Despite initially starting off as a character actor, Jeremy Renner has risen to stardom through a series of remarkable films and television shows. Born in 1971 in California, Renner’s journey in acting commenced in the 1990s, debuting in the teen comedy National Lampoon’s Senior Trip. His career gained significant traction with his role as the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in the film Dahmer, earning him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Male.
Renner’s major breakthrough in Hollywood came with his lead role in the Academy Award-winning film The Hurt Locker. This film’s unexpected success catapulted him into the spotlight, paving the way for high-profile roles in franchises such as Mission: Impossible and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he portrays Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Following a life-altering snowplow accident in 2023, Renner’s incredible recovery not only inspired many of his fans but also further solidified his legacy as an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
10
Mayor Of Kingstown (2021–Present)
As Mike McLusky
While not part of the Yellowstone universe, Mayor of Kingstown, created by Taylor Sheridan, has emerged as another successful series. In this gripping drama, Jeremy Renner steps into the role of Mike McLusky, the heir to a powerful family in a town replete with crime in Michigan. Here, the local prison serves as the primary source of profit, and Mike strives to maintain a delicate peace among various street gangs, law enforcement, and other influential figures.
Renner’s portrayal is intense and compelling, depicting a character torn between his aspirations to escape his hometown and his overwhelming sense of duty to protect it from chaos. This series delves into intricate themes while offering a captivating crime thriller combined with rich family dynamics. Although it may not have garnered the same popularity as some of Sheridan’s other shows, Mayor of Kingstown remains an essential viewing experience.
9
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (2007)
As Wood Hite
In the Western drama The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Renner shared the screen with acclaimed actors such as Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. This film tells the harrowing true story of outlaw Jesse James (played by Pitt) and his one-time admirer Robert Ford (Affleck), who ultimately betrays and kills him. Renner’s role as Wood Hite, James’ cousin, adds depth to the narrative leading to the violent fallout among friends.
Rather than adhering to typical action-packed Western tropes, this film offers a haunting representation of its characters and their motivations. While Pitt excels at portraying the cold-hearted criminal, Affleck received an Oscar nomination for his nuanced depiction of the conflicted Ford, making this a moving piece of cinema.
8
American Hustle (2013)
As Carmine Polito
Featuring an ensemble cast, American Hustle is a nominee for Best Picture directed by David O. Russell, inspired by the FBI’s Abscam operation from the 1970s, a notorious undercover investigation to root out political corruption. The narrative centers on con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who, after being caught by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), team up with law enforcement to implement a complex ruse.
In this star-studded cast, Renner shines as Carmine Polito, a family man and politician unwittingly entangled in the scandal. With influences from Scorsese’s classics like Goodfellas, American Hustle delivers a slick and enjoyable crime tale, propelled by its captivating soundtrack and outstanding performances.
7
Hawkeye (2021)
As Clint Barton / Hawkeye
A decade after his first appearance in the MCU in Thor, Renner’s character, Clint Barton, finally takes center stage in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Set during the festive season, the show depicts Barton’s journey in New York City before Christmas, where he becomes embroiled in a criminal case involving a young aspiring hero, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), who aims to follow in his footsteps.
The series adeptly draws from the beloved comic run by Matt Fraction and David Aja, infusing humor while portraying Barton as a relatable hero, distinguishing him from his fellow Avengers. Renner seems to relish the character’s more playful aspects, while Steinfeld captivates audiences with her vibrant performance as Bishop. Hawkeye skillfully introduces fresh characters while also delighting fans with nostalgic cameos.
6
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
As William Brandt
Before fully embracing his role as an Avenger, Renner made his mark in the fourth installment of the popular Mission: Impossible franchise, titled Ghost Protocol. Here, Tom Cruise reprises his role as super-spy Ethan Hunt, who, after a mission at the Kremlin goes awry, is blamed as a terrorist and must evade capture. Renner plays William Brandt, an agency analyst assisting Hunt in the mission against overwhelming odds.
This film represents a notable evolution in the franchise, exemplified by Cruise’s iconic Burj Khalifa stunt. It delivers an exhilarating experience filled with thrills, leveraging humor through the team’s underdog status amidst technological failures. Renner fits seamlessly into the ensemble and reprises his role in the subsequent sequel, highlighting his integral contribution to the series.
5
Arrival (2016)
As Ian Donnelly
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival stands as a poignant and visually striking entry in the science fiction genre, underscoring the director’s prowess long before his work on Dune. Amy Adams stars as Louise Banks, a linguist enlisted by the military to communicate with newly arrived extraterrestrial visitors. Renner portrays physicist Ian Donnelly, who collaborates with Banks in deciphering the aliens’ language.
Rather than relying on explosive visual effects, the film captivates through an insightful narrative exploring humanity’s response to the unknown. It artfully examines themes of fear and curiosity, culminating in a surprising yet profound conclusion that resonates deeply, resulting in one of cinema’s most emotional climaxes.
4
The Town (2010)
As James “Jem”Coughlin
Ben Affleck’s directorial prowess shines in the crime thriller The Town, which explores the turbulent world of bank robbers in Boston. Renner stars as Jem Coughlin, the unpredictable best friend of protagonist Doug MacRay (Affleck), who finds romance with a witness from one of their heists.
Renner’s performance garnered an Oscar nomination, showcasing his ability to balance unpredictability and fierce loyalty within a thrilling narrative. Affleck crafts a gritty homage to classic ‘70s crime films, with captivating heist sequences that elevate the story’s intensity.
3
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
As Clint Barton / Hawkeye
Having missed out on the action during Avengers: Infinity War, Renner’s Hawkeye steps back into the spotlight in Avengers: Endgame, which begins with a heart-wrenching scene that sets the film’s emotional tone. As the remaining Avengers grapple with the aftermath of Thanos’ destructive move that decimated half the universe, they search for ways to reverse the tragedy.
This installment provides a much more profound development for Renner’s character, presenting him on a challenging journey filled with darker emotions while simultaneously embodying true heroism within the MCU. As the culmination of the franchise’s storyline, Avengers: Endgame delivers a thrilling and bittersweet goodbye that resonates with audiences worldwide.
2
The Hurt Locker (2008)
As Sergeant First Class William James
Renner cemented his status as a leading man with his riveting performance in The Hurt Locker, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He plays Sergeant First Class William James, a bomb disposal expert serving in Iraq who joins a new team amidst heightened tensions and danger.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this gritty war film offers an unflinching perspective on modern combat and its psychological impacts on soldiers. Renner masterfully portrays a complex character who is both morally sound yet drawn to the adrenaline of warfare, with Bigelow orchestrating tense sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, deserving of her Best Director Oscar.
1
Wind River (2017)
As Cory Lambert
Marking Taylor Sheridan’s directorial debut, Wind River features Renner’s finest performance to date, taking on the role of Cory Lambert, a hunter on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. When the body of a young girl is discovered, FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) arrives to investigate, with Lambert assisting her in navigating the desolate landscape while pursuing his own quest for justice.
This film serves as a powerful neo-Western, portraying a gripping narrative against an austere backdrop. Renner’s grounded portrayal of Lambert, haunted by his past, contrasts beautifully with Olsen’s character, resulting in a thrilling experience that culminates in a memorable and impactful shootout, ensuring its place in cinematic history.