Andrew Garfield’s Career: From ‘Boy A’ to ‘We Live in Time’

Andrew Garfield is a highly respected actor known for his talent and dedication. He can play many different types of characters, moving easily between big blockbuster movies and smaller, independent films. His career shows a commitment to complex roles that challenge him as a performer and connect with audiences on a deep level. He brings intensity and honesty to every part he plays.

From his early work in British television to becoming a global star, Garfield has built an impressive list of performances. He has been recognized with many awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win. This list looks at his key film roles, showing his journey from a promising newcomer to one of the most versatile actors working today.

‘Boy A’ (2007)

This film was a major breakthrough for Andrew Garfield. He played Jack Burridge, a young man released from prison after committing a terrible crime as a child. The story follows his attempt to start a new life under a new name, but his past is always close behind. Garfield’s performance captures the character’s fear, hope, and deep sadness.

His work in the film received great praise from critics. He showed a maturity and depth that was impressive for a young actor. For this role, Garfield won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor. It established him as a serious talent to watch and set the stage for his future success in both film and theatre.

‘Lions for Lambs’ (2007)

In this political drama, Garfield played Todd Hayes, a smart and capable university student. The film tells three connected stories happening at the same time. Garfield’s story involves a long conversation with his professor, played by director Robert Redford. They debate the military, politics, and the responsibilities of citizens.

Even though he was a young actor at the time, Garfield held his own in powerful scenes with a Hollywood legend. He portrayed his character’s intelligence and internal conflict well. The role showed he could handle complex dialogue and thoughtful themes, proving his ability to work on a large international stage.

‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ (2009)

Garfield took on the role of Anton in this fantasy film directed by Terry Gilliam. He played a key member of a traveling theatre troupe who helps the main character, Valentina. The film is known for its imaginative visuals and a story that blends reality with fantasy.

The production of the movie was famously difficult due to the death of its star, Heath Ledger. Garfield worked alongside the actors who stepped in to complete Ledger’s role. His performance as the loyal and caring Anton provided a stable point in a visually wild and unpredictable film.

‘Never Let Me Go’ (2010)

In this sad science-fiction drama, Garfield played Tommy D. The story is about three friends who grow up in a special boarding school, only to discover they are clones created to donate their organs. Garfield’s character is known for his emotional outbursts and his struggle to express himself.

He starred alongside Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley, and the three actors created a powerful and heartbreaking story about love and loss. Garfield’s performance was praised for its emotional honesty. He showed the character’s journey from a confused boy to a young man facing a terrible fate with quiet strength.

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

Garfield’s role as Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder of Facebook, earned him widespread recognition. The film tells the story of Facebook’s creation and the legal battles that followed. Saverin was the best friend of Mark Zuckerberg who provided the initial funding but was later pushed out of the company.

His performance was a highlight of the movie. He perfectly captured the loyalty, hurt, and anger of a man betrayed by his closest friend. For his work, Garfield received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status as a rising star in Hollywood.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012)

Garfield took on the iconic role of Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, in this reboot of the superhero franchise. His version of the character was witty, awkward, and charming. The film explored Peter’s origins, including the spider bite that gave him powers and the loss of his Uncle Ben.

He was praised for bringing a new energy to the character and for his strong on-screen chemistry with Emma Stone, who played Gwen Stacy. The film was a commercial success and made Garfield an international star. He performed many of his own stunts, showing his physical commitment to the role.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014)

He returned as the web-slinging hero in the sequel. This film saw Peter Parker struggling to balance his life as a hero with his personal relationships, especially with Gwen Stacy. He faced new villains, including Electro and the Green Goblin, while also uncovering more secrets about his parents.

The movie focused heavily on the emotional parts of Peter’s story. Garfield’s performance was again praised, particularly in the dramatic final act which was a shocking and faithful adaptation of a famous comic book storyline. This was his last time playing the character as the lead in a standalone film.

’99 Homes’ (2014)

In this intense drama, Garfield played Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single father who is evicted from his home. Desperate for money, he starts working for the same ruthless real estate broker who took his house. This forces him to evict other families, creating a deep moral conflict.

Garfield gave a powerful and emotional performance, showing the character’s desperation and shame. The film was a critical look at the housing crisis in America. His role was praised for being grounded and realistic, and it proved his skill in telling serious, character-driven stories.

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

Garfield starred as Desmond Doss, a real-life World War II army medic who was the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Doss was a Seventh-day Adventist who refused to carry or use a weapon but saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa.

For this incredible performance, Garfield received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He portrayed Doss’s unwavering faith and bravery with great respect and strength. The role required him to be both physically and emotionally strong, and it is considered one of the best performances of his career.

‘Silence’ (2016)

In this historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese, Garfield played Sebastião Rodrigues. He is a young Jesuit priest in the 17th century who travels to Japan to find his mentor. At the time, Christians were being persecuted in Japan, and the journey tests his faith in extreme ways.

Garfield prepared for the role for a year, which included losing a significant amount of weight and studying with a Jesuit priest. His dedication is clear in his performance, which is quiet, thoughtful, and full of pain. The film is a deep exploration of faith and doubt, and his portrayal was highly acclaimed.

‘Breathe’ (2017)

He played the real-life character of Robin Cavendish in this inspiring biopic. Cavendish was paralyzed from the neck down by polio at the age of 28. With the help of his wife, Diana, he defied his doctors’ predictions and became a pioneering advocate for disabled people.

Most of the performance required Garfield to act only with his face, as his character could not move his body. He effectively conveyed a full range of emotions, from deep despair to great joy. The role was another example of his ability to portray real people with honesty and respect.

‘Under the Silver Lake’ (2018)

Garfield starred as Sam in this strange and stylish neo-noir mystery. His character is a jobless man in Los Angeles who becomes obsessed with finding a beautiful neighbor who suddenly disappears. His search leads him down a bizarre path filled with secret codes, urban legends, and conspiracies.

This film was very different from his previous work. It allowed him to play a more aimless and confused character. The movie divided critics, but Garfield’s committed performance as the man at the center of the mystery was noted as a strong point. He guided the audience through a complex and dreamlike story.

‘Mainstream’ (2020)

In this film, Garfield played a charismatic and unpredictable character named Link who becomes a YouTube star. The movie is a satire about internet culture, social media fame, and how quickly things can turn toxic. Garfield’s character goes from being an anti-mainstream figure to a monster created by online attention.

He gave a loud and energetic performance that was very different from his more reserved roles. In addition to starring in the film, Garfield also served as a producer. This showed his growing involvement behind the camera and his interest in telling stories that comment on modern society.

‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ (2021)

Garfield co-starred as the televangelist Jim Bakker, alongside Jessica Chastain who played his wife, Tammy Faye. The film follows the rise and fall of their popular religious television show and empire. It covers their fame, wealth, and the scandals that eventually brought them down.

He transformed himself for the role, using prosthetics and adopting Bakker’s specific accent and mannerisms. His performance captured the ambition and moral failings of his character. He provided strong support for Chastain, who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ (2021)

Garfield earned his second Academy Award nomination for his lead role in this musical. He played Jonathan Larson, the real-life creator of the musical ‘Rent’. The film is an adaptation of Larson’s autobiographical show and follows his journey as a struggling artist in New York City.

He learned to sing and play the piano for the role, and his musical performance was a revelation. He captured Larson’s creative passion, anxiety, and determination with incredible energy. For his work, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

In a moment that thrilled fans worldwide, Garfield returned to his role as Peter Parker / Spider-Man. He appeared alongside Tom Holland’s and Tobey Maguire’s versions of the character in a story that crossed different universes. His return was a well-kept secret that became a huge highlight of the film.

His appearance was more than just a fun cameo. It allowed his version of the character to find redemption and closure after the tragic events of his own films. Fans and critics praised his emotional and funny performance, leading to a renewed appreciation for his take on the hero.

‘We Live in Time’ (2025)

In this emotional romantic drama, Garfield starred opposite Florence Pugh. The film tells the story of two people who fall in love but are faced with extraordinary circumstances that challenge their relationship. It became known for its unique storytelling and deeply moving themes about love and memory.

Garfield’s performance as Tobias was widely praised by critics for its vulnerability and depth. His on-screen chemistry with Pugh was a major highlight, with many calling their work together powerful and unforgettable. The role once again demonstrated his ability to lead a complex, character-driven story and connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Let us know which Andrew Garfield performance has stayed with you the most in the comments below.