Instead of treading the same path as Inception and repeating its controversial storytelling approach, Christopher Nolan's $681 million movie etched its own unique identity in the sci-fi genre. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Inception remains one of the most imaginative and mind-bending sci-fi movies of all time. Although it has been over a decade since its release, Inception is still a cultural touchstone and one of the finest displays of Nolan's ability to paint complex ideas onto the box office canvas.