%20(1).webp)
He has appeared in a variety of movies that display his skills and charisma as an actor. He has also collaborated with some of the best directors and actors in the industry and has received many awards and nominations.
In this blog post, we will explore 10 of his best movies that showcase his talent and appeal as an actor. These are not ordered in any way, but rather selected based on their genre, quality, and popularity.
These movies will amuse you, inspire you, challenge you, and make you feel something. These are the 10 Best Edward Norton Movies that you should watch right now.
Primal Fear (1996)
This is the movie that launched Edward Norton’s film career and earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He plays Aaron Stampler, a young altar boy who is charged with murdering a prominent archbishop. He is defended by Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a successful defense attorney who believes that Aaron is innocent and suffers from multiple personality disorder.
The movie is directed by Gregory Hoblit and is based on a novel by William Diehl. It also stars Laura Linney as Janet Venable, the prosecutor, and Vail’s ex-girlfriend.
The movie was a commercial and critical success and demonstrated Norton’s ability to play a complex and dual role.
Fight Club (1999)
This is one of the most famous and influential movies of all time and absolutely the best Edward Norton movies ever.
He plays the unnamed narrator, a dissatisfied white-collar worker who suffers from insomnia and alienation.
He meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a charismatic soap salesman who introduces him to an underground fight club where men vent their frustrations by beating each other up. The movie is directed by David Fincher and based on a novel by Chuck Palahniuk.
It also stars Helena Bonham Carter as Marla Singer, a troubled woman who becomes involved with both the narrator and Tyler; Meat Loaf as Robert Paulson, a fight club member; Jared Leto as Angel Face, another fight club member.
The movie was initially controversial and polarizing but later gained cult status and critical acclaim for its themes, style, performances, and twist ending.
American History X (1998)
This is one of the most impactful and undoubtedly one of his best Edward Norton movies. He plays Derek Vinyard, a former neo-Nazi skinhead.
Who tries to stop his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from following his footsteps after serving three years in prison for killing two black men who tried to steal his car.
The movie is directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. It also stars Beverly D’Angelo as Doris Vinyard, Derek, and Danny’s mother.
The movie was a critical success and earned Norton an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
This is another collaboration between Edward Norton and Wes Anderson and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever.
He plays Henckels, a military officer who pursues Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, who is accused of murdering Madame D. (Tilda Swinton), a wealthy elderly woman who left him a valuable painting.
The movie is co-written and directed by Wes Anderson and features his signature style, humor, and soundtrack.
The movie was a commercial and critical success and won four Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
This is one of the most praised and best Edward Norton movies because of his phenomenal performance.
He plays Mike Shiner, a method actor who joins the cast of a Broadway play written and directed by Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a faded Hollywood star who is trying to revive his career and reputation.
The movie is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and co-written by Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Armando Bó. It also stars Emma Stone as Sam Thomson, Riggan’s daughter and assistant; Zach Galifianakis as Jake, Riggan’s lawyer and friend.
The movie was a commercial and critical success and won four Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
This is one of the most action-packed and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever. He plays Bruce Banner, a scientist who transforms into the Hulk.
He tries to find a cure for his condition while avoiding the pursuit of General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), who wants to use him as a weapon.
The movie is directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Zak Penn. It also stars Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Bruce’s love interest, and Thaddeus’ daughter; Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky, a soldier who becomes the Abomination, a rival monster.
The movie was a commercial and critical success and was part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Illusionist (2006)
This is one of the most enchanting and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever. He plays Eisenheim, a mysterious and talented magician who falls in love with Sophie (Jessica Biel), a duchess who is engaged to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) a ruthless and ambitious ruler.
The movie is directed by Neil Burger and based on a short story by Steven Millhauser. The movie was a commercial and critical success and featured stunning visuals, a captivating story, and a twist ending.
Rounders (1998)
This is one of the most entertaining and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever. He plays Lester “Worm” Murphy, a charismatic and reckless gambler who drags his friend Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a law student and former poker player, back into the underground poker scene to pay off his debts to a Russian mobster Teddy KGB (John Malkovich).
The movie is directed by John Dahl and written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman. The movie was a cult classic and featured an engaging story, sharp dialogue, and great performances.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
This is another collaboration between Edward Norton and Wes Anderson and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever.
He plays Scout Master Ward, a dedicated leader of a Khaki Scout troop who tries to find two runaway kids, Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), who have fallen in love and eloped.
The movie is co-written and directed by Wes Anderson and features his signature style, humor, and soundtrack. It also stars Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp, a local police officer; Bill Murray.
The movie was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Anderson and Roman Coppola.
25th Hour (2002)
This is one of the most emotional and one of the best Edward Norton movies ever. He plays Monty Brogan, a drug dealer who has 24 hours to spend with his friends and family before going to prison for seven years.
The movie is directed by Spike Lee and based on a novel by David Benioff. The movie was a critical success and featured a powerful performance by Norton.
Upcoming movie
Asteroid City (2023)
This is the upcoming movie that Edward Norton will star in, which is scheduled to be released in 2023. It is a sci-fi comedy that is written and directed by Wes Anderson, who is known for his unique and whimsical style. The movie is set in a futuristic city on an asteroid, where a group of eccentric characters live and work.
The movie will also feature an ensemble cast that includes Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Sophia Lillis, Bryan Cranston, Adrien Brody, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, and many more.
Conclusion
Edward Norton is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors of his generation, he has given us many memorable and diverse performances. He has proven his ability to play different roles and genres with ease and excellence.
Norton has also shown his versatility and passion as an actor and filmmaker. He is not only a talented actor, but also a respected and admired person in the industry and society. He is truly a legend and an inspiration for many aspiring actors and filmmakers.
These are some of the best Edward Norton movies that you should watch if you want to witness his brilliance and enjoy his craft.