Rotten Tomatoes Picks the 5 Best Nicholas Hoult Films as He Takes on Lex Luthor in the New "Superman"

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Nicholas Hoult recently stepped into the role of Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor in the new "Superman" (2025), and audiences are already discussing how convincing his supervillain turned out to be.

But critics remind us: Hoult's career has long been about more than just blockbusters. Rotten Tomatoes compiled a top-5 list of the actor's highest-rated films — from "Mad Max: Fury Road" to the drama "The Favourite." And the list proves one thing: Hoult doesn't do throwaway roles.
Actor Nicholas Hoult bald and in a classic black suit
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in "Superman" (2025)
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Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Max is forced to team up with rebels to escape the tyranny of Immortan Joe.
Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer
In this film, played Nux — a young warrior who starts as a fanatical servant to the enemy, then makes a pivotal choice. For the actor, this became one of his most visually memorable roles in a major blockbuster.

The Favourite (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

18th century England. At the court of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), intrigue runs wild as two favorites battle for influence.
The Favourite Trailer
Hoult played 1st Earl of Oxford Robert Harley, who tries to turn power in his favor. The film cemented Hoult's reputation as an actor equally convincing in historical drama and satirical comedy.

About a Boy (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Will Freeman (Hugh Grant) lives carefree until twelve-year-old Marcus — played by young Nicholas Hoult — enters his life. Their strange friendship becomes a real coming-of-age lesson.
About a Boy Trailer
For Hoult, this role was his breakthrough: after "About a Boy," he stopped being just a "child actor" and made his mark for real.

Juror #2 (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Hoult's character is Justin Kemp, an ordinary man selected as a juror for a murder trial. But the deeper he digs into the case details, the harder it becomes to handle the moral dilemma.
Juror #2 Trailer
This film shows Hoult as a mature actor who can carry dramatic tension without unnecessary theatrics.

The Order (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

1980s America. A radical group is operating, and Hoult plays their leader Robert Mathews. His character is brutal, charismatic, and frighteningly realistic.
The Order Trailer
The film earned high marks for its solid plot and compelling intensity, while Hoult proved he can convincingly play both likeable heroes and monsters in human form.

Today Nicholas Hoult is known as the new Lex Luthor, but his best work goes way beyond playing a comic book villain. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered the five best films of 2025 according to Rotten Tomatoes — and why they're worth watching.