Oscar-nominee Tom Hardy is one of the most versatile actors of the last few decades. He has starred in an array of projects from TV shows to indie films to big budget Hollywood movies. During his time climbing the Hollywood ladder, he has become one of the most captivating talents in the industry.
Out of his plethora of roles, Tom Hardy certainly possesses a penchant for playing volatile men prone to violence. Some of these characters are heroic while some are rather despicable. However, they are all enthralling in their own right. So, here are his 5 best tough guy roles in movies.
5. Legend as Reggie and Ronnie Kray (2015)
Directed by Brian Helgeland, the 2015 biographical crime drama Legend tells the true story of the Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, two notorious London gangsters who ruled the city’s underworld in the 1960s. Tom Hardy delivers a tour-de-force performance by playing both twins, bringing to life their contrasting personalities. Reggie, the more composed and calculating twin, was known for his charm and charisma, while Ronnie was infamous for his violent outbursts and unpredictable nature.
Hardy’s dual performance is nothing short of remarkable, as he fully immerses himself into both roles, capturing the distinct mannerisms and behaviors of each twin. His portrayal of Ronnie’s unbridled rage and Reggie’s calculated calm is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his impressive range as an actor. The film follows the brothers’ rise to power and their subsequent struggles with each other, as well as their relationships with their associates, including Frances “Mad Frankie” Fraser (Taron Egerton) and vulnerability with women like Frances Shea (Emily Browning).
4. Bronson as Charles Bronson (2008)
The 2008 British biographical drama Bronson tells the story of Charles Bronson, a notorious British prisoner who spent most of his life behind bars, earning the nickname “Britain’s most violent prisoner.” The film follows Bronson’s life from his early years as a petty thief and boxer to his numerous stints in prison, where he became notorious for his violent outbursts and rebellious behavior. Tom Hardy gives an enthralling performance as Bronson, capturing the character’s volatility and unpredictability with remarkable nuance. Despite playing a man known for his brutal reputation, Hardy manages to captivate the audience with his portrayal, drawing attention to the complexity and humanity beneath Bronson’s tough exterior. The film explores themes of identity, masculinity, and the search for meaning in a life marked by chaos and violence, making Bronson a thought-provoking and unforgettable cinematic experience.
3. The Drop as Bob (2014)
The 2014 crime drama The Drop marks a departure from Tom Hardy’s typical tough-guy roles, showcasing his range as an actor in a more understated performance. The film follows Bob Saginowski (Hardy), a quiet and reserved bartender who inherits a small Brooklyn bar from his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini). When a robbery goes awry, Bob and his cousin are left with a valuable pit bull puppy that they must care for until they can recover the stolen cash. As Bob navigates the complexities of taking care of the puppy and dealing with his cousin’s reckless behavior, he also begins to form an unlikely bond with Nadia (Noomi Rapace), a mysterious woman who may be connected to the robbery. Director Michaël R. Roskam employs a slow-burn pacing, allowing Hardy’s character to simmer beneath the surface before exploding into action in the film’s intense and violent climax. Hardy’s meticulous performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as he conveys Bob’s vulnerability and desperation without ever saying too much, making The Drop a gripping and unexpected showcase for his acting abilities.
2. The Bikeriders as Johnny (2024)
The Bikeriders tells the true story of the Vandals motorcycle gang from Chicago. The film explores the early days of the club which was formed by Johnny (Tom Hardy), a working-class man who set up the gang as a way of venting and finding solace outside of his day job as a trucker. However, as the gang grows bigger, they start to delve into dangerous territory, clashing with rival gangs and having to contend with younger bikers who want a piece of the action.
As Johnny, Hardy once again plays a tough guy. Yet, this time, he is reserved and rather unsuspecting. But when push comes to shove, Johnny steps up to the mark and takes on any man that challenges him. The Bikeriders serves as yet another role for Hardy that allows him to build upon his penchant and skill of playing violent, unhinged men. However, underneath his hardened exterior, lays a man who is really just seeking camaraderie.
1. Warrior as Tommy Conlon (2011)
The 2011 sports drama Warrior tells the story of two estranged brothers, Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy) and Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton), who come from a troubled past and are reunited when they both enter the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting. Tommy, a former Marine who has gone AWOL, shocks the world with his exceptional fighting skills, while Brendan, a high school teacher facing foreclosure on his home, takes up fighting to support his family. As the two brothers face off in the octagon, the film delves deeper into their complex relationship and the wounds of their childhood.
Beneath the surface of the intense MMA battles lies a story of a broken family, torn apart by their father’s abandonment and struggling to reconnect with each other. Nick Nolte was nominated for an Oscar for his rendition as their father, Paddy. Tom Hardy shines as Tommy, delivering a multi-layered performance as a tough-as-nails soldier turned fighter who is really just the product of a broken home. His portrayal of Tommy’s explosive outbursts and quiet vulnerability makes him a compelling and believable screen presence, making Warrior an emotionally charged and physically intense ride from start to finish. Want to read more about Tom Hardy? Here’s our views on why he would make a great James Bond.
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