My Favourite Cillian Murphy Films

Not many actors in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Cillian Murphy. Since the 1990’s, Murphy has become a beloved Irish icon. Whether it’s bomb inventors, scary doctors or zombie survivors, Murphy has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be appreciated.

1. Oppenheimer

Bombings are intense incidents that shaped my personality. At an early age, my family faced trauma when we faced a grim bomb blast that caused emotional damage. In 2003, my family endured bomb blasts that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Truth be told, at the time I was only five years old. Through a sheer miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster in the world imaginable. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured impact of bombings causing lives of people to face disaster as powerfully as “Oppenheimer”. Oscar-winning blockbuster celebrated an innovator that designed bombs changing the world forever. In the greatest role of his career, Cillian Murphy embodied a historical innovator that designed an atomic bomb to prevent WWII warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Murphy has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in period dramas. With “Oppenheimer”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also outstanding, Murphy creating a historical drama that’s captivating. For instance, the sequence in which Oppenheimer is haunted by sounds of bombs as he delivers a speech to crowds causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Oppenheimer” Cillian Murphy’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message regarding trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Oppenheimer manufactured a groundbreaking bomb that changed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated actor that audiences commonly treasure.

2. Inception

Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would often love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that regarded dreams with affection, I adored “Inception”. Released in 2010, Cillian Murphy’s movie captured thieves infiltrating dreams causing catastrophe. In the most thought-provoking role of his career, Murphy portrayed a businessman that becomes involved in a dream invasion causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also outstanding, Murphy created a science-fiction movie about dreams that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Robert Fischer breaks down in tears seeing his father on his deathbed during a dream causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most science-fiction movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about dreams resonating with everyone. As powerful as Cobb’s desires to make dreams come true, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain through manufacturing movies that audiences value.

3. The Dark Knight

The Joker is a beloved villain that shaped my brother’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a brother that was a huge fan of the beloved comic-book villain. A comic-book nerd, he always spoke fondly about a villain that made him feel heard. As someone treasuring bright memories of a brother that adored the clownish villain, I appreciated “The Dark Knight”. Released in 2008, Cillian Murphy’s blockbuster honoured legacy of the Joker. In the most villainous role of his career, Murphy portrayed a terrorist seeking to commit crimes in a city facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing menacing villains that evoke terror. Working alongside Heath Ledger who is also amazing, Murphy created a comic-book villain that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Scarecrow becomes aware that Batman has invaded his parking lot causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Batman to appreciate it. It turns the caped crusader into a relatable hero that anyone can easily identify with. As strong as Batman’s desire to save Gotham, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies achieving tremendous worldwide stardom.

4. Dunkirk

The Battle of Dunkirk is a tragic war in history that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed a bond with a grandpa that recounted stories of a war causing damage. I remember my grandfather would tell me stories about a disaster that changed his life forever. He would often strive to educate my family about a war causing lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather recounting stories about the Battle of Dunkirk, I adored “Dunkirk”. Released in 2017, Cillian Murphy’s movie recreated the tragic battle in British history. In the most emotionally draining role of his career, Murphy embodies a traumatized soldier facing despair. Murphy has always excelled at portraying anxiety-ridden characters under intense pressure, and “Dunkirk” showcased his strengths as an actor. For instance, the scene in which the shivering soldier recounts stories about warfare on the boat is a highlight of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dunkirk” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most war movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about war which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of a commemorated battle in history that proved devastating, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured breathtaking movies throughout his commemorated career that are worth absolutely celebrating.

5. Batman Begins

Batman is a beloved superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that was a huge fan of the beloved superhero. A comic-book nerd, he always spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. In 2005, Cillian Murphy honoured the iconic superhero who story begins in his movie “Batman Begins”. In the most mischievous role of his career, Murphy portrayed a psychotic doctor engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing menacing villains that evoke emotions of terror. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also amazing, Murphy honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Scarecrow first meets Batman in the streets of Gotham City evoking fear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Begins” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A breathtaking beginning of a franchise about a superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies which have given audiences dreams to commonly follow.

6. 28 Days Later

Over the past decade, the zombie movie genre has faced a decline in quality. With their cartoonish characters, over-the-top action and lacklustre special effects, most zombie movies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has faced destructive disaster, it’s worth discussing “28 Days Later”. Released in 2002, Cillian Murphy’s movie did an excellent job of reviving the zombie genre from a realistic point-of-view. In the most heroic role of his career, Murphy embodies a survivor facing fear struggling to cope with a zombie apocalypse causing despair. It’s a role that gave Murphy a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing characters facing situations of terror. A dazzling depiction of a dangerous zombie disaster occurring over 28 days, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose memorable movies have always earned tremendous praise.

7. The Wind that Shakes the Barley

Ireland is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often struggled to accomplish the tough task of depicting people that are Irish. In an industry that has rarely portrayed Ireland accurately, it’s worth praising “The Wind that Shakes the Barley”. Released in 2006, Cillian Murphy’s movie did an excellent job of depicting the Irish Civil War. In the most tragic role of his career, Murphy embodies a man torn apart from his brother by a war causing despair. It’s a role that gave Murphy an opportunity to honour his home country as a native citizen that grew up in Ireland. Murphy showcased emotional vulnerability audiences in one of his first roles. An informative portrait of an intense war fought by the Irish, it’s an incredible reminder about an actor whose movies audiences commonly cherish.

8. A Quiet Place: Part Two

Few film franchises about tensions silent families face are as beloved as “A Quiet Place”. Launched in 2018, John Krasinski’s franchise achieved fame for depicting silent families on the big-screen. In 2021, Cillian Murphy was give a chance to participate in the quietly powerful sequel “A Quiet Place: Part Two”. In the most silent role of his career, Murphy embodies a survivor struggling to survive an apocalypse causing despair. Murphy has always excelled at conveying emotions through strong expressions without speaking, “A Quiet Place: Part Two” showcased his strengths as an actor. Despite minimal dialogue, Murphy conveys meaningful emotions through his expressions. A powerful portrait of families that face tensions surviving in a quiet place, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose commemorated movies audiences commonly embrace.

9. Cold Mountain

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about a mountain, it’s worth discussing Cold Mountain. Since its publication in 1997, Charles Frasier’s book has become a literary classic. In 2003, Cillian Murphy honoured the classic book about a mountain in his movie “Cold Mountain”. In the most tragic role of his career, Murphy portrayed a troubled soldier participating in intense warfare. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Jude Law who is also outstanding, Murphy honoured a book about mountains that are frightening. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about a treacherous mountain, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication towards his craft that has manufactured unforgettable movies deserving tremendous appreciation.

10. Transcendence

Cillian Murphy hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Transcendence” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Wally Pfister’s sci-fi thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a scientist investigating a dangerous virus causing despair. Murphy brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Transcendence” is a bad movie, it honoured Murphy’s strong legacy. As strong Dr. Caster’s love for science, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor with a commanding screen presence that has made unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking giving my life guidance.