Oppenheimer is set to make its much awaited premiere worldwide tomorrow, and if the critics are to be believed, we can expect packed theaters through its summer screening.
First reactions to Christopher Nolan’s biopic were incredibly positive, and now that reviews are pouring in, critics are equally amazed. Oppenheimer has garnered a remarkable 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with over 160 reviews. This puts it on par with Memento, and only trails behind one of the best superhero films of all time, The Dark Knight.
Here’s a round-up of some of the best critic reviews of Oppenheimer:
- RogerEbert – 4/4
- IGN – 10/10
- ScreenCrush – 8/10
- The Guardian – 4/5
- Empire – 5/5
- Slash Film – 9.5/10
- Independent (UK) – 4/5
The development of the atomic bomb is arguably the most pivotal event in human history, shaping the world’s trajectory ever since. Its impact has deterred large-scale wars, thanks to the very real concept of mutually assured destruction. In this context, Oppenheimer can be viewed as one of the most essential films of the decade, serving as a reminder to a generation unfamiliar with the horrors of war about the perils of nuclear proliferation.
Moreover, Oppenheimer is a must-see on the big screen, as Den of Geek’s David Crow put it succinctly:
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is an immense achievement and his best movie in over a decade. It’s stunning how immersive (and accurate) the film is with its history—as it is ultimately disturbing due to its implications for our world and future. See it on the biggest screen.

Unfortunately, despite the significance of Oppenheimer, Barbie will likely steal the spotlight at the box office this weekend.
Projections indicate that Greta Gerwig’s film is poised to rake in an estimated $110 million over the three-day weekend, overshadowing Oppenheimer’s projected earnings of $50 million.