Peaky Blinders: Best Thomas Shelby Moments On The Show, Ranked

There are many memorable moments with the Shelby family in the gripping British crime drama series about the Birmingham street gang. But those with the enigmatic Thomas Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, are just another level of heat.

Here are the show's most unforgettable moments with the most prominent member of the Peaky Blinders gang.

6. The Final Battle With Billy Kimber (S1E6)

The Shelbys' confrontation with their main antagonist, Billy Kimber, is one of the show's standout moments. The fierce confrontation on the streets of Birmingham sees the Shelbys at a disadvantage until Freddie Thorne arrives on their side with powerful Lewis machine guns.

Despite trying to prevent violence, Tommy Shelby finally ends the confrontation by killing Kimber with a single shot, providing a gripping and pivotal moment in the series.

5. Thomas And Polly VS. the Nuns (S5E3)

Not even God's servants can escape their destiny when the Shelbys decide to step on their toes. After discovering the mistreatment of orphaned children, Tommy and Aunt Polly confront the abusive nuns and take the children into their care.

When questioned, Tommy asserts their authority, saying, "There is God and there are the Peaky Blinders. We're a lot closer than God." This hard-hitting quote highlights the complexity of Tommy's character and the power he and his family hold.

4. Thomas On A Black Horse (S1E1)

The opening scene of Peaky Blinders is crucial in setting the tone of the show and introducing its main character. It shows Thomas Shelby riding his horse through the streets of Birmingham, causing havoc as people scramble to get out of his way.

As iconic Red Right Hand plays, the scene immediately sets the tone, adding suspense and anticipation from the start.

3. Thomas's Execution (S2E6)

In a pivotal episode of Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelby is captured in an open field by Major Campbell's men and faces execution, expressing vulnerability and reflecting on his near triumphs and his love for Grace.

Just when it seems his end is near, the show delivers a shocking twist as the assassins targeting Tommy get shot, creating an adrenaline-pumping moment that keeps viewers hooked.

2. Grace's Death (S3E2)

The scene of Grace's tragic death is both poignant and visually striking, with Tommy holding her as she dies in his arms, while Arthur and John fiercely confront the assassin in the background.

While Thomas has survived many attempts on his life, this time the realization that Grace took a bullet meant for him became a devastating blow to Thomas, leading to his fearless vengeance, showing no mercy to anyone, not even his childhood teacher. "Well, if she’s a good woman then she’ll go to heaven. Eh, Arthur?"

1. No Fighting (S3E1)

One of the funniest moments in the show occurs at Tommy and Grace's wedding when Tommy gives an impassioned speech about avoiding fights. However, immediately after speaking, he accidentally knocks a waiter down, creating a hilarious and unexpected situation that invites Arthur and others to instinctively join in.