The incredible range of Aaron Taylor-Johnson solidifies his status as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents. Born in 1990, he launched his career as a child actor in the early 2000s, gaining prominence for his role as young John Lennon in the 2009 biopic Nowhere Boy. This breakout performance not only established his acting chops but also marked the beginning of a personal connection with his future wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson, who made her directorial debut on the film. Since then, Aaron has showcased his versatility in various genres, from blockbuster comic adaptations to intricate period dramas.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to headline 2024’s Kraven the Hunter, portraying the titular character in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. This upcoming film places him among notable figures like Venom and Morbius. Additionally, he is expected to reunite with director David Leitch in The Fall Guy, alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, showcasing his ability to traverse genres and collaborate with esteemed filmmakers.
1 Chatroom (2010)
William Collins
Chatroom struggles to accurately represent the teenage experience online, which is a significant flaw for a film centered around that theme. Despite featuring an immensely talented cast, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Daniel Kaluuya, and Imogen Poots, the film’s awkward dialogue and lack of depth hindered their performances. Critics quickly categorized it as reminiscent of a rejected Black Mirror episode, ultimately resulting in a meager 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a dismal box office showing.
2 Dead Cool (2004)
George
In his early career, Aaron Taylor-Johnson took on a minor role in the largely overlooked British dramedy Dead Cool. The story revolves around David Cohen, a teenager whose grief leads him to meddle in his mother’s new relationship with a ghostly twist. Despite the involvement of notable actors like Rosanna Arquette, the film received negative reviews citing lackluster dialogue and direction, leaving Taylor-Johnson’s role overshadowed.
3 Savages (2012)
John “Chon”McAllister Jr.
Directed by the controversial Oliver Stone, Savages features Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a chaotic narrative that struggles to effectively portray a love triangle amidst a drug-dealing backdrop. The film stars two best friends and their shared romantic interest, “O”(Blake Lively), while grappling with violent cartel interference. Despite a stunning twist, the film fails to deliver a gripping story, and critics lamented its failure to maintain narrative cohesion. Nevertheless, its vibrant cinematography stood out as a redeeming quality.
4 Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass
Unfortunately, Kick-Ass 2 could not replicate the charm of its predecessor. The absence of the original director and standout performances from Nicolas Cage left the sequel feeling unoriginal and unnecessarily violent. Critics pointed out the lack of coherent humor despite the presence of Jim Carrey, and numerous action sequences fell flat, making it a forgettable experience for audiences.
5 Kraven The Hunter (2024)
Kraven The Hunter
In the forthcoming Kraven the Hunter, Taylor-Johnson takes on a character that poses challenges within the constraints of Sony’s Spider-Man narrative. Despite the prior successes of the Venom franchise, fans enter with skepticism due to previous releases like Morbius. Yet, Taylor-Johnson, alongside director J.C. Chandor, aims to reshape expectations by integrating classic familial dynamics from the comics, which elevates the approach to this anti-hero origin story.
6 Shanghai Knights (2003)
Charlie Chaplin
In the martial arts comedy sequel Shanghai Knights, a young Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrays Charlie, a clever Victorian street urchin. The film follows familiar characters Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson as they navigate cultural differences in London. Taylor-Johnson’s memorable performance adds a layer of charm and personality, making him one of the standout features of this entertaining installment.
7 A Million Little Pieces (2018)
James Frey
A collaboration between Taylor-Johnson and his wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, A Million Little Pieces presents the struggles of addiction. However, it faces criticism for portraying a memoir steeped in controversy without acknowledging its fictional aspects, leading to a lackluster reception among critics. While Aaron’s performance stands out, the film, rated at just 27%, is seen as falling short of its potential.
8 Tom & Thomas (2002)
Tom & Thomas
In Tom & Thomas, Taylor-Johnson impressively portrays identical twins, navigating a dark storyline amidst an orphanage’s grim backdrop. The film attempts to deliver a holiday classic experience but ultimately struggles with its heavy themes. Taylor-Johnson’s dual role exhibits his early talent, though it failed to resonate with audiences as intended.
9 The King’s Man (2021)
Archie Reid
The King’s Man, a prequel to the Kingsman series, showcases Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a limited role as Archie Reid. Though the film boasts an intriguing premise set during World War I, its struggle to maintain tonal consistency detracts from its impact. Critics acknowledged the strong performances, particularly by Ralph Fiennes, but noted that Taylor-Johnson’s appearances were too brief to create a lasting impression.
10 The Thief Lord (2006)
Prosper
The Thief Lord, an adaptation of Cornelia Funke’s children’s novel, features Aaron Taylor-Johnson as one of a group of young Venetian thieves. While attempting to capitalize on the magical allure reminiscent of the Harry Potter franchise, the film’s execution falters. Critics had mixed feelings, awarding it a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though they recognized the promise in its youthful cast.
11 Dummy (2008)
Danny
In the gritty drama Dummy, Taylor-Johnson takes on the role of Danny, navigating the tumultuous emotions of loss and responsibility after his mother’s death. While the film grapples with its modest budget, Aaron delivers a compelling performance that resonates amid its heavier themes. Although lesser-known, this film reflects his emerging talent during his formative years.
12 The Greatest (2009)
Bennett Brewer
In the poignant drama The Greatest, Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrays Bennett Brewer, whose life is tragically cut short, leaving his girlfriend, played by Carey Mulligan, in a state of grief. Despite an impressive ensemble cast, including Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon, the film’s tendency toward melodrama detracted from the overall viewing experience. It garnered a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as it navigated its emotional narrative.
13 The Wall (2017)
Sergeant Allen “Ize”Isaac
The Wall centers around a U.S. sniper and his lookout (Taylor-Johnson) cornered by an elusive enemy sniper in Iraq. Despite its strong premise, the film fails to capture the intensity found in Liman’s previous works. While both Cena and Taylor-Johnson deliver solid performances, the film’s focus on dialogue reduces suspense and action, leading to a mixed reception.
14 Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver
Avengers: Age of Ultron continues the Marvel Cinematic Universe saga but falters in its storytelling, often prioritizing future plot setups over a cohesive narrative. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen make their MCU debuts as the tragically impacted siblings Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. While Taylor-Johnson’s Quicksilver delivers memorable lines and sequences, he ultimately gets overshadowed by the character’s previous adaptation in X-Men.
15 Albert Nobbs (2011)
Joe Mackins
In Albert Nobbs, Taylor-Johnson portrays Joe Mackins, whose schemes drive the plot towards questions of identity and survival in a gender-bending narrative. Although his performance is compelling, the film remains unfulfilled in exploring complex themes, resulting in a somewhat average reception despite its Oscar nods for Glenn Close’s and Janey McTeer’s performances.
16 Anna Karenina (2012)
Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky
Anna Karenina, an adaptation filled with high expectations, features Taylor-Johnson as the passionate Count Vronsky. While it boasts an impressive cast and distinctive visual storytelling, the focus on stunning aesthetics occasionally overshadows the emotional depth of performances. Despite receiving four Academy Award nominations, it remains a polarizing interpretation of Tolstoy’s work.
17 Outlaw King (2018)
James Douglas, Lord of Douglas
Outlaw King offers a gritty continuation of the historical narrative established in Braveheart, with Taylor-Johnson portraying the charismatic James Douglas, a loyal companion to Robert the Bruce. The film’s portrayal of battles is graphically intense, although critics noted the storytelling faltered at times in authenticity, resulting in a score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes.
18 Godzilla (2014)
Lieutenant Ford Brody
As a reboot of the legendary franchise, Godzilla effectively captures the monumental destruction associated with the titular monster, showcasing Taylor-Johnson as a key figure among a largely underdeveloped cast. Despite remarkable visuals and thrilling sequences, criticisms regarding character development ultimately detracted from audience engagement.
19 The Fall Guy (2024)
Tom Ryder
In the modern reinterpretation of The Fall Guy, with Ryan Gosling in the lead role, Taylor-Johnson features prominently as Tom Ryder, an A-list actor whose mysterious disappearance prompts a thrilling adventure. The film’s mix of comedy, action, and romance appeals to fans, catering to various tastes and ensuring audience enjoyment through its multifaceted storytelling.
20 The Illusionist (2006)
Young Eisenheim
In The Illusionist, Taylor-Johnson assumes the role of a young Eisenheim, elegantly capturing the character’s sense of awe and longing. The film paints a captivating picture of romance and intrigue; however, Taylor-Johnson’s segment acts as a prologue to a more extensive narrative featuring Edward Norton. Critics favored the overall density of the story, awarding recognition while acknowledging the charm of Taylor-Johnson’s performance.