In the world of movies, there are stars who make a splash, and then there are stars like Cillian Murphy who create waves.
From his start in the late ’90s, this actor from Ireland has taken us on a wild ride through all kinds of films. He’s played in everything from spine-chilling thrillers to big, loud action movies.
You might know him best as Thomas Shelby from the hit TV show “Peaky Blinders,” but Murphy’s work in movies is just as amazing. Several of his films have made over $100 million at the box office, proving he’s a big draw for audiences all over the world.
Murphy’s movie list is like a rollercoaster of different types of films, from sci-fi adventures to historical dramas, and even scary horror movies. So, get your popcorn ready as we dive into Cillian Murphy’s biggest box-office hits. Here are the films that made the most money and showed us just how talented Murphy really is.
MORE: Cillian Murphy is Open to a Peaky Blinders Movie, But Only if It Feels Right
“Batman Begins” (2005)
“Batman Begins” takes us to the roots of Bruce Wayne’s journey to become the Caped Crusader, Batman. This film marked the start of the widely praised Dark Knight Trilogy and introduced us to a darker and grittier Batman. In the film, Cillian Murphy played the creepy and cunning Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow, and his performance left an unforgettable mark. A major hit, “Batman Begins” pulled in a cool $373 million at the box office.
“Inception” (2010)
Dive deep into the world of dreams with “Inception,” a movie that takes mind-bending to a whole new level. Cillian Murphy is Robert Fischer, the subject of a high-stakes mission to plant an idea in his mind. With its twists and turns, “Inception” keeps viewers on their toes and catapulted Murphy into the spotlight again. The movie brought in a whopping $829 million worldwide.
“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)
Another movie from the Dark Knight trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises,” saw Cillian Murphy reprise his role as Scarecrow, albeit in a cameo role. In this epic conclusion to the trilogy, Batman faces his most powerful adversary, Bane. This grand finale drew in fans from across the globe, amassing an impressive $1.08 billion at the box office.
“Transcendence” (2014)
In “Transcendence,” Cillian Murphy played Agent Buchanan, a government official trying to manage the potential threats of a self-aware artificial intelligence. The sci-fi thriller might not have been a critical darling, but it sure did make some waves at the box office, raking in $103 million globally.
“Cold Mountain” (2003)
“Cold Mountain” takes us back to the times of the American Civil War. Cillian Murphy took on the role of Bardolph, a deserter from the Confederate army. The romantic drama enchanted audiences and critics alike, earning $173 million in worldwide box office.
“In Time” (2011)
“In Time” is a sci-fi thriller where time is literally money, and the rich can live forever. Murphy plays Timekeeper Raymond Leon, tasked with maintaining the harsh system. The film’s unique premise and action-packed story intrigued audiences and the movie earned $174 million at the box office.
“A Quiet Place: Part II” (2021)
The thrilling sequel to the successful horror film, “A Quiet Place,” “A Quiet Place: Part II” brought Cillian Murphy into the terrifying world of silence and survival. He plays Emmett, a survivalist who helps the Abbott family. The suspenseful film was a big hit, bringing in $297 million worldwide.
“Dunkirk” (2017)
“Dunkirk” is a stunning World War II epic, portraying the desperate evacuation of British troops from the French town of Dunkirk. Cillian Murphy plays a shivering soldier, rescued from the sea but deeply traumatized by his experiences. The film’s heart-stopping tension and poignant performances resonated with audiences, grossing $527 million globally.
“Tron: Legacy” (2010)
In the visually impressive “Tron: Legacy,” Cillian Murphy had a cameo as Edward Dillinger Jr., the son of the original film’s antagonist. The movie, filled with high-speed chases in a digital universe and backed by a powerful electronic soundtrack, entertained audiences, earning $400 million at the box office.
“The Dark Knight” (2008)
The second film in the Dark Knight Trilogy, “The Dark Knight,” is often hailed as one of the best superhero films ever made. Cillian Murphy reprised his role as Scarecrow in a short but memorable scene. With the stellar performances of the entire cast, especially Heath Ledger as the Joker, the film earned over $1 billion worldwide, making it a massive box office success.
“In the Heart of the Sea” (2015)
In “In the Heart of the Sea,” Cillian Murphy plays Matthew Joy, second mate of the ill-fated whaling ship, the Essex. This thrilling tale of survival at sea in the face of a monstrous white whale attracted viewers across the globe, with the movie earning $93 million worldwide. Although it didn’t cross the $100 million mark, it’s worth mentioning given the impactful performance by Murphy.
Cillian is a pure example that box office performance doesn’t necessarily correlate with the quality of a film or an actor’s performance in it. Murphy has given acclaimed performances in less commercially successful films such as “28 Days Later,” “Peaky Blinders,” and “Breakfast on Pluto.”
His last project is “Oppenheimer,” directed by the renowned Christopher Nolan. With its $100 million budget and a plot shrouded in anticipation, it’s expected to hit the theatres on July 21, 2024. Given the high expectations and buzz surrounding this film, it seems likely that “Oppenheimer” might just be Murphy’s next movie to cross the $100 million mark at the box office.
