Tom Holland’s Most Powerful Roles Beyond Spider-Man: Ranked

Tom Holland may be best known for swinging through New York as Peter Parker, but his acting chops extend well beyond the Marvel universe. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for taking on roles that demand both physical grit and emotional depth, proving he’s more than just a superhero. Here’s a look at his most compelling performances outside the MCU, ranked by critical acclaim and audience impact.

Survival and Grit: Early Standouts

In 2015’s historical adventure In the Heart of the Sea, Holland played Thomas Nickerson, a young cabin boy caught in the harrowing aftermath of a whaleship disaster. The film, inspired by the real-life tragedy that partly influenced Moby Dick, pushed its cast to the limit with grueling water scenes and intense physical demands. Despite the movie ’s lukewarm box office and critical reception, Holland’s performance stood out, earning praise for his resilience and emotional authenticity alongside seasoned actors like Chris Hemsworth.

But it was his debut in The Impossible (2012) that truly put him on the map. Portraying Lucas, a boy separated from his family during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Holland delivered a raw, heart-wrenching performance that belied his young age. Critics lauded his ability to hold his own against stars like Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, and he took home several awards for his work in this emotionally charged disaster drama.

Complex Characters and Emotional Depth

Holland’s willingness to tackle psychologically demanding roles is evident in projects like The Crowded Room (2023). As Danny Sullivan, a troubled young man at the center of a crime investigation, he navigated a labyrinth of mental challenges and emotional turmoil. While the series itself received mixed reviews, Holland’s portrayal was widely recognized as a highlight, even earning him a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination.

In Cherry (2021), directed by the Russo Brothers, Holland took on the role of a war veteran spiraling into addiction and crime. He underwent a dramatic physical transformation, shedding 30 pounds to embody the character’s struggles. Though the film divided critics, his commitment to the role and willingness to step outside his comfort zone drew significant attention.

Voice Work and Adventure

Holland’s range isn’t limited to live-action. In Pixar ’s Onward (2020), he voiced Ian Lightfoot, a teenage elf on a magical quest to reconnect with his late father. His performance brought warmth and vulnerability to the animated adventure, earning critical praise for its emotional resonance. The film, while not a box office smash, was celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and Holland’s standout voice work.

He also impressed in The Lost City of Z (2016), playing Jack Fawcett, the estranged son of an obsessed explorer. The film’s demanding Amazonian setting and complex father-son dynamic allowed Holland to showcase his ability to portray both physical endurance and nuanced emotion, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.

Darker Roles and Critical Acclaim

In the Southern Gothic thriller The Devil All the Time (2020), Holland took on the role of Arvin Russell, a young man determined to protect his family from sinister forces in a postwar Ohio town. Surrounded by a star-studded cast, he delivered a performance marked by intensity, a convincing Southern accent, and a depth that revealed a darker, more mature side of his talent. Both critics and audiences responded positively, highlighting his ability to anchor a complex narrative.

Each of these roles demanded something different from Holland—whether it was physical endurance, emotional vulnerability, or psychological complexity. From disaster epics to gritty dramas and animated adventures, he’s proven time and again that he’s one of Hollywood ’s most dynamic young stars.