Andrew Garfield’s Best Roles
Andrew Garfield has built a fascinating career playing a wide range of characters that showcase his incredible versatility as an actor. From his early days in British television to becoming a household name in Hollywood, he has consistently chosen roles that are both challenging and emotionally complex. His ability to disappear into a character, whether it’s a real-life hero or a troubled soul, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. He brings a unique blend of vulnerability and intensity to the screen that makes his performances memorable.
Throughout his filmography, Garfield has demonstrated a talent for portraying individuals at pivotal moments in their lives. He often explores themes of faith, identity, and morality through his characters, taking audiences on profound journeys. Whether he is swinging through New York City as a superhero or questioning his beliefs in historical dramas, he fully commits to every part he plays. This dedication has led to numerous award nominations and has solidified his reputation as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)
In this true-crime miniseries, Andrew Garfield plays Detective Jeb Pyre, a devout Mormon whose faith is shaken to its core. His character is tasked with investigating the brutal murder of a mother and her baby daughter in a quiet Utah town. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers dark secrets within his own religious community and begins to question the foundations of his beliefs. The role required him to portray a man grappling with a profound internal conflict between his duty as a detective and his lifelong faith.
Garfield’s performance captures the character’s journey from a faithful family man to a disillusioned investigator. He subtly conveys Pyre’s growing horror and confusion as the case forces him to confront the more extreme and violent aspects of his church’s history. The series is based on the non-fiction book of the same name and explores the complex intersections of faith, fundamentalism, and violence, with Garfield’s character serving as the audience’s guide through this disturbing and thought-provoking story.
‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ (2021)
Andrew Garfield stars as Jonathan Larson, the real-life creator of the musical ‘Rent’. The film is an adaptation of Larson’s autobiographical musical and follows his journey as a struggling artist in New York City. He is filled with anxiety about turning 30 and feeling like he is running out of time to achieve his dreams. Garfield took on the challenge of his first major singing role, capturing Larson’s passionate and relentless creative energy.
His portrayal earned him widespread acclaim for his ability to convey the desperation and genius of the young composer. The story is a celebration of the creative process and a poignant look at the sacrifices artists make for their work. Garfield’s performance is at the heart of the film, bringing both the joy and the heartbreak of Larson’s story to life with incredible emotional depth.
‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ (2021)
In this biographical drama, Andrew Garfield portrays Jim Bakker, the charismatic and controversial televangelist. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Jim and his wife Tammy Faye Bakker, who built a massive religious broadcasting empire. Garfield embodies the ambitious and flawed nature of his character, showing both his charm and the manipulative tendencies that led to his downfall. He effectively portrays Bakker’s transformation from a hopeful preacher to a man consumed by greed and scandal.
Working opposite Jessica Chastain as Tammy Faye, Garfield helps to paint a complicated picture of their public and private lives. The film explores their journey from humble beginnings to immense wealth and influence, and the eventual collapse of their empire due to fraud and infidelity. Garfield’s performance delves into the complexities of a man who preached piety while living a life of excess.
‘Mainstream’ (2020)
Andrew Garfield plays a highly eccentric and charismatic character named Link in this film that satirizes internet culture. His character is discovered by a young filmmaker and is quickly transformed into a viral sensation. Link, who initially seems to be against the superficiality of social media, soon embraces his online persona, ‘No One Special’, and becomes everything he once criticized. Garfield’s performance is intentionally over-the-top, reflecting the chaotic and often absurd nature of internet fame.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking validation online and the loss of identity that can come with it. Garfield’s character undergoes a dramatic transformation from a mysterious stranger to a manipulative and volatile online personality. The role allowed him to explore a more unhinged and unpredictable side of his acting range, offering a critique of modern influencer culture.
‘Under the Silver Lake’ (2018)
Andrew Garfield stars as Sam, a disenchanted and jobless man living in Los Angeles who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman who disappears from his apartment complex. His search for her sends him on a surreal and confusing journey through the city’s hidden subcultures. Sam is an amateur detective of sorts, constantly looking for codes and hidden messages that he believes will lead him to the truth. Garfield plays the character with a mix of paranoia and determination.
The film is a neo-noir mystery that is filled with conspiracy theories, strange characters, and cryptic clues. Sam’s quest leads him down a rabbit hole of bizarre events, blurring the line between reality and his own paranoid fantasies. Garfield’s performance anchors the film’s strange and winding narrative, making the audience question what is real and what is simply part of his character’s elaborate imagination.
‘Breathe’ (2017)
In this inspiring biographical film, Andrew Garfield portrays Robin Cavendish, a man who becomes paralyzed from the neck down by polio at the age of 28. Despite being given only a few months to live, Cavendish and his wife Diana refuse to accept his fate. Together, they defy medical advice and become pioneers for disability advocacy. Garfield’s performance is largely confined to a bed or a specialized wheelchair, forcing him to convey a wide range of emotions through his facial expressions and voice.
The film tells the remarkable true story of a man who, against all odds, lived a full and adventurous life. It focuses on his loving relationship with his wife and their joint efforts to improve the quality of life for people with severe disabilities. Garfield captures the wit, charm, and indomitable spirit of Cavendish, making his story one of hope and resilience.
‘Silence’ (2016)
Andrew Garfield plays Sebastião Rodrigues, a young Jesuit priest who travels to 17th-century Japan in this historical drama. His character and a fellow priest are on a mission to find their mentor, who is rumored to have renounced his faith under torture. The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and suffering as the priests face brutal persecution in a country where Christianity is outlawed. Garfield’s character is forced to confront the limits of his own belief in the face of immense human cruelty.
The role was physically and emotionally demanding, as Garfield portrays a man whose spiritual convictions are put to the ultimate test. His journey is one of profound suffering and introspection, as he witnesses the horrific persecution of Japanese Christians. The film raises deep questions about the nature of faith and God’s presence, or silence, in times of great suffering, with Garfield’s performance at the center of this powerful narrative.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)
Andrew Garfield earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Desmond Doss, a real-life World War II army medic. Doss was a conscientious objector who refused to carry a weapon but served bravely during the Battle of Okinawa. He single-handedly saved the lives of 75 soldiers on the battlefield without firing a single shot. Garfield powerfully conveys Doss’s unwavering faith and incredible courage in the face of war.
The film highlights the conflict between his religious convictions and his desire to serve his country. Despite being ostracized and abused by his fellow soldiers for his refusal to bear arms, Doss proves his bravery in one of the war’s deadliest battles. Garfield’s performance captures both the gentle nature and the fierce determination of this unlikely hero, telling a story of extraordinary valor and conviction.
’99 Homes’ (2014)
In this intense drama, Andrew Garfield plays Dennis Nash, a single father and construction worker who is evicted from his home. Desperate for work, he begins working for the ruthless real estate broker who took his house. Nash finds himself in a moral dilemma as he is forced to evict other families from their homes to provide for his own. Garfield portrays the character’s internal struggle with deep conviction.
The film is a gripping look at the human cost of the housing crisis. As Nash becomes more involved in the morally corrupt business, he begins to lose sight of his own values. Garfield’s performance captures the desperation and compromise of a good man forced into a difficult situation, exploring how far someone will go to protect their family.
‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012)
Andrew Garfield took on the iconic role of Peter Parker, a high school outcast who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a genetically modified spider. This version of the character is a bit more angsty and cool as he navigates his newfound powers while dealing with the challenges of teenage life. Garfield brought a fresh energy to the role, emphasizing the character’s wit and the physical awkwardness of becoming a superhero.
The film explores Peter’s journey of discovering his powers, creating his web-shooters, and grappling with the responsibility that comes with his abilities. It also focuses heavily on his relationship with Gwen Stacy, adding a strong romantic element to the story. Garfield’s interpretation of the character was praised for its emotional depth and charm, offering a different take on the friendly neighborhood hero.
‘The Social Network’ (2010)
In this film about the founding of Facebook, Andrew Garfield plays Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder and original chief financial officer of the social networking site. His character is initially the best friend and financial backer of Mark Zuckerberg. As Facebook grows into a global phenomenon, their friendship fractures under the weight of betrayal and business disputes. Garfield’s performance captures the hurt and anger of a man who feels pushed out of the company he helped create.
The role was a major breakthrough for Garfield, earning him significant critical acclaim. He brought a sense of humanity and heartbreak to the story, serving as the film’s emotional core. His portrayal of Saverin’s eventual legal battle with Zuckerberg is one of the most memorable parts of the movie, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and power.
‘Never Let Me Go’ (2010)
Andrew Garfield co-stars in this poignant science fiction drama set in a dystopian version of England. He plays Tommy, one of three friends who grow up together at what seems to be an idyllic boarding school. The students eventually learn the grim truth about their existence which is that they are clones created solely to donate their organs. Garfield’s character struggles to find his place and express his emotions, particularly his love for one of his friends.
The film is a moving exploration of love, loss, and what it means to be human. Tommy’s journey is one of quiet desperation as he and his friends try to find meaning in their short lives. Garfield’s performance is full of vulnerability and sensitivity, capturing the character’s deep sense of longing and his eventual acceptance of his fate.
‘Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1974’ (2009)
In the first installment of this dark and gritty crime trilogy, Andrew Garfield plays Eddie Dunford, an ambitious young journalist. His character returns to his hometown in Yorkshire to investigate a series of child murders. As he digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of police corruption and organized crime that puts his own life in danger. Garfield portrays the character’s mix of arrogance and idealism as he confronts the grim realities of the world he is reporting on.
The film is a bleak and atmospheric thriller, and Garfield’s character serves as the audience’s entry point into this corrupt world. His performance captures the transformation of a cocky reporter into a man haunted by the darkness he uncovers. It was an early role that demonstrated his ability to carry a complex and intense narrative.
‘Boy A’ (2007)
Andrew Garfield delivers a powerful performance as Jack Burridge, a young man who is released from prison after serving time for a horrific crime he committed as a child. Given a new identity, Jack tries to build a new life for himself while hiding his dark past. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of second chances. Garfield portrays Jack’s fragility and his desperate hope for a normal life with incredible sensitivity.
His performance in this film earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor. He captures the character’s deep-seated trauma and his struggle to connect with others while living in constant fear of his past being exposed. The story is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking look at whether a person can ever truly escape their history.
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)
Andrew Garfield reprised his role as Peter Parker in this massive crossover event that brought together three generations of Spider-Man actors. His appearance was a highly anticipated secret, and he returned to the character with a newfound maturity and depth. This version of Peter is still coping with the loss of his girlfriend Gwen Stacy and is given a chance at redemption by helping the current Spider-Man.
His return was celebrated by fans and critics alike, with many praising his emotional and nuanced performance. He brought a sense of wisdom and melancholy to the character, acting as a mentor figure to the younger Spider-Man. The role allowed him to bring closure to his version of the character while also delivering some of the film’s most powerful and heartfelt moments.
What is your favorite Andrew Garfield role, and are there any you would add to this list?