Top 10 Tom Hardy Movies and TV Shows You Need to Watch

Tom Hardy’s raw intensity and chameleon-like versatility make him a standout in every project he tackles. From gritty crime dramas to blockbuster action flicks, his ability to dive deep into complex characters keeps us glued to the screen, whether he’s on the big screen or in a TV series. We’ve rounded up the top Tom Hardy movies and TV shows that showcase his range and magnetic presence.

Each one offers something unique, proving why he’s one of the most exciting actors working today. Let’s dive into the list and explore what makes these performances unmissable.

‘Inception’ (2010)

Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller throws us into a world where dreams can be infiltrated and secrets stolen from the subconscious. Hardy plays Eames, a sharp-witted forger who crafts identities with ease, adding charm and sly humor to a tense heist. His ability to steal scenes alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt shows his knack for holding his own in a stacked cast. It’s a film that demands focus, blending action with brain-twisting ideas.

Eames isn’t the lead, but Hardy makes him unforgettable with quick banter and cool confidence. The movie’s layered storytelling and stunning visuals keep you hooked, while Hardy’s performance grounds the wild concepts in something real. It’s a perfect intro to his ability to shine in ensemble casts.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

In this post-apocalyptic thrill ride, Hardy steps into the iconic role of Max Rockatansky, a wandering survivor in a brutal wasteland. George Miller’s relentless action masterpiece, packed with jaw-dropping stunts and sparse dialogue, lets Hardy’s physicality do the talking. He shares the screen with Charlize Theron’s fierce Furiosa, creating a dynamic duo that drives the story forward.

The film’s non-stop energy and vivid world-building make it a modern classic. Hardy’s Max is quiet but haunted, conveying pain and grit through every glance and grunt. It’s a role that proves he can carry a blockbuster with minimal words, relying on sheer presence.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Hardy’s take on Bane, Gotham’s masked terrorist, is chilling and unforgettable in Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman finale. His hulking physique and distorted voice dominate every scene, making Bane a foe who feels larger than life. Christian Bale’s Batman faces a brutal challenge, and Hardy’s intensity keeps the stakes sky-high.

Bane could’ve been a cartoonish villain, but Hardy adds layers of menace and twisted conviction. The film’s sprawling story and grand set pieces are gripping, and Hardy’s performance ensures Bane stands out as more than just muscle. It’s a bold swing that pays off, cementing his knack for complex antagonists.

‘Warrior’ (2011)

This raw, emotional sports drama follows two estranged brothers entering a high-stakes MMA tournament. Hardy plays Tommy, a tormented ex-Marine with a chip on his shoulder, clashing with Joel Edgerton’s Brendan. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, the film balances brutal fight scenes with deep family wounds, and Hardy’s brooding intensity anchors it.

Tommy’s pain feels real, thanks to Hardy’s ability to convey rage and vulnerability in equal measure. The climactic showdown hits hard, both physically and emotionally, making this a standout for anyone who loves character-driven stories. Hardy’s physical transformation for the role is just the start of what makes it compelling.

‘The Revenant’ (2015)

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s brutal survival tale plunges us into the 1820s wilderness, where Hardy plays John Fitzgerald, a treacherous trapper. His Oscar-nominated performance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s battered frontiersman is all sharp edges and raw betrayal. The film’s harsh beauty and grueling pace pull you into a world of desperation.

Hardy makes Fitzgerald a villain you love to hate, his every word dripping with self-serving cunning. The movie’s commitment to realism—shot in freezing conditions—amplifies Hardy’s chilling work. It’s a showcase of his ability to play flawed, unforgettable characters in extreme settings.

‘Locke’ (2013)

This daring drama unfolds entirely in a car, with Hardy as Ivan Locke, a man unraveling over one tense night. Steven Knight’s minimalist script relies on phone calls to reveal Locke’s crumbling life, and Hardy carries every second alone on screen. It’s a bold experiment that could’ve faltered without his gripping performance.

Hardy’s subtle shifts—calm one moment, breaking the next—make Locke’s ordinary crisis feel monumental. The film’s real-time structure keeps you locked in, and his voice work, balancing control and chaos, is masterful. It’s proof he can turn a quiet role into something riveting.

‘Legend’ (2015)

Hardy pulls double duty as London’s infamous Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, in this stylish crime saga. Brian Helgeland’s direction leans into the 1960s underworld, with Hardy embodying both the suave Reggie and the unhinged Ronnie. The dual role is a flex of his range, making each brother distinct yet believably related.

The film’s mix of glamour and violence sets the stage for Hardy to shine, whether he’s charming a room or erupting in chaos. His ability to switch between the twins’ personalities keeps you hooked, even when the story wobbles. It’s a wild ride that shows his love for bold choices.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013-2022)

This gritty British series dives into Birmingham’s criminal underbelly, with Hardy joining as Alfie Solomons, a cunning Jewish gang leader. His recurring role steals scenes from Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, blending wit, menace, and unpredictable energy. The show’s sharp writing and smoky atmosphere make it addictive.

Alfie’s larger-than-life presence lets Hardy play with dark humor and raw power. Every time he appears, the tension spikes, thanks to his knack for turning a line into a threat or a laugh. It’s a TV role that feels tailor-made for his intensity, leaving you wanting more.

‘Bronson’ (2008)

Hardy transforms into Charles Bronson, Britain’s most notorious prisoner, in this wild, stylized biopic. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the film mixes dark comedy with raw violence, letting Hardy unleash a larger-than-life performance. He’s magnetic as a man who thrives on chaos, narrating his own twisted legend.

The role demanded a physical overhaul—Hardy bulked up dramatically—and his commitment shows in every unhinged moment. It’s not an easy watch, but his fearless dive into Bronson’s psyche makes it gripping. This is where Hardy proved he could lead with sheer audacity.

‘Taboo’ (2017)

Hardy co-created and stars in this dark, moody series as James Delaney, a brooding adventurer returning to 1814 London. The show’s gothic vibe, with its mix of betrayal, mystery, and grit, gives Hardy room to smolder. He’s joined by a stellar cast, including Jonathan Pryce and Oona Chaplin, in a tale of revenge and ambition.

Delaney’s haunted intensity lets Hardy flex his knack for layered characters, hiding pain behind a steely front. The series’ rich visuals and slow-burn pace pull you into its murky world, and Hardy’s performance keeps you invested. It’s a hidden gem for his fans.