Edward Norton is currently starring in Knives Out's long-awaited sequel, Glass Onion, and many audiences are already calling it his most exciting role in recent memory. He plays the character of Miles Bron, a tech billionaire who invites his friends to a deadly party on his private island.
Much like Knives Out, Glass Onion is an entirely original and exciting story that follows the exploits of Detective Benoit Blanc as he attempts to solve a complex mystery in real time. It's a thrilling story that makes the most of its star-studded ensemble with an intricate story that all audiences can get behind.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Available To Stream On Prime Video
Kingdom of Heaven is a pretty unconventional choice to hold the status of Edward Norton's finest performance to date because his face is always hidden from the audience. His character is constantly wearing a mask to hide his appearance, leaving many viewers unaware that Norton was even in the film at all.
But despite his hidden appearance, Norton manages to capture the essence of King Baldwin excellently, conveying his power and intensity through body language and vocal performance alone. One Redditor accurately notes that "very few actors would make such a role so memorable and tragic."
Birdman (2014)
Available To Rent On Apple TV+
Several audiences cite Birdman as the greatest Best Picture winner in recent memory, and while it's easy to attribute the film's success to the unique direction and camera tricks, the outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton are just as responsible.
Reddit sling_blade_x its that they "loved him in Birdman". It's an incredibly easy performance to watch because Norton is using his natural charm and charisma to craft a character that audiences simply can't get enough of.
Primal Fear (1996)
Available To Stream On Prime Video
It's not often that an actor receives an Academy Award nomination for their very first film appearance, but that's exactly what Norton managed with 1996's Primal Fear. His complex and intricate performance absolutely blew audiences away at the time of release and remains just as impactful today.
Redditor hedgehogsinhats shares that Norton "nailed it" in the film, even outshining lead star Richard Gere in most scenes. It's the film that really put his name on the map as one of his generation's greatest talents, so it's no surprise that many fans still consider it to be his best.
25th Hour (2003)
Available To Stream On Hoopla
25th Hour features one of Edward Norton's few lead performances, and it's indisputable proof that more directors should trust the actor with complex, emotional roles like this. Despite his character's immoral and ambiguous actions, he immediately connects with the audience and brings them on a powerful journey.
Reddit 25th Hour is one of Edward Norton's best movies by many standards, with Spike Lee's precise direction working wonders for this particular story.
Death To Smoochy (2002)
Available To Stream On Hoopla
Movies like Death to Smoochy can easily fail if they're unable to balance comedy and drama well. Luckily, this film is led by an ever-talented Robin Williams who ensures, alongside Norton in an unforgettable ing role, that the film never delves too deeply into either style.
It's easy to overlook Death to Smoochy because of its childish style and exaggerated performances, but one Redditor argues that it's "unironically" one of Norton's crowning achievements to date. The way that he switches between comedy and tragedy is fascinating, unlike any other actor of his time.
American History X (1998)
Available To Stream On Tubi
The late '90s were probably Edward Norton's most prosperous and successful years as an actor, and American History X is one of the highlights of his career so far. Directed by Tony Kaye, the film is a roaring criticism of crime, legality, and the American prison system.
Reddit American History X's Derek might not be Edward Norton's most likable character, but he's undoubtedly one of the most interesting.
The Italian Job (2003)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Most audiences can agree that 2003's The Italian Job doesn't quite reach the filmmaking heights of Peter Collinson's original thriller, but if there's one thing about the remake that most viewers can rally around, it's Edward Norton's highly entertaining performance as Steve.
Redditor maxkorben shares that Norton is "good at playing slimy, snooty bad guys", and that's exactly what he's given an opportunity to do here. It's impossible to root for him, but it's just as difficult to truly dislike him thanks to Norton's thrillingly fun performance.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Although it's Mark Ruffallo that's best-known as The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was actually Edward Norton that initially took up the role in The Incredible Hulk. Though he never returned to the franchise, it's thanks to him that the character really took off on the big screen.
Reddit MCU cast Norton perfectly as Bruce Banner, so it would definitely be interesting to see him back one day.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Available To Stream On Tubi
There are plenty of exciting actors who've worked with Wes Anderson on his movies over the years, but very few understand the director's distinct style more than Edward Norton. He brings a much-needed sense of sarcasm and dry wit that really elevates Anderson's screenplay in Moonrise Kingdom.
Reddit f__theking describes Norton's performance as "hilariously perfect", praising the actor for his ability to switch between comedy and drama in a way that works perfectly with this particular story.
Fight Club (1999)
Available To Stream On Hulu
Even so many years after its release, David Fincher's Fight Club is still the movie that Edward Norton is best known for. He stars opposite Brad Pitt in this timely social thriller, bringing together several fascinating ideas about society, individualism, and human autonomy.
Redditor theplague notices that Norton "likes to play characters with dual natures/split personalities", which is why Fight Club plays to his strengths so strongly. He's brilliant at conveying the secret complexities of his character, which makes that final act reveal so powerful.
