Henry Cavill is one of the most popular actors working today. Following his breakthrough role in the period TV drama The Tudors, he earned international fame due to his much-discussed, divisive, and unfortunately all-too-short stint as Superman in the now-defunct DCEU. Since then, Cavill has continued to build his career as both a leading man and an action hero. His movies might not always be critical darlings, but audiences sure love them.

Whether he’s donning the iconic red cape, reloading his arms during intense fights, or solving mysteries in Victorian London, Cavill always delivers entertaining performances that keep audiences coming back for more. And while his filmography is surprisingly short, there’s something for everyone. These are Henry Cavill’s most rewatchable movies, purely entertaining and enjoyable films that offer something new every time fans sit down to appreciate them again.

10‘Stardust’ (2007)

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Image via Paramount Pictures

Long before the two teamed up for the action spy comedy Argylle, Cavill and director Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman: The Secret Service) first collaborated in the fantasy adventure Stardust. The plot centers on several characters racing to reach a fallen star who has taken the form of a beautiful young woman upon her arrival on Earth. Cavill plays a small role as Humphrey, a pompous romantic rival to the film’s protagonist.

Simply put, Stardust is among the best fantasy movies from the 2000s and one of the finest films in Cavill’s career. It’s endlessly entertaining, full of witty humor and charm and offering a subversive take on the fantasy genre. Alas, Cavill’s participation is too small, pretty much amounting to two major scenes and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo during the final sequence. Thus, fans of the hunky actor might be left wanting more from this delightful adventure.

Stardust

PG-13
Adventure
Fantasy
Family

Release DateAugust 10, 2007
CastCharlie Cox , Claire Danes , Robert De Niro , Sienna Miller , Mark Strong , Ian McKellen
Runtime127 minutes
WritersJane Goldman , Matthew Vaughn , Neil Gaiman

WATCH ON PARAMOUNT+

9‘Sand Castle’ (2017)

Directed by Fernando Coimbra

Image via Netflix

One of the most underrated Netflix original dramas, 2017’s Sand Castle sees Cavill starring opposite Nicholas Hoult (The Menu). The plot follows young American soldier Matt Ocre and his efforts to restore the water supply to an Iraqi village. Cavill plays CPT Syverson, the leader of the Special Forces Unit assisting in the mission.

Sand Castle features one of Cavill’s best performances. The film itself is a harsh condemnation of the conflict, offering a worthy entry to the ever-growing “war is hell” subgenre. Cavill perfectly captures his character’s growing detachment from human life and self-hatred that come as a consequence of taking part in the conflict for too long. Syverson is a complicated figure that allows Cavill to flex the acting muscles he so rarely showcases. Cavill always shines brighter in non-traditional, anti-heroic roles, and Sand Castle offers him just that.

Sand Castle

TV-MA
Drama
Action
War

Release DateApril 21, 2017
CastNicholas Hoult , Logan Marshall-Green , Henry Cavill , Glen Powell
Runtime113 minutes
WritersChris Roessner

WATCH ON NETFLIX

8‘I Capture the Castle’ (2003)

Directed by Tim Fywell

Image via Momentum Pictures

For all those looking for a baby-faced Henry Cavill prior to his breakthrough in The Tudors, look no further than the 2003 period romantic comedy I Capture the Castle. The film stars Romola Garai (Atonement) and Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) as Cassandra and Rose, two sisters trying to find love and financial security while living in genteel poverty. Cavill plays Stephen Colley, the family’s handyman who’s deeply in love with Cassandra.

I Capture the Castle features Henry Cavill as audiences have seldom seen him: a romantic lead. The film is a sweet and enchanting period rom-com elevated by a winning performance from the terribly underrated Garai. Cavill is at his most charming and unassuming here, without a hint of the valiant presence that has become his calling card. Stephen is a prototypical English lead, perfect for a romantic comedy, and it’s the type of role Cavill should really do more of.

I Capture the Castle

R
Romantic Comedy

Release DateMay 9, 2003
CastRomola Garai , Rose Byrne , Bill Nighy , Henry Thomas , Marc Blucas , Henry Cavill
Runtime117 minutes
WritersHeidi Thomas

WATCH ON TUBI

7‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021)

Directed by Zack Snyder

Image via Warner Bros.

The journey to taking Zack Snyder’s Justice League from the Warner Bros. vault to the television screen was long and worthy of an HBO miniseries; however, it was worth it. The 2021 four-hour version vastly improves on the half-baked 2017 film that premiered in cinemas worldwide, allowing more room for each story to breathe.

Because of the nature of his character arc, Cavill’s Superman benefits the least from the expanded runtime. However, his triumphant return to life is much better handled here, with Zack Snyder (Rebel Moon) finally allowing Cavill to embody the Man of Steel that audiences know and love. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is among the best films in the DCEU, not only because it hints at what could’ve been but also because it allows Cavill to play a less stoic, warmer version of Superman. And while fans won’t get to see him again, they can always revisit this film to enjoy his performance, short as it may be.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League

R
Superhero
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Release DateMarch 18, 2021
CastHenry Cavill , Ben Affleck , Gal Gadot , Amy Adams , Ray Fisher , Jason Momoa , Ezra Miller , Jesse Eisenberg
Runtime242 minutes
WritersZack Snyder , Chris Terrio , Will Beall

WATCH ON MAX

6‘Immortals’ (2011)

Directed by Tarsem Singh

Image via Relativity Media

Henry Cavill’s first major studio film as a lead came with the 2011 epic fantasy action film Immortals. Directed by Tarsem Singh (Mirror Mirror), the film is a reinterpretation of the myth of Theseus. Cavill stars as the legendary Greek hero who must lead an army against the despotic King Hyperion, played by Oscar-nominee Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler).

Like Singh’s other movies, Immortals is stylish and visually stunning. The director cares as much about each line of dialog as he does each clothing fabric and the way they move across the screen. Cavill is at his heroic best here, playing an inexperienced, hot-headed, yet well-meaning warrior that anchors the entire story. Immortals is occasionally silly, but it’s the type of silliness that is enjoyable and entertaining. The film doesn’t demand much from its audience and delivers far more than anyone could expect; it’s perfect for multiple rewatches and a great reminder of Cavill’s leading man potential.

Immortals

R
Action
Documentary
Drama
Fantasy

Release DateNovember 10, 2011
CastHenry Cavill , Mickey Rourke , Stephen Dorff , Freida Pinto , Luke Evans , John Hurt
Runtime110
WritersCharley Parlapanides , Vlas Parlapanides

WATCH ON MAX

5‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Directed by Zack Snyder

Image via Warner Bros.

In the eyes of many, Henry Cavill will always be Superman. The actor made his debut as the Last Son of Krypton in 2013’s Man of Steel, the film that effectively launched the DCEU and launched a new age for the superhero genre. Cavill stars as a young Clark Kent discovering the true extent of his abilities and assuming the mantle of Superman.

As a standalone picture detached from all the mess and drama that would haunt the DCEU in later years, Man of Steel largely succeeds. The story is engaging, and the tone fits the overall attempt. Cavill looks and acts the part of a young and confused Superman, and the film’s grittier approach is a refreshing change of pace considering the overly cheerful and pulpy films in the character’s past. Man of Steel was a game-changer for DC, and it’s all because of Cavill’s lead performance. It’s sad to think of what could’ve been, but the seeds for a great arc were sowed in Man of Steel; it’s a shame Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice failed to make them work.

Man of Steel

PG-13
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Sci-Fi

Release DateJune 12, 2013
CastHenry Cavill , Amy Adams , Michael Shannon , Diane Lane , Russell Crowe , Antje Traue
Runtime148
WritersDavid S. Goyer , Christopher Nolan , Jerry Siegel , Joe Shuster

WATCH ON MAX

4‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ (2024)

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Image via Lionsgate

Cavill and Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen) reteamed for the 2024 spy action R-rated comedy The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Leading a large ensemble that includes Eiza González (3 Body Problem), Alan Ritchson (Reacher), and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), Cavill stars as Gus March-Phillips, a man recruited by the British government to assemble a ground team and strike German forces behind enemy lines.

Fast-paced, irreverent, and making excellent use of its R-rating, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is pure, extreme, revisionist fun. Ritchie is at his best, balancing a large cast and playing with his usual flair and love for the overt. Cavill finally gets to let loose, playing a suitably wild and unrestrained leading man who perfectly fits in with Ritchie’s world of hilarious chaos. Joined by an excellent ensemble, Cavill delivers what is arguably his most entertaining performance yet in a film that will surely become required watching for his fans.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

R
Comedy
War
History
Adventure

Release DateApril 19, 2024
CastHenry Cavill , Cary Elwes , Alan Ritchson , Eiza Gonzalez
Runtime120 minutes
WritersGuy Ritchie , Paul Tamasy , Eric Johnson , Arash Amel

WATCH IN THEATERS

3‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022)

Directed by Harry Bradbeer

Image via Netflix

Many actors have played Sherlock Holmes; in 2020, Cavill became one of them, stepping into the famous detective’s boots for Netflix’s Enola Holmes. Two years later, he reprised the role in the sequel, Enola Holmes 2. Both films focus on the title character, the youngest Holmes sibling and amateur sleuth played by Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things).

Although Enola is the film’s protagonist, Cavill’s Sherlock is just as integral to the plot. Although he’s there for moral support in the original, the sequel sees him take more of a leading role, introducing his formidable nemesis and giving him plenty of scenes to shine. Cavill more than rises to the challenge, creating a distinct version of Holmes that stands on his own compared to other recent takes on the character. Enola Holmes 2 is a showcase for Cavill’s versatility, mixing the stoicism from his later career with the more carefree charm of the adventure genre, resulting in a delightful performance in an equally entertaining movie.

Enola Holmes 2

PG-13
Mystery
Action
Adventure
family

Release DateNovember 4, 2022
CastMillie Bobby Brown , Henry Cavill , Louis Partridge , David Thewlis , Helena Bonham Carter , Susie Wokoma , Sharon Duncan-Brewster
Runtime129 minutes
WritersJack Thorne

WATCH ON NETFLIX

2‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ (2015)

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Image via Warner Bros.

Cavill and Guy Ritchie first collaborated on the 2015 spy thriller The Man from U.N.C.L.E. A remake of the eponymous 1964 series, the film follows the unlikely partnership of Napoleon Solo, an American thief turned CIA spy, and Illya Kuryakin, a volatile KGB agent.

Stylish to a fault, witty, and unapologetically nostalgic for the swinging ’60s, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is the Cavill franchise that should’ve been. The actor is at his coolest, most confident, and wholly engaging, particularly when sharing the screen with the deliciously wicked Elizabeth Debicki as the film’s villainess. U.N.C.L.E. is pretty much a prolonged testament to Cavill’s devastating charm, and the biggest proof James Bond was the role he was born to play, not Superman. The film allows him to be fun, funny, suave, and enjoyable in a role that never takes itself too seriously—which makes it all the more entertaining.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

PG-13
Action
Adventure
Comedy

Release DateAugust 13, 2015
CastHenry Cavill , Armie Hammer , Alicia Vikander , Elizabeth Debicki , Luca Calvani , Sylvester Groth
Runtime116
WritersGuy Ritchie , Lionel Wigram , Jeff Kleeman , David C. Wilson , Sam Rolfe

RENT ON AMAZON

1‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Image via Paramount Pictures

Some actors have a knack for playing villains; Henry Cavill is one of those. Those looking for proof should seek no further than his performance in the masterful 2018 action thriller Mission: Impossible – Fallout opposite Mr. Tom Cruise (Top Gun Maverick) himself. The film sees Ethan Hunt join forces with August Walker, a brutal CIA operative, to take down a mysterious figure with connections to a foe from Hunt’s past.

Cavill is a beast as Walker, a menacing, calculating, and mighty enemy to Cruise’s infallible Hunt. The actor is at his angriest and most cunning, elevating an already spectacular movie to new heights and giving the Mission: Impossible franchise its best villain yet. Despite the many high-profile roles and big-name franchises, no film in Cavill’s filmography is more entertaining or rewatchable than Fallout, an expertly crafted, thrilling, and riveting action masterclass unlike any other.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout

PG-13
Action
Adventure
Thriller

Release DateJuly 27, 2018
CastTom Cruise , Henry Cavill , Ving Rhames , Simon Pegg , Rebecca Ferguson
Runtime147 minutes
WritersBruce Geller , Christopher McQuarrie

WATCH ON PARAMOUNT+