As of 2026, Andrew Garfield has established himself as one of the most versatile and emotionally resonant actors of his generation. His filmography spans roughly two decades, encompassing early British independent dramas, massive superhero blockbusters, and Academy Award-nominated performances in musicals and historical epics. From his breakout role in Boy A to his iconic portrayal of Peter Parker and his transformative work in Tick, Tick... Boom!, Garfield’s list of movies reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize complex character studies over mere commercial visibility.
The Evolution of Andrew Garfield’s Cinematic Career
Andrew Garfield’s journey in cinema is defined by a rare balance of high-stakes franchise work and "prestige" filmmaking. Unlike many actors who find a niche and remain there, Garfield has moved fluidly between the stage and the screen, often bringing a theatrical intensity to his film roles. His filmography can be categorized into four distinct eras: the British breakthrough, the rise to international stardom (highlighted by Spider-Man), the period of intense dramatic exploration under legendary directors, and his recent "renaissance" in musical and romantic drama.
Understanding the "Andrew Garfield movies list" requires looking beyond just the titles. Each project represents a specific shift in his acting methodology, often involving deep physical transformation or rigorous research. Whether he is playing a social outcast, a Jesuit priest, or a real-life war hero, the common thread is a profound sense of empathy and vulnerability.
Early Breakthroughs and British Independent Cinema (2007–2009)
Garfield’s early film career was rooted in the gritty, realistic style of British television and independent film. These roles established his ability to play characters burdened by heavy emotional secrets.
Boy A (2007)
This film remains a cornerstone of Garfield’s career. In Boy A, he plays Jack Burridge, a young man re-entering society under a new identity after serving time for a crime committed as a child. The performance earned him a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor, a rare feat for a newcomer. The film explored themes of redemption and the impossibility of escaping one's past, showcasing Garfield’s ability to convey internal turmoil with minimal dialogue.
Lions for Lambs (2007)
Marking his American film debut, Garfield appeared alongside industry titans Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise. He played Todd Hayes, a cynical but brilliant university student. While the film received mixed reviews, Garfield’s scenes with Redford highlighted his capacity to hold his own against veteran actors, signaling his readiness for Hollywood.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
In Terry Gilliam’s fantastical and troubled production (notable for being Heath Ledger’s final film), Garfield played Anton. This role allowed him to showcase a more kinetic, whimsical energy, contrasting sharply with his previous somber work. It demonstrated his range in more stylized, surreal environments.
The Path to Global Recognition (2010–2014)
The early 2010s saw Garfield transition from a respected indie actor to a household name. This period was defined by two massive roles that reshaped his trajectory.
The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, this film is often cited as the definitive movie of its decade. Garfield played Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder of Facebook who is eventually pushed out by Mark Zuckerberg. His performance, particularly the "lawyer up" confrontation scene, earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. He became the emotional heart of a film otherwise dominated by cold intellect and corporate maneuvering.
Never Let Me Go (2010)
In the same year, Garfield starred in the haunting adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel. Alongside Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley, he played Tommy, a young man navigating a dystopian reality where "donors" are raised for their organs. His performance was praised for its raw, heartbreaking innocence, further cementing his status as a leading dramatic talent.
The Amazing Spider-Man Series (2012–2014)
Garfield took on the mantle of Peter Parker in Marc Webb’s reboot of the Marvel franchise. While the films themselves—The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)—faced scrutiny regarding their narratives, Garfield’s portrayal of Peter Parker was widely loved for its wit, physicality, and the palpable chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy. This era brought him immense global fame but also led to a period of professional reflection after the franchise was prematurely halted.
The "Director’s Actor" Phase: Prestige and Transformation (2016–2020)
After his tenure as Spider-Man, Garfield pivoted toward challenging, auteur-driven projects. He sought out roles that required extreme commitment, often working with legendary directors.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Directed by Mel Gibson, this biographical war film saw Garfield play Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist who served as a medic during WWII without ever carrying a weapon. Garfield’s portrayal of quiet conviction and incredible physical bravery earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film was a massive success, proving he could lead a traditional Hollywood epic.
Silence (2016)
In one of his most demanding roles, Garfield starred in Martin Scorsese’s long-gestating epic about Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan. To play Sebastiao Rodrigues, Garfield underwent a rigorous silent retreat and significant weight loss. Silence is a meditative, grueling look at faith and doubt, and Garfield’s performance is considered by many critics to be the finest of his career.
Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Diverging from historical drama, Garfield starred in David Robert Mitchell’s neo-noir fever dream. As Sam, a disenfranchised loser searching for a missing woman in Los Angeles, Garfield embraced a more comedic, disheveled, and eccentric persona. Though a polarizing film at launch, it has since gained a significant cult following.
The Modern Renaissance and Recent Successes (2021–2026)
By the early 2020s, Andrew Garfield entered a "golden era" where his popularity and critical standing peaked simultaneously.
Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut featured Garfield as Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent. Garfield had never professionally sung before this role, but his performance was a revelation. He captured Larson’s frantic, creative energy and existential anxiety, earning his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and winning a Golden Globe.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
In one of the biggest cinematic events of the decade, Garfield reprised his role as Peter Parker alongside Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland. His return was met with overwhelming praise, providing a sense of closure for his version of the character and sparking a massive resurgence in his popularity among younger audiences.
We Live in Time (2024)
Moving into romantic drama, Garfield starred opposite Florence Pugh in this non-linear story of a couple navigating a decade of love, grief, and life-changing decisions. The film was a critical darling, praised for the chemistry between the two leads and Garfield's nuanced portrayal of a man facing domestic tragedy.
After the Hunt (2025/2026)
One of his most recent major releases, directed by Luca Guadagnino, sees Garfield in a high-stakes dramatic thriller. As the film industry continues to evolve in 2026, this project stands as a testament to his continued desire to work with provocative, vision-oriented directors.
Complete Andrew Garfield Filmography Reference Table
The following table provides a streamlined look at Andrew Garfield’s feature film history, including his roles and the primary genre of each project.
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Primary Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Lions for Lambs | Todd Hayes | Drama / War |
| 2007 | Boy A | Jack Burridge | Independent Drama |
| 2008 | The Other Boleyn Girl | Francis Weston | Historical Drama |
| 2009 | The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus | Anton | Fantasy |
| 2010 | Never Let Me Go | Tommy | Sci-Fi / Romance |
| 2010 | The Social Network | Eduardo Saverin | Biographical Drama |
| 2012 | The Amazing Spider-Man | Peter Parker / Spider-Man | Superhero / Action |
| 2014 | The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | Peter Parker / Spider-Man | Superhero / Action |
| 2014 | 99 Homes | Dennis Nash | Drama / Thriller |
| 2016 | Hacksaw Ridge | Desmond Doss | War / Biography |
| 2016 | Silence | Sebastião Rodrigues | Historical Drama |
| 2017 | Breathe | Robin Cavendish | Biographical Drama |
| 2018 | Under the Silver Lake | Sam | Neo-Noir Mystery |
| 2020 | Mainstream | Link | Satirical Drama |
| 2021 | The Eyes of Tammy Faye | Jim Bakker | Biographical Drama |
| 2021 | Tick, Tick... Boom! | Jonathan Larson | Musical / Drama |
| 2021 | Spider-Man: No Way Home | Peter Parker / Spider-Man | Superhero / Action |
| 2024 | We Live in Time | Tobias | Romantic Drama |
| 2025 | After the Hunt | (Lead Role) | Thriller / Drama |
Notable Television and Voice Work
While primarily known for his film roles, Garfield has participated in significant television projects that are often searched for alongside his movie list.
- Sugar Rush (2005): One of his earliest professional roles, playing Tom in this cult-classic British series.
- Doctor Who (2007): He appeared in a two-part story ("Daleks in Manhattan" / "Evolution of the Daleks") as Frank, a worker in Depression-era New York.
- Red Riding Trilogy (2009): In this dark, acclaimed British miniseries, Garfield played Eddie Dunford, a journalist investigating a series of murders.
- Under the Banner of Heaven (2022): In this limited series based on Jon Krakauer’s book, Garfield played Detective Jeb Pyre. His performance as a Mormon detective undergoing a crisis of faith earned him an Emmy nomination.
Andrew Garfield's Acting Methodology and Impact
What distinguishes Andrew Garfield's movies from those of his peers is his commitment to "the work." He is often described as a Method-adjacent actor, though he prefers to describe his process as a deep immersion into the character's psyche.
- Physicality: In Silence, he lost nearly 40 pounds; in Tick, Tick... Boom!, he learned to sing and play piano; in The Amazing Spider-Man, he studied spider movements and incorporated them into his stunt work.
- Emotional Vulnerability: Garfield is noted for his "active" listening on screen. Many of his most famous moments—such as the final scene in Never Let Me Go or the rooftop scene in No Way Home—rely on his ability to convey deep sorrow or relief through his eyes.
- Theatrical Roots: Even in 2026, Garfield returns to the stage (such as his legendary run in Angels in America). This stage presence translates to his film roles, giving him a commanding energy that feels both "big" enough for the screen but intimate enough for character drama.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Oscar nominations does Andrew Garfield have?
As of 2026, Andrew Garfield has received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. The first was for his role as Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge (2016), and the second was for his portrayal of Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021).
What is Andrew Garfield’s most successful movie?
In terms of box office performance, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is his most successful film, having earned nearly $2 billion globally. However, if looking at his "solo" leads, The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and Hacksaw Ridge (2016) are his most commercially significant projects.
Is Andrew Garfield in any more Spider-Man movies?
Following his appearance in No Way Home, there has been persistent fan demand for a third Amazing Spider-Man film. While Garfield has expressed a willingness to return if the story is "meaningful," as of early 2026, no official standalone sequel has been released, though his Peter Parker remains a central figure in multiverse discussions.
Which movie did Andrew Garfield win a Golden Globe for?
Andrew Garfield won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his performance in Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021). This win was a major highlight of the 2022 awards season and solidified his reputation as a musical talent.
Does Andrew Garfield do his own stunts?
Garfield is known for being highly physical and performed a significant amount of his own stunt work in the Spider-Man films, particularly the parkour-inspired movements. For more dangerous sequences, he worked closely with world-class stunt doubles to ensure the character's unique "spider-like" movement was maintained.
Recommendation for Viewers
If you are new to Andrew Garfield’s work, the best way to appreciate his range is to watch a "Triple Feature" representing his different styles. Start with The Social Network for his sharp, dramatic timing; move to Hacksaw Ridge to see his ability to carry a traditional hero's journey; and finish with Tick, Tick... Boom! to witness his transformative musical energy. For those seeking something more avant-garde, Under the Silver Lake offers a fascinating, weird glimpse into his risk-taking nature as an actor.
For more detailed information on his upcoming 2026-2027 projects, fans should keep an eye on official production announcements from A24 and Searchlight Pictures, as Garfield continues to prioritize high-concept independent cinema.