Cillian Murphy is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, and his most iconic role is that of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Murphy brought immense charm to the troubled gang leader, and it's believed that this character could not have become a cultural phenomenon with any other actor. However, long before roaming the streets of Birmingham, he had built one of the most impressive filmographies in modern cinema.

One of Murphy's most notable films is Christopher Nolan's 2010 sci-fi thriller Inception. The film follows a team of specialists who use experimental technologies to enter the subconscious of their targets to steal or implant information. Murphy plays Robert Fischer, the heir to a corporate empire and the team's most ambitious target. Nolan successfully presents a complex concept to the audience in a way that is both comprehensible and thrilling.

Another significant work is 28 Days Later. This film fundamentally changed the zombie genre. Danny Boyle created a world where infected individuals run at terrifying speeds, making zombies more menacing. Murphy, portraying the character Jim in this film, secured a special place in the hearts of viewers. Two decades later, the franchise finally brought Murphy back in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Dunkirk showcases Nolan's innovative approach to filmmaking once again. Set during World War II, the film unfolds across three timelines that progress at different speeds. Murphy plays a soldier rescued by a civilian ship, and his performance perfectly reflects his character's state of mind with almost no dialogue.

Lastly, Oppenheimer is seen as the pinnacle of Nolan's career. Murphy portrays theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the Manhattan Project. The film garnered attention for its intense dialogues and received significant interest during its opening week, becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all time. These films of Cillian Murphy clearly demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the best actors of today.