15 Must-Watch Tom Hardy Movies: From Venom to Rocknrolla

Tom Hardy, a celebrated actor and producer, has graced the screen for two decades, delivering outstanding performances. Here are his top-ranked films.

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Sep 16, 2023 | 12:59 PM IST | 552.9K

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Born on September 5, 1977, in London, Edward Thomas Hardy came from a wealthy family, with an artist mother and a writer father. During his teenage years, he battled alcohol and drug addiction, even experimenting with hallucinogens at just 13. At 17, Hardy left boarding school and found himself in trouble with the law. Fortunately, he managed to turn his life around and enrolled at Drama Centre London, where he honed his craft through method acting. Tom Hardy's acting journey began with the WWII drama "Band of Brothers" in 2001, an HBO mini-series. That same year, in his big-screen debut in Ridley Scott's "Black Hawk Down," he earned recognition as the 'most promising newcomer.'

In 2002, he landed a significant role in "Star Trek: Nemesis" as the main antagonist, Praetor Shinzon, starring alongside Star Trek veteran Patrick Stewart. However, the film's poor reception led him back to struggles with drugs and alcohol. In 2003, Hardy took a pivotal step by checking himself into rehab. Over the next five years, he gradually rebuilt his career, appearing in movies like "Layer Cake" (2004), "Marie Antoinette" (2006), and portraying Bill Sikes in the Oliver Twist mini-series. Tom Hardy's breakthrough came with his mesmerizing performance as the maniacal Bronson in "Bronson" (2008), directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. This role catapulted him into the Hollywood spotlight. In 2010, his role in the blockbuster hit "Inception" solidified his presence in Hollywood. From that point on, Tom Hardy has consistently delivered exceptional performances, establishing himself as one of the most famous actors.

Now, let's quickly explore some of the best films featuring Tom Hardy.

1. Rocknrolla (2008)

Genre: Action/Crime
Star Cast: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandiwe Newton, Mark Strong.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Guy Ritchie
Year of release: 2008
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 1h 54m

"RocknRolla" is a crime comedy film released in 2008. It's like a wild rollercoaster ride through the London underworld. The story revolves around a bunch of colorful characters involved in shady deals and criminal activities. At its core, the movie follows a group of small-time crooks who stumble upon a valuable piece of real estate that everyone wants to get their hands on. This sets off a chaotic chain of events involving gangsters, corrupt officials, and plenty of double-crossing.

The film is known for its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and fast-paced action. It's a bit like Guy Ritchie's earlier works like "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," with a similar dark, comedic tone. If you enjoy movies with intricate plots, eccentric characters, and a healthy dose of British humor, "RocknRolla" is definitely worth checking out. It's a stylish and entertaining romp through the criminal underworld of London.

2. This Means War (2012)

Genre: Action/Comedy
Star Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy
Director: Joseph McGinty Nichol
Writer: Joseph McGinty Nichol
Year of release: 2012
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Hotstar/Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
Runtime: 1h 37m

"This Means War" from 2012 is a bit of an oddball for fans of Tom Hardy. He deserves credit for stepping out of his usual roles and trying his hand at a lighthearted caper. In this fast-paced, somewhat strained comedy, Hardy portrays a super-tough government agent who's also a cheeky Londoner sporting a V-neck sweater and an unusual swagger. His partner is the suave Chris Pine, and both guys end up falling for the charming Reese Witherspoon. They use all their spy gadgets and tricks to spy on each other while they're out on dates with Reese. It's almost like a competition to win her over.

Now, some might argue that action stars like Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson might have been better fits for this kind of film. But hey, it's still a fun and playful movie to watch if you're in the mood for some romantic espionage antics.

3. Venom (2018)

Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Jenny Slate, Melora Walters, Woody Harrelson.
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Writer: Ruben Fleischer
Year of release: 2018
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1h 52m

In the 2018 movie "Venom," Tom Hardy stars as Eddie Brock, a gutsy investigative reporter. Eddie exposes corrupt big businesses on his web show. One day, he merges with a space-invader organism, the symbiote, courtesy of a wicked corporation he's been targeting. This merger transforms Eddie into the fearsome Venom. People thought Tom Hardy could pull off a superhero or supervillain role in the Marvel universe, but this movie didn't quite hit the mark. It's not his best work, and that's mainly because it tries to mix in a lot of humor, which doesn't quite suit Hardy's style.

4. Marie Antoinette (2006)

Genre: Drama/Romance
Star Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Coogan, Judy Davis, Clara Brajtman, Tom Hardy
Director: Sofia Coppola
Writer: Sofia Coppola
Year of release: 2006
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 2h 3m

In Sofia Coppola's 2006 movie "Marie Antoinette," Tom Hardy had a small role as Raumont, a nobleman in the court of Marie Antoinette. Raumont was a bit of a troublemaker, always scheming and trying to climb the social ladder, but he didn't quite have the looks or status he believed he deserved. This might be why Hardy didn't stand out much in the film; he didn't quite fit the role of a handsome young man and hadn't developed his more muscular, tough-guy appearance yet.

5. Child 44 (2015)

Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, Jason Clarke, and Vincent Cassel.
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Writer: Daniel Espinosa
Year of release: 2015
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 2h 17m

In the 2015 movie "Child 44," Tom Hardy takes on the role of Leo Demidov, a tough guy who's gone through a lot. He's in the Soviet Union after World War II, where he's become a security officer. You might remember him as the soldier who planted the Soviet flag on top of the Reichstag building in Berlin in 1945. Now, he's on the hunt for a serial killer. But here's the twist - the government doesn't really like him because he won't rat out his wife for something she didn't do.

This movie is quite intense and serious, like a heavy meal. But Tom Hardy, who's known for his rugged and stoic characters, brings his A-game to the table. He's like a muscular actor, flexing his acting muscles to make this role come alive. So, if you're into crime thrillers set in a gritty post-war era with a tough hero, this one might be right up your alley.

6. The Reckoning (2002)

The Reckoning (2002)

Genre: Drama/Drama
Star Cast: Willem Dafoe, Paul Bettany, Marián Aguilera, Trevor Steedman, Simon McBurney
Director: Paul McGuigan
Writer: Barry Unsworth, Mark Mills
Year of release: 2002
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: AMC+ Amazon Channel
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 1h 52m

In the 2002 movie "The Reckoning," Tom Hardy, known for his tough-guy roles, stepped into a very different character set in the 14th century. He played Straw, a member of a wandering theater group led by Willem Dafoe. Now, this movie takes some unusual twists. Straw is a cross-dressing performer who expertly applies lipstick before taking the stage.

But let's break it down. Imagine a rugged actor like Tom Hardy, known for playing macho roles, dressing up as a woman and putting on makeup. It's a bit unexpected, right? Well, that's what makes this film unique. The story revolves around this group of traveling actors who get caught up in a murder mystery.

7. Lawless (2012)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke, Jessica Chastain
Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: John Hillcoat
Year of release: 2012
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Zee5
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 1h 56m

In the movie "Lawless" from 2012, Tom Hardy, who's not really known for his fancy clothes, rocks some pretty rugged knitwear. He plays Forrest Bondurant, a guy making and selling illegal booze during the Prohibition era in Virginia. You'll notice his sweater looks like it's seen better days; it could use a good wash.

Forrest has two brothers: Howard, played by Jason Clarke, and Jack, played by Shia LaBeouf. Jack's a bit of a nervous wreck, and Howard's the tough guy of the trio. But it's Tom Hardy's character, Forrest, who steals the show with his slow and cool demeanor. He adds some much-needed weight to the film, which is all about crime, violence, and life during a pretty crazy time in American history. So, if you're into gritty, action-packed stories set in the Prohibition era, "Lawless" is one to check out.

8. Warrior (2011)

Genre: Action/Drama
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Writer: Gavin O'Connor
Year of release: 2011
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
No. of seasons: 2h 20m

"Warrior," released in 2011, was a movie that really got folks' hearts racing with its intense action scenes. In the film, Tom Hardy takes on the role of Tommy, a soldier who's been in Iraq and returns to his hometown, Philadelphia. He's got some major beef with his alcoholic and abusive dad, Paddy, played by Nick Nolte. Surprisingly, Paddy agrees to help Tommy become a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. Now, here's the twist. Tommy's first opponent in the ring is none other than his own brother, Brendan, played by Joel Edgerton. It's your classic family drama with a physical outlet in the form of MMA. The story follows the brothers as they battle not only in the ring but also with their personal demons.

Sure, the plot is a bit predictable, but what really stands out is Tom Hardy's magnetic performance. He brings a raw intensity to the character that keeps you glued to the screen, even if you've seen this kind of story before. So, if you're into action-packed family dramas, "Warrior" is definitely worth a watch.

9. Dunkirk (2017)

Genre: War/Action
Star Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Aneurin Barnard, Lee Armstrong, Tom Hardy
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Year of release: 2017
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Runtime: 1h 46m

"Dunkirk," a 2017 film, features a brief but impactful appearance by Tom Hardy. This movie is directed by Christopher Nolan, known for his collaboration with Hardy in the past. The film depicts the incredible true story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II when thousands of stranded British soldiers were miraculously rescued from the beaches of France. In the film, Tom Hardy portrays Farrier, a heroic RAF pilot. He's the guy flying a fighter plane, taking on the enemy even when the odds are stacked against him. This role carries extra weight because the RAF had faced criticism for not providing enough air cover during the Dunkirk evacuation. So, Hardy's character becomes a symbol of the RAF's determination to make things right. Although Hardy's appearance is relatively short, it leaves a lasting impact due to the intensity of his role and the overall thrilling and heart-pounding nature of "Dunkirk," making it a memorable part of an exceptional film.

10. Capone (2020)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Linda Cardellini, Matt Dillon, Al Sapienza, Kathrine Narducci
Director: Josh Trank
Writer: Josh Trank
Year of release: 2020
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 4.7/10
Runtime: 1h 43m

"Capone," a 2020 film, features an unusual but captivating performance by Tom Hardy as the aging gangster Al Capone. The story unfolds during the final year of Capone's life, where he's under house arrest in Florida. This period sees him grappling with dementia and syphilis, which manifest in disturbing ways. He begins to have hallucinations and, in moments of stress, even loses control of his bodily functions.

Hardy's portrayal of Capone is notable for its gritty realism. He alternates between growling and raspy insults in both Italian and English, adding depth to the character's complexity. The film delves into Capone's deteriorating mental and physical state, providing a unique and sometimes uncomfortable look at the infamous gangster's later life. "Capone" is a departure from the typical gangster film, as it focuses on the decline of a once-powerful figure rather than his criminal exploits. It's a raw and unsettling exploration of a notorious character's final days, brought to life by Tom Hardy's mesmerizing and unconventional performance.

11. Bronson (2008)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Kelly Adams, Luing Andrews, Katy Barker, Gordon Brown
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writer: Nicolas Winding Refn
Year of release: 2008
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 7/10
Runtime: 1h 32m

In the movie "Bronson" released in 2008, Tom Hardy, a British actor, gained a remarkable 100 pounds to transform himself into the character of Charles Bronson. This change gave him a tough and robust look, similar to Russell Crowe. Charles Bronson, not to be confused with the famous actor of the same name, was a real-life British prisoner. He adopted this name, Charles Bronson, though he was born as Michael Peterson.

Bronson had a reputation for being an incredibly violent and eccentric inmate, which kept him behind bars for thirty years. What's unique about the film is that Hardy's character directly addresses the audience, like a witty and stylish performer in a music hall. It's an unusual but captivating movie, and Hardy delivers a powerful performance in this role.

12. Legend (2015)

Genre: Crime/Drama
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron Egerton, Paul Anderson, Christopher Eccleston.
Director: Brian Helgeland
Writer: Brian Helgeland
Year of release: 2015
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 2h 12m

In the movie "Legend" from 2015, Tom Hardy takes on the incredible challenge of playing both (twin role) Reggie and Ronnie Kray, two infamous gangsters who controlled the criminal scene in London's East End during the 1960s. Reggie is portrayed as the more composed and rational of the two, but he's visually distinct when he dons glasses. Ronnie, on the other hand, is depicted as unhinged, always wearing glasses and carrying a bit more weight. Hardy's portrayal of Ronnie is striking, with a wild-eyed, intense gaze that exudes psychopathic intensity. His character often growls about his own homosexuality, adding to his menacing persona. In contrast, Reggie comes across as the film's more relatable and romantic figure.

Overall, "Legend" is a gripping crime drama that showcases Tom Hardy's exceptional acting abilities, especially in his dual role as the Kray twins. It provides a dark and intriguing look into the criminal underworld of 1960s London, making it a must-watch for fans of intense, character-driven films.

13. London Road (2015)

Genre: Musical/Mystery
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman, Clare Burt, Rosalie Craig, Anita Dobson.
Director: Rufus Norris
Writer: Adam Cork and Alecky Blythe
Year of release: 2015
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Apple TV
IMDb rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 1h 33m

"London Road" is a remarkable and underappreciated film directed by Rufus Norris. It's quite unique, standing out as one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of the past decade. The movie is like an opera, but with a twist - it's based on a real-life case from 2006, where a serial killer terrorized Ipswich, England. What's interesting is that the film takes a documentary-like approach, using actual words from people who witnessed the events.

Tom Hardy plays Mark, a minicab driver who sings about his knowledge of psychopathic killers. He's a bit defensive, saying he's studied them, but that doesn't make him one. However, there's a chilling moment when he pauses before saying, "I am one," hinting at something darker. This movie is reminiscent of Travis Bickle, a famous character from another film, and that adds to its intrigue. There is no harm to say, "London Road" offers a unique and unsettling look at a real-life horror story, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate unconventional cinema.

14. Inception (2010)

Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Year of release: 2010
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Runtime: 2h 28m

In the movie "Inception" (2010), directed by Christopher Nolan, there's this character named Eames, played by Tom Hardy. Eames is part of a team led by Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Cobb is basically a super-skilled hacker who specializes in infiltrating people's dreams to steal their valuable secrets. In this particular job, their mission is a bit different. They're not stealing, but trying to plant an idea deep in someone's mind to break up a big business.

Eames, the character Tom Hardy plays, has a unique talent. He can change his appearance, sort of like a chameleon. This skill comes in handy for tricking their enemies and manipulating situations. It's a more refined and smooth role compared to what we usually see Tom Hardy do, and Christopher Nolan's direction really highlights his sophistication and a touch of danger in the character. "Inception" is a mind-bending, high-tech thriller that explores the world of dreams and the power of ideas. It's full of action, intrigue, and a bit of science fiction, making it a must-watch for fans of complex, thought-provoking movies.

15. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Genre: Action/Thriller
Star Cast: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Year of release: 2012
Where to Watch/OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 2h 45m

In the 2012 movie "The Dark Knight Rises," Tom Hardy made a big impression as the character Bane, which really put him on the map as an actor. This film was the third and final installment in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. Bane is a formidable and ruthless villain who goes head-to-head with Batman. He's a guy who wears a big, intimidating mask because he has a disfigured face underneath. Bane leads a group of disgruntled people who are pretty angry with society.

One quirky thing about Bane is that he talks in a way that can be really hard to understand. He sounds like a mix between Darth Vader from "Star Wars" and someone playing a deep-toned accordion through a motorcycle exhaust pipe. You often need to really focus to catch what he's saying. But one thing's for sure, Tom Hardy put his all into this role, giving it his absolute best. "The Dark Knight Rises" is a thrilling conclusion to the Batman trilogy, with Bane serving as a memorable and formidable adversary for the caped crusader.