Are you looking for Christopher Walken movies? A cinematic legend, Christopher Walken has starred in over 140 movies and television shows. He has brought us memorable characters, menacing antagonists, and now the troublesome emperor of Dune, who is ultimately responsible for the Atreides’ initial arrival on Arrakis.
For the movie The Deer Hunter, Walken received his first Oscar nomination and win in 1979. He did not receive another nomination until 2003, but in between, he worked on numerous amazing movies with renowned actors and directors, something he still does today.
His career has included a variety of genres, including horror, thrillers, and romantic dramas. He has even starred in a renowned adaptation of a Stephen King novel, which is not The Shining but is nonetheless entertaining. Despite all of this, he has received numerous nominations and awards, but what really matters is that his films are excellent and highly entertaining, demonstrating his willingness to take on difficult roles and complex characters.
Great villain Christopher Walken movies are on your must-see list.
Top 10 Christopher Walken Films
Christopher Walken, with his distinctive voice, intense gaze, and unique delivery, has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Known for his versatility and depth, Walken has portrayed a wide range of characters across various genres. Here’s a highlight of some of his most notable films:
1. Dune: Part 2
The role of the Emperor in the Dune sequel was given to Walken. The movie, which is based on the Frank Herbert novel, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he travels to Arrakis, where he joins the Fremen and starts to emerge as the leader mentioned in the prophecies. He is a threat to the emperor because he is thought to be capable of stealing his power and destroying his empire, and he must take part in a great battle that could change the entire universe. Paul needs to learn the true meaning of leadership and make a crucial choice that will affect both his relationship with Chani and his future.
2. Sleepy Hollow
Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci are the stars of this film, in which Walken portrays a truly terrifying and supernatural villain. The story unfolds as Ichabod Crane is summoned to the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow, tasked with unraveling a string of perplexing fatalities. Crane comes across a fascinating discovery: the locals firmly believe that the deaths are connected to a decapitated demonic rider who haunts the night seeking vengeance and a new head. However, Crane has a different theory. He proposes that the true culprit is actually someone among the living.
3. The Deer Hunter
Walken’s exceptional performance in this film classic earned him an Oscar, even though the movie isn’t really centered around deer. The Deer Hunter is a gripping war drama featuring the talented Robert De Niro. It follows the journey of three close friends, who share a passion for deer hunting, as they are called to serve in the Vietnam War. Throughout their harrowing experiences, they are confronted with unimaginable atrocities and violence. One of them is severely injured, the other struggles to readjust to everyday life, while the third fails to make it back home, and his companions are left grappling with the difficult decision of how to proceed and whether they can offer any assistance.
4. Catch Me If You Can
The Leonardo DiCaprio-starring movie received two Oscar nominations and is based on real events. Catch Me if You Can follows the captivating journey of Frank Abagnale Jr., a daring 21-year-old who defies societal norms and embarks on a global adventure, skillfully assuming various identities such as a pilot, lawyer, and doctor. Along the way, he engages in check forgery, leaving the FBI in hot pursuit as they strive to bring him to justice. Walken portrays the character of Frank’s father.
5. Batman Returns
In this Tim Burton-directed movie from 1992, Christopher Walken co-stars with Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito. In Batman Returns, the story unfolds in the iconic Gotham City, where Batman faces off against a self-proclaimed villain known as The Penguin. The Penguin teams up with Catwoman and a troubled businessman to wreak havoc in the city. Batman, as the sole defender, must thwart their plans and seek justice.
6. Seven Psychopaths
This critically acclaimed film features an all-star cast including Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, and Walken. Martin McDonagh, who won a BAFTA for his work, directed it skillfully. The story revolves around a writer who is desperate to find success by crafting a script that will transform his career. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a friend involved in dog-napping inadvertently kidnaps a dog belonging to a dangerous mobster. The mobster’s relentless pursuit of them serves as the catalyst for the writer’s creative spark, which ultimately motivates him to write a remarkable story.
7. Dead Zone
The gripping film adaptation of Stephen King’s book The Dead Zone, which stars Christopher Walken, is from David Cronenberg. The story revolves around Johnny Smith, a man who awakens from a coma after a car accident, only to realize that he has lost five years of his life. The emergence of psychic abilities, however, that give him the ability to see into the future, coincides with this loss. As Johnny’s newfound powers unfold, they bring about unforeseen challenges that prove to be more burdensome than he ever anticipated.
8. Man on Fire
Walken stars in this intense crime film set in Mexico City, alongside Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington. Washington portrays a former CIA agent who is enlisted to look after the daughter of an American family residing in the city. Surprisingly, the girl is kidnapped while under his care, and he becomes a suspect. However, he is determined to prove his innocence and uses his extensive knowledge as an agent to search for the girl. His goal is to bring her back home safely and ensure that those responsible for her disappearance face justice. He is unwavering in his determination and will stop at nothing until she is reunited with her family.
9. True Romance (1993)
Walken portrays Vincenzo Coccotti, a Sicilian mobster, in this Quentin Tarantino crime movie. The film features a tense and memorable exchange between Walken and Dennis Hopper, highlighting Walken’s ability to portray villains with chilling effectiveness.
10. King of New York (1990)
Walken stars as Frank White, a drug lord seeking to reclaim his throne in New York City’s underworld. This film cements his status as a compelling lead actor capable of delivering complex anti-hero characters.
Christopher Walken Series to Watch
Severance
This sci-fi series is an intriguing blend of The Office and Black Mirror, delving into the unsettling world of Mark and his colleagues at Lumon, a peculiar company. Mark and his team went through a procedure called severance, which prevents them from recalling their personal lives while at work or their work activities while outside the office. Things become quite complicated when the outside world comes into play. Mark uncovers the true nature of Lumon and realizes the urgency of safeguarding those within.
