Nicolas Winding Refn has an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is a Danish filmmaker celebrated for his bold visual style, atmospheric storytelling, and uncompromising creative approach. Known for films that are stylish, violent, and emotionally intense, Refn has become one of modern cinema’s most distinctive auteur directors.
| Nicolas Winding Refn Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Copenhagen, Denmark |
Early Life
Nicolas Winding Refn was born on September 29, 1970, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He spent part of his childhood in the United States, moving to New York in 1981, where he was exposed to American cinema and counterculture. His rebellious streak showed early—he famously was expelled from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for throwing a table into a wall, a moment that pushed him directly toward independent filmmaking rather than formal training.
Breakthrough with the Pusher Trilogy
Refn made his feature debut with Pusher in 1996, which he wrote, directed, and starred in. Set within Copenhagen’s criminal underworld, the gritty realist style of the film put Refn on the international map. Its success led to two sequels:
| Film | Year | Role |
| Pusher | 1996 | Writer, Director, Actor |
| Pusher II | 2004 | Writer, Director |
| Pusher 3 | 2005 | Writer, Director |
The trilogy established Refn’s signature tone: stylish brutality, moral ambiguity, and deeply flawed protagonists.
Critical Rise with Bronson & Valhalla Rising
In 2008, Refn wrote and directed Bronson, a stylized biographical drama starring Tom Hardy as notorious British prisoner Charles Bronson. The film became a cult hit and helped launch Hardy into stardom.
A year later, he directed Valhalla Rising (2009), a violent and atmospheric Viking epic starring Mads Mikkelsen. Though polarizing, it further cemented Refn as a filmmaker willing to take artistic risks.
Mainstream Success with Drive
Refn’s international breakthrough came with Drive (2011), starring Ryan Gosling as a quiet Hollywood stunt driver drawn into a world of crime. The film’s neon-drenched visuals, synth soundtrack, and restrained storytelling received global acclaim.
Refn won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, and Drive became a defining film of the decade—earning him a reputation as a modern style icon in cinema.
Continuing His Unique Vision
Refn continued working with Gosling in Only God Forgives (2013), a visually stunning but divisive exploration of violence and vengeance set in Bangkok.
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In 2016, he wrote, directed, and produced The Neon Demon, a surreal psychological horror film set in the fashion world. Bold, hypnotic, and controversial, it further showcased Refn’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
He is also known for appearing in documentary films about his life and work, including:
- Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013)
- My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (2015), directed by his wife Liv Corfixen
Awards & Recognition
Throughout his career, Refn has received:
- 26 international awards
- More than 40 nominations, including honors from Cannes, BAFTA, and the Independent Spirit Awards.
His work is celebrated for merging art-house aesthetics with genre filmmaking, inspiring filmmakers, designers, and musicians worldwide.
Nicolas Winding Refn Net Worth
Nicolas Winding Refn net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
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