Tom Hardy’s 5 Must-See Roles You Probably Missed

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Tom Hardy remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, with his latest film “Havoc” now available on Netflix and his TV series “MobLand” currently streaming on Paramount+. Known for roles in blockbusters like “Inception”, “The Dark Knight Rises”, “Mad Max: Fury Road”, the “Venom” series, and shows such as “Peaky Blinders”, Hardy has also demonstrated exceptional talent in less mainstream projects. As a nominee for an Oscar, he consistently delivers captivating performances of intricate characters, showcasing that his abilities aren’t limited to the limelight’s brightest glare.

These five films and series featuring Hardy have not received as much acclaim as they should, making them his least recognized roles on screen.

Locke

Prior to his role in “Peaky Blinders”, Hardy worked together with series creator Steven Knight on the 2013 film “Locke”. This movie chronicles a single night in the life of Ivan Locke (Hardy), a construction manager who travels from Birmingham to London for the birth of a child born out of an affair. During his journey, Ivan makes several phone calls that intertwine his personal and professional struggles. Almost the entire film unfolds inside Ivan’s car, with Hardy as the only character seen on screen. An impressive ensemble voice cast includes Olivia Colman, Andrew Scott, Ruth Wilson, and Tom Holland. Surprisingly, despite its minimalistic setup, “Locke” proves to be a gripping drama due to its engaging script and nuanced performances. As the story unfolds, Ivan encounters one unexpected event after another over the span of just two hours.

The Drop

Michael R. Roskam’s 2014 film, The Drop, is one of Tom Hardy’s lesser-known crime movies that deserves more recognition. In the movie, Hardy plays Bob Saginowski, a bartender in a Brooklyn bar operated by the mafia. When a robbery goes wrong at his establishment, Bob gets pulled into a large-scale investigation affecting his entire neighborhood. The film also features an adorable puppy that Bob rescues, and it includes unexpected plot twists and thrilling action sequences. Hardy delivers a convincing performance as the ordinary man caught up in a dangerous mob conflict, while James Gandolfini, who passed away, gives a powerful final acting performance. The film’s strong cast, engaging script, and beautiful cinematography make The Drop an exceptional crime drama that deserves more recognition.

Taboo

Apart from “Peaky Blinders”, Tom Hardy hasn’t delved much into television. Yet, his pivotal role in the 2017 BBC mini-series “Taboo” is worth noting, despite being overlooked for some time. In this series, Hardy plays James Delaney, a man who returns to London from Africa after the death of his father in 1814. His character becomes entangled in London’s criminal underworld as he seeks to reclaim his father’s shipping company. As the story unfolds, he discovers that he has more adversaries than he initially thought. “Taboo” is a compelling period crime drama set during the War of 1812, with an intense dose of violence adding depth. Hardy’s portrayal of the morally ambiguous protagonist stands out for its intricacy and weightiness. The unforeseen plot twists and enigmatic atmosphere make “Taboo” a thrilling watch that fans of Hardy should explore.

Lawless

Among Hardy’s criminal-themed projects is the 2012 film “Lawless,” directed by John Hillcoat. This project transports us to Virginia during Prohibition, where the Bondurant brothers run an illegal moonshine business. In this production, Hardy portrays Forrest, the middle brother to Jack (played by Shia LaBeouf) and Howard (Jason Clarke). Based on Matt Bondurant’s novel “The Wettest County in the World,” Lawless follows the brothers’ efforts to maintain their bootlegging operation amid threats from law enforcement. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, fans of gritty gangster movies should find it a captivating watch due to its intense violence, intriguing character interactions, stunning visuals, and powerful acting performances. If you enjoy entertaining crime dramas set in the past, I highly recommend giving “Lawless” a try.

Bronson

2008’s film “Bronson” is not among Tom Hardy’s most renowned roles, but its compelling storyline and distinctive portrayal make it a notable addition to his acting repertoire. In this movie, Tom Hardy brilliantly plays the part of Michael Petersen, a highly violent British prisoner who adopts the persona of Charles Bronson while in prison. Hardy’s performance as the main character is captivating and intense, expertly conveying Bronson’s recklessness with a remarkable level of subtlety. The film, which dramatizes the life of the real-life criminal known as Charles Bronson, is graphic, humorous, and unpredictable, leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to leave an indelible mark on its viewers. Despite its initial impact waning slightly over time, “Bronson” continues to be one of Tom Hardy’s most memorable breakout roles.

All of these titles are available to rent, purchase, and stream across various platforms.

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2025-04-30 19:46