Cillian Murphy’s Movie Picks Revealed—You Won’t Believe His No. 1 Obsession

Cillian Murphy, the Irish actor whose career spans an impressive range of films, is known for his intense performances and eclectic taste in cinema. From his breakout roles in films like 28 Days Later and Red Eye to his iconic collaborations with director Christopher Nolan, Murphy has established himself as one of the most sought-after stars of his generation. His filmography includes standout roles in The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk, and more recently, the biopic Oppenheimer, which has garnered him widespread acclaim.

But what does an actor with such a diverse and celebrated career hold dear in terms of cinema? In a feature with TimeOut, Murphy revealed his ten favorite films of all time, giving us a rare and intimate insight into the films that have shaped his own approach to acting and storytelling. These choices speak volumes about his appreciation for character-driven narratives, genre-defying storytelling, and films that challenge conventions.

Among the most notable selections in Murphy’s list are two films by the legendary American director Hal Ashby. The first is the 1971 black comedy Harold and Maude, a quirky yet profound story about the unlikely relationship between a death-obsessed young man and a free-spirited elderly woman. The other Ashby film is Being There (1979), a dark satire based on Jerzy Kosinski’s novel. The story follows Chance, a simple-minded gardener who, through a series of odd circumstances, finds himself becoming a media sensation, offering a sharp critique of politics and fame.

Murphy also has a clear fondness for the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) makes an appearance, the iconic horror film based on Stephen King’s novel, a masterclass in psychological terror and atmosphere. Equally influential in Murphy’s choices is Martin Scorsese, with Mean Streets (1973), the gritty crime drama that showcases Scorsese’s partnership with Robert De Niro, standing as a major inspiration. The raw energy and depth of character in Scorsese’s work have evidently left a significant mark on Murphy’s own career.

Yet, it’s not just the great American directors who resonate with Murphy. He also celebrates British cinema, particularly with Kes (1969), a moving coming-of-age story by Ken Loach. The film captures the life of a young boy from a working-class background, offering a glimpse into the hardship and beauty of British life. Murphy’s contemporary taste is reflected in his inclusion of Ben Wheatley’s Kill List (2011), a chilling blend of horror and action that draws on the filmmaker’s skill in subverting genre expectations.

Murphy’s cinematic taste is as diverse as his acting roles. He includes Scarecrow (1973), a road movie directed by Jerry Schatzberg, which stars Gene Hackman and Al Pacino as two drifters trying to make a new life. It’s a film that explores friendship and ambition through the lens of the American road movie, a genre known for its exploration of the human spirit. Another unique choice is The Butcher Boy (1997) by Neil Jordan, a dark, surreal Irish film about a young boy’s troubled life in the 1960s. The film’s raw portrayal of a child’s descent into madness mirrors Murphy’s own talent for portraying troubled and complex characters.

The oldest film on Murphy’s list, The Night of the Hunter (1955), is a classic film noir directed by Charles Laughton. This chilling thriller, starring Robert Mitchum as a serial killer posing as a preacher, exemplifies Murphy’s interest in films that push boundaries and delve into darker psychological territories.

Cillian Murphy’s favorite films are a testament to his admiration for bold, boundary-pushing cinema. They reveal an actor with a deep understanding of the art of storytelling—one who appreciates films that challenge conventions and explore the human condition in profound and often unsettling ways. His list includes films that span decades, styles, and genres, but each selection reflects a key element: a commitment to storytelling that is raw, real, and transformative.

Cillian Murphy’s 10 Favourite Movies:

1. Scarecrow (Jerry Schatzburg, 1973)

2. The Butcher Boy (Neil Jordan, 1997)

3. Kes (Ken Loach, 1969)

4. Arizona Dream (Emir Kusturica, 1993)

5. Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)

6. Kill List (Ben Wheatley, 2011)

7. Mean Streets (Martin Scorsese, 1973)

8. The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, 1980)

9. Being There (Hal Ashby, 1979)

10. The Night of the Hunter (Charles Laughton, 1955)

These films not only reflect Cillian Murphy’s cinematic influences but also shed light on the types of characters and stories that fuel his passion for acting. For anyone curious about the films that inspire one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic actors, Murphy’s list is a great place to start.