Cillian Murphy Movies Ranked: From Oscar-Winner Oppenheimer To 28 Days Later
Murphy's undeniable talent soon stole the spotlight, earning him many awards and a cult following, especially for his electrifying performance in "Oppenheimer."
Cillian Murphy movies ranked. (Photo Credit – IMDb/Instagram)
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The dazzling life of Cillian Murphy, the man who transformed from a rock band rebel to a silver screen sensation, with pit stops at law school and the theatre along the way. Despite initially chasing parties over passion, Murphy’s undeniable talent soon stole the spotlight, earning him many awards and a cult following, especially for his electrifying performance in “Oppenheimer.” Now, join us as we delve into Murphy’s movie magic, unveiling the top 10 films that have solidified his reign as Hollywood royalty. Grab your popcorn and brace yourself for a cinematic journey like no other!
In 1978, Stevo, Bernie, and their companions assembled with arms dealer Vernon and his associates in a Boston warehouse to purchase firearms. Tensions escalate as Stevo recognizes Harry, his assailant from a past incident, among the dealers. The situation erupts into violence, leaving Bernie and Stevo wounded and causing chaos and deception among those present. Amid the turmoil, betrayals come to light, leading to several casualties.
Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall, Patricia Clarkson, Cillian Murphy
Runtime: 71 minutes
Tomatometer: 82%
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Available on: peacock premium (US) not yet available in India
In a black comedy film set in black and white, Janet’s celebratory gathering takes a tense turn as they confront personal struggles and underlying tensions. Bill’s disclosure of his terminal illness and intention to leave Janet sends shockwaves through the group, exacerbated by Tom’s unpredictable behavior and the strain on Martha and Jinny’s relationship.
8. Red Eye (2005)
Genre: Thriller
Cast: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy
Runtime: 85 minutes
Tomatometer: 80%
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Available on: Paramount+ (US)
Rent from: Prime Video for ₹75 (India)
The story revolves around Lisa Reisert, who reluctantly boards a flight to Miami despite her fear of flying. On the plane, she encounters Jackson Rippner, who reveals his role in a plot to assassinate a Homeland Security official and uses Lisa’s father’s safety as leverage. Lisa must use wit to foil Jackson’s plans and protect her father and the official.
7. Intermission (2003)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Cast: Colin Farrell, Shirley Henderson, Cillian Murphy
Runtime: 105 minutes
Tomatometer: 74%
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Rent from: Prime video for $10.99 (US) not available in India
The film portrays the intertwining lives of Lehiff, a petty criminal; Lynch, a determined detective; Mick, a bus driver, and Deirdre, who recently separated from John, in Dublin. Their intersecting paths lead to conflicts and a chaotic kidnapping plot involving Deirdre’s new partner, Sam. As events unfold, unexpected consequences arise, including Mick’s quest for revenge against the boy responsible for a bus accident and a dangerous confrontation between Lynch and Lehiff.
Rent from: Prime Video for $ 3.99 (US), ₹199 (India)
In an urgent attempt to rescue humanity from the fading sun, the team aboard Icarus II ventures on a hazardous quest in 2057 to revive the star using a massive stellar bomb. Along the way, they stumble upon a distress signal from the ill-fated Icarus I mission, compelling them to take a risky detour to recover its payload as a contingency. Yet, this diversion presents unexpected obstacles and ethical quandaries, compelling the crew to confront their deepest fears and navigate through tough decisions that hold the key to the success of their mission and the survival of life on Earth.
5. Anthropoid (2016)
Genre: Historical Drama, War
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan, Charlotte Le Bon
Runtime: 120 minutes
Tomatometer: 66%
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Available on : Max (US) & not available in India
Against the backdrop of German-occupied Europe in December 1941, “Anthropoid” narrates the challenging mission entrusted to Slovak soldier Jozef Gabčík and Czech agent Jan Kubiš as they are dropped into their homeland. Their objective was to eliminate Reinhard Heydrich, the Reichsprotektor of German-occupied Czechoslovakia and the mastermind behind the Final Solution. In a dangerous setting characterized by betrayal, retaliation, and defiance, the agents embark on a perilous journey to achieve their crucial mission.
4. Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Ruth Negga
Runtime: 128 minutes
Tomatometer: 58%
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Available on: Prime Video (US), not available in India
The cinematic narrative spans 36 chapters, commencing in the late 1970s within the fictitious Irish town of Tyrellin. Here, Patrick Braden, brought to life by Murphy, experiences abandonment by his mother and is reared by an emotionally distant foster mother. Embracing her transgender identity, Patrick adopts the moniker Kitten, navigating through discrimination and harsh realities. Finding refuge in London, Kitten embarks on a tumultuous journey, encountering myriad obstacles, from engaging in prostitution to enduring mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement authorities.
Set in County Cork, Ireland, in 1920, “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” revolves around Damien O’Donovan, who changes his course from pursuing a medical career in London to enlist with his brother Teddy in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the War of Independence. Driven by the brutal British oppression, particularly the execution of a dear friend, Damien dedicates himself to the fight for Irish independence. As tensions escalate and loyalties are challenged, the brothers are torn apart, taking opposing stances during the Irish Civil War.
2. 28 Days Later (2002)
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston
Runtime: 113 minutes
Tomatometer: 87%
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Available on: prime video (US). Not available in India
After the onset of the “rage virus” epidemic in Great Britain, Jim wakes from a coma to find London deserted. Seeking safety, he allies with fellow survivors Selena and Mark. Together, they join cab driver Frank and his daughter Hannah on a journey to a supposed military blockade in Manchester. Upon arrival, they realize the site is abandoned, and they come across Major Henry West, whose assurances of safety mask ulterior motives.
1. Oppenheimer (2023)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon
Tomatometer: 93%
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Available on: Peacock (US) & Jio Cinema (India)
The film employs a complex narrative structure, utilizing two distinct timelines: “Fission” and “Fusion.” In “Fission”, Oppenheimer provides insight into his life during a pivotal 1954 security hearing, while “Fusion” offers Lewis Strauss’s perspective during a critical 1959 Senate confirmation hearing. Beginning in 1926, the narrative delves into Oppenheimer’s academic struggles at Cambridge University, tracing his academic trajectory, marriage, and significant involvement in the Manhattan Project during World War II. The aftermath of the Trinity test and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki profoundly impacted Oppenheimer, leading to a gradual erosion of his political influence amid escalating Cold War tensions. This erosion reached a climax with a contentious security hearing orchestrated by Strauss in 1954, followed by a revealing Senate hearing in 1959 that unveiled the underlying motives behind Oppenheimer’s downfall.
