Tom Holland has danced, fallen, & swung into fame. In ten years, he’s gone from new face to the top Spider-Man of his time. From big wave woes to world mix-ups, Holland’s roles have won the crowd & touched hearts. He can crack jokes in a fight or deal with home woes well. He knows how to make a mark. Here are five of his big films—from fun to key ones.
5. Uncharted (2022)
When he’s not tossing webs between skyscrapers, Tom’s off treasure hunting in ancient tombs and leaping out of cargo planes. Uncharted was Sony’s ambitious bid to translate the popular video game franchise into a franchise movie series, with Holland as teenager Nathan Drake. Critics weren’t entirely convinced—Rotten Tomatoes rated it a modest 41%—but audiences were much more enthusiastic, with a 90% audience score.
In spite of the mixed reviews, Uncharted drew big bucks, earning its place as one of the year’s top-grossing films. The action was flashy, the banter with Mark Wahlberg had some good moments, and the set pieces were fun-for-popcorn entertainment (even if the storyline at times seemed piecemeal). For Holland, it was a chance to prove he could hold down a big non-MCU action lead—and the fans turned out in droves to see him do it.
4. The Impossible (2012)
Years before the superhero fame, Holland gave a breakout turn in The Impossible, a heart-wrenching drama about a family trapped in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It was his initial big-screen role, and already it was apparent: this young actor was something special.
Holland’s depiction of a young boy torn from his family after catastrophe was raw, emotional, and incredibly moving. Critics perked up—the film received an 82% rating—and his acting was universally praised for both its maturity and intensity. It established a template for the kind of down-to-earth, emotional work he’d bring to even his largest tentpoles later on.
3. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Following a show-stopping cameo in Captain America: Civil War, Homecoming marked Tom Holland’s official introduction as Peter Parker. And it landed the landing. This wasn’t another reboot, but rather a new, young spin that went big on high school klutz and superhero duty in equal amounts.
Critics adored it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), and viewers adored Holland’s wide-eyed, sincere performance. Some devoted fans complained that Iron Man’s prominent presence took away a little from Peter’s development, but there’s no doubt Homecoming redefined Spider-Man for the MCU age. It was amusing, warm, and provided Holland the attention he rightfully deserved.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
It was bigger than a film—it was an event. No Way Home shattered box office doors throughout the pandemic, earning $253 million opening weekend in the U.S. alone, and over half a billion worldwide. It was a full-blown movie experience, the type that had people flooding ticketing websites just to be able to sit in the theater.
With the multiverse twist that introduced returning fan-favorite Spideys and villains, No Way Home was nostalgic and emotionally resonant. Holland centered it all with one of his finest performances, finding equal measures of heartbreak, humor, and heroism. Critics acclaimed it, fans consumed it, and the internet pretty much exploded. It was the sort of movie that reminded us all why we attend films.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Leading the pack is the MCU’s magnum opus: Avengers: Endgame. Holland didn’t have a lot of screen time, but his emotional scenes—particularly the reunion with Tony Stark—hit fans right in the feels. The movie was a global phenomenon, bringing an end to an era spanning ten years and raking in an impressive 94% from critics.
Endgame wasn’t merely a film event—it was the film event of the moment. And even as part of a huge ensemble, Holland’s contribution helped anchor the emotional center of the tale. His part may not have lasted long, but it was potent—and unforgettable.
From tsunami survivor to wrangler of multiversal menaces, Tom Holland has established an impressive, impactful career. Whether he’s swinging through the skylines of cities or unearthing lost history, his talent and charm keep every project he’s a part of on the rise. And with his star still on the incline, it’s safe to say the best might be yet to come.