My Favourite Christopher Walken Films of All-Time

Not many actors have achieved recognition of Christopher Walken. Since the 1970’s, Walken has become an icon. Whether it’s traumatized soldiers, corrupt gangsters or divorced fathers, Walken has portrayed many strong characters. Given the number of movies that he has made in his career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. The Deer Hunter

War movies are a great genre that my grandfather always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that appreciated movies about war veterans with courage. Fascinated with WWII, he was a huge fan of movies that captured grim hardships soldiers went through. My grandfather often sought to educate my family about traumatic wars in history that caused lives of soldiers to deteriorate. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour wars holding a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the harsh realities of war causing disaster as powerfully as “The Deer Hunter”. Released in 1978, Christopher Walken’s best movie captured trauma faced by soldiers in the Vietnam War. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Walken has spent most of his career playing strong heroes that keep emotions to themselves. With “The Deer Hunter”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a traumatized war veteran. It gave the actor an opportunity to showcase range he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Walken created a Vietnam war veteran that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Nick is killed in a game of Russian Roulette causing his comrades in warfare to face despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Deer Hunter” Christopher Walken’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the war genre targeted to a small audience, it tackles relatable themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Vietnam War ended, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences captivated whose iconic films deserve to be appreciated.

2. Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino is a fantastic filmmaker that inspired my teacher years ago. Several years ago, my teacher loved movies made by Tarantino. I remember my English teacher admired the filmmaker. My teacher regarded all of Tarantino’s movies with affection, but his favourite movie by the filmmaker was always “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s masterpiece gave Christopher Walken one of his most iconic roles. In the most iconic role of his career, Walken embodies a war veteran that possesses a gold watch causing despair. Walken has always had an aptitude for delivering emotional monologues in movies, and “Pulp Fiction” showcased his strengths as an actor. Despite appearing in the movie for limited screen-time, Walken managed to leave a lasting impression. For instance, the scene in which Captain Koons passes on his gold watch to Butch causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Butch’s desire to find his gold watch that’s a prized possession, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a legendary reputation with dedication manufacturing unforgettable movies that are worthy of appreciation.

3. Catch Me if You Can

Con-artists engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that adored con-artists committing crimes causing damage. My father would always speak fondly about con-artists engaging in criminal behaviour that he grew to treasure. As someone treasuring a father that admired con-artists with a plan, I adored “Catch Me if You Can”. Released in 2002, Christopher Walken’s movie depicted the true story of con-artist Frank Abagnale. In the most mischievous role of his career, Walken embodies a divorced father struggling to care for a son that becomes a con-artist causing despair. With “Catch Me if You Can”, the actor showcased subtlety that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Walken honoured a real-life con-artist that committed crimes years ago. For instance, the scene in which Frank Abagnale Sr. has an emotional reunion with his son in a restaurant causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about con crimes which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after Frank Abagnale faced time in jail, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made timeless movies which rarely fail.

4. Batman Returns

Batman is a superhero that my brother always appreciated. I remember my brother was a huge fan of the caped crusader. He admired a superhero that shaped his identity. A comic-book nerd, he praised a superhero that made him feel heard. In 1992, Christopher Walken honoured the legendary hero with high returns in his movie “Batman Returns”. In the most villainous role of his career, Walken portrays an industrialist seeking control over a crime-ridden city facing despair. Walken has spent most of his career playing honourable heroes with likeable personalities. With “Batman Returns”, however, the actor showcased a villainous side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also amazing, Walken honoured the caped crusader. For instance, the scene in which Max Shreck attempts to murder his secretary by pushing her out the window causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Returns” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made timeless movies which audiences treasure.

5. Hairspray

Hairspray is a beloved Broadway play that my mother loves today. I remember my mother was a huge fan of a Broadway musical she grew up to treasure. She would always love singing the timeless melodies of a legendary play that shaped her identity. In 2007, Christopher Walken honoured the legendary Broadway play in his movie “Hairspray”. In the most musical role of his career, Walken portrays the father of a teenage girl that participates in a dance show causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor the rare opportunity to showcase his talent for performing melodies. Walken showcased musical talent in one of his most energetic roles that he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside John Travolta who is also amazing, Walken honoured a legendary Broadway play that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Wilbur reconciles with Edna after having an argument causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hairspray” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A breathtaking adaptation of a Broadway play, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor that has made movies which are worth celebrating today.

6. True Romance

Christopher Walken has always excelled at playing psychopathic characters. Walken has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing psychopaths with rage. Walken’s strength for playing psychopaths seeking to advance is evident in his film “True Romance”. Released in 1993, Tony Scott’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most frightening role of his career, Walken embodies a gangster that evokes fear. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his strength for playing psychopathic characters. Despite appearing in the film for limited screen-time, Walken left a lasting impression. As strong as Clarence’s desire to make romance come true, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated movie-star that thrives playing psychopathic characters making unforgettable movies which audiences value.

7. The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is a classic cartoon that changed my outlook. The animated cartoon about jungles was a pivotal part of my childhood. I grew up watching an animated cartoon that inspired me to make dreams come true.  In 2016, Christopher Walken honoured the animated cartoon about jungles with a scary look in her film “The Jungle Book”. In the most animated role of his career, Walken embodies an orangutan seeking control over a jungle facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talents for creating compelling motion-capture characters. Through his commanding voice, Walken honoured a legendary animated cartoon. As strong as Mowgli’s relationship with animals in the jungle, it’s a powerful reminder of a legendary actor that has produced remarkable movies audiences consider to be special.

8. The Dead Zone

When it comes to science-fiction books that are in a league of their own, it’s worth discussing The Dead Zone. Since its publication in 1979, Stephen King’s book has become a literary classic. In 1983, Christopher Walken celebrated the legendary book in his movie “The Dead Zone”. In the most disturbing role of his career, Walken embodies a traumatized man waking up from a coma causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing mentally unstable characters. Working alongside Brooke Adams who is also extraordinary, Walken honoured a legendary piece of science-fiction literature. As strong as Johnny’s desire to overcome his coma, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has made movies which are always worth watching in the Cinema.

9. Dune: Part Two

Few science-fiction books about dusty dune planets are as beloved as “Dune”. Since its publication in 1965, Frank Herbert’s book has become a beloved sci-fi classic. In 2024, Christopher Walken honoured the legendary science-fiction book readers value in his movie “Dune: Part Two”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Walken embodied a powerful emperor seeking to care for a planet facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing strong characters in positions of power. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also exceptional, Walken honoured a legendary science-fiction book today. A dazzling adaptation of a beloved book about dusty dune planets, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which won’t be forgotten soon.

10. Nine Lives

Christopher Walken hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies that the actor has made have been celebrated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Nine Lives” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, Barry Sonnenfeld’s comedy was a catastrophic disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Walken portrays a millionaire struggling to care for cats causing despair. Walken brought a sharp sense of humour to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Nine Lives” is a catastrophic comedy, it honoured Walken’s legacy. As strong as Tom’s transformation into a cat’s body, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that has built a lasting legacy whose memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of filmmaking that I value highly.