The time has come: Barbenheimer, the cinematic double-feature occasion of the summer time, is right here. Greta Gerwig’s sparkly fantasy comedy-drama Barbie premiering alongside Christopher Nolan’s gravely critical biopic Oppenheimer, concerning the man answerable for the atomic bomb, has made for one of many strangest (and most enjoyable) film weekends in latest reminiscence.
Whereas audiences have little question already settled on which movie they plan on watching first, it’s value noting that technically, this isn’t the primary time one thing like this has occurred. Almost each main launch by Christopher Nolan has opened alongside a movie that’s without delay its polar reverse and its excellent counterpart. From extravagant musical dramas and fantasy adventures to anachronistic biopics and enjoyable and feisty comedies, there’s a Barbenheimer for all seasons.
We’ve pulled collectively an inventory of the oddest and most pleasant motion pictures to pair alongside a rewatch of Nolan’s greatest movies.
Moulin Rouge! and Memento
Field workplace weekend: Might 24, 2001*
Earlier than Barbenheimer, there was Memento Rouge. Whereas Nolan’s nonlinear neo-noir thriller could have been eclipsed by the bombastic maximalism of Baz Luhrmann’s musical romance drama on the field workplace, the 2 movies nonetheless dwell on within the recollections of filmgoers as exemplary breakthrough works by two of essentially the most iconic administrators working as we speak. When you’re searching for a mind-twisting, high-flying double-feature rife with psychological menace and an abundance of confetti, there’s no higher option to expertise both director than to expertise them paired collectively. —Toussaint Egan
*Each motion pictures had restricted releases within the spring earlier than wider releases in the summertime, across the similar time. Whereas it’s not technically similar weekend, we’re counting it as a result of we make the foundations.
Memento and Moulin Rouge! can be found for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Mamma Mia! and The Darkish Knight
Field workplace weekend: July 18, 2008
The granddaddy of chaotic same-week Nolan double options, tweets about The Darkish Knight and Mamma Mia! are what sparked this concept within the first place. The Darkish Knight far outperformed Mamma Mia! on the field workplace, however each earned sequels and dwell sturdy within the recollections of their respective devoted fandoms. And hey, they’re each about strained relationships with father figures… sort of. —Pete Volk
The Darkish Knight is streaming on Max, or out there for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. Mamma Mia! is streaming on Peacock, or out there for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Marie Antoinette and The Status
Field workplace weekend: Oct. 20, 2006
The Status’s essential competitors on the field workplace was Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers (The Status received out), however for a real Barbenheimer expertise, we go somewhat decrease on the field workplace charts for Sofia Coppola’s glorious Marie Antoinette. This Barbenheimer actually has all of it: an unconventional biopic, heightened aesthetics, and pure magic. —PV
The Status and Marie Antoinette can be found for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Inception
Field workplace weekend: July 15, 2010
Inception had a much more favorable opening field workplace ($836.8 million in comparison with $215.3 million) and total enjoys a much more glowing crucial legacy than Nic Cage’s Disney film The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. When you loved reality-warping weirdness led by A-listers juxtaposed with kid-friendly fantasy schlockiness, one might definitely do worse than watching these two motion pictures again to again. —TE
Inception is accessible for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is streaming on Disney Plus, or out there for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ladies Journey and Dunkirk
Field workplace weekend: July 21, 2017
One other glorious instance of Nolan Barbenheimering pairs certainly one of his greatest motion pictures with among the finest raunchy comedies lately. Each characteristic teams of individuals examined on a difficult journey. Just one options Queen Latifah making out with a lamp. It’s as much as you to determine which. —PV
Dunkirk is streaming on Netflix and Max, or out there for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. Ladies Journey is accessible for digital rental or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.