Top 10 Cillian Murphy Movie Performances

#10: “Breakfast on Pluto” (2005)

This film was released at a time before trans actors were more prominently cast in trans roles, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Cillian Murphy excels at conveying genuine struggle and intimate sensitivity. In “Breakfast on Pluto”, he disappears into the role of a transgender woman grappling with several complicated layers of identity. An outcast from a young age, “Kitten” Braden’s life is difficult and dangerous - and Murphy pours his heart into every unexpected emotional beat. To prepare for the role, this chameleonic actor observed women and spent time with a drag performer to get to the heart of Kitten’s character, and his commitment to the role shines through with every gesture and nuanced vocal inflection. Murphy earned an Irish Film & Television Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for his efforts, and even a few frames of the film are enough to show you why.

#9: “Red Eye” (2005)

If you love Wes Craven movies, “Red Eye” has everything you could want from a fun thriller. It also has one of the most sinister performances from Cillian Murphy. He plays a villain that traps Rachel McAdams’ hero in her airplane seat, forcing her to do his bidding. This claustrophobic film pits two talented stars against each other. Murphy in particular lights up the screen as an unpredictable force of nature. While he’s charming at the start, he gradually reveals his true nature in a dynamic role. You can tell that he’s enjoying playing such an unexpected part in a quality genre movie.

#8: “A Quiet Place Part II” (2020)

Without being able to use lots of dialogue, Cillian Murphy has to evoke most of Emmett’s emotions with his face. Luckily for this performer, he’s supremely gifted in drawing the audience in with just a look. This suspenseful film has the actor trying to stay alive and contemplating helping others. He manages to find chemistry with all of his co-stars, all while being a believable survivor of a traumatic event. The character also allows Murphy to save the day in satisfying scenes. You can read the subtext behind his eyes, making sure that even this supporting role comes off like a three-dimensional human.

#7: “Dunkirk” (2017)

As a grizzled survivor, Cillian Murphy plays an essential role in “Dunkirk.” Whether or not his character has PTSD, Murphy gives the veteran a realistic angle. It’s not a one-note part either as his decisions end up costing someone else their life. Emotions run high as the soldier reels from his experiences and contemplates his own actions during a crisis. The actor ultimately gives this material an edge that might have otherwise not been there. Anybody can pretend to be an ordinary hero, but this performer explores the humanity of a person that’s somewhat broken inside.

#6: “Sunshine” (2007)

When a team of astronauts try to reignite the sun, they run into some unforeseen complications. Cillian Murphy plays the physicist Robert Capa that tries to juggle the mission with the crew’s growing resentments. The performance finds the actor in an introspective part that’s full of deep philosophical questions. Murphy plays well opposite a stellar international cast, making every moment count in some dramatic confrontations. The tension grows as the character struggles to survive and reach his destination. With a layered story around him, the gifted performer digs deep to deliver an intriguing role that’s both intellectual and physical.

#5: “The Dark Knight” trilogy (2005-12)

When Christopher Nolan rebooted Batman, few people expected the result to be a critically-acclaimed franchise. This includes some more grounded and terrifying villains such as an inventive take on Scarecrow. Cillian Murphy becomes Dr. Jonathan Crane, sinking his teeth into the role of an evil psychopharmacologist. The creepy antagonist uses gas to give people hallucinations that prey on their worst fears. Murphy’s demeanor completely shifts while he’s in the mask, giving arguably his most devilishly-fun performance to date. The character makes appearances in both sequels in brief, but enjoyable cameos. Embracing the more terrifying aspects of the part, the actor never fails to stir up nightmares while playing Crane.

#4: “28 Days Later” (2002)

While he’d acted before this film, “28 Days Later” marked a major turning point for Cillian Murphy as a screen actor. His performance here as a man waking up from a coma manages to be both realistic and compelling. Discovering a new world ravaged by infected people, Jim comes across other survivors while trying to cope with the post-apocalyptic setting. Murphy has an everyman quality here that makes viewers feel for his character even more. While other genre movies might have schlocky acting, this zombie tale allows for the entire cast to play out scenarios as if they’re really life or death. The gritty role finds the lead performer in a star-making turn, unafraid to give audiences a more complicated hero.

#3: “Inception” (2010)

The most underrated aspect of “Inception” might very well be Cillian Murphy’s performance as Robert Fischer Jr. He has to play a wealthy businessman that’s being duped by some sophisticated thieves. It’s an integral role that captures all the fears, hopes, and faults of an imperfect man. Having a bad relationship with his dying father, Fischer finally has to confront his fears in a climactic scene. Murphy steals the show in the moment when his character finally breaks down. In a film full of incredible action, this somber scene feels like a dramatic high-point thanks to this key supporting work.

#2: “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” (2006)

Set in 1920s Ireland, this award-winning drama follows the lives of the O’Donovan brothers through a tumultuous time in Irish history. Cillian Murphy plays one of them named Damien who sees the horrors of UK occupation. Becoming a revolutionary, the actor gives an authentic and emotionally-devastating performance. The Irish Civil War eventually tears the siblings apart as they find themselves on opposite sides. Murphy has the ability to draw you into the historical conflict and keep you on the edge of your seat. His brave character makes many sacrifices along the way, giving audiences more than a few reasons to cry. It’s an underseen film that won’t disappoint the star’s fans.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Free Fire” (2016)
Cillian Easily Becomes the IRA Man Chris in a Rare Comedic Role

“Disco Pigs” (2001)
Murphy Plays One-Half of a Powerful & Toxic Relationship in This Coming-of-Age Film

“On the Edge” (2001)
A Young Cillian Tackles Love, Mental Health & “Other Activities” with Friends & Fellow Patients in This Indie Dramedy

#1: “Oppenheimer” (2023)

In his most successful film to date, Cillian Murphy takes center stage in a true epic. The actor delivers an incredibly nuanced, tragic, and haunting performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Spanning many years in the life of the scientist, Murphy finds a way to accurately portray the man’s inner and outer conflicts. Some of his most powerful scenes find the performer stealing the spotlight with a quiet gesture or a stare. Even in a large cast of talented artists, the star stands out with a complex exploration of a troubled man. Director Christopher Nolan made a perfect casting choice here and allowed his frequent collaborator to shine in a career-defining role.

Did we forget another standout Murphy performance? Let us know in the comments below.