Nolan’s Bond & Fast Favorites Are Wildly Unexpected

When a director of Christopher Nolan’s caliber steps back from the screen, fans often expect taste that is equally sophisticated. Yet, when asked about his favorite cinematic franchises, Nolan revealed surprisingly heartfelt—and slightly unexpected—choices for both the suave world of James Bond and the high-octane chaos of Fast & Furious.

In a recent conversation with Josh Horowitz, Nolan offered his picks, setting expectations aside for the typical blockbuster preferences.

For the iconic spy saga, Nolan didn’t hesitate. He firmly declared that his favorite Bond film is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This choice, which featured George Lazenby as Bond, proved to be a nod to classic cinematic cool, earning a clear preference over many of the more action-packed entries in the series.

Nolan playfully suggested that anyone familiar with Nolan’s work can probably figure out why this film resonated so deeply. It was a choice rooted in classic storytelling rather than sheer spectacle.

Turning his attention to the sprawling Fast & Furious franchise, Nolan admitted he has enjoyed the series for years. While he acknowledged the original film, The Fast and the Furious, held a special status, he admitted a very soft spot for another title.

He singled out Tokyo Drift as a particular highlight of the series. This choice speaks to Nolan’s appreciation for films that offer unique character dynamics and distinct storytelling, even within a massively popular franchise.

The filmmaker also offered some insightful commentary on the nature of sequels and franchise expansion. He reflected on how the series continually grew and evolved, noting the exhilarating dynamic of the later iterations by directors like Justin Lin.

When discussing the endless pursuit of bigger sequels, Nolan offered a surprisingly candid perspective. He acknowledged that while many complain about narrative bloat, he felt the desire to make them larger was valid: “We do want them bigger. You don’t want them smaller.”

This sentiment hints at a deeper appreciation for cinematic scale. Nolan even drew a parallel between franchise growth and lessons learned from other genre films, referencing the experience of Alien 3 to suggest that successful expansion doesn’t always equate to universal happiness.