Before Christopher Nolan became a household name with his cinematic masterpieces, he directed “Following,” a film that grossed less than $1 million at the box office.
Released in 1998, it’s often overlooked compared to his later works. With a budget of just $6,000, “Following” was Nolan’s debut feature, made with a close group of friends and a deep passion for filmmaking. Despite its limited release in only two theaters in the U.S., it achieved a modest success, earning nearly $250,000 worldwide.
Nolan’s journey from “Following” to directing high-grossing films is remarkable. “Memento” (2000), another early work, earned over $39 million, showcasing Nolan’s growing prowess. His big breakthrough came with “Batman Begins” (2005), the first of the Dark Knight trilogy, which raked in over $373 million worldwide. The sequel, “The Dark Knight” (2008), was a massive hit, grossing over $1 billion, further cementing Nolan’s status in Hollywood.
“Interstellar” (2014) and “Inception” (2010), two of Nolan’s most ambitious projects, also achieved great financial success, with “Inception” grossing over $830 million and “Interstellar” over $677 million globally. His latest work, “Oppenheimer” (2023), managed to earn over $950 million worldwide.
Comparing these figures with the humble earnings of “Following,” Nolan’s growth as a filmmaker is evident. From a modest indie film to billion-dollar blockbusters, Nolan’s career trajectory showcases his evolution in the industry, marking him as one of the most influential directors of our time.
Check out: Milo Ventimiglia Got Rejected For a Batman Role Because He Was ‘Too Old’ for Warner Bros
