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Andrew Garfield, one of the most versatile actors of his generation, has captivated audiences worldwide with his emotional depth, nuanced portrayals, and dedication to his craft. Rising to international fame with a combination of blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed dramas, Garfield’s filmography reflects a remarkable range that few of his contemporaries can match. From his early breakout roles to his celebrated performances in biopics and musicals, the top movies of Andrew Garfield deserve a special place in any cinema enthusiast’s watchlist.
In this article, we delve into Andrew Garfield’s top-rated movies, explore the best performances by Andrew Garfield, and analyse the roles that solidified his place among Hollywood’s elite.
Best performances by Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield’s career has been defined by a series of transformative performances that showcase his emotional intensity and chameleon-like talent. Here are the best performances by Andrew Garfield that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
The Social Network (2010)
Director: David Fincher
In The Social Network, Andrew Garfield delivered one of his early breakthrough performances as Eduardo Saverin, the betrayed co-founder of Facebook.
Garfield’s portrayal of Eduardo brought a humanity and vulnerability to the film’s corporate power struggles. His emotional confrontation with Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg became one of the movie’s most memorable scenes.
Critical Reception:
Critics widely praised Garfield’s performance for adding emotional resonance to an otherwise cold, calculated story. Rolling Stone noted, “Garfield’s heartbreaking portrayal grounds the film’s fast-paced narrative in real human loss.”
Awards and Box Office:
Although he was controversially snubbed for an Academy Award nomination, Garfield earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The Social Network grossed over $224 million worldwide and won three Academy Awards.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Director: Mel Gibson
In Hacksaw Ridge, Andrew Garfield took on the real-life role of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a combat medic during World War II without ever firing a weapon.
Plot and Performance:
Garfield’s portrayal was imbued with sincerity, faith, and unwavering courage. His physical and emotional transformation captivated audiences, with many critics citing it as his career-defining performance.
Critical Reception:
The Guardian wrote, “Andrew Garfield embodies Doss with a purity and strength that is impossible to fake.” His commitment to the character earned universal acclaim.
Awards and Box Office:
Garfield received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Hacksaw Ridge was also a box office success, grossing $180 million globally and winning two Academy Awards.
Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Garfield’s role as Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, in Tick, Tick… Boom! was a dazzling display of his multifaceted talent.
Plot and Performance:
Portraying a struggling composer on the cusp of a breakthrough, Garfield infused the character with an infectious energy, humour, and heartbreaking vulnerability. Notably, he underwent extensive vocal training to perform all his singing parts.
Critical Reception:
Empire Magazine praised Garfield, saying, “He doesn’t just play Larson — he becomes him.” His authentic performance resonated with critics and audiences alike.
Awards and Box Office:
Garfield won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and received another Academy Award nomination. Although Tick, Tick… Boom! was released on Netflix and had a limited box office run, it became a major critical success.
While a few standout films dominate discussions about Garfield’s career, his filmography is rich with varied, top-rated performances that show his versatility.
Silence (2016)
Director: Martin Scorsese
In Silence, Andrew Garfield portrayed Father Sebastião Rodrigues, a Jesuit priest facing persecution while trying to locate his mentor in 17th-century Japan.
Plot and Performance:
Garfield’s subdued, internalised portrayal of Rodrigues captured the intense spiritual anguish of the character. His physical transformation during filming — losing nearly 40 pounds — reflected his total immersion into the role.
Critical Reception:
The New York Times stated, “Garfield’s haunting silence speaks louder than words.” His performance was widely praised for its understated power.
Awards and Box Office:
While Silence underperformed commercially, it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography and is often cited as one of Garfield’s most profound works.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Director: Marc Webb
Taking on the mantle of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield redefined the superhero for a new generation in The Amazing Spider-Man.
Plot and Performance:
Garfield brought a more emotionally raw and relatable interpretation of Peter Parker, focusing on the character’s vulnerability and intellectual curiosity. His chemistry with co-star Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) became a highlight of the film.
Critical Reception:
The Independent praised Garfield’s performance, writing, “He captures both the angst and wit that defines Spider-Man.”
Awards and Box Office:
The film grossed over $757 million worldwide and sparked a sequel. Although mixed reviews followed, Garfield’s personal performance was generally well-received.
99 Homes (2014)
Director: Ramin Bahrani
In 99 Homes, Garfield played Dennis Nash, a man struggling to reclaim his home after being evicted during the 2008 financial crisis.
Plot and Performance:
Garfield expertly conveyed desperation and moral conflict, providing one of his most grounded and gut-wrenching performances.
Critical Reception:
The Guardian commended Garfield’s “raw and earnest” performance, noting how he humanised an otherwise bleak narrative.
Awards and Box Office:
Although a modest box office performer, 99 Homes earned Garfield a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor.
Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
In the neo-noir thriller Under the Silver Lake, Garfield portrayed Sam, a disenchanted young man drawn into a surreal conspiracy in Los Angeles.
Plot and Performance:
Garfield’s performance combined humour, paranoia, and existential dread, embodying the film’s offbeat, mysterious tone.
Critical Reception:
While polarising, the film developed a cult following, with IndieWire praising Garfield’s “fearless commitment to weirdness.”
Awards and Box Office:
The film underperformed at the box office but has since been reappraised as an underrated gem in Garfield’s filmography.
Notable mentions among Andrew Garfield’s top movies
Beyond the most discussed films, several other projects highlight Andrew Garfield’s range and commitment to complex roles.
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Director: Mark Romanek
In this haunting sci-fi drama, Garfield portrayed Tommy, a cloned human raised for organ donation. His sensitive, heart-wrenching performance was deeply moving and helped solidify his reputation for emotional roles.
Breathe (2017)
Director: Andy Serkis
Garfield starred as Robin Cavendish, a man paralysed by polio, in this inspiring biographical drama. His portrayal captured both the physical challenges and the indomitable spirit of his character.
Why Andrew Garfield’s performances stand out
Andrew Garfield’s greatest strength lies in his ability to deeply inhabit characters, often undergoing physical and emotional transformations that bring authenticity to his roles. Whether tackling real-life heroes, fictional icons, or deeply flawed individuals, Garfield brings a consistent sense of humanity and empathy to every performance.
Conclusion: Celebrating Andrew Garfield’s impact on cinema
Andrew Garfield’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, range, and passion. From massive blockbusters like The Amazing Spider-Man to intimate, soul-stirring dramas such as Hacksaw Ridge and Tick, Tick… Boom!, Garfield continues to challenge himself and audiences alike.
As he builds an already impressive legacy, the top movies of Andrew Garfield stand as a reminder of the transformative power of cinema when an actor fully commits to their craft.
If you have not yet explored these masterpieces, now is the perfect time to experience the depth, emotion, and brilliance that define Andrew Garfield’s extraordinary filmography.