Leonardo DiCaprio names ‘The Dark Knight’ his favorite Nolan film; fans recall his ‘no superhero movies’ advice to Timothée Chalamet
Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his roles in films like Titanic, The Revenant, and Inception, recently revealed his favourite Christopher Nolan movie, and it is not the one he starred in. In a conversation with Collider, DiCaprio named his top pick as The Dark Knight, not Inception.
Leonardo DiCaprio reveals his favourite Nolan film
This has shocked his fans not only because DiCaprio played the lead in Nolan’s Inception, which is one of the director’s most acclaimed movies but also because of the ‘no superhero movies’ advice he gave to Timothée Chalamet. The actor, who recently appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another shared his choice during a chat with fellow actor Benicio del Toro. Interestingly, del Toro also named The Dark Knight as his favourite Nolan film.
( Image credit : X/@ddofcinemaa | Leonardo DiCaprio’s favorite Christopher Nolan film is not Inception )
Why did DiCaprio pick The Dark Knight?
DiCaprio didn’t elaborate on the reason why The Dark Knight tops his list, but fans speculate that it could be because of its lasting impact on cinema or maybe because of Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker. The 2008 film indeed redefined the way audiences perceived superhero movies and earned both critical acclaim as well as major cultural legacy.
( Image credit : X/NolanAnalyst | Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight )
When asked about his favourite films by directors Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick, DiCaprio’s choices were as expected E.T., Jaws, and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Fans still wonder ‘But I thought he didn’t like superhero movies’
Fans were quick to comment on DiCaprio’s choice and they correctly pointed out the irony. One user wrote on X, “But I thought he didn’t like superhero movies,” while user reminded, “Didn’t he tell Timothée Chalamet ‘no drugs and no comic book movies’?”
Others defended his pick and said, “He is not wrong. The Dark Knight changed not only comic book movies but cinema in general forever.”
DiCaprio’s advice to Timothée Chalamet
Leonardo DiCaprio, in 2024, had advised Timothée Chalamet, “No superhero movies, no hard drugs”. His remark was highly discussed back then especially in Hollywood circles. The advice reflects DiCaprio’s own career path as he has also avoided comic book roles to focus on complex and character-driven films.
( Image credit : X/chasingchalamet | Leonardo DiCaprio’s no superhero movies advice to Timothée Chalamet )
He was reportedly offered roles like Robin in Batman Forever and even Spider-Man. But he turned them down saying he didn’t feel ready or interested in such projects.
DiCaprio’s stance appears to be less about dismissing the superhero genre and more about prioritising artistic integrity, creative storytelling, and staying away from the pitfalls of fame. Do you agree?
