15 Best Tobey Maguire Movies Ranked By Rotten Tomatoes Score
Tobey Maguire’s career is a mix of blockbuster hits and thoughtful indie dramas, showing his knack for playing both superheroes and everyday people. His performances, often marked by quiet intensity, have left a lasting impression across a range of genres.
I’ve ranked his 15 best movies based on their Rotten Tomatoes critic scores, sourced from the site, with ‘Spider-Man’ (2002) placed second as requested and ‘Pleasantville’ (1998) included on the list. These films, ordered from lowest to highest score, highlight Maguire’s versatility and critical acclaim.
15. The Great Gatsby (2013) – 48%
‘The Great Gatsby’ captures the Roaring Twenties with bold visuals. Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway, the observer to Leonardo DiCaprio’s lavish Jay Gatsby.
His understated performance anchors the film’s extravagance, though critics split on its flashy style. With a 48% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a divisive adaptation.
14. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – 50%
‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ features Maguire as a nervous hitchhiker in Terry Gilliam’s wild, drug-fueled romp. He joins Johnny Depp’s chaotic Raoul Duke.
His brief role adds a frantic spark to the surreal opening. At 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, this cult classic divides with its bold, chaotic energy.
13. Labor Day (2013) – 61%
‘Labor Day’ has Maguire as the adult Henry, narrating his mother’s romance with a fugitive. The quiet drama unfolds with emotional depth and a strong cast.
His small role ties the story’s heart together. With a 61% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a tender, underseen drama.
12. Spider-Man 3 (2007) – 63%
‘Spider-Man 3’ sees Maguire’s Peter Parker battling a dark symbiote suit. Sam Raimi’s trilogy closer throws in villains like Sandman and Venom.
His performance captures Peter’s struggle, but critics found the plot overstuffed. It earns a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score, the lowest of his Spider-Man films.
11. Ride with the Devil (1999) – 64%
‘Ride with the Devil’ casts Maguire as Jake Roedel, a Confederate fighter in a gritty Civil War drama. He navigates loyalty alongside Skeet Ulrich and Jewel.
His intense performance grounds the film’s historical weight. Scoring 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s praised for its cast and depth.
10. The Cider House Rules (1999) – 71%
‘The Cider House Rules’ follows Maguire as Homer Wells, an orphan seeking a life beyond his sheltered world. Michael Caine and Charlize Theron add star power.
His soulful performance carries the emotional journey. With a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a heartfelt, Oscar-nominated drama.
9. Pawn Sacrifice (2014) – 72%
‘Pawn Sacrifice’ stars Maguire as chess legend Bobby Fischer, facing Liev Schreiber’s Boris Spassky. The film captures Fischer’s brilliance and mental strain.
Maguire’s gripping portrayal drives the tense story. Earning a 72% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics praised his performance despite some pacing issues.
8. Deconstructing Harry (1997) – 73%
‘Deconstructing Harry’ features Maguire as Harvey Stern in Woody Allen’s sharp comedy. The story follows a writer whose fiction blurs with reality.
His quirky role adds humor to the chaotic ensemble. With a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film’s wit and cast shine.
7. This Boy’s Life (1993) – 76%
‘This Boy’s Life’ has Maguire as Chuck Bolger, a friend to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Tobias Wolff. The drama dives into a teen’s struggle with an abusive stepfather.
His supporting role adds depth to the raw story. Scoring 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s performances pack a punch.
6. Brothers (2009) – 77%
‘Brothers’ casts Maguire as Sam Cahill, a Marine presumed dead in Afghanistan. The drama, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman, explores family and trauma.
His raw performance earned a Golden Globe nod. With a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a powerful, emotional hit.
5. Seabiscuit (2003) – 78%
‘Seabiscuit’ features Maguire as Red Pollard, a jockey riding an underdog racehorse. Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper join him in this Depression-era tale.
His heartfelt performance lifts the inspiring story. Scoring 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s cast and narrative soar.
4. Wonder Boys (2000) – 81%
‘Wonder Boys’ sees Maguire as James Leer, a troubled student under Michael Douglas’s chaotic professor. The quirky drama unfolds over a messy weekend.
His nuanced performance steals scenes alongside Robert Downey Jr. With an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a sharp, heartfelt gem.
3. Pleasantville (1998) – 85%
‘Pleasantville’ stars Maguire as David, a teen transported into a 1950s sitcom world with Reese Witherspoon. Their modern influence shakes up the black-and-white town.
His earnest performance drives the film’s satirical heart. Earning an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a creative, thought-provoking classic.
2. Spider-Man (2002) – 90%
‘Spider-Man’ launched Maguire as Peter Parker, a shy teen turned superhero after a spider bite. Sam Raimi’s film pits him against Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin.
His heartfelt performance and thrilling action won over audiences. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a superhero landmark.
1. Spider-Man 2 (2004) – 93%
‘Spider-Man 2’ sees Maguire’s Peter Parker facing Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus. Sam Raimi’s sequel deepens Peter’s personal struggles and heroism.
His emotional performance elevates the action-packed story. Scoring 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s often called a superhero masterpiece.
Which Tobey Maguire movie is your favorite, or did I miss a performance you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!