Christoph Waltz is an Austrian-German actor who has become known for his exceptional acting skills and versatility. He has won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained.”
Waltz’s career spans over three decades, during which he has acted in numerous films and TV shows in both German and English.
Waltz has a unique ability to portray complex and nuanced characters, often with a mix of charm and menace. His performances are known for their precision, intelligence, and subtlety.
Some of his most memorable roles include his portrayals of villains, charming aristocrats, and conflicted heroes.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Christoph Waltz’s best movies, including his work with Quentin Tarantino and other notable directors.
Best Christoph Waltz Movies
We’re explore what makes these films and his performances in them so remarkable, and why they are considered to be some of the most memorable films in recent years.
1. Django Unchained (2012)
“Django Unchained” is a 2012 American western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The film follows the story of Django (Foxx), a slave who is freed by a bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Waltz) to help him track down some of the most wanted criminals in the south.
Along the way, they encounter plantation owners, ruthless slave traders, and other unsavory characters, culminating in a climactic showdown.
Christoph Waltz won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Dr. King Schultz. Waltz’s portrayal of the charming and witty bounty hunter was praised for its nuance and complexity.
He played the role with a mix of humor, intelligence, and violence, creating a memorable character who was both likable and dangerous.
“Django Unchained” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $425 million worldwide. The film was praised for its sharp dialogue, stylish visuals, and its exploration of themes such as slavery, racism, and revenge.
The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, and won two awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.
Overall, “Django Unchained” is considered to be one of the best films of Tarantino’s career, and one of the most important films in recent years for its bold and uncompromising exploration of slavery and racism.
Waltz’s performance in the film is a standout, showcasing his exceptional acting skills and making him one of the most memorable characters in the movie.
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
2. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
“Inglourious Basterds” is a 2009 war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Mélanie Laurent.
The film is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II and follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers, known as “The Basterds,” who are on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible.
Meanwhile, a young French Jewish woman named Shosanna (Laurent) seeks revenge against the Nazi colonel (Waltz) who murdered her family.
Christoph Waltz won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa, a charming and ruthless SS officer.
Waltz’s performance in the film was widely praised for its sophistication, humor, and menace. He played the role with a combination of intelligence and cunning, making Landa one of the most memorable villains in recent cinema history.
The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $321 million worldwide. It was praised for its dialogue, performances, and Tarantino’s signature style of blending genres and subverting expectations.
“Inglourious Basterds” was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won one for Waltz’s performance.
Overall, “Inglourious Basterds” is considered one of Tarantino’s best films and a landmark achievement in the war genre. Waltz’s performance as Colonel Hans Landa is widely regarded as one of the best performances of the decade, cementing his status as a top-tier actor.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Brad Pitt, Cristoph Waltz, Mike Myers (Actors)
- Quentin Tarantino (Director)
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
3. Spectre (I) (2015)
“Spectre” is the 24th installment in the James Bond film series, released in 2015.
Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, the film follows Bond’s investigation into a criminal organization known as “Spectre” and its enigmatic leader, Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz).
Waltz’s performance as Oberhauser was highly anticipated, given his reputation as a versatile and talented actor. However, despite the hype, his role in the film was met with mixed reviews.
Some critics praised his performance, noting his ability to convey a sense of menace and charm simultaneously. Others felt that his character was underdeveloped and underused, leaving much of his talent untapped.
Despite the mixed reception to Waltz’s performance, “Spectre” was a commercial success, grossing over $880 million worldwide.
The film was praised for its action sequences, direction, and cinematography, although some critics felt that the story was overly convoluted.
Overall, “Spectre” is not considered one of the best James Bond films, and while Waltz’s performance was notable, it did not receive the same acclaim as his roles in “Inglourious Basterds” or “Django Unchained.”
- Various (Actor)
- Various (Director)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
4. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
“Alita: Battle Angel” is a 2019 cyberpunk action film based on the manga series “Gunnm” by Yukito Kishiro. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the film stars Rosa Salazar in the titular role, with Christoph Waltz playing her mentor, Dr. Dyson Ido.
Waltz’s performance in “Alita: Battle Angel” was praised for its emotional depth and complexity. He played the role of Dr. Ido, a cyber surgeon who discovers the abandoned cyborg Alita and gives her a new body.
Waltz’s portrayal of the caring and protective Ido was seen as a highlight of the film, adding a human touch to the action-packed storyline.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual effects and action sequences, while others found the plot and characters lacking.
Despite the mixed reviews, “Alita: Battle Angel” was a box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
Overall, “Alita: Battle Angel” is considered a visually stunning and entertaining film, with Waltz’s performance adding an emotional depth to the story.
While the film may not be considered a classic, it is a solid addition to the cyberpunk genre and a showcase of Waltz’s acting range.
![Alita: Battle Angel [ DVD ] [2019]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51IXBmWI2EL.jpg)
- Polish Release, cover may contain Polish text/markings. The disk has English audio.
- English, Swedish, Danish (Subtitles)
5. Carnage (2011)
“Carnage” is a 2011 comedy-drama film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the play “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. The film stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly as two sets of parents who meet to discuss a playground altercation between their children.
The meeting starts off cordially but quickly devolves into chaos, with the four adults revealing their own prejudices and insecurities.
Waltz’s performance as Alan Cowan, a high-powered lawyer who is constantly checking his phone and trying to end the meeting, was praised for its dry wit and humor.
He played the role with a mix of charm and exasperation, making him a relatable and amusing character despite his flaws.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the ensemble cast and Polanski’s direction. “Carnage” was also a box office success, grossing over $27 million worldwide.
Overall, “Carnage” is considered a sharp and witty satire of modern society, with Waltz’s performance adding a comedic edge to the film. While it may not be as well-known as some of Waltz’s other films, “Carnage” is a solid showcase of his talent as a versatile actor.
6. The French Dispatch (2021)
“The French Dispatch” is a 2021 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. The film features an ensemble cast including Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and Christoph Waltz, among others.
The film is set in a fictional French city and tells the story of a group of journalists who work for a magazine called The French Dispatch.
Christoph Waltz has a supporting role in the film, playing the character of Boris Schommers, a character inspired by real-life art dealer Bruno Bischofberger.
Waltz’s performance in the film was praised for its humor and charm, with his character bringing a sense of levity to the film.
“The French Dispatch” received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the film’s visual style, quirky humor, and strong performances.
However, some critics felt that the film was too indulgent and lacked emotional depth.
Overall, “The French Dispatch” is considered a solid addition to Wes Anderson’s filmography, with Waltz’s performance adding to the film’s charm and humor.
While it may not be considered one of Waltz’s best films, it is a showcase of his versatility as an actor in a comedic role.
- Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright (Actors)
- Wes Anderson (Director) - Steven Rales (Producer)
- French, Spanish, English (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
3 Reasons To Watch Christoph Waltz Movies
His acting skills: Christoph Waltz is an incredibly talented actor who brings depth, nuance, and humor to his roles.
He has won two Academy Awards for his performances in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained, and has been nominated for numerous other awards for his work.
His versatility: Waltz is able to seamlessly transition between different genres and roles, from playing the charming villain in James Bond’s Specter to the comedic relief in The Green Hornet.
He is able to bring something unique to every role he takes on, making him a versatile and compelling actor to watch.
His collaborations with top filmmakers: Waltz has worked with some of the most respected filmmakers in the industry, including Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton, and Roman Polanski.
His collaborations with these filmmakers have resulted in some of his most memorable performances and have helped to cement his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Best Christoph Waltz Movies – Wrap Up
Christoph Waltz has had a prolific and impressive career in film, with numerous standout performances that have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Some of his best movies include:
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Django Unchained (2012)
Carnage (2011)
Water for Elephants (2011)
Big Eyes (2014)
Spectre (2015)
The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Georgetown (2019)
These films showcase Waltz’s range as an actor, from his captivating performances as villains in Inglourious Basterds and Spectre to his more nuanced roles in films like Carnage and Big Eyes.
Regardless of the genre or type of character he portrays, Waltz always brings his trademark intelligence and charm to every role. Fans of great acting and captivating cinema will not be disappointed with any of the films in which Waltz appears.
