8 Tom Hardy Shows and Movies That Will Totally Blow Your Mind Like Taboo!

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Eight years ago, I stumbled upon a hidden gem called “Taboo,” a crime drama set in the gritty period of 1814 London. This show, masterfully crafted by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy (Tom’s father), was initially well-received but underestimated. As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by its intricate portrayal of commerce and political corruption, with the charismatic Tom Hardy playing James Keziah Delaney, the lead character. The series boasts an exceptional supporting cast that includes familiar faces such as Oona Chaplin from “Game of Thrones,” Jessie Buckley from “Wicked Little Letters,” Franka Potente from “The Conjuring 2,” Stephen Graham from “Adolescence,” Jonathan Pryce from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Leo Bill from “Alice in Wonderland,” and Tom Hollander from “Pride and Prejudice.

Although Taboo garnered positive feedback with a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and ran for one season, discussions about a second season have been ongoing since 2023. However, specifics have yet to be disclosed. In the interim, fans can look forward to numerous shows and films featuring Tom Hardy, the star of Mad Max: Fury Road. Over time, he has showcased his talent in a diverse range of thrillers, period pieces, and psychological dramas that cater to all kinds of Taboo enthusiasts.

8
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

This HBO miniseries, brimming with notable actors, showcases an array of rising talents. Co-created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, it traces the journey of “Easy” Company, a Parachute Infantry Regiment, through Europe during World War II. The series continues to be adored and admired by audiences, maintaining an impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes even twenty years after its debut. Its star-studded cast includes well-known figures from the past, as well as budding stars who kickstarted their careers in this miniseries. This diverse group includes James McAvoy, Stephen Graham, Colin Hanks, Andrew Scott, Simon Pegg, and indeed, Tom Hardy. He appears in two episodes portraying Private First Class John A. Janovec, a replacement joining the unit.

The Star’s Debut Role

Although “Band of Brothers” doesn’t share the same mood as “Taboo,” it is an outstanding television series filled with genuine emotion. It may not be simple to watch at times, but it offers a deeply moving episodic experience. Additionally, viewers will appreciate seeing the talented actor Hard making his debut on screen for the first time in this production.

7
‘Lawless’ (2012)

The movie “Lawless,” released in 2011, is a tale about bootlegging that takes place in early 1930s America. This story is inspired by Matt Bondurant’s novel, “The Wettest County in the World.” In this film, Hardy, Shia LaBeouf (from “Megalopolis”), and Jason Clarke (from “Oppenheimer”) portray the brothers Bondurant. They face threats to their moonshine business when a lawman, played by Guy Pearce, sets his sights on them. The screenplay for this film was written by musician Nick Cave, who also contributed to its music score.

Strong Looks and Good Acting

In summary, the response is quite diverse. While the movie “Lawless” isn’t flawless, it boasts impressive cinematography and acting. Sharlto Copley makes an impactful appearance in his knitted sweater and cowboy hat. Roger Ebert awarded just 2.5 stars to this film, but audiences on Rotten Tomatoes seem more enthusiastic than critics. Brian Eggert from Deep Focus Review expresses that the movie is “not particularly multi-dimensional…but it’s so skillfully crafted that it’s hard not to appreciate it.” He further describes “Lawless” as a gripping drama, offering a bit of historical context as an added bonus.

6
‘The Drop’ (2014)

In the movie titled “The Drop“, Hardy plays a bartender whose life takes a turn for the complex when the bar he works at, run by the mob, gets robbed. This film is helmed by Belgian director Michaël R. Roskam, known for his work in “Bullhead“. The screenplay is penned by Dennis Lehane, a renowned author who also wrote the original short story upon which this movie is based. The star-studded cast includes Noomi Rapace from “Prometheus” and James Gandolfini from “The Sopranos“, in what would be the actor’s final film role before his passing.

A Satisfying Crime Drama

In a different wording,

“The Drop boasts an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and offers Hardy a chance to truly excel. This crime drama delivers a fulfilling viewing experience thanks to top-notch performances across the board. Reviewer Susan Wloszczyna from RogerEbert.com stated, ‘The Drop features plenty of Hardy, and it shines brightest when we get to witness the actor subtly unveil his character’s layers through a meticulously crafted performance that culminates in a rewarding climax in the final act.’

5
‘The Revenant’ (2015)

In the movie “The Revenant,” Hardy earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of John S. Fitzgerald, a fur trapper who abandons injured wilderness guide Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) after killing Glass’s son, Hawk (Forrest Goodluck). This powerhouse film is marked by exceptional performances and boasts a hefty $135 million budget. It has garnered a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and received a total of twelve Academy Award nominations, winning three.

Studying the Ruthless Villain

In this survival movie, Hardy delivers an enthralling portrayal of a chilling antagonist. As described by Justin Chang for Variety, he exhibits a disturbingly effective mix of cunning manipulation through persuasion and raw physical power. Fitzgerald’s character is undeniably brutal, and this performance may well be one of the actor’s finest career achievements.

4
‘Legend’ (2015)

In this stylish drama, Tom Hardy takes on dual roles as the infamous crime lords Ron Kray and Reggie Kray, set amidst the vibrant 1960s London nightlife. The film is inspired by real-life events, with its storyline derived from the biography “The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins” by John Pearson. Brian Helgeland (known for 42) pens the script and directs, while Emily Browning (from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events), David Thewlis (Harry Potter), Christopher Eccleston (The Leftovers), and Paul Bettany (WandaVision) join the cast.

A Dynamic Double-Performance

In his remarkable portrayal, Hardy skillfully plays Ron and Reggie with distinct behaviors and attitudes, capturing each character’s unique essence. While the film has garnered mixed opinions from critics, there is general agreement that Hardy’s performances are exceptional. Initially, Hardy was offered only the role of Reggie, but the director persuaded him to assume both brotherly roles. In an article for The Guardian, Mark Kermode compares it to Jeremy Irons’ dual roles in David Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers, stating that Hardy brings the same intensity – physical, mental, and emotional – to his performance. The end result is a powerful depiction.

3
‘Dunkirk’ (2017)

Christopher Nolan often collaborates with actors over the course of his career, frequently casting his favorites in different films. Tom Hardy has been a part of three projects directed by Nolan, including the latest one – the grand war movie titled Dunkirk. In this film, Hardy portrays the character of Farrier, a Spitfire pilot whose persona bears strong resemblance to the real-life World War II fighter pilot named Alan Deere.

Incredible Work With an Ensemble Cast

In this movie, you might not find Tom Hardy as much on-screen, but he’s part of an incredibly talented cast that also includes Cillian Murphy, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Jack Lowden, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, Fionn Whitehead, and debutant Harry Styles. This stellar ensemble earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won three of them. Moreover, they were also recognized with a nomination for Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.

2
‘Peaky Blinders’ (2014-2022)

If you’re a fan of the intense and intriguing series Taboo, then you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on Peaky Blinders. This gripping show is set in England and delves into the complex operations of a gang led by Thomas Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy), a war hero, after the conclusion of World War I. The series spanned six seasons, and there’s currently a movie based on Peaky Blinders being developed, with Tom Harper and Steven Knight in charge of production.

Introducing Alfred “Alfie” Solomons

In the second season of “Peaky Blinders,” a new character named Hardy appears as Alfred “Alfie” Solomons, head of a formidable criminal organization that Thomas Shelby aims to enlist. Critic Tom French from Den of Geek describes Hardy’s portrayal as “powerfully intense” and adds: “Solomons is instantly intriguing, displaying a mix of eccentricity, cruelty, and vulnerability. The acting style recalls some of Hardy’s previous roles, and the character effortlessly fits within the gritty world of ‘Peaky Blinders.’

1
‘Mobland’ (2025)

One of Hardy’s recent ventures is the high-speed television production titled “Mobland“, which debuted on Paramount+ on Mar. 30, 2025. This independent project takes place within the realm of “Ray Donovan“, a crime series that spanned seven seasons on Showtime from 2013 to 2020. In “Mobland“, Hardy portrays Harry Da Souza, a fixer who maintains the security of the Harrigan criminal family and their financial resources. The show was conceptualized by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy) and features Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye), Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), and Helen Mirren (The Queen) as co-stars.

Portraying A ‘Reasonable’ Gangster

In a departure from his typical roles, Hardy chose to portray a character who was more rational in the film “Mobland“. He told “Parade” that he aimed to play a tough figure who was less unreasonable than some of his past characters. “Of course, you’ll see Harry doing some questionable things,” noted Hardy. “However, I believe he’s largely an understated character. That aspect of him is what drew me to the role.” For those eager to witness Hardy in a fresh role while still retaining that raw edge and intensity, “Mobland” is the perfect choice.

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2025-04-21 05:33