20 Best Christopher Walken Movies: The Eccentric Charm of a Screen Icon

Christopher Walken is an iconic American actor known for his unique voice, distinctive style, and captivating performances. He has appeared in over 100 films throughout his career and has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Deer Hunter” (1978).

Walken’s career spans several decades and includes a wide range of genres, from drama and comedy to action and crime thrillers.

Best Christopher Walken Movies

In this article, we will explore some of the best Christopher Walken movies that showcase his talents and demonstrate his versatility as an actor.

1. King of New York (1990)

“King of New York” is a crime thriller film directed by Abel Ferrara and released in 1990.

The film follows Frank White (played by Christopher Walken), a drug lord who is released from prison and returns to New York City with the intention of taking back control of the drug trade.

Frank is pursued by a group of police officers led by Detective Roy Bishop (played by Victor Argo), who are determined to bring him to justice.

The film explores themes of power, violence, and corruption, as well as the blurred lines between criminal and law enforcement activities. It features a talented ensemble cast that includes Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Giancarlo Esposito.

“King of New York” was not a commercial success upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following and is often cited as a classic of the crime genre. It is known for its stylish visuals, gritty depiction of New York City, and its use of hip-hop music in the soundtrack.

2. The Deer Hunter (1978)

“The Deer Hunter” is a 1978 war drama film directed by Michael Cimino and starring Christopher Walken, Robert De Niro, and Meryl Streep.

The movie follows a group of steelworker friends from Pennsylvania who enlist in the Vietnam War and are captured and forced to play Russian roulette by their captors.

Walken gives a powerful and haunting performance as Nick, a young man traumatized by the war and the brutal game he was forced to play. His portrayal of the character’s descent into despair and desperation is both gripping and heartbreaking.

The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Walken. It remains one of the most powerful and unforgettable war movies ever made.

3. True Romance (1993)

“True Romance” is a 1993 romantic crime film directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino.

The movie features an all-star cast, including Christopher Walken, Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, and Dennis Hopper.

Walken plays the role of Vincenzo Coccotti, a ruthless mobster who is on the hunt for a suitcase filled with cocaine that has been stolen by Slater’s character, Clarence.

Walken’s performance is intense and menacing, as he delivers some of the film’s most memorable lines with chilling precision.

Despite having a relatively small role, Walken’s performance in “True Romance” is one of the highlights of the movie and has become iconic in its own right.

His scenes with Hopper, who plays Clarence’s father, are particularly memorable and showcase both actors’ talents.

“True Romance” has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Tarantino’s best-written scripts. Walken’s performance is a major reason for the film’s enduring popularity.

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4. The Dead Zone (1983)

“The Dead Zone” is a 1983 supernatural thriller film directed by David Cronenberg and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King.

The film stars Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith, a man who wakes up from a five-year coma with psychic powers that allow him to see the future and past of people he touches.

Johnny struggles to come to terms with his abilities, but eventually realizes he has a duty to use them to prevent a series of disasters, including a potential political assassination.

Along the way, he becomes romantically involved with Sarah Bracknell (played by Brooke Adams), a woman he met before his coma, and comes into conflict with Greg Stillson (played by Martin Sheen), a populist political candidate with a dark secret.

The film explores themes of fate, free will, and the responsibility that comes with power. It is known for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and its faithful adaptation of King’s novel.

“The Dead Zone” was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as one of Cronenberg’s best films.

5. Last Man Standing (1996)

“Last Man Standing” is a 1996 neo-noir action thriller film directed by Walter Hill and starring Bruce Willis. The film is a loose adaptation of the classic Akira Kurosawa film “Yojimbo” and the Dashiell Hammett novel “Red Harvest”.

It is set during the Prohibition era in the United States and follows John Smith (played by Willis), a drifter who arrives in the small Texas border town of Jericho.

In Jericho, Smith discovers that two rival gangs, led by Doyle (played by David Patrick Kelly) and Strozzi (played by Christopher Walken), are fighting for control of the town’s illegal alcohol trade.

Smith sees an opportunity to play both sides against each other and make a profit in the process. However, he soon finds himself in the middle of a violent war, with both gangs turning on him.

The film is known for its stylish visuals, action sequences, and tense atmosphere. It explores themes of loyalty, greed, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

While not a commercial success upon release, “Last Man Standing” has gained a cult following over the years and is considered by some to be a hidden gem of the action genre.

6. A View to a Kill (1985)

“A View to a Kill” is a 1985 spy film directed by John Glen and the 14th installment in the James Bond franchise. Christopher Walken plays the main villain, Max Zorin, who is a wealthy and ruthless industrialist with a plan to destroy Silicon Valley.

Walken’s portrayal of Max Zorin is both entertaining and menacing, as he brings a unique charm and charisma to the role. He is a worthy adversary to James Bond, played by Roger Moore, and their scenes together are some of the highlights of the movie.

Despite mixed reviews, “A View to a Kill” was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite among James Bond fans.

Walken’s performance as Max Zorin is often cited as one of the film’s strongest aspects, and his portrayal of the character helped cement his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actors.

7. Brainstorm (1983)

“Brainstorm” is a 1983 science fiction film directed by Douglas Trumbull and starring Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood.

The film follows a team of scientists who develop a device that can record a person’s experiences and emotions and play them back for others to experience.

However, when one of the scientists dies while wearing the device, his colleagues discover that the device can also be used to record and play back memories of a person’s death.

The film explores themes of technology, ethics, and the nature of consciousness. It features groundbreaking visual effects and was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery extensively.

Unfortunately, the film was marred by controversy after the sudden death of Natalie Wood during production, which led to delays and changes to the script.

Despite these issues, “Brainstorm” has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as an overlooked gem of the science fiction genre. It is known for its ambitious ideas, stunning visuals, and strong performances by Walken and Wood.

8. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

“Sleepy Hollow” is a 1999 horror film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken. Walken plays the Headless Horseman, a ghostly apparition who terrorizes the inhabitants of the town of Sleepy Hollow.

Although Walken’s role is relatively small, his performance as the Headless Horseman is chilling and memorable. He brings a menacing physicality to the character, despite the fact that he has no lines of dialogue.

Walken’s piercing gaze and imposing presence make the Headless Horseman one of the most memorable horror movie villains of the 1990s.

“Sleepy Hollow” was a commercial and critical success, with particular praise being given to its atmospheric visuals and eerie soundtrack.

Walken’s portrayal of the Headless Horseman is often cited as one of the film’s highlights and showcases his ability to make a strong impression even with limited screen time.

9. Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995)

“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” is a 1995 crime thriller film directed by Gary Fleder and starring Andy Garcia, Christopher Lloyd, and Steve Buscemi.

The film follows Jimmy “The Saint” Tosnia (played by Garcia), a former gangster who is brought out of retirement to help a group of fellow criminals with a job. However, things go wrong, and they find themselves being hunted by a ruthless enforcer named Mr. Shhh (played by Buscemi).

The film is known for its offbeat characters, stylish visuals, and snappy dialogue. It explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of violence.

The title of the film is taken from a Warren Zevon song and is used to highlight the characters’ sense of impending doom and the need to make the most of their remaining time.

“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” was not a commercial success upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic of the neo-noir genre. It is known for its memorable characters, quotable dialogue, and its use of non-linear storytelling.

10. Suicide Kings (1997)

“Suicide Kings” is a 1997 crime thriller directed by Peter O’Fallon and starring Christopher Walken, Denis Leary, and Sean Patrick Flanery.

Walken plays the role of Carlo Bartolucci, a wealthy mob boss who is kidnapped by a group of young men who are trying to save their friend from Bartolucci’s clutches.

Walken’s performance as Carlo is both nuanced and intense.

He brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character, while also showcasing his ability to add a touch of humor to his roles. His scenes with the film’s young cast are particularly memorable, as he effortlessly holds his own against their energy and enthusiasm.

Despite mixed reviews, “Suicide Kings” has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Walken’s most underrated films.

His performance as Carlo is often cited as one of the highlights of the movie, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast is a major reason for its enduring popularity.

11. Biloxi Blues (1988)

“Biloxi Blues” is a 1988 comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and based on the semi-autobiographical play of the same name by Neil Simon.

The film follows Eugene Morris Jerome (played by Matthew Broderick), a young Jewish man from Brooklyn who is drafted into the United States Army during World War II.

Eugene is sent to basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he meets a diverse group of fellow soldiers, including Arnold Epstein (played by Corey Parker).

A sensitive young man who becomes the target of bullying by their drill sergeant, Merwin J. Toomey (played by Christopher Walken).

Along the way, Eugene navigates the challenges of military life and falls in love with a local girl named Daisy (played by Penelope Ann Miller).

The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggles of young people coming of age during wartime.

It is known for its sharp wit, heartfelt performances, and its mix of comedy and drama. “Biloxi Blues” was a critical and commercial success and is regarded as one of the best adaptations of Neil Simon’s work.

12. The Anderson Tapes (1971)

“The Anderson Tapes” is a 1971 crime film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Sean Connery.

The film follows John Anderson (played by Connery), a career criminal who has just been released from prison and plans a major heist: robbing an entire building filled with wealthy residents.

Anderson recruits a team of accomplices, including a safecracker (played by Christopher Walken) and a corrupt police officer (played by Martin Balsam), but their plan is complicated by surveillance equipment and unexpected events.

The film is known for its unique visual style, which is achieved through the use of surveillance camera footage and split-screen techniques. It also features a star-studded cast, including Dyan Cannon, Alan King, and Ralph Meeker.

“The Anderson Tapes” explores themes of crime, corruption, and privacy, and is notable for its prescient commentary on government surveillance.

While not a commercial success upon its initial release, “The Anderson Tapes” has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic of the crime genre. It is known for its sharp dialogue, suspenseful heist sequences, and its use of innovative filmmaking techniques.

13. Heaven’s Gate (1980)

I believe you may be referring to the 1997 film “Heaven’s Gate,” which was directed by Michael Cimino and starred Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, and Isabelle Huppert.

The film is a Western epic set in the late 1800s, and tells the story of a dispute between Wyoming landowners and European immigrants who are working as hired hands on the ranches.

The film was a critical and commercial failure upon its initial release, and is often cited as one of the biggest box office disasters in Hollywood history.

Its long running time, troubled production, and extravagant budget (reportedly over $40 million) all contributed to its downfall. However, in recent years, the film has been reassessed by some critics and has gained a cult following.

It’s worth noting that “Heaven’s Gate” should not be confused with the Heaven’s Gate religious cult, which was based in California.

Gained notoriety in 1997 when its members committed mass suicide in order to reach what they believed was an alien spacecraft following the appearance of Comet Hale-Bopp.

14. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

“Catch Me If You Can” is a 2002 biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken.

The film is based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., who was a con artist and impostor who posed as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot, among other professions, and forged millions of dollars in checks before he was finally caught by the FBI.

The film follows Abagnale’s exploits as he travels the world, constantly eluding the authorities and changing his identity, while also forming a relationship with an FBI agent who is determined to bring him to justice.

“Catch Me If You Can” was a critical and commercial success, earning over $350 million worldwide and receiving nominations for four Academy Awards.

It was praised for its stylish direction, strong performances, and engaging story, and is often cited as one of Spielberg’s best films.

15. The Dogs of War (1980)

“The Dogs of War” is a British-American war film released in 1980. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth. The movie was directed by John Irvin and starred Christopher Walken, Tom Berenger, and Colin Blakely.

The story revolves around a mercenary named Jamie Shannon (played by Christopher Walken) who is hired by a British businessman to overthrow a small African nation’s government so that the businessman can have control over the country’s platinum deposits.

Shannon puts together a team of mercenaries and goes to the African country to plan the coup. However, things become complicated when Shannon and his team are discovered and must fight their way out of the country.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the action scenes and performances of the actors, while others criticized the film for its glorification of mercenary warfare.

Despite the mixed reviews, “The Dogs of War” has since become a cult classic and is considered a notable entry in the action and war film genres.

16. Nick of Time (1995)

“Nick of Time” is a thriller film released in 1995, directed by John Badham and starring Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken, and Courtney Chase. The movie takes place in real-time, with the story unfolding over the course of 90 minutes.

The film follows an ordinary man named Gene Watson (played by Johnny Depp) who is traveling with his young daughter by train to Los Angeles.

Upon arrival, they are met by a mysterious man named Mr. Smith (played by Christopher Walken) who forces Gene to carry out an assassination of the governor in exchange for his daughter’s safety.

Gene has just 90 minutes to carry out the assassination, with his daughter’s life hanging in the balance.

The film was praised for its unique real-time format, as well as the performances of Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken. However, some critics felt that the film’s plot was too contrived and predictable.

 Despite mixed reviews, “Nick of Time” remains a cult classic and is considered a notable entry in the thriller genre.

17. The Rundown (2003)

“The Rundown” is a 2003 action-comedy film directed by Peter Berg and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Seann William Scott, Rosario Dawson, and Christopher Walken.

The film follows a tough bounty hunter named Beck, played by Johnson, who is sent to the Amazon jungle to retrieve a valuable artifact from a dangerous mining town.

Along the way, he teams up with a wise-cracking local named Travis, played by Scott, and they find themselves facing off against a ruthless tyrant played by Walken.

“The Rundown” was generally well-received by critics and was praised for its humor, action sequences, and the charismatic performances of its leads.

It was also notable for being one of Johnson’s early starring roles, and helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood. Despite modest box office success, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as an underrated gem in the action-comedy genre.

18. The Addiction (1995)

“The Addiction” is a horror film released in 1995, directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken, and Annabella Sciorra. The film explores themes of addiction, philosophy, and vampirism.

The story follows a philosophy student named Kathleen Conklin (played by Lili Taylor) who is bitten by a vampire (played by Annabella Sciorra) while walking home one night.

As Kathleen grapples with her newfound addiction to human blood, she becomes increasingly isolated from her friends and family.

She eventually crosses paths with a vampire expert named Peina (played by Christopher Walken) who tries to help her come to terms with her new existence.

The film received positive reviews for its unique take on the vampire genre, as well as the strong performances from its cast.

The film also features a black-and-white aesthetic, which adds to its moody and atmospheric tone. “The Addiction” has since become a cult classic and is considered a notable entry in the horror genre.

19. Pulp Fiction (1994)

“Pulp Fiction” is a 1994 crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, and Bruce Willis, among others.

The film is known for its non-linear narrative structure and interwoven storylines, as well as its witty dialogue, eclectic soundtrack, and graphic violence.

The film follows several interconnected characters in the Los Angeles underworld, including hitmen Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, small-time boxer Butch Coolidge, and gangster’s wife Mia Wallace.

Through a series of events that are sometimes violent and sometimes absurd, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways.

“Pulp Fiction” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 1990s, and is often cited as a landmark in modern cinema. The film’s influence on popular culture has been significant, with its dialogue, characters, and music becoming iconic in the years since its release.

20. Romance & Cigarettes (2005)

“Romance & Cigarettes” is a musical romantic comedy film released in 2005, written and directed by John Turturro. The film stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, and Christopher Walken, among others.

The story revolves around a blue-collar worker named Nick (played by James Gandolfini) who is married to his wife Kitty (played by Susan Sarandon), but has an affair with a lingerie saleswoman named Tula (played by Kate Winslet).

As Nick juggles his relationships with both women, he turns to musical numbers to express his emotions and inner turmoil. Meanwhile, Kitty seeks comfort in the arms of a lounge singer (played by Christopher Walken).

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its unique blend of genres and musical numbers, while others felt that the film was too quirky and unfocused.

Despite the mixed reviews, “Romance & Cigarettes” has since gained a cult following and is considered a notable entry in the musical and romantic comedy genres.

3 Reasons To Watch Christopher Walken Movies

Unique and Memorable Performances: Christopher Walken is known for his distinctive and unforgettable performances.

His unique voice, mannerisms, and delivery have made him a fan-favorite, and his roles in films like “The Deer Hunter,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Catch Me If You Can” have become iconic.

Versatility: Christopher Walken is a versatile actor who has played a wide range of characters throughout his career. He has portrayed villains, heroes, comedians, and everything in between, showcasing his range and ability to inhabit a wide variety of roles.

Collaboration with Acclaimed Filmmakers: Christopher Walken has worked with some of the most acclaimed directors in the industry, including Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Spielberg, among others.

His collaborations with these filmmakers have resulted in some of his most memorable performances, and watching his work in their films is a great way to appreciate his talent.

Best Christopher Walken Movies – Wrap Up

In summary, Christopher Walken has had a prolific acting career spanning several decades and has starred in a wide range of films.

Some of his most notable performances include his roles in “The Deer Hunter,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Catch Me If You Can,” and “Annie Hall.”

However, he has also been praised for his performances in lesser-known films such as “The Dogs of War,” “Nick of Time,” and “The Addiction.”

Overall, Walken’s unique voice and distinctive acting style have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood and a recognizable icon in popular culture.

He has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career and has won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Deer Hunter.”

His impressive body of work and ability to effortlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles have cemented his place as one of the most talented actors of his generation.