Edward Norton is an actor who made a huge impact as soon as he graced us with his on-screen presence. Consider the fact that his performance in his debut film, Primal Fear, earned him nominations at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. Not many other actors can boast that kind of start to their career.
With a storied filmography that spans more than two decades, Edward Norton is one of the most notable actors of his generation. If you need an introduction to the man, look no further than the ratings his movies have on Rotten Tomatoes. Other than the surprising lack of Primal Fear, this list shows you the peak of his work. These are his 10 best films, according to the popular review website.
25th Hour (78%)
The list kicks off with one of the lesser-known films included. That’s surprising when you consider 25th Hour was directed by Spike Lee and has a cast that includes Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anna Paquin and Rosario Dawson. 25th Hour was released in 2002 and some consider it among the best films of the decade.
Norton stars as convicted drug dealer Montgomery Brogan. The story centers around Brogan’s final 24 hours of freedom before going to jail for seven years. Critics found this to be an intelligent film that was well directed and featured strong acting from the talented cast.
Everyone Says I Love You (79%)
Another movie that isn’t known by many. Everyone Says I Love You grossed just $9.8 million back in 1996. It was Edward Norton’s second feature film. Like the previous entry, this boasted big names as it was directed by Woody Allen and starred Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, and Tim Roth.
While it didn’t do well commercially, this is one of the better-reviewed movies from any of those stars. The ensemble cast played characters with intertwining love stories in this romantic musical. Though some felt it was uneven at times, most found it to be a really fun film.
Fight Club (79%)
This has the same score as the previous entry but ranks higher due to a better average rating and more reviews. While Primal Fear got Edward Norton his first Oscar nomination, this is a movie that really helped make him a household name. Based on the novel of the same name, Fight Club is classic David Fincher.
Norton portrays the unnamed Narrator who helps start a fight club alongside a charismatic soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). This movie is a wild ride that managed to expertly adapt the crazy tone from the novel onto the big screen. It was praised for the direction, acting, and production design.
Sausage Party (83%)
The first of two animated films to make the list. 2016’s Sausage Party was written by the same guys who brought you Superbad and This is the End, so it isn’t the kind of comedy you might expect from a cartoon. The story is about various foods living in a supermarket who become aware of the horrors of only existing so humans can eat them.
It works as a parody of Pixar films while telling its own unique story. Edward Norton lent his voice to the small role of a Jewish bagel named Sammy Bagel Jr. Sausage Party was said to have impressive visuals, over the top gags, and a thought-provoking plot. While critics loved it, only about half of the audience reviews were positive.
American History X (83%)
We have another tie on the list, but American History X gets the slight nod due to a better average rating. This 1998 film might be the one most synonymous with Edward Norton’s career. Many consider it to be his best performance, and it earned him another Oscar nomination.
In it, Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a man caught up in the white supremacist movement. After a violent hate crime, his time in prison changes his outlook on his life and he attempts to steer his younger brother away from repeating his mistakes. It is a shocking and controversial movie, which works in its favor.
The People vs. Larry Flynt (89%)
Following Edward Norton’s best performance, we get Woody Harrelson’s. The actor took on the lead role in The People vs. Larry Flynt, playing the famous Hustler magazine publisher. The film covered about 35 years of Flynt’s life, including his rise to fame and his run-ins with the law.
This 1996 film was still early into Edward Norton’s career. His turn as Flynt’s lawyer Alan Isaacman earned him high praise and he nabbed a few award victories. The film itself was lauded for being an honest biopic filled with fantastic acting from almost every member of the cast.
Isle Of Dogs (90%)
Isle of Dogs is the second animated film to make the list and is also the most recent entry. Released in 2018, this marked another collaboration between Edward Norton and director/writer/producer Wes Anderson. The gorgeous stop-motion look is just the tip of the iceberg for why this is such a great film.
The plot follows a boy who partners up with a group of dogs while searching for his own on an island where the species had been banished to. The voice acting was top-notch — Norton’s co-stars included Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeff Goldblum — the dialogue was witty, and it was one of the most clever movies you’ll find anywhere. It was up for Best Animated Feature Film at the Oscars and Golden Globes.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (91%)
It’s another Wes Anderson/Edward Norton collaboration. The Grand Budapest Hotel featured the trademark Wes Anderson style and ensemble cast he’s known for. Norton joined Bill Murray, Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Jeff Goldblum, and more. The movie tells the story of a hotel concierge and lobby boy on their adventures after the former is falsely accused of murder.
This proved to be one of the more fun roles of Norton’s career. He plays Albert Henckels, the lead inspector covering the murder. As a whole, the film was considered to be a visual delight with a fantastic screenplay. It racked up nine Academy Award nominations and was named as one of the greatest films of the 21st century by a BBC poll.
Birdman (91%)
Judging by this list, Edward Norton and the Academy Awards kind of go hand-in-hand. 2014’s Birdman was the one Norton project to earn a victory for Best Picture. Though he wasn’t the star, Norton was stellar and earned a Best Supporting Actor nod for his work as Mike Shiner.
Birdman follows a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton), best known for playing a superhero named “Birdman” in his prime, as he tries his hand at a Broadway play. This unique film looks like it was filmed in a single take, which earned the cinematographer a bunch of awards. Not only was this one of Norton’s finest, but it also ranked as one of Emma Stone’s best movies ever as well.
Moonrise Kingdom (93%)
It seems fitting that the top spot goes to another piece of art from Edward Norton and Wes Anderson. Moonrise Kingdom marked their first time working together. It is about an orphan boy who escapes a scouting camp on a fictional New England island to be with his pen pal. Once together, they move to a beach to escape everyone.
Again, the film was filled with the unique style that people love from Anderson. Norton took on the role of Scout Master Ward, while other actors included Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, and Frances McDormand. Moonrise Kingdom was praised for being whimsical, well-acted, and having a phenomenal screenplay.
