Jeremy Renner’s Best Roles

Jeremy Renner has built a career playing intense and complex characters, becoming a familiar face in major Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas. His journey through the film industry showcases a remarkable range, from portraying real-life figures with deep emotional struggles to embodying a core member of Earth’s mightiest heroes. He has a knack for bringing a grounded sense of humanity to even the most extraordinary circumstances, making his characters relatable and memorable. His ability to convey strength, vulnerability, and determination has made him a fan favorite and a respected actor among his peers.

Over the years, Renner has taken on a variety of roles that have challenged him and delighted audiences. He has stepped into the shoes of bomb disposal experts, cunning thieves, and dedicated government agents, each time delivering a performance that is both believable and captivating. Whether he is drawing a bow and arrow with pinpoint accuracy or navigating the murky waters of political corruption, he consistently brings a level of dedication that elevates the entire project. This list explores some of the most significant roles that have defined his versatile and successful career in film and television.

‘Dahmer’ (2002)

In this biographical film, Jeremy Renner took on the challenging role of the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The film explores the life of Dahmer, delving into the psychological aspects of his character and the events that led to his notorious crimes. Renner’s performance captures the disturbing calmness and detached nature of the man, offering a chilling portrayal without sensationalizing the horrific acts. The story follows Dahmer as he navigates his dark impulses, providing a glimpse into the mind of a killer.

The movie focuses on the period when Dahmer committed most of his murders, showing his methods of luring young men to his apartment. It avoids graphic depictions of violence, instead creating a sense of dread and psychological horror through its atmosphere and Renner’s nuanced performance. The narrative is structured in a non-linear fashion, jumping between different points in Dahmer’s life to piece together a portrait of his descent into madness. The film stands as an early showcase of Renner’s ability to tackle profoundly complex and dark subject matter.

’28 Weeks Later’ (2007)

Jeremy Renner plays Sergeant Doyle, a U.S. Army sniper and part of the NATO force trying to secure a quarantine zone in London. The story picks up six months after the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus, with the military attempting to repopulate the deserted city. Doyle is on the front lines of this effort, providing overwatch and security for the new settlers. His character serves as a moral compass within the military’s often brutal response to the renewed threat.

When the virus inevitably re-emerges within the supposedly safe zone, Doyle makes the difficult decision to abandon his post to help a small group of civilians escape the ensuing chaos. He becomes the protector of two children who may hold the key to a cure, guiding them through the overrun streets of London. His character’s journey highlights the themes of duty, sacrifice, and humanity in the face of overwhelming horror, making him a crucial element of the film’s intense and thrilling narrative.

‘American Hustle’ (2013)

In this stylish crime film, Jeremy Renner portrays Carmine Polito, the passionate and well-intentioned mayor of Camden, New Jersey. Polito is a family man and a beloved public servant who genuinely wants to revitalize his city and create jobs for his constituents. His ambition to rebuild Atlantic City’s casino industry leads him into the path of a pair of con artists and an overzealous FBI agent. Renner brings a lot of heart and warmth to the character, making him a sympathetic figure caught in a web of deception.

Despite being a key target in the FBI’s sting operation, Polito is depicted as an honest man trying to do the right thing, albeit through questionable alliances. His friendship with one of the con artists, who he believes is a genuine business partner, forms the emotional core of the story. Renner’s performance captures the charm and charisma of a local politician, and his eventual heartbreak upon discovering the betrayal is a powerful moment in the film.

‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ (2015)

Jeremy Renner reprises his role as William Brandt, a former IMF field agent who has taken on a more administrative role. In this installment, the Impossible Missions Force is disbanded and absorbed by the CIA, leaving Ethan Hunt out in the cold and a wanted man. Brandt finds himself working for CIA Director Alan Hunley and is forced to navigate the political landscape while trying to covertly help Hunt and his team.

Brandt’s loyalty is tested as he must choose between following orders and supporting his former colleagues who are trying to take down a shadowy organization known as the Syndicate. He uses his position within the CIA to provide crucial support and intelligence, acting as the team’s man on the inside. Renner’s portrayal of Brandt adds a layer of bureaucratic tension and strategic thinking to the high-octane action, showcasing his character’s intelligence and resourcefulness.

‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011)

Jeremy Renner joins the franchise as William Brandt, an IMF analyst with a mysterious past. When the IMF is disavowed after being framed for a bombing at the Kremlin, Brandt is forced into the field with Ethan Hunt and his team. Initially, he appears to be a capable but cautious analyst, however, it soon becomes clear that he has extensive field training and is hiding a significant secret about his previous operations.

As the team works to clear their names and prevent a nuclear war, Brandt’s backstory is slowly revealed, adding a compelling layer to his character. He proves to be a vital asset, using his skills to help the team accomplish their impossible missions, including a memorable sequence at the Burj Khalifa. Renner’s performance introduces a new dynamic to the team, balancing the action with a sense of personal stakes and hidden regrets.

‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ (2007)

In this atmospheric western, Jeremy Renner plays Wood Hite, the cousin of the famous outlaw Jesse James. Hite is a member of the James gang, a group of men living in the shadow of their charismatic and increasingly paranoid leader. Renner portrays Hite as a somewhat dim-witted but loyal follower who enjoys the notoriety that comes with being part of the infamous gang. His character provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the men who surrounded the legendary figure.

As tensions rise within the gang and Jesse James becomes more erratic and violent, Hite finds himself caught in the middle of the growing distrust. His interactions with Robert Ford, the man who would eventually kill James, highlight the internal conflicts and shifting allegiances within the group. Renner’s performance adds depth to the ensemble cast, contributing to the film’s rich and detailed portrait of the final days of an American outlaw.

‘Hawkeye’ (2021–2021)

Jeremy Renner returns to his iconic role as Clint Barton in this television series set after the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’. The story follows Barton as he tries to enjoy a simple Christmas vacation in New York City with his children. However, his plans are derailed when a young archer named Kate Bishop stumbles upon his old Ronin suit, attracting the attention of his past enemies. Barton is forced to team up with Bishop to confront the threats and get home to his family in time for Christmas.

The series offers a deeper look into the character of Clint Barton, exploring the physical and emotional toll of his years as a hero. It delves into his hearing loss, his grief over the loss of Natasha Romanoff, and his complicated legacy as Ronin. Renner’s performance brings a weary yet determined quality to the character, showcasing his mentorship of Kate Bishop while dealing with his own vulnerabilities.

‘The Town’ (2010)

Jeremy Renner delivers a powerful performance as James “Jem” Coughlin, a hot-tempered and loyal member of a bank-robbing crew from Charlestown, Boston. Jem is the lifelong best friend of the crew’s leader, Doug MacRay, and serves as the group’s muscle. Renner’s portrayal is intense and volatile, capturing a man who is fiercely protective of his friends but also prone to reckless violence. His character represents the inescapable pull of the criminal life that defines their neighborhood.

The dynamic between Jem and Doug is central to the film, especially as Doug begins to dream of a life outside of their criminal world. Jem’s commitment to their code of conduct and his distrust of outsiders create significant conflict. Renner’s performance earned him widespread critical acclaim for its raw energy and for bringing a complex and tragic humanity to a deeply flawed character.

‘The Hurt Locker’ (2008)

In the film that propelled him to stardom, Jeremy Renner plays Sergeant First Class William James, a fearless and adrenaline-addicted leader of a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in Iraq. James is a master of his craft, approaching the diffusion of bombs with a calm and almost reckless demeanor that unnerves his more cautious teammates. Renner’s performance is a magnetic portrayal of a man who is perfectly suited for the intense pressures of war but struggles with the normalcy of life back home.

The film follows the unit during the final days of their tour, showcasing the immense psychological strain of their work. James’s maverick style puts him at odds with his squad, but his expertise is undeniable. Renner fully embodies the character’s complex mix of arrogance, skill, and hidden vulnerability, offering a profound look at the nature of modern warfare and the type of soldier it creates.

‘Wind River’ (2017)

Jeremy Renner stars as Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent who discovers the body of a young woman on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Lambert is a skilled tracker who is haunted by the death of his own daughter years earlier. He teams up with a rookie FBI agent to investigate the murder, using his knowledge of the harsh terrain and the local community to uncover the truth.

Renner’s performance is quiet and powerful, conveying Lambert’s deep grief and his unwavering determination to find justice for the victim. He acts as a guide for both the FBI agent and the audience, navigating the complexities of life on the reservation and the brutal realities of the environment. The character’s personal connection to the tragedy gives the film its emotional weight, and Renner’s portrayal is both subtle and deeply moving.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

Jeremy Renner returns as Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, who is initially enjoying retirement with his family. However, he is drawn back into the conflict when he sides with Captain America in opposition to the Sokovia Accords, a government act designed to regulate the Avengers. His loyalty to Steve Rogers and his belief in personal freedom lead him to join the fight against Iron Man and the other heroes who support the accords.

Despite being outmatched by some of the more powerful heroes, Hawkeye’s skills as a master archer and combatant prove invaluable. His fight sequence against Black Panther and his clever use of specialized arrows are standout moments. Renner’s role in this film emphasizes Hawkeye’s position as the moral compass and grounded family man of the team, fighting for what he believes is right, even if it means going against his friends.

‘Arrival’ (2016)

In this thought-provoking science fiction film, Jeremy Renner plays Ian Donnelly, a theoretical physicist who is recruited by the U.S. military to help communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. He works alongside linguist Louise Banks to decipher the aliens’ complex language. Donnelly provides the scientific perspective, focusing on the mathematical and physical aspects of their communication, which complements Banks’s linguistic approach.

Renner portrays Donnelly as an intelligent and pragmatic scientist who is initially focused on the hard data. As he and Banks get closer to understanding the aliens’ message, his perspective broadens, and he develops a deep respect and affection for her. His character represents the scientific community’s quest for knowledge and understanding in the face of the unknown, and he serves as a crucial partner in a global effort to prevent a potential catastrophe.

‘The Avengers’ (2012)

Jeremy Renner fully establishes his role as Clint Barton, or Hawkeye, in this superhero ensemble film. At the beginning of the movie, Hawkeye is brainwashed by Loki and turned into an antagonist, using his incredible archery skills and knowledge of S.H.I.E.L.D. to serve the villain’s plans. This allows the film to showcase his formidable abilities as he goes head-to-head with his future teammates.

After being freed from Loki’s control by Black Widow, Hawkeye joins the Avengers and becomes a key member of the team. During the Battle of New York, he uses his tactical mind and unparalleled aim to fight off the Chitauri invasion. He acts as the team’s eyes in the sky, calling out enemy positions and providing crucial support. Renner’s performance cements Hawkeye as a founding member of the team and a hero in his own right.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021–)

Jeremy Renner stars as Mike McLusky in this crime thriller series. The show is set in a fictional Michigan town where the only major industry is the prison system. The McLusky family acts as unofficial power brokers between the inmates, guards, and the community, trying to maintain a fragile peace. After a family tragedy, Mike reluctantly takes over the role of the “mayor,” navigating a dangerous world of corruption and violence.

Mike is a complex and morally ambiguous character who is trying to bring a semblance of order to a broken system. Renner’s portrayal is gritty and intense, capturing the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. He deals with gang leaders, corrupt officials, and his own family’s troubled dynamics. The series explores themes of systemic racism and the harsh realities of the American prison system, with Renner’s character at the center of the storm.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

Jeremy Renner’s character, Clint Barton, undergoes a dramatic and emotional transformation in this climactic film. After his entire family is erased by Thanos’s snap, a grief-stricken Barton abandons his Hawkeye identity and becomes Ronin, a ruthless vigilante who travels the world executing criminals. His dark journey reflects the profound loss and despair felt across the universe.

When he is brought back into the fold by Natasha Romanoff, he rejoins the Avengers for their time-travel mission to retrieve the Infinity Stones. His journey is one of redemption, culminating in a heartbreaking sacrifice alongside Romanoff to obtain the Soul Stone. In the final battle, he fights to protect the stones and honor his friend’s memory. Renner’s performance powerfully portrays the character’s immense pain, his enduring love for his family, and his ultimate return to being a hero.

What is your favorite Jeremy Renner role, and why does it stand out to you?