Tom Holland’s Best Roles

Tom Holland shot to global stardom with his energetic and charismatic portrayal of Peter Parker, better known as Spider-Man. For a new generation of fans, he has become the definitive version of the web-slinging hero, perfectly capturing the character’s youthful optimism and the heavy burden of his great power. His introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a landmark moment that instantly made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors.

Beyond his famous superhero suit, Holland has actively sought out roles that challenge him and push the boundaries of his acting abilities. He has delved into intense dramas, historical epics, and complex psychological thrillers, demonstrating a remarkable versatility that goes far beyond his friendly neighborhood persona. This commitment to exploring different genres and characters shows an artist dedicated to his craft and eager to build a diverse and lasting career.

‘Cherry’ (2021)

In this crime drama, Tom Holland plays the titular character, a young man from Ohio who drops out of college to serve as an army medic in Iraq. The film follows his journey over fifteen years as he deals with the trauma of war. Upon returning home, he develops an extreme case of PTSD and falls into opioid addiction.

To support his growing drug habit, the character resorts to robbing banks, leading him down a destructive and dangerous path. The role required Holland to undergo a significant physical transformation and portray a wide range of intense emotional states. He depicted the character’s descent from a hopeful young man to a desperate criminal.

‘The Current War’ (2017)

This historical drama depicts the intense competition between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to determine which electrical system would power the modern world. Holland portrays Samuel Insull, who was Thomas Edison’s ambitious personal secretary. Insull is a loyal and intelligent young man who plays a crucial role in Edison’s business ventures.

As the war of currents escalates, Insull acts as a key figure in Edison’s camp, helping him navigate business challenges and public relations campaigns. The character serves as a close confidant to the famous inventor, offering a unique perspective on the man behind the legendary innovations. He is shown to be a savvy operator within the high-stakes world of late 19th-century industry.

‘Spies in Disguise’ (2019)

Tom Holland lends his voice to the character of Walter Beckett in this animated spy comedy. Walter is a brilliant but socially awkward young scientist who designs non-lethal gadgets for a top-secret intelligence agency. He believes that conflicts can be resolved peacefully through creative and harmless technology, a view that puts him at odds with the agency’s top spy.

Walter’s life takes a wild turn when super-spy Lance Sterling is accidentally transformed into a pigeon by one of Walter’s experimental inventions. The unlikely pair must then work together to stop a powerful cybernetic terrorist. Walter’s intelligence and optimistic spirit are essential to saving the day and proving his unconventional methods work.

‘In the Heart of the Sea’ (2015)

In this historical adventure film, Holland plays the role of a young Thomas Nickerson, a cabin boy aboard the whaling ship Essex. The movie is based on the true story that would later inspire the novel ‘Moby-Dick’. Nickerson is the youngest member of the crew and experiences the harrowing ordeal of a sperm whale attack that destroys their ship.

Stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Nickerson and the surviving crewmen must endure unimaginable hardships, including starvation, dehydration, and despair. The story is framed by the older Nickerson recounting the traumatic events to author Herman Melville. Holland portrays the youthful innocence that is lost amidst the brutal fight for survival.

‘The Crowded Room’ (2023–)

This psychological thriller series features Tom Holland as Danny Sullivan, a young man who is arrested following his involvement in a shooting in New York City in 1979. The story is told through a series of interviews conducted by an interrogator named Rya Goodwin. Danny’s life story slowly unfolds, revealing a mysterious and traumatic past.

As the interviews progress, Danny begins to understand key moments from his own history that he had previously blocked out. The series explores his struggles with mental illness as he and his interrogator work to piece together the events that led to the incident. The role requires a nuanced performance to convey the character’s complex and fractured mental state.

‘Locke’ (2013)

In this unique thriller, Tom Holland has a voice-only role as Eddie, one of the sons of the main character, Ivan Locke. The entire film takes place inside a car as Ivan drives from Birmingham to London, and the plot unfolds through a series of phone calls. Ivan’s life is unraveling due to a single decision he made.

Eddie and his brother are eagerly awaiting their father’s arrival home to watch an important football match together. Through their phone conversations, Eddie’s voice provides an emotional anchor to the family life Ivan is leaving behind. His innocent chats about the game stand in stark contrast to the dramatic and life-altering conversations his father is having with others.

‘The Devil All the Time’ (2020)

Holland portrays Arvin Russell, a young man growing up in a post-World War II town plagued by corruption and violence. The story is a southern gothic tale that follows a cast of sinister and damaged characters across several decades. Arvin is a good but troubled person who is surrounded by religious fanaticism and moral decay.

After suffering a series of family tragedies, Arvin is forced to take matters into his own hands to protect the people he has left. He becomes a reluctant and grim protagonist, confronting the evil figures who have brought misery to his life. The role is a dark and serious turn for Holland, showcasing his ability to handle mature and violent material.

‘Onward’ (2020)

In this animated fantasy film, Tom Holland voices Ian Lightfoot, a shy and awkward teenage elf who lives in a world where magic has been replaced by modern technology. Ian lost his father before he was born and has always longed for a connection with him. He is the opposite of his older brother, Barley, who is loud, boisterous, and obsessed with the magical history of their world.

On Ian’s sixteenth birthday, he and Barley receive a gift from their late father, a magical staff and a spell that can bring him back for a single day. When the spell goes wrong, leaving them with only their father’s legs, the two brothers embark on an epic quest to find another magical gem to complete the incantation before time runs out.

‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)

Following the universe-altering events of the previous Avengers film, this movie finds Peter Parker grieving the loss of his mentor, Tony Stark. He decides to take a break from being a superhero and goes on a school trip to Europe with his friends. His hope for a normal vacation is quickly dashed when Nick Fury recruits him for a new mission.

Peter must team up with a mysterious new hero named Mysterio to combat elemental creatures that are causing destruction across the continent. The film explores Peter’s struggle with the immense responsibility he has inherited and his uncertainty about whether he can live up to the legacy of Iron Man. He has to decide if he wants to embrace his destiny as a hero.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

This film marks Peter Parker’s first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, picking up after his introduction in a previous team-up. Eager to prove himself as a hero, Peter tries to balance his normal life as a high school student with his crime-fighting activities as Spider-Man. He is under the watchful eye of his mentor, Tony Stark, who wants him to focus on being a friendly neighborhood hero.

Peter’s ambitions are put to the test when he comes across a new villain known as the Vulture, who is running an illegal weapons operation using alien technology. Believing this is his chance to become a full-fledged Avenger, Peter decides to take on the dangerous foe himself, leading to a conflict that threatens his friends and family.

‘The Impossible’ (2012)

This disaster drama is based on the real-life experience of a family caught in the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Tom Holland delivers his breakout performance as Lucas Bennett, the eldest of three sons. While on Christmas vacation in Thailand, Lucas and his family are separated when the massive wave strikes their resort.

Lucas and his injured mother manage to find each other amidst the chaos and must fight for survival against incredible odds. He is forced to mature quickly, taking on the responsibility of caring for his mother while searching for the rest of their family. The role showcases his ability to convey deep emotion and resilience at a young age.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

This film served as the official introduction of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is recruited by Tony Stark to join his faction in a conflict against Captain America. Peter Parker is just a teenager from Queens who has been secretly operating as a hero for only a few months.

Tony Stark flies Peter to Germany to participate in a massive battle between the two opposing sides of the Avengers. His appearance is a highlight of the movie, as his youthful energy, witty banter, and sheer excitement at meeting his heroes provide a moment of levity in an otherwise serious story. He proves his capability by holding his own against seasoned superheroes.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

The story begins immediately after Peter Parker’s identity as Spider-Man is publicly revealed to the world. With his life turned upside down, Peter seeks help from Doctor Strange to cast a spell that will make everyone forget he is Spider-Man. The spell goes dangerously wrong, inadvertently opening up the multiverse.

This magical mishap causes villains from other universes who know Peter Parker’s identity to be pulled into his world. Peter must then confront these new and powerful foes, forcing him to learn what it truly means to be a hero. The film deals with themes of sacrifice, consequence, and the personal cost of his dual identity.

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

In this massive ensemble film, Peter Parker officially becomes an Avenger while trying to stop the powerful villain Thanos from collecting all six Infinity Stones. The story begins with Peter on a school bus when he senses the arrival of Thanos’s forces in New York City. He immediately jumps into action to help Iron Man and Doctor Strange.

His journey takes him into space for the first time as he joins his mentor, Tony Stark, on a mission to confront Thanos directly. Peter’s bravery and resourcefulness are on full display as he fights alongside the universe’s most powerful heroes. The film’s emotional conclusion has a significant and direct impact on his character.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

After being absent for much of the film’s runtime due to the events of the previous movie, Peter Parker makes a triumphant return during the climactic final battle. He is brought back to life along with all the other vanished heroes to join the fight against Thanos and his army in a last-ditch effort to save the universe.

His reunion with his mentor, Tony Stark, on the battlefield is a poignant and powerful moment. Despite his youth, Peter fights valiantly alongside the other Avengers, demonstrating the growth and courage he has developed over his journey. He plays an important role in the chaotic battle, helping to protect the Infinity Gauntlet from falling into the wrong hands.

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