Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a British actor whose career began in the theater back in 1999. He then scored small screen acting roles before making his feature film debut in 2000 when he starred in Apocalypse. His early film credits include titles like The Illusionist, Shanghai Knights, and Behind Closed Doors. Furthermore, Taylor-Johnson's strong performance in Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging would cement his place as a recognizable talent and teen idol.

Taylor-Johnson's breakthrough movie role in Hollywood came when he starred as John Lennon in the biopic Nowhere Boy. From this point, his career would blossom, and a new variety of roles were opened up to him. He’s currently set to star as the lead in Kraven The Hunter, returning to the Marvel franchise after his single-movie turn as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Until then, here's a look at his best performances, ranked.

Related: Explained: Who is Kraven the Hunter?

7 Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

Aaron Taylor Johnson in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Nickelodeon

In 2008, Taylor-Johnson starred in the British teenage film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. The film become a classic in British teenage pop culture, and Taylor-Johnson played Robbie, who was the heartthrob of the film, propelling him to teen idol status. The film is cheesy and silly, but otherwise still an enjoyable watch today.

6 Godzilla

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Toho / Warner Bros.

In 2014, Taylor-Johnson starred in another high-budget action film with Godzilla. The remake is more emotional than those that have come before it as the plot focuses on Dr. Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) who loses his wife after they awaken Godzilla, and is later dismissed as insane for attempting to research the monster more. Taylor-Johnson plays his son, Ford, who is a Navy SEAL forced to defend his father and sets out on adventure with them, which results in their bond growing stronger. Their chemistry as a pair is excellent, and it’s a genuinely enjoyable remake. Godzilla went on to spawn two sequels as part of the MonsterVerse franchise: Godzilla: King of Monsters in 2019 and Godzilla vs Kong in 2021. According to Deadline, an untitled sequel is currently set to film in Australia later this year.

5 Anna Karenina

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Focus Features

In 2012, Taylor-Johnson starred in Anna Karenina opposite Keira Knightley who played the titular character, playing her love interest, Vronsky. The film sees Anna Karenina engage in an affair with Vronsky, while being married to a Russian imperial minister (Jude Law). It’s a great film from Joe Wright, and Taylor-Johnson excels in the environment of a period drama.

4 Outlaw King

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Netflix

In 2018, Outlaw King was released and shows Taylor-Johnson in a way we have never seen him before. The story picks up where Braveheart left off and features a band of allies who retake their homeland from the British crown through action-packed battle sequences. Taylor-Johnson plays Lord James Douglas, who is one of the first men that pledges his allegiance to the new "Outlaw King" (Chris Pine). His character is layered as his actual allegiance to Robert the Bruce is up for debate, but it’s clear that he is hungry for war and enjoys the bloodshed. It’s a dramatic performance for Taylor-Johnson, and we see a huge physical transformation in the actor, as well as a character transformation, which is especially impressive.

Related: Best Chris Pine Movies, Ranked

3 Nocturnal Animals

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Focus Features

Nocturnal Animals was released in 2016 and was directed by none other than fashion powerhouse Tom Ford. Taylor-Johnson played Ray Marcus, who is a terrifying onscreen villain. The film also features standout performances from Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. Nocturnal Animals doesn’t follow a typical plot, making for a gritty and sometimes uncomfortable viewing experience that’s quite unlike any other film out there. Taylor-Johnson was awarded for his performance by the Golden Globes, however, was overlooked for the Academy Awards in favor of Michael Shannon. It’s a strong performance that showcases his range as an actor.

2 Avengers: Age of Ultron

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver in a scene from Avengers: Age of Ultron
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Before the role was played by Evan Peters, Taylor-Johnson adopted the role of Quicksilver in 2015 when he starred in Avengers: Age of Ultron. His characterization is much different to the way Peters plays the role, and we understand more of the genuine anger his character felt towards Tony Stark, who was responsible for his and Wanda's parents’ death. It’s an interesting take on the character, and, according to an exclusive from Giant Freakin Robot, it's reported that Taylor-Johnson's Quicksilver might make a cameo appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

1 Nowhere Boy

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Icon Entertainment

In 2010, Johnson’s career shifted when he starred in Nowhere Boy. The biographical film looks at the life of John Lennon. Given how much power The Beatles hold, the announcement of this film was met with skepticism from fans who usually like their legacy to remain untouched. Rather than focusing on the golden days of The Beatles at the height of their music career, Nowhere Boy takes a different approach that ultimately works in its favor. The film focuses on the school years of band members when they were influenced by the music of Elis Presley and made the decision to make their own music seriously. Johnson breathes an innocent light into the character of Lennon and allows us to gain a deeper insight into him, understanding more of his home life and sexuality.