Best Tom Hardy Movies that Are Must-Watch

Tom Hardy is a force to reckon with in Hollywood. The actor’s enigmatic charm remains palpable even in his 40s as a combined result of his great body of work and graceful ageing.

Known for his uncompromising dedication to his craft, Hardy’s inclination towards peculiar accents, disguises and idiosyncrasies has served him well in his Hollywood career spanning over 25 years. Currently, gearing up for his upcoming release Venom: The Last Dance or Venom 3, the final movie in his iconic superhero franchise, Hardy has given us multiple memorable performances since his striking debut in 2001 with Black Hawk Down. 

Not just that; Hardy has been tirelessly working across various mediums, including TV and stage productions and has left audiences in awe with his performances in shows like Peaky Blinders (2014–2022) and Taboo (2017).

However, in this listicle, we will restrict our focus to Tom Hardy’s best movies over the years that have made him a household name and a hot favourite of legendary filMMAkers like Christopher Nolan.

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Tom Hardy’s best movies and performances over the years

Here’s our carefully curated list of 15 of Tom Hardy’s best movies, meticulously ranked on the strength of his performances.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Director: George Miller
Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

First up on the list of Tom Hardy’s best movies, we have the 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road, where he took on the iconic role of Max Rockatansky. It follows Rockatansky as he joins forces with Imperator Furiosa (Theron) to rise against cult leader Immortan Joe (Keays-Byrne).

Notably, Hardy successfully embodied the character, previously portrayed by Mel Gibson, in this high-octane sequel. He brought a unique touch to the character, incorporating various accents and mannerisms.

His portrayal showcased his exceptional physical acting skills, with Max often communicating through grunts rather than words. While Charlize Theron shone as the film’s emotional core, Hardy’s performance made them one of the most memorable action duos in recent cinema History.

Watch here.

2. The Revenant (2015)

Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Tom Hardy
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

The year 2015 was clearly Tom Hardy’s year with back-to-back hits. He received his first Academy Award nomination for his role as Fitzgerald in The Revenant, which also starred Leonardo DiCaprio. In this blockbuster, Hardy portrayed the villainous trapper who betrays the leader Hugh Glass (DiCaprio), setting off a brutal quest for revenge after leaving him for dead and killing his son.

Once again, Hardy showcased his talent with a unique accent inspired by Tom Berenger’s character in Platoon (1986). His performance was chilling and unpredictable, capturing the cold and untamed nature of the wilderness around him.

DiCaprio also won an Oscar for his role as a fur trader fighting for survival after a bear attack and being abandoned by his team in the film.

Watch here.

3. Locke (2013)

Director: Steven Knight
Cast: Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman, Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Locke is one of Tom Hardy’s best movies in terms of performance. It reveals a side of him that had been overshadowed by his previous famous roles. Hardy portrayed Ivan Locke, a British construction manager in the story which unfolds through a continuous shot of him driving his car, resembling a dashcam.

Throughout the journey, Locke engages in conversations with the important people in his life using his hands-free mobile. Despite being a reliable and composed individual, Locke unexpectedly abandons his responsibilities at a construction site in the Midlands and heads towards London due to a marital crisis and emotional breakdown.

Hardy’s remarkable performance was characterised by subtlety and restraint. His acting can be likened to that of Richard Burton, yet it remains uniquely his own. This film truly showcases Hardy’s talent at its finest.

Watch here.

4. Warrior (2011)

Director: Gavin O’Connor
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Tom Hardy
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Creating a successful Sports movie can be challenging, as it is important to strike a balance and avoid becoming overly sentimental. When Warrior was released in 2011, there were doubts about its quality due to the relatively new emergence of MMA fighting in mainstream media. However, this film stands out as one of the finest Sports movies of the modern era.

Tom Hardy delivered a remarkable performance, embodying the physicality and skill of a genuine MMA fighter. The dynamic between his character’s father, played by Nick Nolte, and his brother, portrayed by Joel Edgerton, added depth and emotional weight to the traditional sports movie formula. Despite initially underperforming at the box office, Warrior has since gained a well-deserved following.

Watch here.

5. The Drop (2014)

Director: Michaël R. Roskam
Cast: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

In an adaptation of a story by Dennis Lehane, Hardy portrays Bob, a kind and ordinary individual who works at a bar owned by his intimidating cousin Marv (James Gandolfini). The bar serves as a drop point for Chechen gangsters’ illicit cash. Bob’s act of rescuing a puppy from a nearby trash can sets off a chain of dramatic and tragic events, showcasing his altruism and innocence.

Bob is a distinctive character in Hardy’s repertoire, as he is inherently likeable and relatable, qualities that Hardy’s face and style have typically resisted. Additionally, Bob is shown to be vulnerable, facing bullying from a local police officer and being accused of betraying the church.

Watch here.

6. Legend (2015)

Director: Brian Helgeland
Cast: Emily Browing, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 61%

Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the Kray Brothers – identical twins Reggie and Ron – in this 2015 remake of the 1990 film The Krays showcases his versatility as an actor. He skillfully embodied the charming and creepy aspects of the notorious gangsters who ruled the 1960s London underworld, creating two distinct yet equally captivating characters.

By embracing the larger-than-life nature of the roles, Hardy delivered performances that are both memorable and fitting for the savage comedy of Legend. His portrayal of the near-mythical figures as exaggerated, hyper-masculine cartoons went on to prove his commitment to fully understanding and embodying the characters he plays.

Watch here.

7. Inception (2010)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Directed by the sci-fi legend Christopher Nolan, Inception created quite a buzz in 2010, with viewers loving its intricate science-fiction plot while others found themselves confused. Nolan’s cerebral thriller takes audiences on a mind-bending journey, where DiCaprio portrays Cobb, an industrial espionage hacker, who specialises in infiltrating people’s subconscious to steal valuable secrets. In this particular mission, Cobb orchestrates the inception of an idea that will dismantle a powerful business empire.

Hardy played Eames, a member of Cobb’s team, known for his expertise in shape-shifting identity theft, a skill that proves invaluable in manipulating their adversaries. Hardy’s performance in this role showcased a refined and captivating demeanour, highlighting his versatility as an actor. Inception received critical acclaim, earning a Best Picture nomination and winning four Oscars in technical categories.

Watch here.

8. Bronson (2008)

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Cast: Tom Hardy, Kelly Adams, Luing Andrews
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

Bronson is regarded as one of the best movies starring Tom Hardy by many critics; a film that launched him into the league of top-tier actors. In a pivotal move, Hardy underwent a remarkable physical transformation, gaining 100lbs to embody the imposing presence reminiscent of Russell Crowe. This metamorphosis allowed him to convincingly portray the infamous British inmate Charles Bronson (originally named Michael Peterson), a lifelong prisoner whose eccentric delusions and inclination towards violence have kept him incarcerated for the past thirty years.

Throughout the film, Bronson breaks the fourth wall, engaging the audience with a witty and sophisticated performance. Although unconventional, the film brings to light Hardy’s exceptional talent in delivering a compelling portrayal of the titular character.

Watch here.

9. Dunkirk (2017)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Next up in the list of best movies starring Tom Hardy, we have another Nolan masterpiece – Dunkirk. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Hardy is Farrier, one of the British soldiers who takes command after his superior is killed. Farrier, the lone RAF pilot engages the enemy overhead at almost suicidal risk: it’s a role supercharged with significance considering how much the RAF was resented for a perceived failure to provide sufficient air cover during the evacuation.

The film received 8 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and bagged three awards.

Watch here.

10. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Joseph-Gordon Leavitt, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

In the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises, Tom Hardy delivered a standout performance as the formidable Bane, a character that truly showcased his acting prowess.

Bane, the leader of a rebellious underground army, is a menacing figure with a heavy leather respirator covering his face. Despite the challenge of speaking through the mask, Hardy’s portrayal of Bane was both captivating and intense, requiring viewers to pay close attention to decipher his words. Hardy’s commitment to the role was evident, as he brought a powerful presence to the screen throughout the film.

Watch here.

11. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Director: Tomas Alfredson
Cast: Tom Hardy, John le Carré, Bridget O’Connor, Peter Straughan
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Hardy’s performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy set him apart from the esteemed British actors in the stacked cast. Despite his mainstream breakthrough in Inception just a year prior, Hardy showcases a subdued sensitivity that contrasted with his later roles known for their intensity and physicality.

As Ricki Tarr, a modest field agent with a romantic disposition, Hardy portrayed a character driven by love for his Soviet contact, who holds vital information regarding a mole within British intelligence. Although a supporting character, Hardy’s portrayal carries the emotional weight of a tormented protagonist and makes it one of the best movies starring Tom Hardy.

Watch here.

12. Venom (2018)

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 30%

Venom was a superhero movie that had uncertain expectations, especially since it only had a loose connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, what MCU fans witnessed was a highly energetic film made even more impressive by Tom Hardy’s extraordinary performance in a dual role.

Hardy portrayed both Eddie Brock, a journalist who finds himself in a dire situation, and the malevolent symbiote that has taken over his body. Throughout the movie, there are skillfully executed moments of physical comedy as Eddie Brock (Hardy’s character) battles against the insatiable appetite of Venom, also portrayed by Hardy. Alongside this struggle, Eddie also attempts to mend his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Anne (Michelle Williams), providing the right dose of superhero drama and romance. 

Watch here.

13. Lawless (2012)

Director: John Hillcoat
Cast: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jason Clarke, Guy Pearce
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

Touted as one of the best Tom Hardy movies, Lawless is an intense Depression-era mob drama.

Hardy portrayed the stoic Forrest Bondurant, a bootlegger in Virginia whose sweater is in desperate need of a thorough cleaning. His calm and deliberate demeanour added a sense of stability to the film. 

Watch here.

14. Capone (2020)

Director: Josh Trank
Cast: Tom Hardy, Linda Cardellini, Noel Fisher, Matt Dillon, Kathrine Narducci
IMDb rating: 4.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

Capone may not fit the mould of a ‘great’ movie in the traditional sense. Josh Trank’s initial post-director jail project falls short as a biopic that fails to connect in its eccentricity and narrative. However, Hardy delivered a compelling performance as the syphilis-afflicted mobster in his final days, showcasing his versatility as an actor with his distinctive voice and mannerisms.

While it may leave you questioning the film’s direction, Hardy’s portrayal is chilling and certainly sparks contemplation. So, performance-wise Capone is definitely one of Tom Hardy’s best movies.

Watch here.

15. The Reckoning (2003)

Director: Paul McGuigan
Cast: Tom Hardy, Paul Bettany, Willem Dafoe, Brian Cox, Gina McKee, Simon McBurney
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 39%

In the year 2003, Hardy ventured into uncharted territory by portraying a character that defied traditional gender norms in the peculiar film titled The Reckoning. Set in the 14th century, the story revolves around a group of travelling performers (led by Dafoe’s character).

Among them is Straw (Hardy), who expertly embraces cross-dressing and meticulously applies lipstick before gracing the stage. Hardy’s unwavering confidence in his masculinity shone through in this unique role, hailed to date by fans and critics alike.

Watch here.

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Lawless/Mad Max: Fury Road/Locke)

This story first appeared Augustman Singapore.