5 Tom Payne movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

Over the years, Tom Payne has proven himself to be an actor who can excel in a variety of genres, with a particular intensity that lends his characters a sharp mind and emotional vulnerability.

A graduate of London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Payne first made his mark on British television before becoming an international star, as at home in prestige dramas on TV as he is in blockbuster franchises.

Although many viewers will immediately recognize him from The Walking Dead, Tom’s filmography is much wider and deeper than that one role suggests. From historical epics to psychological thrillers and sci-fi, here are five movies and TV shows starring Tom Payne that you should definitely watch.

Here is the list of 5 Tom Payne movies and TV shows that you must watch

The Walking Dead (TV Series, 2010–2022)

Role: Paul “Jesus” Rovia

It's only fitting to start this list with Tom Payne's most popular appearance. In The Walking Dead Season 6, Tom Payne is introduced as Paul, who has just woken up from a coma. His portrayal added a layer of intellectual calm to a series often characterized by mayhem and chaos, and Jesus swiftly became a fan favorite. Payne’s portrayal made compassion not a liability but a survival tactic, allowing the character to emerge in a savage post-apocalyptic universe.

Prodigal Son (TV Series 2019-2021)

Role: Malcolm Bright

In this psychological crime thriller, Tom Payne plays one of his most layered characters as Malcolm Bright, a criminal profiler whose father was an infamous serial killer. Malcolm's genius is continually undermined by anxiety, trauma, and the worry that he may have the same darkness as his father.

The show lives on Payne’s talent for transforming in an instant from charm to vulnerability to tightly wound panic. Like Mindhunter or Hannibal, Prodigal Son explores the idea that knowing evil can come at a great personal price.

Waterloo Road (TV Series 2006)

Role: Brett Aspinall

One of Payne’s first television roles, Waterloo Road, was a glimpse of his talent long before he became popular internationally. In this show, he portrayed a mentally screwed-up student, Brett Aspinall. Brett isn't a particularly likable teenager, but is someone who wants to feel happy.

This role stands out because it gave Tom Payne a chance to delve into understated emotional moments and grounded realism.

The Physician (2013)

Role: Rob Cole

Leaving England in the 11th century, a young man named Rob Cole ventures across Europe in pursuit of advanced medical knowledge. He crosses paths with the great Persian physician Avicenna, the fictional representative of the historical figure whom he admires deeply.

This movie combines historical drama, romance, and philosophy, and Payne’s sincere portrayal lends emotional weight to a sweeping, old-fashioned Hollywood adventure.

MindGamers (2015)

Role: Jaxon

In this mind-bending sci-fi thriller film, Payne plays an intelligent scientist participating in a test that enables thoughts to connect and transfer skills instantly. As the technology begins spinning out of control, the show becomes all about the ethical questions and psychological ramifications.

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