With the recent releases of The Amazing Spider-Man franchise. But for many fans, he never went away, despite his sudden resurgence in popularity.
From celebrity-filled blockbusters to indie hits, Garfield's career has spanned a much wider range of characters than the spandex-clad Marvel superhero. While some of these films may have received controversial reviews, some fans stand by them as underrated classics.
Never Let Me Go
In this 2010 dystopian romance, based on the novel of the same name, Andrew Garfield plays Tommy who gets caught in a love triangle with characters Kathy and Ruth, played by Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly respectively. While this film received generally positive reviews, it is often overlooked and often unheard of.
One Reddit , katelynmmm described their experience with the film saying, "I loved this film. It was beautiful, subtle, and soft." They further commented, "It seems that even with 3 popular actors, the movie gained little recognition." This isn't the only case of this happening, with further films on this list and many more falling to this same reception, no matter the quality of the film itself.
Silence
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this 2016 historical drama follows Garfield in the lead role of a Jesuit priest who is searching for his missing mentor. Also starring Adam Driver and Liam Neeson, it is surprising to see that this film flew so far under the radar for most audiences.
Reddit e-sager claimed that "Silence is Martin Scorsese’s most underrated movie by far." Continuing to sing its praises they went on to say "I loved it so much. Andrew Garfield steals the show, Adam Driver as well." Other fans of the film echoed this, many of them confused at why it was so underrated, despite the performances and the story.
Red Riding 1974
The first in a trilogy, the Red Riding series, based on a series of books, first aired on British TV in 2009. For this reason, it isn't too surprising that these films never earned much recognition in the States. Leading the first installment, Garfield plays Eddie Dunford, a reporter who gets in too far over his head when school girls start going missing.
Reddit KR4TOS commented, "Very under rated unfortunately. I would definitely give these a whirl especially if you are into the whole suspense and crime stuff."
Under The Silver Lake
This 2018 black comedy thriller, stars Garfield as a young man searching for his neighbor after their sudden disappearance. Fans of the film described it as if David Lynch had directed The Big Lebowski, with others comparing it to a Hitchcock film.
Reddit they had never seen Andrew Garfield give a performance like it.
Mainstream
Perhaps a controversial choice, this 2020 comedy-drama garnered generally unfavorable reviews. The story focuses on a young wannabe filmmaker Frankie who achieves success after meeting enigmatic Link, played by Garfield. Some fans disagree with the harsh ratings that the film received upon release, arguing that while the film isn't perfect, people were missing the message behind it and it is a more enjoyable watch than people give it credit for.
One Reddit , FreddieQuellIV expressed this saying, "I enjoyed it. not a flawless movie but definitely something that you could rate at least 7 (and IMDB rate is 4!). One of the most underrated movies of the year."
The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
A 2021 biographical drama that, based on a documentary of the same name, follows the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, with Garfield playing the role of Jim Bakker. Another recent film that seemed to have gotten overlooked, the film received middling reviews from critics and only slightly more favorable reviews from audiences.
However, many viewers enjoyed this indie film, calling it underrated. Reddit Atlmama wrote, "It was a great movie! Well written and well acted! I see Academy nomination for both Jessica and Andrew. It brought out a sympathetic side to Tammy Faye."For audiences who enjoy this kind of film, it seems viewers find its snarky humor worth the watch.
99 Homes
Sharing the screen with Michael Shannon, this 2014 drama follows Garfield as a single father who is evicted from his home. Despite receiving generally very favourable reviews from critics and audiences alike, this film still managed to fly under the radar.
Many fans of the film gave it high praise with one Redditor, Garfield in his Spider-Man role that they're shocked at the difference in performance.
Breathe
As the directorial debut of Andy Serkis, this 2017 biographical romantic drama follows the true-life story of Robin Cavendish, played by Garfield, who became paralyzed at the age of 28. Also starring an impressive array of British talent, Garfield acts opposite The Crown's Clair Foy.
The film received mixed but generally favorable reviews upon release, but some fans stood by it for its unique heart and feeling. Reddit macsta commented, "There may never be another movie like Breathe ... combining high production values with a huge heart. ... Few works of art confront the meaning of human life so directly."
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus
As one of Andrew Garfield's earlier acting roles, he stars alongside a celebrity-packed all-star cast in this 2009 fantasy film directed by Terry Gilliam. Heath Ledger initially took on the leading role for the film but upon his death partway through production, an array of other acting talent, including Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell signed on to complete its production. As imagined the film performed well at the box office but received mixed reviews upon release and is often generally forgotten.
However, maybe fondly this film and hold it to a very high standard. On Reddit, allenizabeth commented, "This is the most visually stunning film I've seen in a long long time. mind = blown."
Boy A
Garfield plays Jack who re-enters society after serving 14 years in juvenile prison. This 2007 British drama received a limited release in North America and was only released as a television film in the U.K. but fans stand behind it as a highly underrated film.
Reddit Reptarftw encouraged people to watch the film: "I held that this was the best film I saw in 2008 (when I first saw it), and even two years later, it's one of the best I've seen. Andrew Garfield is simply brilliant in the lead role."
