Henry Cavill has most recently been seen kicking all kinds of butt in the new Netflix fantasy series The Witcher. But while the series has been a great vehicle for Cavill, he's also managed to build a very impressive film career in a short time.
Cavill worked his way from supporting roles in big and small films to becoming a leading man and a superhero, as well as one of the most exciting new action stars in the business. While it remains to be seen where his career will go next, his filmography has pleased many fans so far. Here are Henry Cavill's best roles, according to IMDb.
Immortals (2011) - 6.0
Immortals marks one of Cavill's first starring roles which helped to launch him into the next phase of his career. He plays Theseus, a man who is chosen by Zeus to lead an army against the evil King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) who is in search of a weapon that could wipe out humanity.
Though some saw the film as nothing more than a lesser version of 300, there are many who had fun with the violent tale of Greek mythology. Cavill makes for an effective hero, Rourke has fun as the villain, and the battle sequences as entertaining.
Justice League (2017) - 6.4
Justice League was meant to be the crown jewel of the DCEU as it would be the first time fans would get a chance to see all the universe's most iconic heroes sharing the big screen for the first time. Sadly, things didn't work out like that.
With course-correcting, behind-the-scenes issues, and the fact that many of the heroes had yet to be established in the DCEU, the team-up movie disappointed many. Still, Cavill got the chance to portray a version of Superman many fans had been waiting for, ignoring the CGI lip. The movie still has its fans, while others hold out hope for the Snyder Cut.
Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) - 6.5
Batman v Superman was another highly-anticipated DC film that didn't manage to live up to expectations. The movie is set in the aftermath of Man of Steel where Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) sees Superman as a threat rather than a savior. This puts the two heroes on a collision course.
The movie was criticized for its dark take on its heroes. Some also thought the reason for the fight and its conclusion were pretty weak. Still, there were plenty of people who loved Zack Snyder's dark tone, and Affleck received praise along with Gal Gadot, making her debut as Wonder Woman.
Tristan + Isolde (2006) - 6.8
Before Cavill became a leading man in his own right, he had to make do with playing the sidekick. Tristan + Isolde stars James Franco and Sophia Myles as the titular couple, star-crossed lovers who find themselves torn apart by the outbreak of war. Cavill plays Franco's best friend and loyal partner in battle.
The movie failed to make much of an impact at the box office, but it was well-like by the small audience who found it. The love story was touching, the action was exciting, and Cavill had the chance to show off his warrior side.
Whatever Works (2009) - 7.1
There was once a time in which an actor would jump at the chance to work in a Woody Allen movie. Cavill is one who got the chance and had the rare opportunity to show off his comedic side in Whatever Works. The movie stars Larry David as a cranky New Yorker who begins a friendship with a young Southern girl (Evan Rachel Wood) and tries to impart his philosophies on her. Cavill plays Wood's love interest.
The movie seemed to please filmgoers who enjoy Allen's unique New York stories. It also helped that David was playing a character who was quite similar to his role in Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Man Of Steel (2013) - 7.1
Taking on the role of Superman must be a daunting task for any actor, especially one who isn't well-known to the public. Cavill's star was still on the rise when he was chosen to take over the iconic role in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, which took a more controversial look at Superman.
While the movie received a mixed response from critics, audiences largely enjoyed this new take and Cavill's performance. Though he wasn't quite the charming good guy of Christopher Reeves' Superman, Cavill gave audiences a more tortured hero, which many fans appreciated.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015) - 7.3
Cavill has had his name thrown around as a potential replacement as James Bond once Daniel Craig steps down. While that remains to be seen, he did get the chance to partake in the spy game with Guy Ritchie's The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Based on the series from the '60s, Cavill and Armie Hammer star as an American and a Russian agent who are forced to team up and stop a criminal organization from acquiring nuclear weapons. Though not a hit at the box office, the movie surprised many as a fun, stylish and clever throwback spy adventure.
Stardust (2007) - 7.6
Cavill had the opportunity to join a stellar cast which included Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Claire Danes in this fantasy adventure film based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. Charlie Cox plays a young man who hopes to win the heart of the woman he loves by bringing her back a falling star. This takes him on a fantastical and dangerous adventure. Cavill plays Cox's romantic rival.
Director Matthew Vaughn helped to shape a hugely enjoyable adventure filled with humor, excitement and colorful characters. It remains an underrated film in the fantasy genre.
The Count Of Monte Cristo (2002) - 7.8
By now, you can probably guess that Cavill is familiar with handling a sword in films. One of his first sword-fighting roles was this superb retelling of the classic tale by Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo. James Caviezel stars as Edmond Dantes, a man who is betrayed by his best friend (Guy Pearce) who steals his wife and has him locked away. Years later, Dantes escapes and sets out to exact his revenge. Cavill plays Dantes' grown son who is put in the middle of the quest for vengeance. The result is a smart and exciting adventure film.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) 7.8
Cavill once again joined the spy genre in one of its biggest franchises. Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the sixth installment in the series which follows Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt on a desperate mission to stop a madman from detonating a nuclear device. Cavill plays a CIA operative joining Hunt on the mission.
The film once again shows that Cruise is willing to do just about anything to excite fans of this series. The action sequences are some of the most mind-blowing you're likely to see on film and Cavill makes for a wonderful foil for Cruise.