time favorite Christopher Nolan film, and surprisingly, it’s not ‘Oppenheimer’ or ‘Inception’.

During a discussion about crafting the impressive four-minute oner for ‘Disclosure Day’, Spielberg was asked if he had a favorite Nolan movie, and he answered without hesitation.

Without a moment’s pause, Spielberg declared that his choice would be 2000’s ‘Memento’, one of Nolan’s earliest films. He emphasized the significance of the film to him, stating it will always be his favorite movie made by Nolan, calling it a forever favorite.

Emily Blunt, who was present during the conversation, was asked the same question and provided a contrasting answer. Blunt mentioned that she couldn’t choose ‘Oppenheimer’ due to her role in the film, so she opted for ‘The Dark Knight’ as her favorite Nolan project.

For dedicated cinephiles, Spielberg’s choice carries significant weight. ‘Memento’ received widespread critical acclaim, boasting a 93 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it earned Nolan his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

The film transformed a modest budget of $9 million into over $40 million at the box office, a success that helped establish Nolan as a prominent filmmaker and paved the way for larger projects, including the Batman franchise that followed.

This exchange occurred while Spielberg and Blunt were promoting ‘Disclosure Day’, the director’s new sci-fi thriller that marks his return to the alien genre after a long hiatus. The film also features Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo, and it was released theatrically in the United States on June 12. Coincidentally, Nolan’s upcoming film, ‘The Odyssey’, is set to hit theaters on July 17 next month.

It’s a delightful coincidence that two filmmakers often regarded as some of the greatest directors of their generation are now publicly praising each other’s work.

Spielberg’s specific mention of ‘Memento’ is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the lasting impact that Nolan’s early, low-budget mind-bender has had on one of cinema’s most influential figures, even decades after its release and long before Nolan became known for his blockbuster epics.

Fans on social media have quickly picked up on this exchange, noting how rare it is to receive such a direct and unprompted ranking from a legendary figure like Spielberg. Given that ‘Memento’ was inspired by a short story written by Nolan’s brother Jonathan and starred Guy Pearce in the lead role, the film’s enduring legacy continues to grow even twenty-five years after its initial release, proving that sometimes the smallest projects leave the biggest impressions.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!