From a Marvel superhero to a smooth assassin, John Lennon to a dashing Russian count — few actors have nailed such an expansive range of thrilling and dramatic roles on the screen. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is one of them.
From playing the heartthrob Robbie in 2008’s Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging to a masked vigilante in Kick-Ass (2010) and a captivating lover in Anna Karenina (2012), Aaron Taylor-Johnson has starred in some of the best movies and showcased a remarkable range.
And now, his fans can’t keep calm as the rumour mill is spinning that he could just be the next James Bond. Yes, you heard it right! Reports suggest that the Nowhere Boy actor has been offered the coveted role of the iconic 007 for the franchise’s 26th instalment after Daniel Craig.
While an official confirmation is pending, just the prospect of Taylor-Johnson being considered to play Britain’s suavest spy is electrifying. That said, let’s not overlook the stellar career he’s built so far.
Building on a tower of hits, Taylor-Johnson has bagged Robert Eggers’s Nosferatu, David Leitch’s The Fall Guy and Sony’s Kraven The Hunter as his upcoming movies.
Evidently, the Hollywood star’s filmography is ascending, making it the perfect time to look back at his iconic roles over the years.
Aaron Taylor Johnson’s best roles and movies to date
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Here’s taking a moment to celebrate the British actor’s journey thus far and revisit his most unforgettable movies and roles on the silver screen.
Robbie in ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’ (2008)
Who could forget Aaron Taylor-Johnson‘s (then Aaron Johnson) charming portrayal of Robbie in the 2008 film Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging? As the cheeky teenager, he stole the hearts of teenage girls everywhere, marking his breakout role with finesse and ease.
Before this, Aaron had honed his craft with a series of small TV show roles, including appearances in The Bill and Casualty.
John Lennon in ‘Nowhere Boy’ (2009)
Next up in the list of best Aaron Taylor-Johnson movies, we have the biographical film drama Nowhere Boy, where he delved into the early life of none other than John Lennon. His portrayal of the legendary musician earned him acclaim, setting the stage for his professional and personal life as he crossed paths with his future wife and the film’s director, Sam Taylor-Wood.
Dave Lizewski in the ‘Kick-Ass’ franchise (2010-2013)
Enter the world of comedy superheroism with Kick-Ass and its sequel, where Aaron takes on the role of Dave Lizewski, alias Kick-Ass. Alongside Chloë Grace Moretz as Hit-Girl, the unlikely duo combats the villainous antics of Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
These films established Aaron’s status as a versatile actor with a knack for action-packed roles.
Ben in ‘Savages’ (2012)
In Savages, Aaron joins forces with Taylor Kitsch as they portray best friends entangled in the dangerous world of marijuana growers. Together, they navigate the perilous terrain of a Mexican drug cartel to reclaim their kidnapped friend.
Despite mixed critical reception, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including John Travolta, Blake Lively, Benicio Del Toro and Salma Hayek.
Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky in ‘Anna Karenina’ (2012)
The same year, the English actor delivered a compelling performance as Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky in Anna Karenina. Adapted from Tolstoy’s literary masterpiece, the film sees Taylor-Johnson opposite Keira Knightley’s Anna, embodying the complexities of love and societal expectations with grace and depth.
Taylor-Johnson starred as Count Vronsky, a calvary officer who begins a life-altering affair with the titular character with far-reaching consequences. His performance as a young, complicated man torn apart by love and duty, facing the consequences of an adulterous affair is striking in this passionate retelling of the classic.
Ford in ‘Godzilla’ (2014)
In 2014, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s filmography went from the historical drama Anna Karenina to the action-packed Godzilla. In this Kaiju spectacle, Taylor-Johnson takes on the role of American soldier Ford, embroiled in an ancient conflict between Godzilla and two MUTOS, parasitic monsters.
Alongside Bryan Cranston, who plays his father and Elizabeth Olsen as his wife, Taylor-Johnson navigates the chaotic drama with much ease.
Pietro/Quicksilver in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015)
Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen reunited as the Maximoff twins, Pietro and Wanda, in Joss Whedon’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Pietro, aka Quicksilver’s superhuman speed and Wanda’s hypnotic and telekinetic abilities make them formidable allies as they join forces with the Avengers to combat the villainous Ultron.
Ray Marcus in ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016)
In the gripping thriller Nocturnal Animals, Taylor-Johnson embodies the chilling persona of Ray Marcus, the sadistic leader of a gang. In one of his darkest roles to date, he plays a serial killer who terrorises the family of the protagonist’s character.
Starring alongside a stellar cast including Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Isla Fisher and Michael Sheen, Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Ives in ‘Tenet’ (2020)
In Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller Tenet, Aaron Taylor-Johnson takes on the role of Ives, a Tenet commander embroiled in the intricate web of time manipulation and espionage. The military commander is a crucial component of the organisation and saves the protgonist’s character in Tallinn.
Even with minimal screen time and scant backstory, the character is brought alive by Taylor-Johnson. Alongside the leads (John David Washington and Robert Pattinson), his performance helps viewers navigate through a labyrinth of temporal paradoxes and high-stakes action.
Tangerine in ‘Bullet Train’ (2022)
Rounding up the list of the best Aaron Taylor-Johnson movies we have David Leitch’s adrenaline-fueled spectacle Bullet Train. Joining forces with Brad Pitt, Joey King and Sandra Bullock, Taylor-Johnson shines as Tangerine, a British assassin embroiled in a deadly game aboard a speeding bullet train in the 2022 film.
His dynamic portrayal adds depth to the ensemble cast, elevating the pulse-pounding thrill ride to new heights.
(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Nocturnal Animals/Kraven The Hunter/Nowhere Boy)
The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the best Aaron Taylor Johnson movie?
The best Aaron Taylor-Johnson movie is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some popular choices include Nocturnal Animals, Kick-Ass, and Tenet.
– Which is the highest-rated Aaron Taylor Johnson movie according to IMDB?
According to IMDb, the highest-rated Aaron Taylor-Johnson movie is Kick-Ass with a rating of 7.6/10.
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