Edward Thomas Hardy, also known as Tom Hardy, was born in London on September 5, 1977. His mom was an artist, and his dad was a writer. When he was a teenager, Tom had problems drinking alcohol and using drugs. He admitted that he tried hallucinogenic substances when he was only 13. He left the school where he lived and got into trouble with the law when he was 17. Luckily, he turned his life around and joined Drama Centre London, where he learned about a style of acting called method acting.
Tom Hardy started his acting career in 2001 with a World War II drama called Band of Brothers, a popular HBO TV series. That same year, he also appeared in a movie called Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott. He was recognized as a talented newcomer in the film industry. In 2002, Hardy landed a major role in Star Trek: Nemesis, where he played the main villain named Praetor Shinzon alongside the experienced actor Patrick Stewart.
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However, the movie didn’t do well, and this disappointment led Hardy to struggle with drugs and alcohol once again. In 2003, he decided to seek help and went to a rehabilitation centre to overcome his addiction. Over the next five years, Hardy slowly built his career by appearing in various movies and TV shows.
Tom Hardy Movies like Layer Cake in 2004 and Marie Antoinette in 2006 and played the character of Bill Sikes in a mini-series based on Oliver Twist. However, his role as Bronson in the movie titled Bronson in 2008 that really showcased his talent and skills to the world. His amazing performance as a crazy character caught people’s attention in Hollywood.
Later, he became more recognized in Hollywood with the success of the blockbuster movie Inception in 2010. Since then, Tom Hardy, considered one of our generation’s best actors, has given us many incredible performances.
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13 Best Tom Hardy Movies, Ranked
Inception (2010)
After impressing Hollywood with his outstanding performance in Bronson (2008), Tom Hardy got his big break in the movie Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan. Inception was a visually and narratively complex film. Still, the excellent ensemble cast, including Tom Hardy, delivered flawless performances that helped the audience understand and enjoy Tom Hardy Movies.
In the film, Hardy portrays a clever and charming character named Eames, who plays a crucial role in the team led by the main character Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Eames, known as the “forger” in the movie Inception, has the task of studying and mimicking the appearance and behaviour of the individuals he needs to pretend to be within dreams. Tom Hardy effortlessly portrays this intelligent and knowledgeable character.
Also, his character Eames challenges Cobb, the main character, during important moments, particularly when Cobb becomes lost in the confusing world of dreams. Inception marks the first collaboration between Christopher Nolan and Tom Hardy, with two more collaborations to follow.
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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, directed by Tomas Alfredson, is a slow-paced spy drama often considered the opposite of James Bond and Bourne movies. It is based on a famous series of novels by John le Carre, which delve into intelligence gathering during the Cold War era.
The movie is led by Gary Oldman’s character, George Smiley. It features an amazing cast of both experienced and young actors. Despite being a supporting actor, Tom Hardy demonstrates his talent. He leaves a lasting impression as a British operative in the film.
Hardy’s character Ricky Tarr in the movie Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is someone who knows George Smiley, and this rebellious character sparks the intricate conflicts in the story. Initially, the role was intended for Michael Fassbender. With a blonde wig and a plain jacket, Hardy’s portrayal of Tarr shows us the serious and strict lives of real-life spies.
Lawless (2012)
Lawless, directed by John Hillcoat, is an exciting crime and drama movie set during the Prohibition era. It captivates us with its amazing cast, which includes actors like Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke, and Shia LaBeouf.
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The story revolves around three brothers known as the Bondurant boys. Tom Hardy portrays Forrest, the group leader who illegally sells homemade alcohol in 1920s Virginia. His intense and powerful performance and Pearce’s captivating portrayal of the antagonist are the film’s highlights.
Warrior’s Tommy Conlon and Lawless’ Forrest are the roles that have become Tom Hardy’s trademark. He often portrays strong and quiet characters willing to resort to violence if needed. However, these specific character traits are best showcased in the movies he is involved in. In Lawless, set in a gritty and difficult period, Hardy’s character, with his brooding nature, fits right into the film’s atmosphere.
Venom (2018)
Tom Hardy’s exceptional acting is the best part of Ruben Fleischer’s superhero movie, Venom, which received mixed reviews from critics. Hardy plays Eddie Brock, a journalist who is going through tough times. He accidentally becomes connected to an alien creature, one of many aliens that have come to Earth. This connection gives Brock superpowers, which complicate his life and assist him in revealing the wrongdoing of a genetics company.
Hardy decided to explore a different comedy genre with his portrayal of an anti-hero character, and the outcome was fantastic. The peculiar behaviours and habits we often see in Hardy’s performances accurately depict the funny connection between Eddie Brock and the alien parasite.
He continued to showcase his brilliance in the sequel, released in 2021. However, the disappointing writing and uninspiring direction failed to fully utilize Hardy’s captivating on-screen presence.
The Drop (2014)
The movie The Drop, directed by Michael R. Roskam, is a captivating drama made even better by Tom Hardy’s acting. It is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane called “Animal Rescue.” The story revolves around a quiet and attractive man named Bob Saginowski, played by Hardy.
Bob is known for his kindness towards animals and works at a bar owned by his cousin Marv, also named “The Drop.” Bob seems to have a mysterious past and unintentionally becomes involved in a conflict with the local mobsters. Overall, the film is entertaining, with Hardy’s performance standing out.
Hardy’s main character is mysterious in an otherwise regular crime drama. It becomes inspiring when we discover what Hardy’s character, Bob, is capable of. Even though Bob appears to be calm and timid, Hardy’s performance shows that there is something hidden beneath the surface through subtle actions and gestures.
Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s World War II drama, Dunkirk, tells the true story of an important event in a city called Dunkirk in northern France. During May 26 and June 4, 1940, German soldiers surrounded and trapped many Allied and British soldiers.
Nolan’s movie follows a group of young soldiers trying to survive amidst the chaos. Tom Hardy portrays the significant role of Farrier, a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He bravely fights in aerial battles to protect the stranded soldiers on the beach from the German Air Force’s attacks.
Nolan specifically chose Hardy to portray the character of Farrier in Dunkirk. Farrier spends most of his time in the cockpit of his plane and doesn’t speak much. This made Nolan believe that only an actor as talented as Hardy could go beyond the limitations of physical movement and effectively convey Farrier’s inner struggles and conflicts.
Legend (2015): One of Tom Hardy’s top movies
Legend, directed by Brian Helgeland, is a typical biographical film about the infamous gangster twins, The Krays, who were from the Cockney area of London. During the 1960s, Ronnie Kray had a psychopathic nature, and Reggie Kray, known for his playboy lifestyle, became a powerful figure in the criminal world and was involved in numerous violent incidents.
The most remarkable aspect of Legend is the exceptional and imaginative performance by Hardy, who brilliantly portrays these twins, who, despite looking the same, have distinct personalities and characteristics.
The scene in the bar where Reggie initiates a fight by saying, “A paranoid schizophrenic walks into a bar,” and the emotional moment when Reggie meets his wife in prison are some of the movie’s highlights. These moments are even more captivating because of Hardy’s exceptional portrayal of Reggie and his twin brother. It is worth noting that Hardy’s talent in fighting extends beyond the screen. As The Krays were experienced boxers, Hardy underwent intensive boxing training to fully prepare for his role.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Tom Hardy performed bone-chilling as the villain Bane in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. However, unfortunately, it didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, even acknowledged by Nolan himself. Hardy faced a difficult challenge when he was chosen to play the adversary Batman.
He had to follow in the footsteps of Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker, considered one of the greatest villain performances ever. While there may be debates about comparing The Dark Knight Rises and its predecessor, there’s no denying that Hardy’s Bane is just as terrifying and formidable as the Joker.
What makes Hardy’s portrayal of Bane captivating is his voice. Throughout the movie, his character wears a mask covering his mouth. As a result, his commanding voice and expressive eyes effectively convey this towering supervillain’s menacing presence.
The Revenant (2015)
Tom Hardy received his first Academy Award nomination for his role as the main antagonist in Alejandro Inarritu’s intense Western film, The Revenant. Hardy transitioned from filming in the deserts of Namibia for Mad Max: Fury Road to enduring the harsh winter conditions in Calgary for this movie.
The story is set in the 19th-century American wilderness, where frontiersman Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, barely survives a vicious bear attack. However, Glass is betrayed by his hunting team, led by John Fitzgerald, and portrayed by Hardy. In the following conflict, the despicable Fitzgerald kills Glass’ son, adding further tension to the story.
Although Hardy has portrayed villainous characters in the past, Fitzgerald in The Revenant is his most detestable role. He delivers a performance filled with unique mannerisms that bring to mind his portrayal of Mad Max. Despite being a supporting character, Fitzgerald receives careful development. Hardy’s distinct physical presence lingers in our minds, leaving a haunting impression.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Tom Hardy is known for taking on intense and physically demanding roles. However, his experience working on George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road was particularly challenging, even for someone as versatile as Hardy. Aside from the demanding filming conditions, it’s safe to say that Hardy faced difficulties with the filmmaker, crew members, and even one of his co-stars in Mad Max: Fury Road.
In the film, Hardy portrays Max Rockatansky, a character different from the charismatic anti-hero originally played by Mel Gibson in Miller’s earlier Mad Max movies. Hardy effectively reinvented the character through his remarkably nuanced performance and brought a fresh perspective to the role.
Tom Hardy portrays a man deeply affected by past traumas as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world in Mad Max: Fury Road. Despite maintaining a stoic expression, his compelling eyes reveal the inner turmoil experienced by his character, Max. The film was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival.
Warrior (2011)
In Gavin O’Connor’s sports drama, two brothers who were separated, Brendan (played by Joel Edgerton) and Tommy Conlon (played by Tom Hardy), come together to compete in a Mixed Martial Arts tournament. As the story progresses, they face each other in the final fight for the championship.
While Warrior follows a familiar narrative structure, the outstanding performances make the movie stand out. Hardy’s character is a troubled former soldier who turns to their alcoholic father (played by Nick Nolte) for guidance and training in preparation for the MMA matches.
Like the film Raging Bull (1980), Warrior is a compelling exploration of the theme of aggressive masculinity. Tom Hardy delivers a remarkable performance, portraying the character with a perfect blend of determination and vulnerability. As is typical of his dedication, Hardy underwent rigorous training for several months, committing to intense seven-days-a-week workouts to transform himself into a skilled MMA fighter for the role.
Locke (2013)
Locke (2013) is a movie where most of the story happens inside a car. It follows one person, played by Tom Hardy, named Ivan Locke. It’s not a scary or crime-filled movie. Instead, it’s about a regular guy who works hard and has a family, but he’s going through a tough night. Ivan drives his SUV and uses his phone without holding it to solve the issues he’s facing at work and in his personal life.
Tom Hardy makes it easy for us to see Locke as someone who loves his family and works hard. But on this particular night, we see Locke about to lose things that mean a lot to him. If it weren’t for Hardy’s captivating and subtle acting, staying interested in this 85-minute emotional story would have been hard.
Bronson (2008)
Bronson (2008) is a movie directed by Nicolas Winding Refn that some people have different opinions about. It’s about a tough prisoner named Bronson, known as Britain’s most violent prisoner. This film isn’t a typical movie based on a true story about a criminal. Instead, it’s a scary and exaggerated portrayal of a disturbed and unpredictable person.
Tom Hardy, who plays Bronson, changes his appearance and delivers an exciting and dramatic performance. Refn and Hardy want to show us how the prisoner sees himself. According to Bronson, violence is like an art form. So, as an artist, he always looks for a chance to create his most difficult and attention-grabbing performance.
Hardy’s captivating acting allows us to look into Bronson’s disturbed thoughts. This is the most unrestrained performance by Hardy, but at the same time, it’s also the most charming and enjoyable to watch.
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