The Best Cillian Murphy Movies

Ranker Film
Updated August 1, 2023 1.8K votes 424 voters 21.1K views
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Cillian Murphy Movies
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List of the best Cillian Murphy movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Cillian Murphy's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Cillian Murphy movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Cillian Murphy movies will be at the top of the list. Cillian Murphy has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Cillian Murphy movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Cillian Murphy films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Cillian Murphy role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Cillian Murphy performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

List features films like Retreat, The Wind That Shakes the Barley and more!

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Cillian Murphy movies?" and "What are the greatest Cillian Murphy roles of all time?"
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  • On the Edge
    1

    On the Edge

    Cillian Murphy, Tricia Vessey, Jonathan Jackson
    54 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: John Carney
    When a young man suffering from depression after the death of his father is committed to a mental institution, it seems like the last straw for him. However, with time he finds new hope, new friends, and a new love interest. "On the Edge" is an intense drama from Irish director John Carney.
  • The Wind That Shakes the Barley
    2

    The Wind That Shakes the Barley

    Cillian Murphy, Padraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham
    72 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Ken Loach
    In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan (Cillian Murphy) prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.

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  • Red Eye
    3

    Red Eye

    Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox
    92 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Wes Craven
    In the wake of her grandmother's funeral, hotel manager Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) is waiting to fly back home when she meets charming Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy) at check-in. She thinks it luck that they're seated together on the plane, but soon learns otherwise. Jackson hopes to assassinate the head of Homeland Security, but to do so, he needs Lisa to reassign the official's room number at her hotel. As insurance, Jackson has kidnapped Lisa's father (Brian Cox).

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  • Sunshine
    4

    Sunshine

    Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Rose Byrne
    59 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Danny Boyle
    In the sci-fi thriller Sunshine, physicist Robert Capa (Cillian Murphy) and his diverse team of astronauts embark on a daring mission to reignite the dying sun. Set in 2057, this gripping narrative follows their perilous journey aboard spaceship Icarus II. Driven by an urgent need to save Earth from an eternal winter, the crew, including the stoic Mace (Chris Evans), faces unimaginable challenges that test their resolve and unity. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film is a compelling exploration of survival and sacrifice against a backdrop of cosmic terror.

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  • Batman Begins
    5

    Batman Begins

    Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
    74 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
    In Batman Begins, we follow the journey of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), a billionaire playboy tormented by his past. After years of training with his mentor, Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), in the League of Shadows, he returns to Gotham City, determined to eradicate crime and corruption. The emergence of the sinister Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) challenges him to embrace his newfound persona - Batman. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film offers a gritty reboot of the iconic superhero franchise, delving deep into Batman's origins and his struggle against Gotham's underbelly. It triumphed at the 2006 Academy Awards for Best Cinematography.

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  • 28 Days Later
    6

    28 Days Later

    Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
    101 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Danny Boyle
    In the suspenseful thriller 28 Days Later, London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He finds the city eerily deserted, save for infected humans ravaged by a mysterious virus. Meeting a small group of survivors, including the stalwart Selena (Naomie Harris), they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape, clinging to hope. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film masterfully combines elements of horror and drama, presenting a chilling scenario of societal collapse due to a relentless pandemic. Its raw depiction of survival amidst chaos earned critical acclaim and notable box-office success.

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