Chris Hemsworth has been a lot of things: the God of Thunder, a race car driver, a cult leader, and for reasons that are still unclear, a dim-witted receptionist (personally, I think it takes nerve to be the not-so-bright character in the room on purpose, and I admire and respect the commitment.)
Even though for years, Hollywood saw Hemsworth as the golden-haired Avenger with his red cape and trusty Mjolnir by his side, he’s constantly proved that he can’t just be defined by one thing, and that he isn’t just Liam Hemsworth’s attractive older brother, but someone with a far more surprising and versatile filmography than most people give him credit for.
His recent release, the sleek heist thriller, Crime 101 sees Hemsworth as a jewel thief chased by a police detective played by Mark Ruffalo. Other than the fact that I’m excited to watch Hemsworth and Ruffalo go head-to-head once again after Thor: Ragnarok, this also seems like the right moment to look at how Hemsworth himself has evolved. Here are 10 of his best films, ranked, and where you can watch them on Disney+, Prime Video, and more!
10. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Coming in at #10 is the dark reimagining of a classic fairytale, Snow White and the Huntsman. Hemsworth plays the hardened titular Huntsman, Eric, who’s tasked with tracking down Snow White, only to become her unlikely protector. Hemsworth’s Huntsman is grieving and gruff, and though he maintains a strong physical presence throughout the film, it’s not a defining showcase of his talent.
I’ll be honest, I actually love filmmakers’ obsession with converting beloved childhood stories into grim, fantasy-heavy versions of themselves (see: Into The Woods or Maleficent); this movie itself is visually quite ambitious, with towering castles and muddy forests, but emotionally and tonally a bit uneven, which is why it’s at the bottom of the list. It isn’t totally unwatchable, per se, it’s just not something I’d personally rewatch unless I had a strong reason to. However, if you’re like me and enjoy broody fantasy movies, the medieval aesthetics Snow White and the Huntsman brings is worth the watch at least once.
9. Ghostbusters (2016)
At #9 on this list (but #1 in my heart) is Ghostbusters. In this supernatural comedy reboot, a team of scientists launch a ghost-catching business. Hemsworth plays Kevin, the attractive, dopey, and supremely unqualified receptionist of our all-girl Ghostbusters team (go them!) For a change, Hemsworth’s physicality isn’t dominating the screen, it’s his incredible humor, sincerity, and improvisation skills that take the forefront (oh, and also his dancing.)
It’s a total departure from his character as the stern, serious huntsman, and people who love workplace or ensemble comedies in the spirit of Bridesmaids, will have a blast. Literally the only reason this film is at the lower end of this ranking is because Hemsworth’s character isn’t fully utilized. He’s completely committed, yet a supporting character, and I keep wondering how much funnier he could have been if his role was expanded. As Kevin, Hemsworth is a natural and is unafraid to get silly with his character, and I wish there was a spinoff for him; now that’s a movie I’m sure would be a fun ride.
8. Spiderhead (2022)
Who knew a bingo card could create so many problems? Set inside a sleek experimental prison, Spiderhead follows inmates who volunteer for emotion-altering drugs trials overseen by a charismatic visionary, Steve Abnesti, played by Hemsworth. Don’t be fooled by his charming smile and cool dance moves though; his character’s calm-ish nature is a front for far more morally questionable intentions than he originally lets on.
The isolated, clinical setting gives a sort of eeriness that looks normal on the surface, but harbors sinister undertones below. Spiderhead flirts with ethical and moral dilemmas, and fans of slightly sinister, murky sci-fi like Ex-Machina will find something intriguing here. While Hemsworth puts his best foot forward (with his acting and dancing), the plot around him feels a bit undercooked as the script doesn’t really dig too deep. But I must say, Hemsworth’s character is a welcome change, and watching him become the villain-adjacent Steve is compelling, proving he can play morally slippery characters as well as he can play our cape-clad Norse God.
7. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
I think the title of the movie says it all. Set in the rundown El Royale hotel in 1969, Bad Times at the El Royale follows a group of strangers whose secrets come to light and unravel over one very tense night. This twisty and stylish thriller emanates a Tarantino-esque energy with its retro soundtrack and morally complicated characters who all bounce off of each other.
Hemsworth plays Billy Lee, an enigmatic cult leader, whose seductive and terrifying personality is infused with the kind of unpredictability that keeps you curious. The obvious downside is his entry, which happens much later than you’d like. His presence is nonetheless electrifying in the final act (and only Hemsworth can make walking through a field of flowers look so good); however, the fact that Hemsworth has more central, character-driven meatier roles, gives this movie its #7 ranking. If you’re drawn to slow-burn ensemble thrillers like Knives Out, Bad Times at the El Royale will likely click, though the latter is much darker and has Hemsworth dancing flawlessly yet again.
6. Extraction (2020)
If you wanted to watch a movie where Hemsworth is in peak-action star mode, then Extraction proved that he doesn’t need a hammer, just adrenaline and stamina. In this gritty action thriller, a black-ops mercenary played by Hemsworth, is hired to rescue a kidnapped teenager. Action junkies and fans of tightly choreographed fight sequences will find a lot to love here.
Sure, the story is kind of familiar, so it doesn’t explore anything unique as such in the action world, but the emotional undercurrent, the setting in Bangladesh, and the now-famous 12-minute one-take action sequence (you know the one!) all make it a worthwhile watch. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted that’ll make you laugh, give Ghostbusters a go, but if you’re just looking for pure adrenaline with minimal detours, then Extraction delivers. It is said to be the first film in the Extraction cinematic universe, and people who appreciated John Wick have another exciting franchise to look forward to (start with the sequel, Extraction 2.)
5. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A group of college friends head to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to discover they’re a part of something far stranger. Sounds like any generic horror movie, correct? Well, right at the middle of the list we have The Cabin in the Woods, a horror-comedy film that gleefully dissects every scary-movie stereotype while still delivering genuine mayhem.
Hemsworth plays the all-American jock Curt, who’s a gorgeous man (hey, those are literally his words, though it might not be that far-fetched.) Hemsworth commits to the archetype in a truly realistic way, without any over-the-top theatrics. The Cabin in the Woods is the more inventive film on this list; it’s razor-sharp in its writing and concept, and that final third act? Both unhinged and smart at the same time. Hemsworth is a part of an ensemble, which means that he doesn’t drive the narrative only by himself; regardless if there’s one movie I had to rewatch, it’d be this one. If meta-horror like Scream, or making fun of horror movies (while being a fan) is your cup of tea, then The Cabin in the Woods deserves to be on your watch list.
4. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Our favorite hammer-wielding Asgardian (with great hair!) is back for his third adventure with Thor: Ragnarok. Anyone who loves offbeat superhero films with cosmic adventures and a personality like Guardians of the Galaxy, will genuinely have a ball with this gem. What I’ve noticed is that all Marvel movies are funny, but Ragnarok is downright hilarious. Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki form the ultimate dynamic duo (with Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk as their plus one).
After the stoic energy from Hemsworth in Snow White and the Huntsman, Ragnarok is a refreshing change, especially if you’re watching them as a double feature. At times, it does feel as though the humor cuts through the emotional stakes, but with the impeccable comedic timing the entire cast brought, I think this is a forgivable offense. Ragnarok is where Thor stopped being “the strongest Avenger” (if you know you know) and became the most entertaining one, but with the same excellent hair (I mean, seriously what conditioner does he use? Or is that just plain divinity?)
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Ah, yes, the penultimate movie in the iconic Avengers franchise that simultaneously made us excited for a new installment and depressed that we were nearing the end: Avengers: Infinity War. Following the events of Black Panther and Ragnarok, Infinity War brought scale, spectacle, and emotional stakes all amidst Earth’s Mightiest Heroes chaos. For many, the Avengers movies were peak Marvel, and it’s mostly thanks to its main characters and crossovers, which obviously includes Thor.
Hemsworth’s performance stands out, because though he carries grief following the loss of a fan favorite (wasn’t the first, won’t be the last), he doesn’t lose the humor that Ragnarok reintroduced, all while still having time to emotionally bond with a talking raccoon. Avengers: Endgame builds on his character arc, leading up to the final battle with Thanos. His entrance in Wakanda during the last act alone is electric (literally), and from personal experience, the theater erupted in cheers. If high-stakes storytelling and large-scale fantasy battles are the way to your heart, then Infinity War is pure cinema.
2. Rush (2013)
Let’s go back a decade with 2013’s Rush. Lovers of character-driven narratives and high-octane sports drama reminiscent of Ford v Ferrari, will find the chronicles of the fierce real-life (albeit a tad dramatized) rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda in Rush satisfying. Though the plot isn’t fully accurate, the film’s tense character interplay is worth giving it a chance.
Hemsworth holds his own and gives a magnetic performance as Hunt, showcasing an incredible range by being vulnerable, cocky, and self-destructive all at the same time, making him human rather than an idolatry figure. This layered vulnerability to his character is something we don’t really get to see in the more adrenaline-powered Extraction. Rush takes the runner-up spot because while amazing, it didn’t reshape his career trajectory the way Furiosa did. Hemsworth has himself said that he’s incredibly proud of this film—and rightfully so, he proves that he can headline prestige cinema just as well as his contemporaries.
1. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Years before the events of Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga traces the rise of Furiosa and introduces Dementus, the volatile warlord with a massive ambition. Fans of Fury Road already know what they’re signing up for, but if you enjoy bold performances and flamboyant red-haired villains, then Furiosa is basically essential viewing.
After being passed on for a role in Fury Road, Hemsworth redeems himself by embodying the erratic Dementus in Furiosa (his name should tell us everything we need to know) and goes beyond the normal antagonist stereotype by bringing a calculating, yet oddly funny nature to his character (“She’s not for sale, she’s mine!”)
A larger-than-life tyrant (with a teddy bear attached to his body), Hemsworth demands space in every scene that he’s in, and hence, this movie is placed at #1. There’s nothing grounded about this film, which is why it may overwhelm viewers if they’re looking for something more subtle (and there’s nothing subtle about Dementus). If you admired Fury Road for its intensity, then Furiosa will feel like a worthy continuation (or in this case, spinoff prequel, I guess!)