Edward Norton is a highly acclaimed actor known for his intense and nuanced performances. He has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including three Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Norton is also a talented screenwriter and director, having written and directed the film “Keeping the Faith” and directed the critically acclaimed drama “Motherless Brooklyn.”
Best Edward Norton Movies
In this article, we will explore some of Norton’s best movies and the roles that have made him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
1. American History X (1998)
“American History X” is a drama film released in 1998, directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, and Beverly D’Angelo.
The film follows the story of a former neo-Nazi skinhead named Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), who after being released from prison, attempts to prevent his younger brother from following the same path of hate and violence that he did.
Norton’s portrayal of Derek Vinyard is considered one of his best performances, as he effectively captures the character’s journey from a violent and bigoted individual to someone who has learned the error of his ways and seeks to make amends.
The film explores themes such as racism, prejudice, and the destructive power of hate, and has been praised for its unflinching look at the realities of white supremacist movements.
The film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, raw performances, and its unapologetic exploration of difficult subject matter.
Norton’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
![American History X [DVD] [1998]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51J6W+WudmL.jpg)
- Danish, Finnish, English, Norwegian, Swedish (Subtitles)
2. Fight Club (1999)
“Fight Club” is a drama film released in 1999, directed by David Fincher and starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk and follows the story of an insomniac office worker (Norton) who forms a “fight club” with a charismatic soap salesman (Pitt), which evolves into a radical underground movement.
Norton’s performance as the unnamed narrator is widely regarded as one of his best, as he captures the character’s existential crisis and descent into anarchy.
The film explores themes such as masculinity, consumerism, and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly empty and devoid of purpose
The film received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and strong performances, with Norton’s performance in particular being praised for its depth and complexity.
While the film was initially a box office disappointment, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a modern classic of American cinema.
3. The Painted Veil (2006)
“The Painted Veil” is a drama film released in 2006, directed by John Curran and starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham and follows the story of a young English couple, Walter (Edward Norton) and Kitty (Naomi Watts), who are sent to China in the 1920s to combat a cholera epidemic.
Norton’s performance as Walter, a reserved and emotionally distant bacteriologist, is considered one of his best, as he effectively captures the character’s struggle to connect with his wife and the people around him.
The film explores themes such as love, redemption, and the impact of colonialism on local communities.
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The film received critical acclaim for its elegant storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances, with Norton’s performance in particular being praised for its understated and nuanced portrayal of a complex character.
The film was not a commercial success, but has since gained a loyal following and is considered a hidden gem of Norton’s filmography.
- The Painted Veil - DVD Used Like New
- Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber (Actors)
- John Curran (Director) - Ron Nyswaner (Writer) - Sara Colleton (Producer) - W. Somerset Maugham...
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
4. 25th Hour (2002)
“25th Hour” is a drama film released in 2002, directed by Spike Lee and starring Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Barry Pepper.
The film follows the story of a man named Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) who has one day left before he begins a seven-year prison sentence for drug trafficking.
Norton’s performance as Monty Brogan is considered one of his best, as he effectively captures the character’s sense of desperation and regret as he reflects on his past mistakes and tries to come to terms with his impending imprisonment.
The film explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.
The film received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, strong performances, and its examination of the human condition.
Norton’s performance earned him praise from critics, who noted his ability to convey a range of emotions with subtlety and depth. The film was not a commercial success but has since gained a cult following and is considered one of Norton’s best performances.
![25th Hour [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IuW65U3pL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Edward Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman (Actors)
- Spike Lee (Director) - David Benioff (Writer)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
5. The Illusionist (2006)
“The Illusionist” is a period drama film released in 2006, directed by Neil Burger and starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti.
The film is set in Vienna in the early 1900s and follows the story of a magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) who falls in love with a wealthy young woman named Sophie (Jessica Biel), much to the disapproval of her aristocratic fiancé, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell).
Norton’s performance as Eisenheim is considered one of his most captivating, as he effectively captures the character’s mysterious and enigmatic persona. The film explores themes such as love, class struggle, and the power of illusion.
The film received critical acclaim for its elegant storytelling, stunning visuals, and strong performances, with Norton’s performance in particular being praised for his ability to convey the character’s depth and complexity.
The film was a commercial success and received several award nominations, solidifying Norton’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti (Actors)
- Neil Burger (Director) - Neil Burger (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
6. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a black comedy-drama film released in 2014, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Edward Norton, Michael Keaton, and Emma Stone.
The film follows the story of an actor named Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) who is trying to stage a comeback by directing and starring in a Broadway play.
Norton’s performance as Mike Shiner, a brilliant but difficult actor who joins the production, is considered one of his best, as he effectively captures the character’s egotism and insecurity. The film explores themes such as art, ego, and the nature of celebrity in modern society.
The film received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, impressive cinematography, and strong performances, with Norton’s performance in particular being praised for his ability to convey the character’s complexity and inner turmoil.
The film won several awards, including four Academy Awards, and is considered one of the most significant films of Norton’s career.
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
7. Primal Fear (1996)
“Primal Fear” is a crime thriller film released in 1996, directed by Gregory Hoblit and starring Edward Norton, Richard Gere, and Laura Linney.
The film follows the story of a defense attorney named Martin Vail (Richard Gere) who takes on the case of a young altar boy named Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), who is accused of murdering an archbishop.
Norton’s performance as Aaron Stampler, a shy and stuttering altar boy who may or may not be guilty of the crime, is considered one of his breakout roles and earned him critical acclaim. The film explores themes such as justice, mental illness, and the ethics of the legal system.
The film received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, intense performances, and its exploration of complex moral issues.
Norton’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented young actors of his generation. The film is widely regarded as a classic of the crime thriller genre and is a standout in Norton’s filmography.
- Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton (Actors)
- Gregory Hoblit (Director) - Ann Biderman (Writer)
- Spanish (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
8. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
“The Incredible Hulk” is a superhero film released in 2008, directed by Louis Leterrier and starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, and Tim Roth.
The film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and follows the story of Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), a scientist who transforms into a giant green monster known as the Hulk when he becomes angry or emotionally agitated.
Norton’s performance as Bruce Banner is considered one of the strongest aspects of the film, as he effectively captures the character’s struggle to control his inner demons and prevent the Hulk from causing destruction.
The film explores themes such as identity, power, and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Norton’s performance and the film’s action sequences, while others criticized the film’s lack of character development and its departure from the source material.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over $263 million worldwide.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth (Actors)
- Louis Leterrier (Director)
- Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
9. The Italian Job (2003)
“The Italian Job” is a heist film released in 2003, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Edward Norton, Mark Wahlberg, and Charlize Theron.
The film is a remake of the 1969 film of the same name and follows the story of a team of thieves who plan to steal a shipment of gold in Venice and then make their escape in a fleet of Mini Coopers.
Norton’s performance as Steve, a member of the heist team who betrays his colleagues, is considered one of his best villainous roles, as he effectively captures the character’s cunning and ruthlessness. The film explores themes such as loyalty, revenge, and the consequences of greed.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s thrilling action sequences and strong performances, while others criticized the film’s lack of originality and its over-reliance on flashy special effects.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $176 million worldwide, and remains a popular heist film among audiences.
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Widescreen; Closed-captioned; Color; NTSC
- Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Edward Norton (Actors)
- F. Gary Gray (Director)
10. Red Dragon (2002)
“Red Dragon” is a psychological thriller film released in 2002, directed by Brett Ratner and starring Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, and Ralph Fiennes. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris and is a prequel to the film “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Norton’s performance as Will Graham, a former FBI agent who is called back into service to track down a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy, is considered one of his most nuanced and complex performances.
The film explores themes such as obsession, identity, and the nature of evil.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Norton’s performance and the film’s suspenseful storytelling, while others criticized the film’s lack of originality and its comparison to the superior “Silence of the Lambs.”
Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $209 million worldwide, and remains a notable entry in Norton’s filmography.
- Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes (Actors)
- Brett Ratner (Director) - Ted Tally (Writer) - Dino De Laurentiis (Producer)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
3 Reasons To Watch Edward Norton Movies
Sure, here are three reasons to watch Edward Norton movies:
Versatility: Edward Norton is widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, with a range that includes everything from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies.
His ability to convey complex emotions and embody a wide range of characters is a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor.
Intensity: Norton is known for his intense and immersive performances, often disappearing into his roles to the point where it’s hard to tell where the actor ends and the character begins.
His commitment to his craft and willingness to fully inhabit his characters is what sets him apart from other actors.
Quality: Norton has a track record of appearing in critically acclaimed and award-winning films, with many of his movies being considered classics of their respective genres.
From his breakthrough role in “Primal Fear” to his standout performances in “Fight Club” and “American History X,” Norton has consistently delivered high-quality performances throughout his career.
Best Edward Norton Movies – Wrap Up
In conclusion, Edward Norton has an impressive filmography that includes a wide range of genres and memorable performances.
From his breakout role in “Primal Fear” to his intense performances in “American History X” and “Fight Club,” Norton has consistently delivered powerful and nuanced performances throughout his career.
Other notable films in his filmography include “The Painted Veil,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and “Leaves of Grass,” showcasing his range and versatility as an actor.
Regardless of the film, Norton’s intense and immersive performances always leave a lasting impression on audiences, making him one of the most talented actors of his generation.
