Cillian Murphy Reveals His Favorite Films—And His Top Choice is Shocking
Cillian Murphy once shared a top ten list that highlights his admiration for complex character studies and gritty storytelling.
His list reveals a significant appreciation for the work of director Hal Ashby, as he selected two of the filmmaker’s most celebrated projects. The first is the 1971 black comedy Harold and Maude, which explores a bizarre yet touching bond between a teenager fixated on death and an elderly woman who embraces life. Murphy also highlighted Ashby’s 1979 satire Being There, a film based on the Jerzy Kosinski novel that follows a simple-minded gardener who accidentally becomes a political advisor.
The influence of cinema legends like Martin Scorsese and Stanley Kubrick is also evident in Murphy’s collection. He named Scorsese’s 1973 classic Mean Streets as a favorite, a film that helped define the gritty, urban aesthetic of modern crime dramas.
For a touch of psychological horror, he included Kubrick’s The Shining, noting the filmmaker’s unparalleled ability to create an atmosphere of suffocating dread. Mean Streets and The Shining remain essential pillars for anyone looking to understand the moody, visceral performances Murphy often delivers.
His interests extend beyond American borders, showing a deep respect for British cinema that captures raw, human experiences. He gave a nod to Ken Loach’s 1969 masterpiece Kes, a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about a young boy and his falcon. He also showed his appreciation for contemporary talent by selecting Ben Wheatley’s Kill List, a 2011 film that blends intense action with cult-themed horror, proving that Murphy values directors who aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
The 1970s road movie Scarecrow, starring Al Pacino and Gene Hackman, also made the cut, as did the oldest entry on his list: the 1955 film noir The Night of the Hunter. Directed by Charles Laughton, this thriller features Robert Mitchum as a sinister preacher and is often cited for its innovative cinematography and haunting narrative. It is clear that Murphy finds inspiration in films that prioritize atmosphere and psychological depth over traditional action.
As of early 2026, Cillian Murphy’s professional schedule is busier than ever following his historic awards season run. He is currently gearing up for the theatrical release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which is scheduled to hit select cinemas on March 6, before arriving on Netflix on March 20. The film, written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, moves the action to World War II and stars Murphy alongside newcomers Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan.
In addition to returning to the streets of Birmingham, Murphy has recently made a major splash in the horror genre with a secret role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Released in January 2026, the film marks his official return to the franchise that launched his career, with reports suggesting he will have an even larger role in the trilogy’s third installment.
He is also set to produce and star in Blood Runs Coal, a true-crime mining drama for Universal Pictures that focuses on the corrupt union battles of the late 1960s.
Outside of his major film roles, Murphy has continued to lead the cast of Small Things Like These, an intimate historical drama that has performed well on the independent circuit.
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