Leonardo DiCaprio reveals his favorite Christopher Nolan film — and it’s not Inception

Leonardo DiCaprio surprises fans by revealing his favorite Christopher Nolan movie during an interview

Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio has revealed that his favorite film by director Christopher Nolan is not their 2010 collaboration Inception but rather Nolan’s acclaimed superhero classic, The Dark Knight. The actor made the revelation in an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, while promoting his latest film One Battle After Another alongside co-star Benicio del Toro.

When asked about their top choices for notable filmmakers, both DiCaprio and del Toro agreed almost instantly that The Dark Knight stood out as Nolan’s best work. The pick may surprise some fans, given DiCaprio’s previously reported reluctance toward the superhero genre. Actor Timothée Chalamet once shared in a British Vogue interview that DiCaprio had advised him to avoid “hard drugs and superhero movies” early in his career.

However, DiCaprio’s admiration for The Dark Knight likely stems from Nolan’s grounded and psychologically complex approach to the genre. The 2008 film redefined the boundaries of superhero storytelling through its exploration of moral ambiguity, societal decay, and heroism. Critics and audiences alike have hailed the film as one of the most sophisticated and impactful comic-book adaptations ever made.

DiCaprio’s preference highlights Nolan’s ability to blend spectacle with substance. Unlike the formula-driven blockbusters that later dominated Hollywood, The Dark Knight offered sharp commentary on justice, chaos, and modern-day ethics, anchored by Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker.

While DiCaprio has never appeared in a superhero film, his recognition of The Dark Knight underscores his appreciation for Nolan’s craftsmanship. The film’s meticulously choreographed action, practical effects, and rich thematic depth have often been cited as benchmarks within the genre.

Given DiCaprio’s history of working with auteurs such as Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Paul Thomas Anderson, his endorsement of Nolan’s most commercially successful film adds further prestige to its legacy.

The Dark Knight is currently available for streaming on HBO Max in the United States.