Joe Carnahan, director of the action thriller The Rip, recently shared his favorite Christopher Nolan favorite films in a detailed interview. Speaking to Collider, Carnahan highlighted two Nolan movies, Memento and Batman Begins, as his top picks, praising Nolan’s work on the Batman trilogy for its lasting impact. His comments offered insight into his admiration for Nolan’s filmmaking style, particularly emphasizing how Nolan’s earlier work set a high standard for the superhero genre.
Carnahan said,
“Memento. And then I love…listen, I don’t think there’s anything that the new Batman did that Batman Begins didn’t do much cooler, you know, 20 years ago. I love what Chris did with that trilogy is gobsmackingly good.”
He also expressed his high regard for Nolan’s latest film, Oppenheimer, revealing a personal connection to the film’s score, which inspired his work on The Rip:
“And I got to say brother, you know what? I see this is the things I’m a Nolan fan. So it’s like when I first watched Oppenheimer, I liked it. I watched it again, I thought it was great. I watched it a third time, I thought it was fabulous you know. And I use Ludwig’s score on a loop I wrote this I wrote The Rip to. I listen to that non-stop. So its tough dude, because he is such a stud.”
– Joe Carnahan, Director
The Origins of Nolan’s Breakthrough and Carnahan’s Inspirations
Memento marked Christopher Nolan’s breakthrough Hollywood project after previously working on a low-budget film with friends. The psychological thriller’s critical and commercial success propelled Nolan to the spotlight and earned him the opportunity to reboot the Batman franchise under Warner Bros. Carnahan’s respect for Nolan’s innovation is rooted in this career trajectory, which blends thoughtful storytelling with blockbuster appeal.
Aside from Nolan, Carnahan was also asked about his favorite Steven Spielberg film and cited Raiders of the Lost Ark as a defining favorite, reflecting his appreciation for influential directors shaping modern cinema.
The Rip: A Star-Studded Miami Crime Thriller
The Rip reunites longtime collaborators Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who both act in and produce the film under their production company, Artists Equity. Released on Netflix on January 16, 2026, the film draws inspiration from a true story involving an FBI agent working with Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team.
The story follows a group of Miami cops who uncover a large cash stash, resulting in growing distrust and tension as outsiders learn about the seizure, forcing characters to question loyalties. The real-life FBI agent Chris Casiano, whose discovery sparked the narrative, is reflected within the plot’s focus on law enforcement and deception.
Notable Cast Bringing the Story to Life
The film’s ensemble cast includes a wide range of talented actors, supporting the tense and urgent atmosphere of the story. Key cast members are:
- Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars
- Ben Affleck as Detective Sergeant JD Byrne
- Alex Hernandez as Officer Warwick
- Steven Yeun as Detective Mike Ro
- Teyana Taylor as Detective Numa Baptiste
- Cliff Chamberlain as Officer Junger
- Sasha Calle as Desiree Lopez
- Daisuke Tsuji as FBI Agent Logan Casiano
- Catalina Sandino Moreno as Detective Lolo Salazar
- Scott Adkins as FBI Agent Del Byrne
- Kyle Chandler as DEA Agent Mateo Nix
- Néstor Carbonell as Major Thom Vallejo
- Lina Esco as Captain Jackie Velez
- Jose Pablo Cantillo as DEA Agent Dayo Reyes
The Significance of Carnahan’s Nolan Preferences and Upcoming Movie Impact
Joe Carnahan’s naming of Memento and Batman Begins as his definitive Christopher Nolan favorite films highlights the lasting influence Nolan’s early works have had on filmmakers within the action thriller genre. Carnahan’s repeated viewings of Oppenheimer and his appreciation for Ludwig Göransson’s score showcases how Nolan’s artistry stretches beyond narrative to inspire other creators’ processes.
Meanwhile, The Rip stands as a highly-anticipated crime thriller, fueled by a true story, a stellar cast, and the creative energies of Damon, Affleck, and Carnahan. The Netflix release offers audiences a gripping, tension-filled exploration of trust and betrayal in law enforcement, primed to impact viewers with its authentic and high-stakes storyline.
