Not many actors have made movies that fulfill audiences like Henry Cavill. Since the 2000’s, Cavill has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s corrupt CIA officers, detectives solving murders or men of steel, Cavill has portrayed many interesting characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission: Impossible is a spectacular franchise that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father once appreciated a franchise about hunted spies facing danger. A huge fan of Tom Cruise, he adored movies that forever changed his worldviews. Through his lifelong love for Mission: Impossible, my father inspired me to believe my film criticism dreams were possible. In 2018, Henry Cavill honoured the iconic action franchise my father was passionate about in his movie “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. In the greatest role of his career, Cavill portrayed a corrupt CIA agent seeking to catch Ethan Hunt causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cavill has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a despicable villain. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Cavill honoured a franchise about missions that are impossible. For instance, the scene in which Agent Walker engages a tense helicopter chase with Ethan Hunt in the air causing fear is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” Henry Cavill’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most M:I movies targeted to action junkies, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which will resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a remarkable action film about hunted spies seeking to achieve missions that are impossible, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that has made great movies which audiences consider special.
2. Man of Steel
Superman is a legendary superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of the iconic comic-book character. Before he became a high school teacher, he came to adore a superhero with abilities to soar. He loved watching movies about the man of steel about whom he would strongly feel. In 2013, Henry Cavill honoured the man of steel in his movie “Man of Steel”. In the most iconic role of his career, Cavill portrayed the legendary superhero carrying a heavy burden to bear. Cavill has always excelled playing heroes overcoming danger, and “Man of Steel” showcased his strengths as an actor. Cavill brought out an emotional side to the superhero that audiences hadn’t seen in previous iterations. Working alongside Russell Crowe who is also amazing, Cavill honoured an iconic superhero. For instance, the scene in which Kal-El first transforms into Superman saving the world from despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Man of Steel” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes of identity which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a superhero with abilities to soar, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has been willing to pour his heart and soul into movies audiences adore.
3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
“The Man From U.N.C.L.E” is a spectacular series that my grandfather always considered memorable. Several years ago, my grandfather adored the television show. He grew up to cherish a television show about spies that are stylish. In 2015, Henry Cavill honoured the television show about spies that are powerful in his movie “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”. In the most stylish role of his career, Cavill portrayed a spy facing a heavy a burden to bear. Cavill has spent most of his career playing serious characters in intense blockbusters. With “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”, however, the actor showcased an aptitude for comedy that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Armie Hammer who is also amazing, Cavill honoured a show about spies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Napoleon engages in a boat chase causing despair is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” a commemorated spy film is its appeal. Despite taking place during the 1960’s, it tackles encompassing themes that remain relevant today. A spectacular adaptation of a celebrated television show about a spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a fantastic actor that has made movies that satisfy.
4. Enola Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a legendary detective that my cousin always considered impressive. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a cousin that adored the detective with courage. He would appreciate seeing the grim crimes that the detective sought to investigate. Fond of a legendary character, he always praised a detective he came to treasure. In 2020, Henry Cavill honoured the iconic detective in his movie “Enola Holmes”. In the most intelligent role of his career, Cavill portrays a detective seeking to care for a sister that’s a burden to bear. It isn’t easy to portray an iconic character in literature that’s been played by several actors in the past, but Cavill succeeded. Cavill brought out an emotional side to the detective that was missing from previous iterations in the past. For instance, the scene in which Sherlock reunites with Enola after several years of separation at a train station causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Enola Holmes” a great Sherlock Holmes movie is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with literature to appreciate it. A spectacular tribute towards a famous detective, it’s a riveting reminder of an effective actor that has always made movies which are impressive.
5. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Batman is an iconic comic-book character that always inspired my brother. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of the caped crusader. A huge comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a hero that made him feel heard. In 2016, Henry Cavill honoured the iconic hero seeking justice in his movie “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Cavill portrayed a superhero that becomes a threat to his world causing despair. Cavill has always excelled at playing Superman in comic-book movies. With “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”, however, the actor showcased an emotional side to the hero that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Batman and Superman engage in a tense one-on-one fight in the rain causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” a comic-book classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about the importance of justice which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences treasure.
6. The Count of Monte Cristo
Few adventure books published several years ago are as beloved as The Count of Monte Cristo. Since its publication in 1846, Alexandre Dumas’ book has become a literary classic. In 2002, Henry Cavill honoured the iconic book in his movie “The Count of Monte Cristo”. In the most literary role of his career, Cavill portrayed an estranged son of a wealthy family facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Guy Pearce who is also amazing, Cavill celebrated timeless literature. Centuries following the publication of a beloved book about commemorated counts experiencing sorrow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary actor that has produced timeless movies which always give audiences dreams to follow.
7. Enola Holmes 2
Henry Cavill has always excelled at playing Sherlock Holmes. Since his casting in 2020, Cavill has offered a fresh interpretation of the world-famous detective. Cavill’s strength for playing a detective searching for a clue is clearly evident in his movie “Enola Holmes 2”. Released in 2022, the second Enola Holmes movie showcased the actor at his best. In his most intellectual role, Cavill portrayed a detective struggling to take care of a sister out of control. Cavill brought an emotional vulnerability to the detective that audiences hadn’t seen in previous iterations. Working alongside Millie Bobby Brown who is also amazing, Cavill honours a legendary detective. As strong as crimes solved by Enola, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has made memorable movies which are worth watching in the Cinema.
8. I Capture the Castle
A common criticism often levelled against Henry Cavill is that he doesn’t take risks as an actor. Since his casting as Superman, Cavill has often been typecast in roles of heroes. Cavill has built an image for playing heroes with courage. However, in 2003 the actor took a step out of his comfort zone when he made the movie “I Capture the Castle”. In the most romantic role of his career, Cavill portrayed a compassionate gentleman pursuing an affair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase flair for romantic comedies he hadn’t shown in his career. Cavill proved he could excel in a romantic role far removed from Superman. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about castles that are adventurous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider precious.
9. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
When it comes to British filmmakers that have built a strong legacy, it’s worth discussing Guy Ritchie. With their bloody violence, compelling characters and strong themes, Ritchie’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2024, Ritchie showcased his flair as a filmmaker when he cast Henry Cavill in his movie “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”. In the most violent role of his career, Cavill portrayed a soldier engaging in warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for playing strong action heroes. Working alongside Henry Golding who is also amazing, Cavill created a hero that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of committed soldiers engaging in warfare, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a great career manufacturing timeless films about which audiences care.
10. Justice League
Henry Cavill hasn’t always made great movies that thrill. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Justice League” falls into the latter category. Released in 2017, Zack Snyder’s comic-book blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Cavill portrays a superhero carrying a heavy burden to bear. Cavill brought his usual charisma to the role of Superman, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Justice League” is a disastrous comic-book movie, it honoured Cavill’s legacy. As strong as bonds between the Justice League squad, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to leave audiences awed whose memorable movies that are rarely flawed I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of Cinema I applaud.
The Film Buff 