The 10 Best Tom Hardy Performances of the Last Decade—Ranked!

Tom Hardy has consistently proven his versatility and ability to fully immerse himself in diverse roles, whether playing iconic antiheroes, complex villains, or subtle dramatic characters. From 2015 to 2025, Hardy’s career has spanned multiple genres, with standout performances across both film and television. This ranking highlights his 10 best performances over the past decade, based on critical reception, audience impact, and overall significance.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Max Rockatansky

Hardy’s portrayal of Max in Mad Max: Fury Road remains one of the defining roles of his career. As the silent, rugged protagonist in George Miller’s high-octane action film, Hardy’s performance relies heavily on physicality and expression rather than dialogue. His ability to convey emotion and desperation through action alone solidified his status as an action star, and the film itself is often cited as a career highlight for him. This role became iconic for its minimalistic yet powerful approach to storytelling.

2. The Revenant (2015) – John Fitzgerald

In Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s The Revenant, Hardy delivers a haunting portrayal of John Fitzgerald, a morally ambiguous antagonist. His performance is chilling and intense, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Sharing the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio, Hardy’s Fitzgerald serves as a foil to DiCaprio’s Hugh Glass, with his raw, unpredictable energy anchoring the film’s tense atmosphere.

3. Legend (2015) – Ronald & Reginald Kray

Hardy takes on the challenge of portraying both of the infamous Kray twins in Legend. His dual performance as the violent yet vulnerable Ronald and the more calculated Reggie is a tour-de-force, showcasing his range and commitment to character work. Critics and audiences alike praised Hardy for making the twins distinct yet interconnected, adding depth to his portrayal of the notorious gangsters.

4. Dunkirk (2017) – Farrier

In Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, Hardy plays the mysterious RAF pilot Farrier. Despite being part of an ensemble cast, Hardy’s subtle yet powerful performance stands out. His quiet emotional depth, paired with his stoic resilience under pressure, makes him a standout in this tense war epic. Hardy’s portrayal of Farrier serves as a reminder of his ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional resonance.

5. Venom (2018) – Eddie Brock / Venom

Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist who merges with the alien symbiote Venom, became an instant hit with audiences. Hardy’s chemistry with the symbiote, which he voices as well, is a unique blend of humor, chaos, and raw energy. This role marked a departure from his usual dark characters, allowing Hardy to showcase his comedic timing and magnetic screen presence. Venom turned into a successful franchise, and Hardy’s portrayal remains one of his most beloved.

6. The Bikeriders (2024) – Johnny

In The Bikeriders, Hardy plays Johnny, a charismatic leader in a modern action-drama. Although the film was relatively new at the time of this ranking, Hardy’s commanding presence was universally praised. His portrayal of Johnny captures the essence of a character who leads with confidence yet grapples with internal struggles, making him one of the standout performances of 2024.

7. Capone (2020) – Al Capone

Hardy’s portrayal of the infamous gangster Al Capone in Capone was a performance that divided critics but still showcased Hardy’s unparalleled commitment to his roles. Playing Capone at the end of his life, when he is grappling with dementia, Hardy’s performance is haunting and deeply empathetic. The film may not have been universally acclaimed, but Hardy’s nuanced and forceful portrayal of the notorious figure was notable for its raw intensity.

8. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) – Eddie Brock / Venom

In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Hardy returned to his role as Eddie Brock and the symbiote Venom, this time facing off against the chaotic villain Carnage. Once again, Hardy’s portrayal of the dual character drew praise for his ability to balance humor and tension, building upon the first film’s success. Hardy’s infectious energy ensured the film’s consistency and maintained the chemistry between Eddie and Venom that fans adored.

9. Child 44 (2015) – Leo Demidov

While Child 44 was not a major commercial success, Hardy’s portrayal of Leo Demidov, a disgraced Soviet military officer, was widely appreciated. His performance required balancing stoic resilience with vulnerability, as his character struggles against a corrupt system. This film remains one of Hardy’s more underrated performances, with many critics recognizing his ability to convey deep internal conflict.

10. London Road (2015) – Mark

In this lesser-known film, Hardy plays Mark, a character who delivers a humorous and heartfelt musical monologue. While the role was minor compared to some of his other work, Hardy’s performance added a unique touch to the film, showing his range in a lighter, more comedic setting. The role is often overlooked, but Hardy’s ability to bring charm and depth to even the smallest parts is a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Consideration of TV Performances

Although this ranking primarily focuses on Hardy’s film roles, his TV work, including his portrayal of Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders (2014–2019) and James Delaney in Taboo (2017), deserves mention. Both roles solidified Hardy’s reputation as a compelling actor on the small screen. However, given the focus on films, these performances were not included in the ranking, though they remain integral to his overall career success.

2025 Releases and Limitations

As of March 2025, Hardy has several upcoming projects, including Havoc, an action thriller set to release on Netflix in April 2025, and MobLand, a TV series debuting in March 2025. However, these projects have not been reviewed yet, and therefore could not be included in this ranking.

Conclusion

Tom Hardy’s career from 2015 to 2025 has been marked by a stunning range of performances that showcase his ability to transform into a variety of complex characters. From his action-packed roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and Venom to his nuanced portrayals in The Revenant and Legend, Hardy has cemented his status as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation. As he continues to take on diverse roles, it’s clear that Hardy’s best performances are far from over.