Not many actors have earned appreciation of Tom Holland. Since the 2000’s, Holland has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s web-swinging superheroes, tsunami survivors or rebellious teenagers, Holland has played several strong characters. Given the sheer 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. The Impossible
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced trauma when we experienced grim bomb blasts that caused emotional damage. In 2003, my family experienced bomb blasts that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Through a sheer miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster in the world imaginable. However, the grim aftermath of bombings stayed with me forever. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t overcome bombings in which family almost died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured bravery of families surviving disasters that are impossible as powerfully as “The Impossible”. Released in 2012, Tom Holland’s best movie honoured the true story of a family that survived a tsunami. In the greatest role of his career, Holland portrayed a teenager whose family survives a terrifying tsunami causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Holland has spent most of his career playing action heroes in comic-book movies. With “The Impossible”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing the survivor of a tsunami disaster. Working alongside Naomi Watts who is also outstanding, Holland honoured tsunamis that are terrifying. For instance, the scene in which Lucas becomes aware that his family is in danger when they face a tsunami causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Impossible” Tom Holland’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a message about survival that will resonate with everyone. A grim portrait of families surviving a sad tsunami that’s painful, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making great movies which audiences consider special.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man is a spectacular comic-book character that always impressed my teacher. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that was a huge fan of the web-swinging superhero. He would praise a hero whose great powers came with great responsibilities that had a huge impact on his identity. In 2021, Tom Holland honoured the hero with no way home in his movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. In the most iconic role of his career, Holland portrayed a superhero facing a heavy burden to bear. With “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, the actor showcased rare emotional range as Spider-Man that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Marisa Tomei who is also amazing, Holland honoured an iconic superhero that is beloved today. For instance, the scene in which Peter witnesses Aunt May’s death causing heartbreaking despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man: No Way Home” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Spider-Man movies targeted to comic-book fans only, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. A strong tribute to a superhero, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
3. The Devil All the Time
Religious violence has shaped my identity. At an early age, I witnessed members in my Muslim community face damage. I would always hear terrible news about mosque shootings that caused my community to face issues. Violence made me question my religious faith. As someone questioning my religion all the time, I appreciated “The Devil All the Time”. Released in 2020, Tom Holland’s crime thriller captured religious violence. In the most provocative role of his career, Holland portrayed a rebellious teenager that faces despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a criminal far removed from Spider-Man. Holland showcased bravery taking on a controversial subject rarely discussed in movies. Working alongside Robert Pattinson who is also amazing, Holland created a portrait of religion that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Arvin discovers his father’s dead body causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil All the Time” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about religion which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about religious violence, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with strong presence manufacturing movies which have always attracted an audience.
4. Captain America: Civil War
Captain America is a captivating superhero that shaped my teacher’s persona. I recall with nostalgia memories of a teacher appreciating Captain America. He adored a comic-book character with a strong shield carrying power. My teacher would always love watching marvellous movies about a captain that shaped his identity. In 2016, Tom Holland honoured the iconic comic-book character facing a civil war in his movie “Captain America: Civil War”. In the most marvellous role of his career, Holland portrayed the iconic web-swinging superhero seeking to prepare for warfare. In his first ever role as Spider-Man, Holland showcased his strong aptitude for capturing the comical personality of the web-swinging superhero. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Holland honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Spider-Man is first introduced during tense airport warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards Captain America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actor with charisma that has commonly manufactured memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
5. Avengers: Infinity War
The Avengers are a spectacular superhero team that always impressed my friend. I remember a high school friend that appreciated an iconic team in popular culture. A huge comic-book nerd, he adored heroes that made him feel heard. In 2018, Tom Holland honoured the iconic superhero team facing an infinity war in his movie “Avengers: Infinity War”. In the most tragic role of his career, Holland portrayed a hero facing warfare causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase vulnerability as Spider-Man he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Holland honoured an iconic superhero team that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Peter faces despair as he begins to disappear following Thanos’ snap is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Infinity War” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Unlike most Avengers movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a superhero team reaching an endgame, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor producing commemorated movies which deserve fame.
6. Onward
Tom Holland has always excelled at playing characters that are under intense pressure. Holland has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Holland’s strength for playing characters struggling to move onward is clearly evident in his movie “Onward”. Released in 2020, Dan Scanlon’s animated movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most animated role of his career, Holland portrayed a teenage elf facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for creating compelling animated characters through his voice. Through his powerful voice, Holland created an animated character that’s compelling. As strong as Ian’s desire to become an elf that’s prosperous, it’s a riveting reminder of a famous actor that has produced movies audiences consider precious.
7. The Lost City of Z
When it comes to the greatest adventure books ever written, it’s worth discussing The Lost City of Z. Since its publication in 2009, David Grann’s book has become a literary classic. In 2016, Tom Holland honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Lost City of Z”. In the most adventurous role of his career, Holland portrayed an archaeologist embarking on an adventure causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters with a love for adventure. Holland showcased his strengths for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Robert Pattinson who is also amazing, Holland honoured a book about adventure that’s inspiring. As precious as the lost city, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy making memorable movies in the film industry.
8. Locke
It’s challenging to make an entertaining movie that’s set in a confined setting. Confined spaces often pose challenges for actors. Shooting a movie in a confined location for actors requires dedication. However, in 2013 Tom Holland pulled it off maintaining a lock on the attention of audiences in his movie “Locke”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Holland portrayed a teenager seeking to assist a locked man in his car facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by using his voice to create tension. Working alongside Tom Hardy who is also outstanding, Holland created a portrait of isolation that’s compelling. As precious as Locke’s car, it’s a remarkable reminder of a celebrated actor that has raised a high bar by making commemorated movies about conflicted characters that have gone far.
9. Cherry
PTSD is a sensitive disease that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often struggled to depict trauma faced by veterans in Cinema. In an industry avoiding realities of PTSD, it’s worth praising “Cherry”. Released in 2021, Tom Holland’s movie offered a powerful portrait of PTSD. In the most conflicted role of his career, Holland portrayed a traumatized war veteran that begins robbing banks to cope with despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to show his talent for playing anxious characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Clara Bravo who is also outstanding, Holland created a portrait of PTSD that is compelling. As strong as Cherry’s desire to engage in a criminal lifestyle, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with style that has made unforgettable movies which are definitely worthwhile.
10. Chaos Walking
Tom Holland hasn’t always made great movies earning appreciation. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Chaos Walking” falls into the latter category. Released in 2021, Doug Liman’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Holland portrayed a teenager seeking to survive on a chaotic planet which experiences despair. Holland brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Chaos Walking” is a bad movie, it honoured Holland’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Todd’s desire to survive on a chaotic planet facing destruction, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with strong dedication making memorable movies that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 