5 Underrated Cillian Murphy Films to Stream After Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man sees Irish actor Cillian Murphy reprising his iconic role as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby in a new film now streaming on Netflix. In this continuation of the beloved BBC series created by Steven Knight, Tommy is drawn out of self-imposed exile back to Small Heath, where his son Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, has taken control of the gang and brokered a deal with the Nazis to circulate counterfeit currency.
While The Immortal Man may conclude Tommy's story, it paves the way for two new Peaky Blinders series set in post-World War II Birmingham, introducing a fresh generation of gangsters. As fans flock to Netflix to witness this first epic feature film, which also premiered in cinemas on March 6th, 2026, it's the perfect time to explore Murphy's diverse filmography.
Here are five underrated Cillian Murphy movies that showcase his remarkable range and are available to stream across various platforms.
Steve - Netflix
For those who have just watched The Immortal Man on Netflix, Steve offers another compelling lead performance from Murphy. In this film, he plays the headteacher of a school for boys with behavioural issues, based on Max Porter's novel Shy. Co-starring Jay Lycurgo, who also appears in The Immortal Man, Steve has been praised for its emotional depth.
One IMDb reviewer described the performances as Oscar-worthy, stating: "Truly heartbreaking performances that make you feel deeply." Another fan labelled it a "must-see" that "left me deeply moved and utterly captivated."
Small Things Like These - Prime Video
Another recent Murphy-led film, Small Things Like These, is adapted from Claire Keegan's bestselling novel. Murphy delivers an understated yet commanding performance as a father and coal merchant in a small Irish town who uncovers a horrific truth at a local convent.
This quietly devastating film has garnered acclaim for its emotional resonance. An enthusiastic reviewer insisted "it deserves far more recognition," adding: "This film is a brilliant piece of art, featuring outstanding performances and a story that is both deeply touching and genuinely terrifying."
Inception - Sky and NOW
From indie dramas to blockbuster spectacle, Inception remains one of the most mind-bending films of the 21st century, with Murphy in a pivotal role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Murphy plays the heir to a vast business empire whose subconscious is targeted by dream-invading criminals.
A critic hailed it as "a one-of-a-kind mind-blowing masterpiece" and Nolan's greatest achievement. Murphy later reunited with Nolan for Oppenheimer, earning him both an Oscar and a BAFTA award.
28 Days Later - Sky and NOW
One of Murphy's early roles that propelled him to fame, 28 Days Later is a gripping British zombie film directed by Danny Boyle. Murphy portrays a coma patient who awakens to find the UK overrun by a rage-inducing virus, with only a few survivors left.
An IMDb user declared it "a modern classic" that "perfectly sums up the confused era we are living in." The film has spawned recent sequels, 28 Years Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, for those seeking more of this haunting universe.
Red Eye - Paramount+
This unhinged thriller is arguably one of Murphy's most overlooked performances. Starring alongside Rachel McAdams and Brian Cox, Red Eye is a deliriously entertaining psychological horror where a helpless passenger faces a terrorist plot during a red-eye flight from Dallas to Miami.
Directed by horror maestro Wes Craven in 2005, the film has developed a substantial cult following. One fan claimed: "My blood pressure was sky high after seeing this film. This movie was excellent. One of Wes Craven's best to date."
As Cillian Murphy transitions from Tommy Shelby to new projects, these five films highlight his versatility and talent beyond Peaky Blinders. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently available to stream on Netflix.
