Henry Cavill is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating stars, with a diverse filmography. He may have secured a spot as a global pop culture icon; his major cinematic projects are notorious for splitting opinions right down the middle.
Whether he is donning Superman’s cape or playing a suave spy, Cavill has consistently divided critics with his film choices. So, here is a look at Cavil’s most popular movies, ranked by how sharply they have divided critics, while we also reflect on why fans continue to shower love on those same polarizing projects.
10. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Henry Cavill as August Walker | Credits: Paramount
Henry Cavill may not be the star of Mission: Impossible – Fallout, but he nearly steals the scene every time he comes on screen. Starring as CIA assassin August Walker, he delivers one of the franchise’s most compelling antagonists, especially with his iconic mustache and bathroom fight scene.
Compared to his other films, it is widely praised for its breakneck pacing and stunt work. Cavill’s performance is also widely praised by critics, and it was refreshing to see him play a calculating antagonist who could genuinely go head-to-head with Tom Cruise.
9. Enola Holmes 2 (2022)
Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes 2 | Credits: Netflix
Although Millie Bobby Brown remains the franchise’s heart and soul, Henry Cavill as Sherlock manages to capture attention every now and then. Cavill had a bigger role in the sequel, and critics generally appreciated the film’s tone and mystery setup.
While some thought its narrative structure was slightly bloated, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Cavill’s brotherly and protective chemistry with Brown was also appreciated, with some even going so far as to claim that it is one of the most charming performances of his career. Now that a third film is on the way, fans hope they could get a standalone Sherlock film as well sometime in the future.
8. Enola Holmes (2020)
Enola Holmes | Credits: Netflix
The original Enola Holmes continues to remain a favorite of many. It introduced Henry Cavill as the great fictional detective, but in a whole new light. Although longtime Sherlock fans did not get swayed by the legendary detective being portrayed as gentle and soft, critics embraced the film.
While Millie Bobby Brown’s breakout performance was praised, Cavill too made his mark by creating his own version of Sherlock, who was warm, emotionally intelligent, and quietly confident. Looking back, his character not being molded after previous portrayals by Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr. only complemented the film.
7. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice | Credits: Warner Bros.
Now this is a film that even divided longtime fans, and of course, it did divide critics as well. Critics have pointed out and scrutinized its bleak tone, crowded narrative, ambitious storytelling, and darker nature. While Henry Cavill’s Superman did earn praise, the film continues to fiercely split both fans and critics alike.
In hindsight, the film feels more like a badly conducted opera in which Superman is often sidelined. The pacing is messy, but Cavill’s portrayal of a Clark Kent struggling under impossible expectations is praiseworthy. It may have aged somewhat better, but it remains one of the most flawed, yet ambitious, comic book films of that era.
6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Zack Snyder’s Justice League | Credits: Warner Bros.
While the original Justice League was unanimously declared by critics as one of the worst Henry Cavill films of all time, this version sort of became a cultural phenomenon unlike any other superhero film. Released after years of fan campaigning, critics have responded more positively than they did with the theatrical cut.
Yet, the film had its own faults that many pointed out. Starting from its four-hour runtime, it feels a bit operatic and more like a self-indulgent exercise in excess. But seeing Cavill’s Superman return and portray a fully realized version of the character was loved by many. Regardless, critics may not have loved it the most, but they will agree it gave Cavill’s Superman an emotional sendoff he deserved.
5. Argylle (2024)
Credits: Universal Pictures
Credits: Universal Pictures
Credits: Universal Pictures
Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle arrived with enormous expectations, but it quickly became one of the worst films of 2024. Critics were sharply divided over its increasingly outrageous twists, tonal shifts, and self-aware humor.
What is ironic is that despite leading much of the marketing campaign, Cavill’s role is far smaller than many audiences initially expected. While a small group defended it as a delightfully absurd mess, it remains polarizing to this day. Nonetheless, it was hilarious to see Cavill as the larger-than-life spy.
4. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare | Credits: Amazon MGM Studios
Guy Ritchie’s action-comedy was supposed to be a major blockbuster from the way it was being advertised. But unfortunately, it ended up falling rather flat. While some critics did praise its energetic style and chemistry, others criticized its loose historical approach.
Moreover, several critics pointed out that the film prioritized slick aesthetics over genuine dramatic stakes, making the Nazi-killing missions feel a bit too consequence-free. Cavill did shine as Gus March-Phillipps, and it was nice to see him giving a charismatic performance rather than a straight-laced hero.
3. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Henry Cavill in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | Credits: Warner Bros.
Despite underperforming at the box office, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has steadily grown into one of Henry Cavill’s most beloved films. Yet, critics have remained divided, questioning its pacing and narrative.
They argue that the film had potential, but the way the story plays out with uneven action and lack of narrative cohesion makes it an unremarkable entry. Despite lacking depth, Cavill’s suave Napoleon Solo is one of the most magnetic roles he has played in his career.
2. Man of Steel (2013)
Man of Steel | Credits: Warner Bros.
No Henry Cavill movie has generated more passionate debate than Man of Steel. Critics questioned its darker interpretation of Superman and explosive third act, while fans, on the other hand, have continued to defend it as one of the boldest superhero origin stories ever made.
There are also critics who praised the film but disliked it as a Superman origin story. Personally, Man of Steel remains his most defining performance. Regardless of opinions about Zack Snyder’s direction, everyone would agree that Henry Cavill was born to play the Last Son of Krypton.
1. In the Grey (2026)
Credits: Black Bear Pictures
Credits: Black Bear Pictures
Credits: Black Bear Pictures
Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey tops this list as Henry Cavill’s most critically divisive film to date. The action thriller has sparked varying reactions, with some praising its gritty tone, tense action, and Cavill’s commanding performance, while others found its pacing and storytelling uneven.
The script relies a bit too heavily on convenient plot devices and its charismatic cast. But at the end, many critics agree it is more of a generic, underpowered exercise chasing its own tail. While the film couldn’t save itself, Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal provide an incredible amount of entertainment value that makes it well worth the ride for fans.
RankMovie TitleCritical Reception LevelRotten Tomatoes Score (as of June 2026)10Mission: Impossible – FalloutNear-Unanimous Praise98% / 89%9Enola Holmes 2Highly Positive93% / 79%8Enola HolmesOverwhelmingly Warm91% / 71%7Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeAggressively Polarizing28% / 63%6Zack Snyder’s Justice LeagueHighly Divided71% / 92%5ArgylleBaffled / Severely Fractured32% / 70%4The Ministry of Ungentlemanly WarfareModerate Style Split68% / 91%3The Man from U.N.C.L.E.Cult Reappraisal Split68% / 73%2Man of SteelFoundational / Decade-Long Divide56% / 75%1In the GreyDead-Even 50/50 Split50% / 83%
Well, Henry Cavill’s career has never been defined solely by critical acclaim. Even when his films have divided critics, his performance has usually been appreciated by fans. Which of these films did you think got unnecessary flak from critics? Let us know in the comments below.
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