Henry Cavill has become one of the biggest and beefiest action stars on the planet in recent years. After receiving his big break on the BBC’s The Tudors, the muscled British actor would go on to receive the iconic role of Superman and cement himself in the public eye.

Despite being known primarily for playing the Man of Steel, Cavill has taken on a variety of different roles that have showcased his versatility as an actor, including in some films that proved to be the very highest-rated of his career so far, according to the review website Rotten Tomatoes.

Updated October 20th, 2022 by Jordan Iacobucci:

Henry Cavill continues to prove himself to be one of the most beloved actors working today, garnering a passionate fanbase that follows his career with great interest. The actor’s upcoming appearance in Enola Holmes 2 and recent rumors that he will soon return to the DCEU as Superman have catapulted Cavill back into the spotlight as fans revisit his greatest hits so far.

Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) – 29%

Available On HBO Max

The second installment of the DCEU, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, pits DC’s two biggest characters against one another. The film marked the second time that Cavill would appear as Superman as well as the very first appearance of Ben Affleck as Batman.

Though most critics and fans would agree that the film ultimately wasted its promising premise, both Cavill and Affleck were lauded for their performances therein. Though the film struggled critically, it did garner a hefty box office total that would allow for Cavill and his costars to appear in future DCEU films moving forward.

Tristan & Isolde (2006) – 31%

Available On HBO Max

Tristan & Isolde is a 2006 romantic drama starring James Franco and Sophia Myles based on the Medieval legend of the same name. Henry Cavill, still relatively early in his career, appears as a supporting cast member in the film, portraying the character of Melot, Tristan’s rival.

Since the film was generally panned by critics and quickly forgotten thereafter, Cavill would have to continue searching for his first big hit. Though the actor would not find his starring vehicle for some time thereafter, his appearance in early 2000s films such as these are fun to revisit for his present-day fans.

Justice League (2017) – 39%

Available On HBO Max

Justice League was DC’s attempt at replicating the critical and commercial success of Marvel’s Avengers team-ups. Coming off the back of the disastrously received Batman v Superman, many were hoping that DC and Warner Brothers would have learned from their mistakes in the DCEU so far as they united their finest heroes onscreen for the very first time.

While the movie was undoubtedly better than Batman V Superman, it was not well-received by any standards. Many point to the disastrous production, which included a sudden change in director, as the reason for the film’s poor quality, resulting in a hodgepodge of a movie that left no audience member satisfied.

Sand Castle (2017) – 47%

Available On Netflix

2017’s Sand Castle is a Netflix drama focused on the horrors and struggles of war. The film follows a US marine during the second Gulf War as he and his platoon attempt to build a well in a small Iraqi village. Cavill portrays Captain Syverson in the film, an ally of the main characters during the war effort.

The film is heavily based on the moral difficulties presented by war and conflict. The humanitarian efforts of the soldiers to build a well is contrasted heavily with the hatred and prejudice that was prevalent at the time of the Second Gulf War. While this is far from Cavill’s best-loved film, it did help him differentiate his career from his more action-heavy prior projects.

Immortals (2011) – 49%

Available On Fubo TV

Though he is best known for playing Superman in the DCEU, Henry Cavill got his start in the super-powered arena with 2011’s Immortals, in which he portrayed the mythical Greek hero Theseus, who is selected by the gods of Olympus to protect their mortal people.

Though the film failed to find its audience upon its release in 2011, it has become somewhat of a cult classic in recent years. Cavill’s starring role therein certainly aided in his casting as Superman just a few years thereafter, marking a turning point in his career.

Whatever Works (2009) – 50%

Available To Rent On Amazon

Based on a script written in the 1970s and directed by the controversial Woody Allen, Whatever Works follows an upper-class New York resident as he attempts to relinquish his prior life in the upper echelons of society in order to enjoy a more free-spirited existence.

The movie was not particularly well-received among critics despite the fact that it had a strong cast including Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Conleth Hill, and, of course, Henry Cavill as Randy James. In the future, Cavill would mostly stay away from comedies, preferring to lend his talents to action-heavy roles.

Blood Creek (2009) – 50%

Available To Rent On Apple TV

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Directed by Batman and Robin‘s Joel Schumacher, 2009’s Blood Creek was not a critical or commercial success. The movie’s plot was based around the relatively unique concept of Nazi cults, vampires, and zombies.

In addition to Henry Cavill, the film also has the acting talents of Dominic Purcell and Michael Fassbender, truly adding to the disappointment of the movie’s ultimate failure to resonate with audiences. The film did little to boost the careers of any of its stars, who would have to find their big breaks elsewhere.

Man Of Steel (2013) – 56%

Available On HBO Max

2013’s Man of Steel was supposed to be the launchpad for DC’s own version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the movie is one of the best-received entries in the DCEU so far, it was undoubtedly a controversial portrayal of Superman. Some fans took issue with the dark and dour tone, as well as the scene in which Superman kills General Zod.

Despite the controversial nature of the movie, Cavill’s performances have been praised by fans of the DCEU. Many fans still want Cavill to continue playing the iconic superhero in future movies, as his version of the character has become the definitive Superman for many fans.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015) – 68%

Available To Rent On Apple TV

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. may be one of the most underrated movies of the decade. While the film is by no means ‘Oscar-worthy’, it is a vastly entertaining romp that benefits greatly from the stellar chemistry of both Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.

The film follows Cavill (and American spy) and Hammer (a Soviet spy), as they must work together in order to unravel an evil plot that threatens to end the world. While the film failed to find its audience upon its release, it has gained a cult following since, especially among fans of Cavill.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – 71%

Available On HBO Max

After years of campaigning from DC fans for Warner Brothers to release Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League, the 4-hour alternate version of the team-up film was finally released on HBO Max in 2021, with enough action, well-written lines, and stunning imagery to appease the many fans that had fought for so long to see the film.

The release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League has only fueled fans’ angst at the underwhelming nature of the DCEU, leading new campaigns to be formed, including many that call for Henry Cavill’s immediate return as Superman. While reports remain unsubstantiated, it would appear that Cavill is indeed returning in the near future, once again hailing a victory for DC fans.

The Count Of Monte Cristo (2002) – 73%

Available On Hoopla

2002’s Count of Monte Cristo is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic swashbuckling tale. While the movie was not particularly imaginative, it still remains an enjoyable movie that benefits from its strong cast including Guy Pearce, Richard Harris, and Dagmara Dominczyk.

For fans of Henry Cavill, the movie is also a must-watch. It showcases a young Henry Cavill before he received his big break as Superman and became the action star we know and love today. This is one of his earliest film appearances–and certainly an entertaining one at that.

Stardust (2007) – 77%

Available On HBO Max

2007’s Stardust is a visually stunning science fiction adventure with one of the most unique and enjoyable romantic storylines in recent years. It was written by Neil Gaiman and features an all-star cast including Ian McKellen (narrator), Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfieffer, Ricky Gervais, and Peter O’Toole.

The movie follows Tristan as he attempts to give a fallen star to the woman he wants to seduce, only to discover that the star is a woman called Yvaine. The movie is truly magnificent and features Henry Cavill in another ‘Pre-Superman’ role.

I Capture The Castle (2003) – 78%

Available On Prime Video

Based on the book of the same name, I Capture the Castle follows the teenager Cassandra Mortmain as she struggles to live in an old and decrepit castle in the United Kingdom. While the movie was not a financial success, it was well-received by critics, who praised the movie for its strong cast including Rose Byrne, Bill Nighy, and Romola Garai.

The movie does a fantastic job of blending thoughtful concepts such as ‘first love’ with humor, making the film an incredibly enjoyable watch. As one of Cavill’s earliest film appearances, the young actor stands out in his supporting role.

Enola Holmes (2020) – 91%

Available On Netflix

Enola Holmes, based on the popular book series, follows the younger sister of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Starring Millie Bobby Brown in the eponymous role, the film also includes the talents of Henry Cavill, who has the momentous job of bringing to life a new version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective.

Enola Holmes became a massive hit after its release on Netflix, earning praise for its comedy and its stars, kicking off its very own franchise, with a sequel set to release next month. Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes managed to prove unique and interesting even as a side character, leading to his return in the upcoming sequel.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – 97%

Available On Paramount+

It is no surprise that Henry Cavill’s highest-rated movie would be Mission Impossible: Fallout. The Mission Impossible series continues to get better with every movie, bucking the trend of the sequel curse.

The sixth installment in the spy franchise follows Ethan Hunt as he attempts to save the world from nuclear annihilation. The film is exhilarating from start to finish and includes the insane Tom Cruise stunts we’ve all come to expect from a Mission Impossible movie. In addition to Tom Cruise’s fantastic portrayal of Ethan Hunt, Cavill is also wonderful in this movie and is easily one of the best characters in the franchise, portraying a complicated and conniving villain therein.