Cillian Murphy Reveals His Favorite Movies—and His No. 1 Pick Will Surprise You
Cillian Murphy favors darker, more thoughtful films with complex characters, and he once shared a list of his favorites that show exactly what inspires him as an actor.
Murphy’s top picks reveal a strong admiration for director Hal Ashby. He singled out Harold and Maude from 1971, a dark comedy about a young man obsessed with death who forms an unlikely bond with an elderly woman who celebrates life. He also highlighted Ashby’s Being There from 1979, a satirical story about a simple-minded gardener who becomes a political advisor by accident.
These films, Murphy explained in interviews, taught him how subtle storytelling and unusual characters can leave a lasting impact.
Other cinematic legends also made an impression on him. He named Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets from 1973 as a favorite, praising its raw and gritty portrayal of urban life. For psychological tension and horror, he picked Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, noting the filmmaker’s unmatched skill in creating suspense and fear. Murphy’s admiration for these films shows why he often excels in roles that require intense, focused performances.
Murphy also appreciates British films that capture real, human struggles. He praised Ken Loach’s Kes from 1969, a moving story about a young boy and his pet falcon, as well as Ben Wheatley’s 2011 horror-thriller Kill List, which blends action with psychological darkness. For classic American cinema, he included the 1973 road movie Scarecrow, starring Al Pacino and Gene Hackman, and the 1955 film noir The Night of the Hunter, featuring Robert Mitchum as a menacing preacher.
According to Murphy, these films all share one thing: “They focus on atmosphere and character, not just action or spectacle.”
As of early 2026, Murphy’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He is preparing for the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, set to hit cinemas on March 6 and Netflix on March 20. Written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, the film takes the gang’s story into World War II and stars Murphy alongside Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan.
Murphy has also returned to horror with a secret role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which hit theaters in January 2026. The film marks his comeback to the franchise that helped launch his career. He is also producing and starring in Blood Runs Coal, a true-crime drama about corrupt union battles in the 1960s, and continues to lead in the indie film Small Things Like These, which has received critical praise.
Even though his name is often linked to huge franchises and blockbuster rumors, including possible involvement in a future Harry Potter project, Murphy remains focused on films that allow him to explore the quiet, intense characters he’s known for.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
