Norton can appear flawless when it comes to acting. He challenges himself so much that you can tell he is a serious actor, and his ease sometimes takes over. It’s unnecessary: Norton has the skills, and he does a good job when he doesn’t have to show them off.
However, as his character in Glass Onion demonstrates, Norton does not always stick to the same kind of role or movie. Although he is most well-known for his roles as sadistic criminals who are capable of terrible things, Norton is the best at playing three-dimensional characters, portraying struggling drug traffickers, bereaved neo-Nazis, and terrorist group commanders.
Here are the 30 Best Edward Norton movies to watch that deserve your attention.
1. Fight Club (1999)
One of the most successful cult films ever made, Fight Club has a huge following that places it near the top of most lists of “greatest of all time.” Because there are so many different things going on and so many different themes, it is difficult to summarize what the movie is about because it is more than just a movie about underground boxing, as audiences initially believed in 1999.
One of the greatest twists in film history occurs in the film, which follows the Narrator (Norton), who does anything to get rid of his insomnia, including starting fight clubs that eventually grow into a terrorist organization. Directed by David Fincher. Cast members Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. One of the best Edward Norton films to watch, full of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the screen until the end.
2. American History X (1998)
Derek Vinyard (Norton), a racist who brutally murdered a black man, is the subject of the movie. Since being released from prison, he has changed his behavior and now does everything in his power to stop his younger brother from making the same mistakes. The entire film is an intense gut punch and emotional roller coaster. A movie that deserves everyone’s attention.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
3. Glass Onion (2022)
Knives Out is a fun mystery comedy, whereas the 1996 film is a grueling and exhausting drama that tackles some contentious subjects. In addition, Norton’s performance as Miles Bron contributes to the film’s far greater amusement than its predecessor, despite the obvious killer. This film is directed by Rian Johnson. Cast members Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Daniel Craig, Dave Bautista, and Kathryn Hahn.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Edward Norton gives one of his most genuine and moving performances in “Moonrise Kingdom.” The blossoming relationship between two children in Wes Anderson’s 2012 coming-of-age dramedy, despite their naturally innocent worldview, is perhaps saner than the troubled adults around them. Sam, a young Khaki Scout, played by Jared Gilman, falls for Suzy, played by Kara Hayward, a wealthier girl. After declaring their love for one another, the two of them run away together.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
5. Birdman (2014)
Edward Norton’s performance in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” was one of his most self-referential roles to date. With his standing for being challenging to work with, he is given a role as the exceptionally volatile theatre entertainer Mike Shiner, whose staggering responsibility and self-importance cause Riggan Thompson progressing troubles (Michael Keaton). It was a hilarious way for Norton to make fun of himself, but Mike is a complex character.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
6. Primal Fear (1996)
The debut performance of Edward Norton in the courtroom thriller “Primal Fear” is hard to match. The audience was forced to question Norton’s ability to portray complex, dynamic characters in the dynamic role, which introduced him as an unknown actor. The movie features one of the most well-known plot twists ever, and it wouldn’t have been nearly as effective if Norton hadn’t done the early work to make it fit the rest of the story. Norton delivers on both counts when it comes to providing the evidence and background that are required for a great plot twist.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
In Wes Anderson’s movies, talented actors often play in large groups. It’s normal to see a huge cast of probably the best entertainers in a quick-moving experience, and a portion of these screen legends just play minor parts. In Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Edward Norton’s minor role is not a criticism of him; rather, it is a sign of respect. He nailed Anderson’s razor-sharp comedic banter, making him instantly memorable.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
8. The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
The People vs. Larry Flynt, directed by Milo Forman in 1997, transforms the tale of the “Hustler” editor into an unexpectedly sophisticated examination of censorship, patriotism, and free speech. Edward Norton may be familiar with the themes that Forman frequently explores in his works, which frequently feature controversial figures who challenge authority. Woody Harrelson gives one of his best performances as the title character, and Norton co-stars as Alan Isaacman, Flynt’s lawyer. Young Norton was able to capture a young lawyer’s diligence and intelligence.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
9. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Ridley Scott’s epic “Kingdom of Heaven,” released in 2005 and about a medieval war, had a runtime that didn’t do the story justice. Scott’s significantly stronger director’s cut, which also includes more Edward Norton scenes, gives the story an epic dimension. The tale of the Frenchman who lost his wife (Orlando Bloom), and Liam Neeson’s reconnection with his father Godfrey, who has lost his wife, is the focus of the film, which occurs in the 12th century.
Just before his son succumbs to critical wounds sustained in battle, Godfrey convinces him to join the Crusades and take the initiative in the effort to retake the revered Kingdom of Jerusalem. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
10. Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
With the comedy “Keeping the Faith” in 2000, Edward Norton made his directorial debut. It took him nearly two decades to direct his next film. An underappreciated period noir mystery based on Jonathan Lethem’s novel “Motherless Brooklyn” was written, directed, and starred Norton. The film was a love letter to New York City and a reflection on the challenging racial prejudice at its core.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
11. The Score (2001)
In Frank Oz’s 2001 heist thriller “The Score,” three generations of unwavering movie stars came together. The main character of the film is Nick Wells (Robert De Niro), a master safecracker and professional criminal. (Marlon Brando) He accepts Max’s offer of one last job.
Nick is impressed by the young criminal Jack Teller’s (Edward Norton) ‘s skill at deception after Max introduces him to Max. To gain entry to a highly secured area, Jack pretends to be a mentally challenged janitor. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
12. Rounders (1998)
Gambling movies are hard to properly capture because the details of betting can be hard to understand or too abstract to feel invested in. The best betting movies join tender loving care with convincing characters who face the real factors of a habit-forming way of life, and “Rounders” from 1998 is one of them.
Matt Damon plays law student Mike McDermott, who participates in underworld Texas hold ’em tournaments in his spare time in New York City. His life is threatened after he loses $30,000 to the Russian mobster KGB (John Malkovich). One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
13. Frida (2002)
Even though Edward Norton is not your typical leading man, he had a long list of notable roles by the beginning of the twenty-first century. As a result, his minor role in the biopic “Frida,” which came out in 2002, was a little surprising. The visually stunning biopic of Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, starring Salma Hayek, is based on the life of a young woman and focuses on her complicated relationship with a fellow artist.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
14. The Illusionist (2006)
Since Edward Norton has never played a typical romantic lead, his most romantic movie is also a suspenseful mystery. Although Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige” and “The Illusionist” were released less than two months apart, the two-period pieces about magicians are very different. While “The Illusionist” is a sensitive story about relationships between people of different social classes, “The Prestige” is about two artists competing to outdo each other.
Since he was a young man, the capable stage illusionist Eisenheim, played by Norton, has had eyes only for the well-off Duchess Sophie Von Teschen, played by Jessica Biel. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
15. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
“The Incredible Hulk,” which came out in 2008 and is now referred to as the “black sheep” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an underrated superhero film that does a good job of telling Bruce Banner’s story. “The Incredible Hulk,” directed by Ang Lee, jumps right into the action, with Banner (Edward Norton) fleeing authorities in South American favelas, whereas “Hulk,” released in 2003, took its time exploring Banner’s origin story.
Banner tries to avoid the constant anxiety that comes from making the movie a continuous chase to avoid becoming the Hulk. This movie is Directed by Louis Leterrier, and the Cast members are Edward Norton, William Hurt, Liv Tyler, and Tim Roth. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
16. The Italian Job (2003)
Although Edward Norton has demonstrated his ability to portray nuanced, even difficult-to-like characters, he has never played a villain. He was given a chance in F. Gary Gray’s 2003 remake of the British heist cinema classic “The Italian Job,” which does a fantastic job of updating the narrative and offering equally entertaining set pieces. Norton’s character, Steve Frazelli, murders Donald Sutherland’s John Bridger as a traitor to his robbery crew.
Norton enjoys eating the landscape as a bad character. Bridger’s tragic demise is made worse by his relentless bullying, and the team uses him as an emotive goal for their grandiose theft. It is quite wonderful to see Frazelli eventually fall into the trap and become powerless. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
17. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Mayor Kobayashi has directed that all dogs be relocated to Trash Island as a result of an outbreak of the dog flu in Megasaki, Japan. Atari, a young boy on the island, sets out to find Spots, his lost dog, with the help of five other dogs, but he faces many challenges along the way. It’s one of the most inventive, enlivened movies of the 10 years.
The film has a large ensemble cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and many others, in addition to Norton, who plays the lead role. Director by Wes Anderson. Starring Edward Norton (voice), Bryan Cranston (voice)Koyu Rankin(voice). One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
18. 25th Hour (2002)
The final 24 hours of a drug dealer (Norton) before he receives a seven-year prison sentence are the focus of the movie 25th Hour. Like all great Lee films, it examines the prejudices and xenophobia that people acquire as a result of their upbringing. Additionally, Norton’s apparent interest in the subject matter made for an excellent collaboration between the actor and director. Directed by Spike Lee. It Starring Edward Norton, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
19. The Painted Veil (2006)
The Painted Veil is a romantic drama, whereas Norton typically portrays violent and criminal characters in thriller films. In the 1920s, a cynical wife of a scientist (Naomi Watts), who is having an affair with a different man (Liev Schreiber), goes with her husband (Edward Norton) to mainland China to fight a cholera epidemic.
She begins a journey of self-discovery there, which eventually leads to an unexpected chance to be redeemed. Directed by john Curran. This movie is Directed by John Curran, and the Cast members are Edward Norton, Toby Jones, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, and Diana Rigg. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
20. Red Dragon (2002)
Will Graham, played by Edward Norton, is a former FBI agent who left his position after nearly losing his life while attempting to capture the elusive Dr. Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins. After a string of particularly heinous murders, Graham quickly concludes that the most effective strategy for apprehending the assassin known as the Tooth Fairy is to gain access to the mind of the killer.
This requires Graham to confront his past and his former foe, the presently incarcerated Hannibal Lecter. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
21. Collateral Beauty (2016)
Will Smith, a successful New York advertising executive, withdraws from life following a loss. He writes letters to Love, Time, and Death as he searches for answers from the universe while his worried friends frantically try to get in touch with him. He begins to comprehend how these constants intertwine in a fully lived life and how even the most profound loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty when his notes elicit unexpected personal responses.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
22. Death to Smoochy (2002)
Smoochy (Edward Norton), a puffy rhinoceros, replaces the corrupt, costumed star of a popular children’s television show, Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams), who is fired following a bribery scandal. Smoochy rockets to fame, scoring hit ratings and the affections of a network executive (Catherine Keener), and Randolph makes the unsuspecting rhino the target of his numerous outrageous attempts tries to get back at him and regain his title as America’s sweetheart.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
23. Down in the Valley (2005)
At the beach, teenager Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood) meets the fascinating Harlan (Edward Norton). Harlan claims to be a former ranch worker and is dressed as a cowboy. They immediately fall in love and begin dating, but her father, a lawyer named David Morse, is wary of her partner.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
24. The Bourne Legacy (2012)
Eric Byer (Edward Norton), the man who created the programs, decides to sacrifice one of them when Jason Bourne’s actions start a fire that threatens to destroy decades of research at several secret intelligence agencies: Outcome. Byer makes off with research scientist Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) and one of Outcome’s six agents, Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner). But Cross turns out to be a much more dangerous target than Byer thinks.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
25. Pride and Glory (2008)
Edward Norton plays Ray Tierney, a New York City cop who has a father played by Jon Voight, a brother played by Francis (Noah Emmerich), and a bad-boy brother-in-law played by Jimmy (Colin Farrell). The patriarch of Tierney assigns Ray to lead the investigation after a botched drug bust results in the deaths of four of Francis’ men. Jimmy, on the other hand, conducts his investigation, putting Ray’s team in danger. Due to Jimmy’s actions, Ray soon finds himself caught between his responsibilities as a cop and those to his family.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
26. Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
Following her parents’ divorce, D.J. (Natasha Lyonne), the daughter of wealthy Manhattanites Joe (Woody Allen) and Steffi (Goldie Hawn), must deal with her extended family. Her half-sister Skylar (Drew Barrymore) and her fiancé, Holden (Edward Norton), are a source of excitement for the entire family. When stern former criminal Charlie (Tim Roth) enters the picture, things take an unexpected turn. In the meantime, Joe is on the lookout for Von, played by Julia Roberts.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
27. Leaves of Grass (2009)
When an Ivy League professor (Edward Norton) returns home, he discovers that his twin brother, who grows marijuana, has devised a strategy to topple a local drug lord. The dark comedy by Tim Blake Nelson is pretty uneven, but it’s fun to watch Norton play The Nutty Professor, showing his serious side as Bill and having a blast playing Brady, who is a complete loser.
Leaves of Grass is, at best, a one-joke concept; however, its existence demonstrates Norton’s willingness to put in the work, even if it doesn’t merit it. Directed by Tim Blake Nelson, starring Edward Norton, Keri Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss Melanie Lynskey. One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
28. Sausage Party (2016)
The local supermarket’s food offerings are all performing well. Frank the sausage (played by Seth Rogen), Brenda the hot dog bun (played by Kristen Wiig), Teresa the taco (played by Edward Norton), and Sammy Bagel Jr. Before long, their reality comes crashing down as Forthcoming finds the frightening truth that he will ultimately turn into a dinner. The terrified perishables devise a strategy to flee their human foes after their friends are warned of their fate.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
29. Stone (2010)
Jack Mabry, played by Robert De Niro, is a parole officer who is about to retire and is working on a few cases. One of those cases involves Gerald “Stone” Creeson, played by Edward Norton, a criminal who burned down his grandparents’ house to cover up their deaths. Cresson will do whatever it takes to get out of jail, including telling his girlfriend to seduce Mabry. Mabry’s monster is reactivated by Creeson’s manipulations, resulting in unexpected outcomes for both of them.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end.
30. The Guardian Brothers (2015)
The Chinese Spirit World is in trouble: people never again trust in divine beings! A Door God goes into the human world to prove his worth in the face of unemployment. This leads to unexpected encounters and transformations for both humans and spirits.
One of Edward Norton’s best films to see, packed with drama and suspense that will keep you hooked to the screen right up until the very end. This movie is Directors by Gary Wang and Paulette Victor-Lifton.
Also read: Why Did Edward Norton Stop Playing The Hulk?
