5 Cillian Murphy’s Best Movies and Shows, Ranked by IMDb

Cillian Murphy has quietly become one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, carving a niche for himself in Hollywood by portraying multilayered and complex characters. He brings depth to every character he inhabits, from psychological thrillers to historical dramas and serialized crime sagas (the saga in question is a part of this list, too).

Here are 5 Cillian Murphy’s best projects, ranked by IMDb scores.

1. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

• IMDb score: 9/10

In Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed Batman trilogy installment, The Dark Knight, Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow. Though his appearance is brief, it is memorable nonetheless.

His character adds a sinister consistency to the trilogy’s theme of fear and justice. The film is hailed for its complex characters and intense performances, especially Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker. Murphy’s chilling presence as Scarecrow adds to the film’s exploration of psychological and moral ambiguity (are all his movies like this?). Also, some fans believe that Murphy should return to superhero movies in other roles.

2. ‘Inception’ (2010)

• IMDb score: 8.8/10

Once again joining forces with Nolan for Inception, Murphy plays Robert Fischer, a wealthy heir entangled in a heist that unfolds in the subconscious. Inception is a cinematic puzzle (as if Nolan can make something else), but Murphy's performance adds a necessary human element to the story.

His portrayal of Fischer captures the vulnerability of a man grappling with memory, grief, and legacy. His role may not be the flashiest, like the one of Leonardo DiCaprio, but it’s essential to the film's emotional resonance.

3. ‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013-2022)

• IMDb score: 8.7/10

For me, this would be Cillian Murphy's number one project in every list. That’s how much I love Thomas Shelby, the titular character of Peaky Blinders.

In this dark and gritty British crime drama, Murphy stars as Tommy Shelby, the ambitious leader of the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham. His performance is undoubtedly central to the show's success. However, the story itself is also a complex and captivating drama — you won’t be watching simply out of respect towards Murphy.

4. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

• IMDb score: 8.4/10

Murphy returns once again as Scarecrow in the conclusion of Nolan’s Batman trilogy. In The Dark Knight Rises, his role is again minimal but effective, serving as a symbolic thread tying the trilogy together. His character presides over mock trials with eerie detachment, a reminder of Gotham's descent into chaos.

5. ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

• IMDb score: 8.3/10

Oh, is it another Nolan project? Yes it is. In Oppenheimer, Murphy delivers what is arguably the most challenging and career-defining role of his life: J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the atomic bomb.

The film dives into the moral complexities and psychological toll of scientific discovery and destruction. Murphy’s haunting performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, marking a new start in his career.