Ranking Andrew Garfield's Filmography Through Critics' Lenses

Andrew Garfield, a talented actor with both a Tony award and two Oscar nominations, has captivated critics with his versatile performances in films like "The Social Network" and "The Amazing Spider-Man." He recently starred in a new drama by Luca Guadagnino, "After the Hunt," which has received mixed reviews from critics.

Over the years, Garfield has embraced diverse roles: from a televangelist to a superhero, and from a social media influencer to a Facebook co-founder. Here is how critics rated his cinematic work, arranged according to Rotten Tomatoes scores.

"Lions for Lambs" Debut Flops

Garfield's film debut, "Lions for Lambs," directed by Robert Redford who also stars, fared poorly with a 28% approval rating. This 2007 movie also features heavyweights like Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. Garfield plays Todd Hayes, a college student and fraternity president who lacks academic ambition. The story unravels as his professor, played by Redford, shares about two students who enlist to fight in Afghanistan. ReelViews critic James Berardinelli labeled it as heavy on dialogue but lacking in substance.

"Mainstream" Misses the Mark

Portraying a make-believe social media influencer named Link, Garfield stars in "Mainstream," a satire directed by Gia Coppola. Featuring co-stars Maya Hawke and Nat Wolff in a love triangle, the film bears a 42% rating. Critics found it lacking in offering any fresh commentary on digital fame. As observed by Slant magazine's Steven Scaife, it tries but fails to stay relevant, arriving too late to the social media narrative.

A Downturn with "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"

The sequel featuring Garfield as Spider-Man, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," yielded a moderate 50% score. Despite reuniting with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, critics felt the movie overloaded with plotlines. Villains Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan) clutter the film, which didn't carry forth Spidey's planned story arc. Fiction Magazine's Grant Watson noted the script's lack of concise storytelling, despite spanning over two hours.

"After the Hunt" Divides Opinions

In "After the Hunt," Garfield plays a professor accused of misconduct. Despite his compelling portrayal, the film, featuring Julia Roberts and directed by Luca Guadagnino, achieved 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety, the film remains intriguing yet muddled and fails to resolve certain story elements convincingly.

"Under the Silver Lake" Confounds the Audience

Garfield stars in the 2018 film "Under the Silver Lake" as Sam, investigating a woman's sudden vanishing. With a 58% rating, the movie offers entangled narratives and surreal imagery, receiving divided reviews. Notably, NME's Olly Richards described it as deliberately bewildering. Despite its niche appeal, critics like Allen Almachar from The MacGuffin admired Mitchell's direction and Garfield's unique approach.

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Visual Spectacle

In Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," Garfield plays a member of a theatrical troupe. Scoring 63%, the film's imagery was praised although its narrative was seen as disordered. Amie Simon from Three Imaginary Girls highlighted the vibrant visuals overshadowed by a lack of depth in scripting.

"Breathe" Explores Life's Challenges

Starring as Robin Cavendish, who faces paralysis from polio, Garfield delivered an appreciated performance in "Breathe" earning 67%. However, criticism arose regarding its focus on romance rather than challenges of disability. Stephen Dalton from The Hollywood Reporter compared its setting to "Downton Abbey," lightly addressing profound personal strife.

"The Eyes of Tammy Faye" Televangelist Depiction

This 2021 biopic casts Garfield as real-life televangelist Jim Bakker with Jessica Chastain as Tammy Faye. Gathering 67%, critics were unimpressed with the narrative but lauded the actors' efforts. Despite the flaw in storytelling, The Atlantic's David Sims commended Chastain's bold performance.

Return as Spider-Man in "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Garfield debuted as the brooding Spider-Man in 2012's "The Amazing Spider-Man," paralleling Tobey Maguire's portrayal in Raimi's trilogy. Receiving a 71% aggregate, ScreenRant’s Kofi Outlaw stated the foundations laid for a larger universe, albeit unrealized in this film.

Love and Science in "Never Let Me Go"

In this 2010 movie based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Garfield starred with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley. Rated at 71%, the adaptation carried emotional depth with

Dan Jolin from Empire commended the triumvirate of performances, painting a futuristic yet touching tableau of interconnected lives.

"We Live in Time" Emotionally Resonant

Projected for 2024, "We Live in Time" presents a time-hopping romance between Garfield and Florence Pugh. Garnering 79%, critics warmed to the vibrant portrayal and chemistry between the duo. Steve Pond at TheWrap highlighted their ability to avoid clichés while weaving a heartfelt narrative.

"Silence" Delivers a Soul-searching Journey

Martin Scorsese’s 2016 adaptation of a 1966 novel about Jesuit missionaries in Japan saw Garfield as a priest. Holding an 83% approval, the film's reflective take stirred thoughtful dialogues. As noted by Debbie Lynn Elias of Behind the Lens, the film's delicate beauty matched its deep spiritual inquiries.

An Oscar Nod for "Hacksaw Ridge"

Garfield's role in "Hacksaw Ridge" earned him significant acclaim and his first Oscar nod. Playing Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector in WWII, the film scored 84%. Alissa Wilkinson of Vox called it distinctly a Mel Gibson film, with both intense and heartfelt moments.

Musical Drama "Tick, Tick… Boom!" Triumphs

Portraying Jonathan Larson in "Tick, Tick… Boom!," Garfield impressed audiences and critics alike. Scoring 88%, this Lin-Manuel Miranda-directed film offered a passionate homage to chasing artistic dreams. Entertainment Weekly’s Jessica Derschowitz praised Garfield's heart-stirring performance.

"Boy A" Brings BAFTA Success

Receiving an 88% score, "Boy A" showcased Garfield as an ex-convict adapting to the world, which earned him a BAFTA award for Best Actor. Star Tribune’s Christy DeSmith lauded his nuanced portrayal of a deeply conflicted character.

High Stakes in "99 Homes"

Garfield starred opposite Michael Shannon in "99 Homes," engaging in the underworld of real estate. With a 92% score, his depiction of a desperate father drew praise. Kenneth Turan of the LA Times noted Garfield's ability to convey intense yet subdued determination.

Spidey Glory in "Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Making a significant return in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," Garfield joined the multiverse storyline, resulting in a 93% score. Critics celebrated his performance that added depth and nostalgia to a climactic reunion of Spider-Men. Associated Press critic Jake Coyle emphasized Garfield's matured essence post-Spider-Man era.

Critical Darling "The Social Network"

In David Fincher's "The Social Network," Garfield played Eduardo Saverin, lauding 96% approval. The film's portrayal of Facebook's tumultuous genesis, supported by Aaron Sorkin’s sharp script, left a lasting impression for its engrossing narrative.

Top Score: "Red Riding: 1974"

At 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Red Riding: 1974," part of a trilogy based on David Peace's novels, positions Garfield as a journalist unearthing a sinister murder plot. Brian Orndorf commended its deep dive into the gritty, corrupt world of the 1970s.