Edward Norton has an extensive film resume, doing animation work as well as live-action. He's an actor with many coats and has experience in the superhero world, crime dramas, and even children's television shows.
Because of his intense acting range, Edward can take on difficult roles, and sometimes even plays the gritty villains in the films he stars in. But, occasionally, he gets to play characters that fans can't help but like.
Sammy - Sausage Party (2016)
Sammy is almost unrecognizable as Edward Norton if audiences didn't know that the actor voiced the bagel ahead of time. He puts on a nasally New York accent and makes a ton of bagel puns and food-centric insults launched at his nemesis, Lavash.
Sammy is so likable because he's unlike anything that Edward has done in his career: animated adult humor. Not to mention that the back and forth between Sammy and Lavash that culminates into the two going at it is comedic gold.
Bruce Banner - The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Edward's rendition of the famous Marvel character may not be the most popular, but the film was very successful at the time and is one of Edward Norton's highest-earning movies of all time.
Edward's Hulk was more serious and realistic, and his onscreen chemistry with co-star Liv Tyler added depth to his character and made him more than just an angry monster. He was more akin to the combination of Banner and Hulk that the MCU adopted later on.
Ray - Pride And Glory (2008)
Pride And Glory tells the story of corruption within the police force, and Edward's character, Ray, learns that his brother-in-law, Jimmy, is at the head of it. Ray was previously forced to lie to protect the department and refuses to do it again, making him very irable.
Ray is in an impossible position, having to choose between his loyalty to justice and his loyalty to his family and department. The fact that Ray continues to tell the truth, no matter the consequences, makes him really likable.
Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
gets right out about these conditions.
Beyond the representation, Lionel is ionate about his work and highly respects his mentor. When that same mentor is murdered, Lionel's fierce loyalty to him prompts him to begin investigating the murder himself, using his skills as a private investigator to do so.
The Narrator - Fight Club (1999)
many things about David Fincher's film still hold up today due to its pacing, the direction, and Edward Norton's role as the Narrator opposite Brad Pitt.
Edward's role is highly relatable; he's an average office worker who wants to add excitement to his life and unleash all of the things that truly make him himself. Suppressing expression can lead people to feel like they present an entirely different person to the world like Brad and Edward represent.
King Baldwin - Kingdom Of Heaven (2005)
To start, this role is one of Edward Norton's most impressive, even if he wasn't the lead character. Because King Baldwin suffered from leprosy, Edward played all of his scenes in full-body coverings and a metal mask. Therefore, he had to do all of his acting with his voice and eyes, which is a talent.
King Baldwin was a good man and it was a shame he couldn't have been king longer. He wanted to negotiate instead of starting wars, and he respected and approved of Balian's love for his sister. He even wanted them to be together so Balian would be king and he would be rid of his sister's warmongering husband.
Eisenheim - The Illusionist (2006)
Edward Norton is a charming magician in this psychological thriller that tells an intriguing non-linear story. He plays Eisenheim, a magician who comes into town to do a show, but he has the ulterior motive of seeing his former love, Sophie.
The two are star-crossed lovers and viewers can't help but root for Eisenheim to win her back from her abusive partner, the Crown Prince Leopold. Edward's chemistry with Jessica Biel, who plays Sophie, as well as his captivating magic performance are the most memorable parts of the film.
Keeping The Faith - (2000)
Some have the unpopular opinion that Fleabag's Priest was a scumbag for indulging in romance, but he wasn't the first priest on film to be confused about love. Edward Norton plays Father Brian, who is sweet and caring. When his childhood friend, Amy, returns, he starts developing unexpected feelings for her.
Although Brian had those feelings, he never acted on them in anything more than a single kiss. Then, when he finds out his best friend, Jake, has secretly been dating Amy for weeks, he's heartbroken. This doesn't stop him from still being an amazing friend, however, and he actively helps Jake win Amy back.
Scout Master Ward - Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Edward Norton is a familiar face for fans of Wes Anderson. In the best costumes in a Wes Anderson film.
Scout Master Ward is caring towards the boys, and has some amazing back and forth with them through the quick-witted style of Anderson's writing. Ward even makes a point to say he's a scout leader first and a math teacher "on the side."
Rex - Isle Of Dogs (2018)
It's hard to resist Edward Norton as a scruffy canine character, as dogs are instantly lovable. He and the rest of the dog population are exiled to a trash heap in the ocean, and Rex knows they can do so much better for themselves.
When a young boy comes searching for his missing dog, Rex is the first one to advocate for helping him instead of eating him. Additionally, Rex fights for democracy within the dog pack and thinks all decision-making should be fair and toward a good goal.
