From his role as Superman/Clark Kent in the DC Extended Universe to Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, Henry Cavill has solidified himself as one of Hollywood’s most popular action stars. His physical presence, athleticism, and acting talents have made him perfectly suited to a variety of action roles, with Cavill even performing some of his own stunts. Cavill and the action sequences he brings to life are often considered the best parts of the projects he is involved in.
In order to determine Cavill’s best action movies, only movies where he played a prominent role and where he participated in much of the story’s action were considered. This means that films such as Stardust and Black Adam were not included, as the former is more of a romantic fantasy adventure than an action film, and Stardust features Cavill in a relatively minor role where he does not engage in much action. As for Black Adam, he only has a cameo during a post-credits scene, unlike other DCEU films where he is a main character.
Justice League (2017)
Superman/Clark Kent
The 2017 Justice League became the source of controversy as Zack Snyder stepped away from the film due to a personal tragedy, and Joss Whedon was brought in to direct the film and oversee reshoots that drastically changed the tone and overall story for the worse. Cavill and the rest of the cast did the best they could with the material they were given. There are several infamous moments for Cavill, including having his mustache digitally removed in post-production, as the facial hair was required for his Mission: Impossible — Fallout role.
He also had to deliver several cringeworthy lines, including “I believe in truth, but I’m also a big fan of justice!” and a remark about his resurrection feeling “itchy.” The film was poorly received by critics and even more so by many viewers, who led a campaign to release Snyder’s cut of the film, which eventually happened in 2021. Justice League is considered among the worst DCEU movies and is one of the many factors that ultimately led to the creation of a new DC universe.
Justice League
PG-13
Adventure
Action
Fantasy
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Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by the Man of Steel’s selfless act in Batman V Superman, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Evil forces have set their sights on our world, tasking the malevolent Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons with bringing Earth under the control of Darkseid, ruler of the planet Apokolips. In response, Batman and Wonder Woman unite a team of metahuman heroes including The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman to protect humanity as the Justice League. The Justice League first appeared in March 1960 in issue #28 of The Brave and the Bold. In the fifty years since the heroes first united, the team has welcomed various members of DC comic book canon: Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Shazam, among others. Recently rebooted as part of DC Rebirth, the current comic iteration of the team includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, two Green Lanterns (Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz), Aquaman, Barry Allen, as well as Cyborg.
DirectorZack Snyder
Release DateNovember 17, 2017
WritersChris Terrio , Joss Whedon
CastJeremy Irons , Gal Gadot , Amy Adams , Jesse Eisenberg , Ciarán Hinds , Ben Affleck , Henry Cavill , Ezra Miller , J. K. Simmons , Jason Momoa , Ray Fisher
Runtime242 minutes
9Immortals (2011)
Theseus
2011’s Immortals was before Cavill proved his full abilities as an action star, but his potential was put on display as Theseus in this take on Greek mythology. Cavill’s physique and the energy he brought to Theseus’ action sequences elevated the otherwise lackluster story. His ability to humanize a mythological hero was a precursor to him later in his career being able to take the same approach with Superman in the DCEU.
Immortals was not helped by the fact that it debuted the year after Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time were released. It struggled to distinguish itself from this competition, all of which were thinly plotted mythology stories starring a physically fit male action hero. The poor reception was not only limited to critics, as both the critical and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes were 49%, but this did not stop Cavill from going on to have a successful career.
Immortals
R
Fantasy
Action
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In ancient Greece, a young man named Theseus is chosen and trained by the gods. With the help of the oracle Phaedra, he must locate the Epirus Bow to stop the Hyperion from releasing the titans and enslaving mankind.
DirectorTarsem Singh
Release DateNovember 11, 2011
WritersVlas Parlapanides , Charley Parlapanides
CastHenry Cavill , Stephen Dorff , Luke Evans , Isabel Lucas , Kellan Lutz , Freida Pinto , Mickey Rourke
Runtime110 minutes
Distributor(s)Universal Pictures
8Argylle (2024)
Agent Argylle
Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle had an intriguing premise of introverted spy novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) being unexpectedly thrust into the world of espionage when the events from her books started to come to life. Cavill played Agent Argylle, the protagonist of Elly’s novels. Despite starting out as a fun and creative action movie, Argylle quickly lost momentum as it introduced a series of increasingly nonsensical plot twists into an overlong narrative.
The film was critically panned, earning a 33% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, by far the worst score of any project Vaughn ever directed. Some of the frustration surrounding the movie was rooted in Cavill’s role being smaller than anticipated after being prominently featured in all the marketing leading up to its theatrical release. He did well in bringing in his portrayal of the suave Agent Argylle, but his performance was not enough to save the film from its myriad of other issues.
Argylle
PG-13
Action
Thriller
Comedy
Argylle is an action thriller by director Matthew Vaughn. The movie centers on an introverted novelist who is thrown into the real world of espionage after the plot of her most recent spy thriller parrels the crimes of an underground syndicate. Argylle has a star-studded cast, including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson, among others.
DirectorMatthew Vaughn
Release DateFebruary 2, 2024
WritersJason Fuchs
CastHenry Cavill , Ariana DeBose , Sofia Boutella , Catherine O’Hara , Bryce Dallas Howard , John Cena , Dua Lipa , Samuel L. Jackson , Sam Rockwell , Bryan Cranston , Rob Delaney
Runtime139 Minutes
Distributor(s)Universal Pictures , Apple
Main GenreAction
7The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
Gus March-Phillipps
Nine years after collaborating on The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Cavill and Guy Ritchie reunited for The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Instead of being based on a 1960s television series as their previous film was, their newest film was loosely based on the real history of Operation Postmaster from the 2014 book Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII. With Cavill being a popular fancast for James Bond, it was fitting that he played Gus March-Phillips, who inspired the creation of the fictional spy.
It featured many of the hallmarks of Cavill and Ritchie’s careers, but ultimately was not as fun or engaging as The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
With a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb and a 69% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, reception for The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare was mixed, although it earned a more favorable Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 93%. It featured many of the hallmarks of Cavill and Ritchie’s careers, but ultimately was not as fun or engaging as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Its exaggerated and comedic take on a remarkable true story was also a questionable narrative choice to make.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
R
Action
Comedy
Drama
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a World War II film following a top-secret combat unit who were formed by Winston Churchill to hunt down Nazis. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie and based on the book The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops by Damien Lewis.
DirectorGuy Ritchie
Release DateApril 19, 2024
WritersPaul Tamasy , Eric Johnson , Arash Amel , Guy Ritchie
CastHenry Cavill , Eiza González , Alan Ritchson , Alex Pettyfer , Hero Fiennes Tiffin , Babs Olusanmokun , Til Schweiger , Henry Golding , Cary Elwes , Henrique Zaga
Runtime120 Minutes
Studio(s)Black Bear , Jerry Bruckheimer Films , Toff Guy Films
Distributor(s)Lionsgate
Main GenreAction
6Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
Superman/Clark Kent
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was not well received by critics and was widely mocked for the moment when Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent realize that both of their mothers are named Martha. Nevertheless, the story felt far more cohesive with the “Ultimate Edition” that was later released, which featured many subplots and scenes cut from the theatrical version. It was a challenging story for the often optimistic Superman, as he had to reconcile with the destruction he brought to Metropolis in Man of Steel, endure numerous failures throughout the story, and ultimately sacrifice his life.
Cavill proved worthy of the challenge in his performance, channeling a despair rarely seen in Superman while never losing sight of the superhero’s driving values. Batman v. Superman definitely had its issues, with the worst being how it rushed through important character and story development, so the cinematic universe could make the Justice League movie happen sooner rather than later. Despite this, Cavill’s performance and the “Ultimate Edition” made the movie better than its negative reputation.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
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In this high-action film by Zack Snyder, the two DC superheroes face off against one another in a conflict spurred on by the villainous Lex Luthor. The film also features WonderWoman playing a role in the fight against Doomsday and other villains from beyond the Earth. As the world’s two most powerful superheroes prepare to destroy each other, an unexpected commonality brings them together to defeat their real enemy.
DirectorZack Snyder
Release DateMarch 24, 2016
WritersChris Terrio , David S. Goyer
CastBen Affleck , Henry Cavill , Amy Adams , Jesse Eisenberg , Diane Lane , Laurence Fishburne , Jeremy Irons , Holly Hunter , Gal Gadot
Runtime152 minutes
Studio(s)DC , Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)Warner Bros. Pictures
5The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Napoleon Solo
Despite only receiving a 68% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes and being a box office flop, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has since become a streaming hit on Netflix. The 2015 spy film, directed and co-written by Guy Ritchie, was adapted from The Man from the U.N.C.L.E. television series that aired from 1964-1968. Cavill played an American CIA agent named Napoleon Solo, a character who first appeared in the 1964 series, played by Robert Vaughn.
In addition to Cavill’s charming performance, the film received praise for Ritchie’s stylish direction, although critics were more divided on the writing and the story itself.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. gave Cavill a shine to channel his charisma in a way he was not able to do in many of his other roles. In addition to Cavill’s charming performance, the film received praise for Ritchie’s stylish direction, although critics were more divided on the writing and the story itself. It ultimately did not live up to the heights of some other projects in Cavill’s filmography, but its recent Netflix streaming success proves that it still has traction nine years after its theatrical release.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Comedy
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Based on the television series of the same name, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is directed by Guy Ritchie and stars Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. Set during the height of the Cold War, the film follows a CIA operative and a KGB agent who are forced to work together to stop an international criminal conspiracy. Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, and Hugh Grant star alongside Cavill and Hammer.
Release DateAugust 14, 2015
WritersLionel Wigram , Guy Ritchie
CastHugh Grant , Jared Harris , Armie Hammer , Henry Cavill , Alicia Vikander
Runtime116 Minutes
Distributor(s)Warner Bros. Pictures
4The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Albert Mondego
The 2002 cinematic adaptation of the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo featured Cavill as Albert Mondego. It was only the second credit in Cavill’s on-screen career, with his only other credit at the time being the 2001 film Vendetta, which was originally titled Laguna. Cavill’s lack of experience at this stage in his career made his performance in The Count of Monte Cristo all the more impressive, as he brought to life a crucial character from the source material.
The young Mondego did not get to engage in as much action as some of the other characters, but he did get an opportunity to duel. This showcased Cavill’s enormous potential as the full-fledged action star that he would become later in his career. As for the film itself, it did not live up to the heights of the iconic 1884 novel, but it was still an exciting story to watch, further bolstered by performances from Richard Harris and Guy Pearce.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
PG-13
Adventure
Drama
History
The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure drama film based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. The film follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely accused and imprisoned. After his escape, Dantès seeks revenge against those who betrayed him, using a new identity as the wealthy and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo.
DirectorKevin Reynolds
Release DateJanuary 23, 2002
WritersJay Wolpert
CastJim Caviezel , Guy Pearce , Richard Harris , James Frain , Dagmara Dominczyk
Runtime131 Minutes
Studio(s)Touchstone Pictures , Spyglass Entertainment , World 2000 Entertainment , Count of Monte Cristo Ltd.
Main GenreAdventure
3Man Of Steel (2013)
Superman/Clark Kent
Before Cavill even appeared in Man of Steel, the DCEU’s first installment got off to a strong start with a visually riveting sequence showing a young Kal-El being sent to Earth, along with the final moments of the planet Krypton before its destruction. While the rest of the movie was not as compelling as its opening, Cavill did bring a grounded approach to Superman that made him distinct from past iterations, and that left plenty of potential to explore the character further in future stories.
It was not the best superhero movie of all time, let alone the best Superman movie, but it did an effective job of introducing Cavill’s Superman, telling his origin story, and establishing the tone and wider universe for the DCEU. It is a testament to Man of Steel that there is still widespread interest in a direct sequel, as Batman v Superman was about more than just Superman. Unlike many other superhero films, Man of Steel was able to stand on its own while still being part of a larger cinematic universe.
Man of Steel
PG-13
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Action
Fantasy
Superhero
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This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.
DirectorZack Snyder
Release DateJune 14, 2013
WritersDavid S. Goyer , Christopher Nolan
CastKevin Costner , Laurence Fishburne , Richard Schiff , Amy Adams , Harry Lennix , Antje Traue , Michael Shannon , Henry Cavill , Christopher Meloni , Diane Lane , Russell Crowe
Runtime143 minutes
Distributor(s)Warner Bros. Pictures
2Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Superman/Clark Kent
Zack Snyder’s Justice League was a vast improvement over the 2017 version, resulting in a story that felt much more tonally and visually cohesive. In terms of character arcs, this was most noticeable for Cyborg/Victor Stone (Ray Fisher), who became the heart of the movie. It also enhanced Superman’s story, as his resurrection and overall portrayal felt more consistent with his past DCEU appearances, and was devoid of cringeworthy one-liners.
Ray Fisher later accused Joss Whedon of abusive and unprofessional behavior on the set of the 2017 Justice League .
The Knightmare sequence at the end teased an exciting evolution for Cavill’s character, with the nightmarish future being an apocalyptic world where Darkseid controlled Superman, which Cavill would definitely have excelled at in his performance. This story will now likely never come to fruition given the reboot of the DC universe and a new Superman film starring David Corenswet on the way. Nevertheless, Snyder’s Justice League proved to be the best film featuring Cavill’s Superman.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Superhero
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Director Zack Snyder’s initial vision for Justice League follows Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), the Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa) as they battle to prevent the forces of New God Steppenwolf from conquering Earth. The Snyder cut of the film differs significantly from the theatrically released original, including numerous additional story elements and sequences that were later cut from the film.
DirectorZack Snyder
Release DateMarch 18, 2021
WritersChris Terrio
CastBen Affleck , Henry Cavill , Amy Adams , Gal Gadot , Ray Fisher , Jason Momoa , Ezra Miller , Jesse Eisenberg , Jeremy Irons , J.K. Simmons , Willem Dafoe
Runtime242 Minutes
Distributor(s)Max , Warner Bros. Pictures
1Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
August Walker
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With a 97% critical score and an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Mission: Impossible – Fallout easily proved to be Cavill’s best action film to date. In his villainous role as August Walker, Cavill showed that he was just as capable of playing an action villain as he was at playing an action hero. Cavill’s performance cemented Walker as one of Mission Impossible‘s best villains, an impressive feat considering that he appeared in only one out of the franchise’s seven films.
Part of what made his character so effective was that he was not initially introduced as an antagonist, with the reveal of his true nature only coming later in the story. In terms of the action, Cavill particularly shined in the scenes where Walker engaged in hand-to-hand combat, a different kind of action than some of his other films. As Henry Cavill takes on new action roles, it will be intriguing to see if he can be part of a project that will ever surpass Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
PG-13
Action
Thriller
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A direct sequel to Rogue Nation and the sixth installment in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is an action-thriller spy film that sees Tom Cruise return to the role of IMF Agent Ethan Hunt. To avert a worldwide disaster, the IMF agents will join up with a CIA agent to stop a new terrorist cell known as the Apostles. When three nuclear devices go missing, the agents will find themselves racing to stop them from falling into the hands of the deadly bioterror group.
DirectorChristopher McQuarrie
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