28 Years Later was one of the most anticipated movies of 2025 and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s impeccable performance in the movie stole the hearts of the franchise lovers. The British actor has proved his versatility by appearing in a variety of roles throughout his career. Be it the iconic role of John Lennon in Nowhere Boy (2009) or his supporting role in Nocturnal Animals. However, if you’ve only discovered the actor just now, here are some of the best movies that feature Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a significant role.
10. Godzilla
- Release Date: May 16, 2014
- Director: Gareth Edwards
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.4/76%
Honestly, it’s tough to recognize Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Godzilla, but yes, he is a significant part of the movie. He takes on the role of a soldier, Ford Brody, who is also the love interest of Elizabeth Olsen’s character in the movie.
Sure, I don’t have to sell the plot of Godzilla to you, because it’s all out there right now. But yes, it features the story of a Kaiju monster terrorizing the world. If a Kaiju monster doesn’t compel you to watch the film, watch it for Aaron’s manly portrayal of a Navy Officer.
9. Nosferatu
- Release Date: December 25, 2024
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, Willem Dafoe
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.8/85%
2024’s Nosferatu is the remake of the classic horror tale based on Bram Stoker’s story. The movie is basically about Dracula, and over the years, this particular story has garnered several fans. In fact, it is one of those stories that inspired several other filmmakers or writers to craft stories around Dracula and vampires.
Regardless, the 2024 remake is one of the greatest films to release in 2024. The movie features an incredible cast, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who plays the role of Friedrich Harding. Of all the characters, Friedrich goes through a lot of emotional trauma in the film, and well, there’s no one better to portray such depth than Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
8. The Fall Guy
- Release Date: May 3, 2024
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/82%
Another great movie and yet another negative role for Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The Fall Guy features the story of a legendary stuntman who was betrayed by his go-to actor, Tom Ryder, portrayed by none other than Aaron.
Aaron doesn’t take the lead in The Fall Guy, but his portrayal of an arrogant, narcissistic actor does last in your mind for a long time. Aaron’s character is more stupid than evil in The Fall Guy, and it’s mind-blowing how Aaron was able to capture the essence of such a complex character.
7. Nowhere Boy
- Release Date: May 3, 2024
- Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Threlfall, Sam Bell
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/80%
Nowhere Boy is your only chance to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson portraying John Lennon. Yes, the John Lennon of The Beatles. However, instead of focusing solely on the music, the film tells the story of a young and rebellious John Lennon. The family dynamics, heartbreaks, music, and identity crisis, the film has everything.
Of course, Nowhere Boy isn’t appreciated as other films under the same genre like Bohemian Rhapsody, but Aaron’s portrayal of John Lennon is so incredible that you won’t be able to stop thinking about it for days.
6. Tenet
- Release Date: September 3, 2020
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/69%
If we are talking about the diverse roles that Aaron has taken over time, then it’s important to mention Tenet. Coming from the great mind of Christopher Nolan, Tenet features a sci-fi setting where a technology allows some people to move backward in time. Like every other Nolan film, Tenet features a great story and talented cast members, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Aaron doesn’t take a major role in the movie, as he only appears as a trained soldier in the film. However, his brief appearance does leave a long-lasting impact on the viewers.
5. Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Release Date: May 1, 2015
- Director: Joss Whedon
- Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/76%
Yes, it’s the same movie that ended Aaron’s run in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, there’s a silver lining: Quicksilver does leave the story after making a huge impact in the fight against Ultron. Age of Ultron is an action-packed adventure that truly lets Aaron shine bright throughout the film.
Quicksilver’s sacrifice to save some innocent lives from Ultron’s army is one of the best moments of the entire movie. And of course, we have seen many speedsters across different superhero films, but Aaron’s Quicksilver journey is the one that we wish to have lasted a little longer.
4. Bullet Train
- Release Date: August 5, 2022
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Sandra Bullock
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/54%
Bullet Train is another great action film that perfectly utilizes the athleticism of Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Aaron takes on the role of Tangerine, an assassin fighting against several other great fighters for the same prize. And did I mention that all this fight happens inside a Bullet Train, thus the title.
Out of all characters, Tangerine shines the most, all thanks to the appealing personality of Aaron. I’m not lying when I say that it’s hard to take your eyes off Aaron when the man is wearing a suit. In fact, it’s one of the very roles that sparked the rumors of Aaron being one of the choices for the next James Bond.
3. Nocturnal Animals
- Release Date: November 18, 2016
- Director: Tom Ford
- Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher, Ellie Bamber, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/ 74%
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is an incredible actor, and that is evident from his negative role in the film Nocturnal Animals. Aaron takes on the character of Ray Marcus, a gang leader who ambushes a family and molests and murders two women. It’s a dark tale of revenge, love, and redemption.
Of course, Aaron doesn’t take the lead role in this one, but Nocturnal Animals is a must-watch for fans of the actor. It not only tells a great story but also surprises you with Aaron’s great portrayal of the character.
2. Kick-Ass
- Release Date: April 16, 2010
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.6/76%
If you call yourself a superhero fanatic, then you must have watched Kick-Ass. Yes, the same adult comedy and action film that features a normal boy acting as a vigilante. However, one tragedy sort of gives Dave Lizewski a superhuman ability. One thing leads to another, and Dave actually makes a name for himself in the superhero world.
Guess what? Kick-Ass is the breakout film of Aaron’s career, as his role as Dave and incredible take on the superhero genre made the industry appreciate this young talent.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Release Date: April 4, 2014
- Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/90%
The superhero who should’ve stayed with us longer, but he never did. Yes, we are talking about Quicksilver, portrayed by none other than Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Aaron played the role of Wanda’s twin brother, who was being manipulated by Ultron (More on that later).
Of course, Aaron’s role was only revealed in the post-credit scene of The Winter Soldier, but it is still an important film to watch. Why? Well, that’s because it marked the beginning of Aaron’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
