Summary

• Christopher Walken's career spans six decades, characterized by his versatile acting skills and memorable performances in both lead and ing roles.
• Walken has demonstrated his ability to convincingly play a wide range of characters, including both heroes and villains, across multiple genres.
• His performances in films like "Seven Psychopaths," "Kings of New York," and "Catch Me If You Can" showcase his depth, authenticity, and the unique charm he brings to each role.

With an illustrious career that spans six decades, Christopher Walken has delivered more than his fair share of memorable performances in Hollywood movies, with some standing out above the rest. Beginning as a child actor in the 1950s, Walken gradually became a widely recognized figure, known for his unique presence and versatile acting skills in both lead and ing roles. Over the years, Walken has consistently delivered performances marked by their depth and authenticity.

He appeared as Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV Corrino in Dune: Part Two, Walken has taken on a wide range of characters across multiple genres, showcasing his adaptability and dedication as an actor.

10 Seven Psychopaths

Release Date: 2012

In Martin McDonagh's satirical follow-up to his highly acclaimed black comedy, In Bruges, Christopher Walken plays the role of one of the psychopaths, Hans Kieslowski. In the movie, Walken's character is a dog-loving religious man with a shadowy past as The Quaker, a notorious gangster who drove his daughter's killer to suicide. Walken embodies the lighthearted character with a unique blend of likable charm and quirky personality. As Hans, he serves as a stabilizing presence amidst the film's more eccentric characters, including Marty (Colin Farrell), and Billy (Sam Rockwell). The duo mistakenly interpret Hans' real-life experiences as material for their screenplay, adding an interesting conflict to the story.

9 Kings of New York

Release Date: 1990

The first of his four collaborations with Abel Ferrara, Kingdom of New York is a neo-noir crime film featuring Christopher Walken in the lead role of Frank White, a recently released drug lord who returns to the mean streets of New York with the intention of legitimizing his operations. White, accompanied by his right-hand man Jimmy Jump, portrayed by Lawrence Fishburne, aims to reclaim control of the criminal underworld by eliminating rivals and putting an end to human trafficking and child prostitution. As their actions attract the attention of the NYPD, a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse follows. The police's conflict with White creates a nuanced crime drama packed with tension and excitement, elevated by Walken's performance.

8 Antz

Release Date: 1998

The first film from DreamWorks Animation, Antz features an ensemble voice cast featuring Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone, and Christopher Walken, who lends his voice to Colonel Cutter, a flying, no-nonsense military ant. Walken's voice provides a unique contrast to the film's colorful insect world, exhibiting a stern authority befitting his character, who is influenced by the arrogant actions of General Mandible. However, Cutter ultimately decides to align himself with Z, a common worker framed as a war criminal, for the betterment of the ant colony. Antz's fun, unique portrayal of life in an ant colony, ed by a great cast of characters - including Walken's - makes it one of the best animated films to come out of the 1990s.

7 Hairspray

Release Date: 2007

In this lively musical comedy, Christopher Walken steps into the role of Wilbur Turnblad, the good-natured father of Tracy, husband of John Travolta's Edna Turnblad, and the owner of the 'Hardy-Har Hut' joke shop. Walken brings a warm presence to the character, portraying Wilbur with genuine kindness and a playful spirit. His performance adds a heartwarming element to Hairspray's vibrant musical numbers, including his and Travolta's rendition of "(You're) Timeless to Me." The song also serves as Wilbur's declaration of love and apology to Edna after being accused of infidelity.

6 The Addiction

Release Date: 1995

In Abel Ferrara's thought-provoking black-and-white vampire horror drama, Walken appears in the role of Peina, a mysterious figure who has a significant influence over the film's protagonist, Kathleen Conklin, portrayed by Lili Taylor. Walken's character is shrouded in mystery, captivating viewers to keep guessing his origin and intention. By using vampires as its central characters, Ferrara is able to deftly weave a dark and sublime story about addiction and the power it holds. In this case, it's the thirst for blood that serves as an overwhelming temptation for its characters.

5 Batman Returns

Release Date: 1992

Walken brings his distinctive presence to Tim Burton's sequel to the highly successful 1989's Batman. As the corrupt industrialist Max Shreck, Walken embodies a character driven by greed and ambition. Written specifically for the film, Max finds himself caught in a web of blackmail by Danny DeVito's Penguin, becoming a significant obstacle for Michael Keaton's caped crusader. Providing additional conflict to the narrative is Shreck's secretary, Selina Kyle, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, who seeks revenge on him by adopting the alter ego of Catwoman. Walken's portrayal of Shreck is multi-layered, and despite his murderous acts in the past, at one point he even considers sacrificing himself to Penguin in a desperate attempt to save his son.

4 True Romance

Release Date: 1993

Directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino, this romantic crime drama revolves around the newlyweds Clarence and Alabama, who run for their lives after stealing a shipment of drugs from Drexl Spivey, portrayed by Gary Oldman. Christopher Walken takes on the role of his boss, Vincenzo Coccotti, a ruthless mob enforcer with a cold, calculated demeanor. As the lovers in True Romance make their daring escape, the relentless pursuit of Vincenzo Coccotti's henchmen paints a vivid backdrop to their love story. Having developed a cult following since its release due largely to a well-crafted cast of characters, True Romance also features Brad Pitt in an early film role.

3 The Dead Zone

Release Date: 1983

Walken delivered a chilling lead performance in David Cronenberg's sci-fi thriller The Dead Zone, based on the legendary author Stephen King's novel of the same name. After a near-fatal accident that left him in a years-long coma, the film's protagonist Johnny Smith gets psychic powers that allow him to look into people's pasts, presents, and futures with a mere touch. Walken portrays the torments faced by his character with a quiet intensity, struggling with the weight of his powers and the moral dilemmas that arrive with them. Amidst this journey, Johnny encounters his former girlfriend, Sarah, who is now married, adding a bittersweet layer to his new life.

2 Catch Me If You Can

Release Date: 2002

For his role in this Spielberg-directed biographical drama, Walken received his second Academy Award nomination for Best ing Actor. Portraying the father of the real-life con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Walken delivers one of the most emotional performances of his career. As a man caught in the crossfire of his son's illicit exploits, Walken balances charm and vulnerability as his character's influence proves crucial in pushing the plot forward, motivating Frank Jr. to work harder to gain his father's approval.

1 The Deer Hunter

Release Date: 1978

Christopher Walken won his first and only Academy Award for delivering a haunting portrayal of The Deer Hunter's Corporal Nick Chevotarevich, a Vietnam War veteran deeply disturbed by the traumatic horrors he witnessed in combat. Before heading off to war, Nick proposes to Linda, creating a rift with his friend Mike, played by Robert De Niro, who is also in love with her. Upon their return, the brutal realities of war take a toll on Nick, leading to his emotional withdrawal. Portraying the character of Nick brought out Christopher Walken's range as an actor, allowing him to convey numerous emotions throughout his journey in The Deer Hunter.