5 Reasons Tenet Is Better Than Inception (& 5 Things That Miss The Mark)

Christopher Nolan has become a big name in Hollywood, and Inception has remained one of the most popular sci-fi action movies out there today. This brilliant director struck again in 2020 with his release of Tenet, and it had fans just as perplexed and entertained as his other hit films.

However, both of these are psychologically riveting movies and certainly aren’t perfect. When it comes to Christopher Nolan, many are choosing their favorite between these two sci-fi blockbusters. There are some reasons Tenet has become the best, and other reasons that prove it definitely missed the mark.

10 Better: There’s More Action

For those that are seeking a sci-fi action flick, Tenet definitely comes out on top. Inception has its moments of thrills, but there are far more moments that are slow and intellectual. Nolan’s newest flick has all kinds of action, from explosions to shoot-outs to high-speed chases.

This movie is for every action lover that’s looking for something deeper and more interesting, and this movie definitely proves that it is a peak action sci-fi flick.

9 Missed The Mark: The Script

This could come down to casting or writing or plot, but the dialogue in Tenet is far from as great and memorable as that of Inception. This movie goes deep into the technology side, but it scrapes the surface when it comes to character depth.

When fans push the plot aside and look at the dialogue and conversations of these two films, it’s clear that one is superior, and that Tenet could have used some finishing touches to make some lines more powerful.

8 Better: The Twist Is Mind-blowing

Both of these films certainly have fans thinking the entire time, and more and more is revealed as each movie progresses. However, Tenet certainly has a twist that is much more mind-blowing than its counterpart.

The reveal of who the Protagonist really is, along with scenes that collide with the past where the characters’ actions suddenly make so much sense – this flick’s twist and reveal is definitely more impressive than that of Inception.

7 Missed The Mark: It’s 100% Concept Focused

This is probably the biggest reason that fans have been leaning towards Inception over Nolan’s newest flick. Tenet is masterful in creating a unique and mind-blowing sci-fi concept, but it’s so complex that the rest of the movie takes a backseat.

From the overall story to the character development, Inception is more complete. Having such a complicated concept is intriguing and memorable, but it’s hard to balance it with other aspects that make a great film.

6 Better: There’s A Lot To The Concept

Where there are negatives, there are definitely positives. The concept may be overwhelming, but it also has so much depth and dynamics that fans could watch this movie over and over again and find new things to learn or love.

Inception has this positive, too, but not to the same degree as its counterpart. Those who loved Tenet probably hit the theater more than once, and every time was a different and invigorating experience.

5 Missed The Mark: The Emotional Connection

As far as these films go, the emotional connection of the characters isn’t exactly the highest priority. However, each still has its plotlines that are targeted towards the hearts and emotions of its audience.

In Inception, fans unravel the life of Cobb, whereas, in Tenet, there isn’t much background to get into or any existing relationships between the characters that make the emotional aspect of this film totally investing.

4 Better: A Newer Cast

It’s hard to say that Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t make every movie better, and it’s also a given that the cast of Inception might just be one of the best out there. However, Tenet offers something fresh and interesting.

John David Washington is practically a new face, and it made his character more mysterious and intriguing and was definitely perfect for the ‘protagonist’. This movie also let Elizabeth Debicki and Robert Pattinson shine in new ways and created a very entertaining experience.

3 Missed The Mark: Music & Sound Effects

Inception is brilliant at creating an atmosphere with music, sound effects, and sound editing to make viewers feel like they’re right there with the characters – and totally enthralled and in suspense.

Christopher Nolan is known for creating an immersive experience, but Tenet is guilty of jarring music and seemingly unnecessarily loud sound effects, that might even be out of place. Viewers might have missed some important dialogue – all because they couldn’t actually hear it.

2 Better: It Feels Like You’re In The Movie

Again, with all negatives come its positive, and Tenet might have a leg-up when it comes to an immersive movie experience. It’s easy to think about Inception and look at Cobb’s life from outside – where it’s hard to remove oneself from Tenet.

Its pace is quicker and its scenes more engaging, and lets viewers feel like they’re standing under a plane with the Protagonist or sitting on the boat with Kat. The pace and visuals make it more immersive.

1 Missed The Mark: It’s More Confusing

Christopher Nolan is definitely known for having complex and science-driven films, and usually, it takes a village to figure out the entire meaning of his films. While Inception is definitely, well, inception, it’s arguably easier to follow along.

For Tenet, fans might have been confused until the very end – or may have even left the theater scratching their heads. It all makes sense, but not everyone is looking for a movie that makes their head hurt from start to finish.

About The Author

Meah Peers
(631 Articles Published)

I just graduated university with Criminology & Psychology, but have a burning side passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.
I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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