Christoph Waltz, the Austrian-German actor known for his captivating performances and undeniable charisma, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Waltz has proven his versatility and talent in a wide range of roles, from charming villains to complex protagonists. In this article, we will explore Christoph Waltz’s 20 best movies, delving into the intricacies of his performances and the impact they have had on audiences worldwide.
1. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Waltz’s breakthrough role came in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, where he portrayed the charmingly sinister SS Colonel Hans Landa, also known as “The Jew Hunter.” His multilingual, nuanced performance earned him widespread acclaim and his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Waltz’s portrayal of Landa set the stage for his future collaborations with Tarantino and established him as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
2. Django Unchained (2012)
In his second collaboration with Tarantino, Waltz starred as Dr. King Schultz, a German bounty hunter who frees and partners with the enslaved Django (Jamie Foxx) to rescue Django’s wife from a brutal plantation owner. Waltz’s performance, balancing humor, charm, and moral complexity, earned him his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Django Unchained further cemented Waltz’s status as a versatile actor capable of bringing depth to any role.
3. Carnage (2011)
Directed by Roman Polanski, Carnage is a dark comedy that follows two sets of parents as they meet to discuss a fight between their sons. Waltz stars alongside Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, and John C. Reilly, delivering a sharp and witty performance as Alan Cowan, a self-absorbed lawyer. The film showcases Waltz’s comedic timing and ability to hold his own among a talented ensemble cast.
4. The Zero Theorem (2013)
In this surreal sci-fi drama directed by Terry Gilliam, Waltz plays Qohen Leth, a reclusive computer genius tasked with solving the titular Zero Theorem, a mathematical formula that may reveal the meaning of life. Waltz’s performance captures the character’s existential angst and growing obsession, anchoring the film’s philosophical themes and visually stunning world.
5. Big Eyes (2014)
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Eyes tells the true story of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) and her husband Walter (Waltz), who took credit for her popular paintings of children with large, expressive eyes. Waltz delivers a captivating performance as the charismatic but manipulative Walter, showcasing his range as an actor and ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters.
6. Spectre (2015)
In the 24th James Bond film, Waltz plays Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the iconic villain and head of the criminal organization SPECTRE. Although his screen time is limited, Waltz brings a menacing presence to the role, infusing Blofeld with a mix of sophistication and cruelty. His performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of Bond’s past and the far-reaching influence of SPECTRE.
7. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Based on the popular manga series, Alita: Battle Angel features Waltz as Dr. Dyson Ido, a compassionate cyborg scientist who discovers and rebuilds the titular character (Rosa Salazar). Waltz brings warmth and paternal care to the role, serving as a mentor and father figure to Alita as she navigates the dangerous world of Iron City and uncovers her mysterious past.
8. The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
In this modern retelling of the classic Tarzan story, Waltz portrays the villainous Captain Léon Rom, a corrupt Belgian envoy who seeks to exploit the Congo’s resources. Despite the film’s mixed reception, Waltz’s performance stands out, bringing a sense of menace and calculated cruelty to the role.
9. Water for Elephants (2011)
Based on the novel by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants is a romantic drama set in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. Waltz plays August Rosenbluth, the charismatic but volatile ringmaster who becomes increasingly jealous and abusive towards his wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) and the circus’s new veterinarian, Jacob (Robert Pattinson). Waltz’s performance captures the character’s charm and cruelty, adding depth to the film’s central love triangle.
10. Downsizing (2017)
In this satirical sci-fi comedy directed by Alexander Payne, Waltz appears as Dusan Mirkovic, a charismatic Serbian businessman who befriends the protagonist Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) in a miniaturized community. Waltz’s performance brings humor and energy to the film, serving as a catalyst for Paul’s personal growth and exploration of the downsized world.
11. The French Dispatch (2021)
Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch features Waltz in a supporting role as Paul Duval, an art dealer involved in one of the film’s interconnected stories. Although his screen time is limited, Waltz’s performance adds to the film’s whimsical charm and meticulous attention to detail, showcasing his ability to fit seamlessly into Anderson’s distinctive style.
12. Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)
In this comedy sequel, Waltz plays Burt Hanson, a ruthless businessman who double-crosses the protagonists (Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis) in a business deal. While the film received mixed reviews, Waltz’s performance brings a sense of gravitas and comedic timing to the role, elevating the material and providing a worthy adversary for the main characters.
13. The Three Musketeers (2011)
This action-adventure adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel features Waltz as Cardinal Richelieu, the cunning and manipulative chief minister of France. Waltz’s performance brings a sense of elegance and calculated villainy to the role, standing out among the film’s impressive cast and lavish production design.
14. Tulip Fever (2017)
Set in 17th-century Amsterdam during the height of tulip mania, Tulip Fever features Waltz as Cornelis Sandvoort, a wealthy merchant who commissions a portrait of himself and his young wife Sophia (Alicia Vikander). Waltz’s performance captures the character’s pride and vulnerability, adding depth to the film’s exploration of love, art, and societal expectations.
15. The Green Hornet (2011)
In this action-comedy based on the classic radio and television series, Waltz plays Benjamin Chudnofsky, a ruthless crime boss who becomes the nemesis of the titular masked vigilante (Seth Rogen). Waltz’s performance brings a sense of menace and dark humor to the role, elevating the film’s action sequences and providing a worthy adversary for the protagonist.
16. Rifkin’s Festival (2020)
Directed by Woody Allen, Rifkin’s Festival features Waltz in a supporting role as Death, who appears in the protagonist’s (Wallace Shawn) dream sequences. Waltz’s performance adds a touch of surreal humor to the film, showcasing his ability to adapt to Allen’s distinctive style and blend seamlessly with the ensemble cast.
17. Georgetown (2019)
In his directorial debut, Waltz also stars as Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber who marries a wealthy widow (Vanessa Redgrave) and finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation. Waltz’s performance captures the character’s charm and duplicity, anchoring the film’s exploration of power, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
18. Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
In this musical comedy, Waltz appears as himself, performing a duet with the Muppet character Walter during the film’s opening number. Although his role is brief, Waltz’s performance showcases his comedic timing and willingness to embrace the film’s playful, self-referential humor.
19. The Consultant (2023)
In this upcoming dark comedy series, Waltz stars as Regus Patoff, a mysterious consultant hired to improve the business at the CompWare tech company. While details about the series are limited, Waltz’s involvement promises a compelling and enigmatic performance that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
20. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
In this stop-motion animated adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Waltz lends his voice to the character of Count Volpe, a cunning and manipulative fox who seeks to exploit Pinocchio for his own gain. Waltz’s vocal performance brings depth and nuance to the character, adding to the film’s dark and whimsical atmosphere.
Conclusion
Christoph Waltz’s career is a testament to his incredible talent, versatility, and ability to captivate audiences with his performances. From his breakout role in Inglourious Basterds to his recent work in films like Alita: Battle Angel and The French Dispatch, Waltz has consistently delivered memorable and impactful performances that showcase his range as an actor.
In exploring Christoph Waltz’s 20 best movies, we have seen the breadth and depth of his talent, from his Academy Award-winning performances in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained to his scene-stealing turns in films like Carnage and Big Eyes. Each role showcases a different facet of Waltz’s abilities, highlighting his incredible range and adaptability as an actor.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Christoph Waltz will continue to be a force in the world of cinema, taking on new and exciting projects that push the boundaries of his craft. Whether he is playing a charming villain, a complex protagonist, or a supporting character that steals the show, Waltz’s performances will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
