Jeremy Renner is an American actor whose film career has moved from independent dramas and character-driven thrillers to major Hollywood franchises. He made his feature-film debut in National Lampoon’s Senior Trip in 1995 before building recognition through films such as Dahmer, S.W.A.T., 28 Weeks Later, and The Hurt Locker. His performance in The Hurt Locker earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, while his role in The Town brought another Oscar nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor. Renner later became internationally recognized as Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while continuing to appear in films including The Bourne Legacy, American Hustle, Arrival, and Wind River. His filmography also includes comedy, animation, crime drama, science fiction, westerns, and mystery, demonstrating a broad range beyond blockbuster filmmaking. This complete guide to Jeremy Renner movies by year covers his officially released feature films chronologically, including notable cameos and voice performances where appropriate.
1995 — National Lampoon’s Senior Trip
Jeremy Renner made his feature-film debut in the 1995 teen comedy National Lampoon’s Senior Trip, directed by Kelly Makin. He played Mark “Dags” D’Agastino, one of the students involved in the chaotic senior-class trip. The film follows a group of rebellious high-school students whose journey to Washington, D.C., turns into a series of comic misadventures. Although Renner’s part was an early supporting role, the film represents the starting point of his professional movie career.
1996 — Paper Dragons
In 1996, Renner appeared in Paper Dragons, an action-drama directed by Adolfo Swaya. He played Jack in a story about a small-time criminal who survives an attack by drug dealers and finds himself taken in by a monastery, where he learns kung fu. The film is an early example of Renner working outside mainstream Hollywood productions. Its low-profile release makes it one of the lesser-known entries in Jeremy Renner movies by year, but it remains part of his early feature-film record.
2001 — Fish in a Barrel
Renner returned to feature films in 2001 with Fish in a Barrel, a crime comedy directed by Kent Dalian. He played Remy in the story of six armed criminals trapped inside a New York loft with millions of dollars in stolen diamonds. The movie mixes crime elements with dark comedy and ensemble-driven tension. It was another independent production during the period when Renner was steadily building his acting career.
2002 — Monkey Love
Monkey Love arrived in 2002 as a comedy-romance directed by Mark Stratton. Renner played Dil Stephanowski, one of the two longtime friends whose relationship with college student Amy becomes complicated after she decides to disrupt their longstanding platonic triangle. The film focuses on friendship, romantic confusion, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. It is an early showcase of Renner in a lighter role before his later reputation for intense dramatic performances.
2002 — Dahmer
Also in 2002, Renner delivered the breakthrough performance that brought him major critical attention in Dahmer, directed by David Jacobson. He portrayed serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in a disturbing psychological drama that examines Dahmer’s life and crimes while exploring the character’s troubled inner world. Renner’s performance was widely regarded as the film’s central strength and earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Male Lead. The role became an important turning point in his career and helped lead to more substantial film opportunities.
2003 — S.W.A.T.
In 2003, Renner moved into larger-scale commercial filmmaking with S.W.A.T., directed by Clark Johnson. He played Brian Gamble, a former SWAT officer who becomes involved in a dangerous hostage situation after falling out with his former colleagues. The action crime thriller starred Colin Farrell, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Rodriguez, and LL Cool J. S.W.A.T. was particularly significant because it introduced Renner to a much wider mainstream audience after his years in independent productions.
2004 — The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things
Renner appeared in Asia Argento’s 2004 psychological drama The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things. He played Emerson in the film, which follows a troubled young boy named Jeremiah as he is pulled into an unstable life with his teenage mother. The movie is based on Laura Albert’s controversial novel and features an ensemble including Argento and the young Dylan and Cole Sprouse. It was a challenging independent drama that continued Renner’s preference for complicated, unconventional material.
2005 — A Little Trip to Heaven
A Little Trip to Heaven was released in 2005 and directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur. Renner played Fred alongside Forest Whitaker and Julia Stiles in a psychological thriller centered on a suspicious death and a million-dollar insurance policy. The story combines family tension, mystery, and crime as investigators question the circumstances surrounding the death. The film gave Renner another opportunity to work in a serious ensemble drama with internationally recognized actors.
2005 — North Country
In North Country, Renner played Bobby Sharp, a former colleague and antagonist to Charlize Theron’s character Josey Aimes. Directed by Niki Caro, the 2005 drama was inspired by the real-life sexual-harassment lawsuit involving women working in Minnesota’s iron mines. The film also starred Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sissy Spacek, and Sean Bean. Renner’s supporting performance formed part of the film’s examination of workplace harassment, discrimination, and the personal cost of speaking out.
2005 — 12 and Holding
Renner also appeared in Michael Cuesta’s 12 and Holding in 2005. He played Gus Maitland, a troubled adult figure connected to the film’s young protagonists as they deal with grief, anger, family problems, and adolescence. The drama follows children confronting the aftermath of a tragic death and the difficult realities of growing up. Renner’s performance contributed to the film’s grounded ensemble approach and further established him as a dependable supporting actor.
2005 — Neo Ned
Neo Ned gave Renner one of his most prominent early leading roles. Directed by Van Fischer, the 2005 drama stars Renner as Ned, a young man who joins a white supremacist group before forming an unexpected relationship with Rachael, played by Gabrielle Union. The film uses their relationship to challenge prejudice, extremism, identity, and assumptions about people from different backgrounds. Renner’s performance earned recognition at film festivals and helped strengthen his reputation as an actor willing to tackle difficult material.
2005 — Lords of Dogtown
Renner had an uncredited appearance in Lords of Dogtown, Catherine Hardwicke’s 2005 biographical drama about the legendary Zephyr skateboarding team. He played the manager of skateboarder Jay Adams. The film starred Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk, Heath Ledger, Michael Angarano, and Nikki Reed. Because Renner’s role was uncredited, it is best regarded as a minor supporting appearance rather than a standard starring credit, but it is still part of his feature-film history.
2006 — Love Comes to the Executioner
In 2006, Renner starred as Chick Prigusivac in the dark comedy-drama Love Comes to the Executioner, directed by Kyle Bergersen. The story follows a man who becomes a prison executioner while his brother waits on death row, creating an unusual mixture of romance, family conflict, prison drama, and dark humor. Jonathan Tucker and Ginnifer Goodwin also star in the film. Renner’s performance showed the offbeat dramatic and comedic range that had characterized much of his independent work.
2007 — The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Renner appeared in Andrew Dominik’s 2007 revisionist Western The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. He played Wood Hite, a member of Jesse James’s gang, alongside Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, and Garret Dillahunt. The film explores the final months of the notorious outlaw Jesse James and the complicated relationship between James and Robert Ford. Though Renner’s role is supporting, the film became notable for its atmospheric style, detailed performances, and distinctive treatment of American Western history.
2007 — 28 Weeks Later
Renner took a leading role in the 2007 post-apocalyptic horror thriller 28 Weeks Later, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. He played Sergeant Doyle, a U.S. military officer trying to protect civilians during a new outbreak of the Rage virus in London. The film is a sequel to Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and combines horror, action, and survival drama. It was an important step toward the physically demanding action roles that would later become a major part of Renner’s career.
2007 — Take
In Take, Renner played Saul, a character whose life intersects with a woman coping with the aftermath of a violent crime. The 2007 drama was directed by Charles Oliver and focuses on guilt, grief, revenge, and the possibility of redemption. Renner’s role required a more restrained dramatic performance than his action-oriented work in 28 Weeks Later. The film remained a relatively small independent production but added another serious character piece to his growing filmography.
2008 — The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker became the defining breakthrough of Renner’s early film career. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the 2008 Iraq War thriller stars Renner as Sergeant First Class William James, a bomb-disposal specialist whose fearlessness and obsession with combat put him and his team in constant danger. Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty co-starred, while the film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. Renner received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, cementing his status as a major dramatic performer.
2009 — Ingenious
In 2009, Renner starred in Ingenious, also known as Lightbulb, playing Sam, a struggling inventor whose partnership with his friend becomes a search for a breakthrough product. Directed by Jeff Balsmeyer, the comedy-drama focuses on friendship, entrepreneurship, financial hardship, and persistence. Renner was joined by Dallas Roberts and Ayelet Zurer. The film offered a lighter change of pace after the intensity of The Hurt Locker.
2010 — The Town
Renner delivered another acclaimed performance in Ben Affleck’s 2010 crime drama The Town. He played James “Jem” Coughlin, a volatile and dangerous member of a Boston bank-robbing crew led by Affleck’s Doug MacRay. The film also starred Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, and Chris Cooper. Renner earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making The Town another major milestone in his career.
2011 — Thor
Renner made his first appearance as Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, in Thor. His appearance was an uncredited cameo, as Barton briefly appears during the events surrounding Thor’s arrival on Earth. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the Marvel superhero film stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Hopkins. Although brief, Renner’s appearance established the character before his larger role in The Avengers.
2011 — Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Renner joined the Mission: Impossible franchise in 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, directed by Brad Bird. He played William Brandt, an IMF analyst whose skills and hidden history make him an important member of Ethan Hunt’s team, led by Tom Cruise. The action thriller also featured Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, and Michael Nyqvist. The film marked Renner’s transition into one of Hollywood’s biggest action franchises and expanded his international blockbuster profile.
2012 — The Avengers
Renner returned as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon. The superhero blockbuster brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, and Hawkeye to fight Loki and an invading alien army. Renner’s character spends part of the movie under Loki’s control before regaining his independence and joining the Avengers. The film became a landmark release for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and established Hawkeye as a recurring member of the franchise’s central ensemble.
2012 — The Bourne Legacy
Renner took over the lead role in the Bourne franchise with The Bourne Legacy, directed by Tony Gilroy. He played Aaron Cross, an operative whose survival depends on escaping a government program that is being dismantled. The action thriller also starred Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, and Stacy Keach. Rather than continuing Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne storyline directly, the movie expanded the franchise’s universe with a new protagonist.
2013 — Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Renner starred opposite Gemma Arterton in the 2013 fantasy action film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the movie reimagines the famous fairy-tale siblings as professional witch hunters who travel from town to town fighting supernatural enemies. Renner played the adult Hansel, while Arterton portrayed Gretel. The film combined horror, fantasy, action, and dark comedy and gave Renner another opportunity to headline a large-scale genre production.
2013 — The Immigrant
In James Gray’s period drama The Immigrant, Renner played Orlando the Magician, a charismatic stage performer caught in a complicated relationship involving Marion Cotillard’s character Ewa and Joaquin Phoenix’s Bruno. Released in 2013, the film is set in 1920s New York and explores immigration, exploitation, love, and survival. The movie was praised for its period atmosphere and performances. Renner’s role was substantially different from his action and superhero work of the same period.
2013 — American Hustle
Renner appeared as Mayor Carmine Polito in David O. Russell’s American Hustle. The 2013 crime comedy-drama, inspired by the FBI’s Abscam investigation, featured Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence. Carmine is a well-meaning New Jersey politician whose ambitions become entangled in an elaborate federal sting operation. Renner’s warm, charismatic performance provided an important contrast to the film’s morally compromised central characters.
2014 — Kill the Messenger
Renner starred as investigative journalist Gary Webb in the 2014 biographical crime drama Kill the Messenger, directed by Michael Cuesta. Based on Webb’s reporting and subsequent book, the film follows his investigation into alleged connections between the CIA, the Contra war, and the crack cocaine trade. Renner also served as a producer on the project. The movie was notable for giving him another complex real-world character after his earlier success in serious dramas.
2015 — Avengers: Age of Ultron
Renner returned as Hawkeye in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Joss Whedon’s 2015 sequel to The Avengers. The story sees Earth’s heroes confronting Ultron, an artificial intelligence created from an attempt to build a global defense system. Renner’s Hawkeye receives considerably more character development, including a closer look at his family life and motivations. The film strengthened Hawkeye’s place within the MCU while continuing the franchise’s large-scale superhero storytelling.
2015 — Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Renner reprised William Brandt in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The fifth Mission: Impossible movie follows Ethan Hunt as he confronts the mysterious Syndicate, while Brandt works alongside other IMF agents to support the mission. Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Alec Baldwin also star. Renner’s return reinforced his role as one of the franchise’s principal supporting characters.
2016 — Captain America: Civil War
In 2016, Renner reprised Hawkeye in Captain America: Civil War, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The superhero film divides the Avengers over government oversight, placing Captain America and Iron Man on opposing sides of a political and personal conflict. Hawkeye joins Captain America’s team and participates in the famous airport battle. The movie became a major chapter in the MCU and further connected Renner’s character to the wider Avengers storyline.
2016 — Arrival
Renner played theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly in Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed science-fiction drama Arrival. The film stars Amy Adams as linguist Louise Banks, who is recruited to communicate with mysterious extraterrestrial visitors after alien spacecraft appear around the world. Renner’s Ian works alongside Louise as scientists attempt to understand the visitors’ language and intentions. The thoughtful science-fiction film was praised for its performances, atmosphere, storytelling, and exploration of language and time.
2017 — Wind River
Renner starred as tracker and wildlife officer Cory Lambert in Wind River, a 2017 crime mystery written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. Set on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, the film follows Lambert and FBI agent Jane Banner, played by Elizabeth Olsen, as they investigate the death of a young woman. The film combines murder mystery, western elements, and social drama while examining isolation and violence in an Indigenous community. It became one of Renner’s most respected post-Marvel dramatic performances.
2017 — The House
Renner made a brief cameo as Tommy Papouli in the 2017 comedy The House, directed by Andrew J. Cohen. The movie stars Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler as parents who secretly open an illegal casino to pay for their daughter’s college tuition. Renner’s appearance is a supporting cameo rather than a conventional starring role. It nevertheless belongs in a complete account of Jeremy Renner movies by year because it was an officially released feature-film appearance.
2018 — Tag
In 2018, Renner starred as Jerry Pierce in Tag, a comedy directed by Jeff Tomsic. Inspired by a real group of friends who continued playing the same game of tag for decades, the film follows their attempts to catch the one friend who has never been tagged. Jon Hamm, Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, and Annabelle Wallis also appear. Renner’s Jerry is portrayed as the exceptionally athletic target whose retirement from the game triggers the group’s elaborate final pursuit.
2019 — Arctic Dogs
Renner provided the lead voice of Swifty the Arctic fox in the 2019 animated comedy Arctic Dogs. Directed by Aaron Woodley, the film follows Swifty and a group of Arctic animals as they uncover a villainous plan threatening their home. The voice cast also includes Alec Baldwin, Heidi Klum, John Cleese, James Franco, and Anjelica Huston. The project stands out in Renner’s filmography because it was his first major feature-length animated voice role.
2019 — Avengers: Endgame
Renner returned as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in Avengers: Endgame, the 2019 conclusion to the original Avengers saga. His character initially operates under the identity of Ronin after suffering devastating personal loss caused by Thanos. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film reunites a huge ensemble of Marvel heroes for an attempt to reverse the consequences of Avengers: Infinity War. Endgame became one of the defining superhero films of its era and gave Renner one of Hawkeye’s most dramatic storylines.
2021 — Black Widow
Renner’s connection to Black Widow is a non-standard feature-film appearance. In the 2021 Marvel movie directed by Cate Shortland, he provides an uncredited voice appearance as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, connecting the story to Natasha Romanoff’s history. Scarlett Johansson stars as Natasha, with Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz in major roles. Because Renner’s contribution is a voice and uncredited appearance rather than a conventional on-screen performance, it should not be treated as a standard starring credit.
2021 — Back Home Again
Back Home Again is a short animated film rather than a conventional feature film, and Renner provided the voice of Lieutenant Timber. The project was released in 2021 and is therefore included here as a clearly identified non-standard screen appearance rather than a normal feature-film entry. Its animated format and short-film status distinguish it from the theatrical and streaming features in Renner’s main filmography.
2022 — Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Renner does not have a conventional acting role in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. However, his likeness is used as part of the fictional world of the 2022 mystery film, including references connected to a Jeremy Renner-branded hot sauce. The Rian Johnson-directed sequel stars Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and Kathryn Hahn. Because Renner’s presence is based on his likeness and a fictionalized reference rather than a standard performance, it is best classified as a non-standard feature-film appearance.
2025 — Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery marked Renner’s return to a major feature-film production after his 2023 accident. Directed by Rian Johnson, the third Knives Out mystery stars Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc and features an ensemble cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Renner. Renner plays Dr. Nat Sharp in the mystery surrounding the death of a Catholic priest and a missing inheritance. The film is notable as Renner’s latest released feature-film credit and his first major feature-film production following his recovery.
Conclusion
Jeremy Renner’s movie career spans three decades and an unusually broad range of genres. From early independent films such as Fish in a Barrel, Dahmer, and Neo Ned to acclaimed dramas including The Hurt Locker, The Town, and Wind River, he established himself as a versatile character actor before becoming a major action and franchise star. His portrayal of Hawkeye brought him worldwide recognition through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while films such as The Bourne Legacy, Mission: Impossible, American Hustle, and Arrival expanded his mainstream filmography. His more recent feature work, including Arctic Dogs and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, adds animation and mystery to an already varied career. Taken chronologically, Jeremy Renner movies by year show an actor who has repeatedly moved between independent filmmaking, prestige drama, action cinema, comedy, science fiction, and blockbuster franchises.
