Coming up with a list that englobes the “best actors of all time” is no easy undertaking. It might be a highly subjective endeavour, in fact, seeing as everyone has their own tastes and requirements to be called the “best.” That said, there have been some great actors who shine just a little bit brighter than your everyday Hollywood celebrity, and that’s a fact. Knowing full well that this list is as subjective as they come, we’ve come up with a listing of the 20 actors who we believe are among the best artists to ever grace the silver screen.
30. James Cagney
Known for his fiery intensity and machine gun-fast line delivery, James Cagney blazed onto the screen in a way few actors have ever matched. Though he started as a song-and-dance man on Broadway, Cagney brought a raw physicality to all his roles in Hollywood.
No matter the part, he attacked it with gusto – like when he shoved a grapefruit into his girlfriend’s face in the gangster classic Public Enemy. That film cemented his fame, showing Cagney could be chilling yet amusing with the same explosive breath. The actor particularly shone when playing unpredictable characters, like the psychotic Cody Jarrett in White Heat.
With a style so ahead of its time, Cagney became synonymous with the fast-talking tough guy. Yet he also revealed stellar comedic chops and dancing abilities alongside the likes of Bob Hope and Doris Day. From the tapping feet to the machine-gun mouth, Cagney brought a blazing kinetic energy that dazzles on screen nine decades later.
29. Henry Fonda
With his cool and collected on-screen presence, Henry Fonda cemented himself as one of the most legendary actors in Hollywood history. Over his five-decade career, Fonda brought nuance and gravitas to every role. Though often typecast as the quintessential American hero, he injected even his most conventional characters with subtle depths.
Just look to his Oscar-winning performance as the reticent farmer Tom Joad in the classic drama The Grapes of Wrath. Fonda also flourished in darker roles, like the heartless outlaw in Sergio Leone’s seminal Spaghetti Western Once Upon a Time in the West.
With one Academy Award and countless iconic films like 12 Angry Men and On Golden Pond, Fonda has certainly earned his place among the best of the best. He’ll always be remembered for that steady, introspective gaze and ability to capture the most poignant of human emotions just beneath the surface.
28. Sean Connery
Sean Connery embodied sophisticated swagger on the silver screen with his smooth Scottish brogue and piercing stare. Though he had small roles early on, Connery shot to international fame as the original James Bond in Dr. No. As 007, he brought magnetic charisma, arching eyebrows, and wry wit to the womanizing superspy.
Yet Connery refused to be typecast, going on to command performances in an array of roles from a Soviet submarine captain in The Hunt for Red October to an ageing Robin Hood in Robin and Marian. The actor revealed a softer side, too, in romance films like Marnie while retaining that sharp, almost mystical sense of authority in every performance.
Finally awarded an Oscar for his tough yet complex role as a street cop in The Untouchables, Connery had evolved into a legend by then. Though he eventually retreated from the limelight, his rich career secured him as one of the most renowned and singular actors to emerge from his era – with a style and magnetism that no one could ever quite replicate.
27. Michael Caine
From the moment he first flickered across screens in the 1950s, Michael Caine radiated an affable charm and quiet confidence that commanded any scene. Starring in over 160 films across seven decades, Caine has proven one of the most ubiquitous actors of his generation.
Early roles established him as a gifted leading man in films like Alfie, while the later years cemented his skills as a consummate character actor. Especially memorable are his collaborations with director Christopher Nolan – Caine’s understated yet moving performances providing the emotional core to cerebral blockbusters like The Dark Knight trilogy and Interstellar.
Now in his 90s, the two-time Oscar winner has gracefully transitioned into grandfatherly and mentor-type roles, his soothing voice and warm persona only growing more distinctive with time. From art house to multiplex sensations, Michael Caine has done it all—building an ever-more glowing Hollywood legacy with that modest, knowing smile each skilful step of the way.
26. James Stewart
An actor who crafted a film persona as the humble everyman next door, James Stewart wooed audiences with his gentle charm and trademark drawl. After honing his craft on Broadway, he found fame embodying the idealistic American hero in films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Yet Stewart also flourished in darker roles that subverted his “aw-shucks” image. He collaborated brilliantly with Alfred Hitchcock on psychological thrillers like Rear Window and Vertigo. The versatile actor even displayed ruthless menace in films like Winchester ’73.
Stewart’s emotional range shone through in It’s a Wonderful Life as his discouraged George Bailey ultimately rediscovers hope. Though he only won a single Best Actor Oscar over his storied career (for The Philadelphia Story), Stewart was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy.
25. Philip Seymour Hoffman
Bursting onto the scene in 1992’s Scent of a Woman, Philip Seymour Hoffman displayed an almost preternatural ability to inhabit complex characters and shine in even the smallest of roles. Though he occasionally made audiences laugh as an endearing sidekick in films like The Big Lebowski, Hoffman revelled in more dramatic parts that allowed him to showcase his extraordinary range.
He played troubled figures wrestling with ambition, addiction, and self-deception in films like Owning Mahowny and Capote, the latter of which earned him the Best Actor Oscar for his uncanny embodiment of Truman Capote.
With an everyman appearance belying his protean talents, the actor elevated every film and stage production in which he appeared before his shocking 2014 death. Though his career was cruelly cut short, Hoffman left an indelible legacy with his fearless commitment to the craft and ability to elicit our laughter, tears, and empathy at every turn.
24. John Wayne
A towering American icon both on and off the screen, John Wayne embodied the stoic grit and bravery of the quintessential cowboy. Emerging as a star during the Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns, Wayne carved out a legendary niche playing the fearless gunslinger, cavalry captain, or rancher who tackles trouble head-on.
With his imposing 6’4 frame, distinct rolling gait, and frank manner of speech, Wayne convincingly brought heroes of the open frontier to life in classic films like Stagecoach, The Searchers, and True Grit – the latter finally earning him an Oscar after over four decades in film. While the Western genre evolved with more morally ambiguous entries, Wayne’s steadfast screen presence ensured the traditional cowboy code he championed never faded from cinema legend. As American as the flag itself, Wayne’s enduring mythos has come to define Hollywood’s concept of courageous, Old West masculinity.
23. Anthony Hopkins
Aided by his laser-focused intensity and formidable skill, Anthony Hopkins has crafted a long, revered career playing refined yet often dangerous characters. After years on the British stage, he first captured international attention as the cunning villain Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs – his chilling performance tormenting Jodie Foster and haunting the audience.
Though that role secured his place in cinema history, Hopkins continued showcasing his incredible range in films like Howards End and Dracula alongside his compatriots Emma Thompson and Gary Oldman. Approaching his roles with an almost classical rigour and dedication to detail, Hopkins’s disappearance into any part has become legendary. Even in his later years, his piercing blue eyes and gravitas grab hold of our attention – whether playing tender mentor figures as in The Father – or even as the Norse All-Father himself in Thor.
Knighted for his artistic talents and with artistry only deepening with time, Sir Anthony Hopkins has certainly claimed his territory amongst the pantheon of Hollywood greats.
22. Humphrey Bogart
A man who seemed incapable of leaving his fedora and a pack of cigarettes behind, Humphrey Bogart crafted a singularly iconic persona as the cynical yet honourable antihero. After years of playing gangsters and villains, his breakthrough came as the private eye Sam Spade in 1941’s The Maltese Falcon—his caustic wit and underlying integrity proved irresistible.
That mix of bravado and vulnerability translated beautifully into Bogart’s most legendary role as Rick Blaine in Casablanca. As the nightclub owner nursing heartbreak and rallying his principles, Bogart uttered one immortal line after another. While his persona hardly strayed across diverse genres from noir to romance, Bogart maximized his strengths – using that world-weary stare and pitch-perfect delivery to embody the very essence of 1940s cool.
21. Charlie Chaplin
The Tramp will forever remain one of cinema’s most iconic and endearing creations – brought to life through Charlie Chaplin’s legendary physical comedy. Though the silent film era lacked dialogue, Chaplin’s expressive movements, deadpan facial expressions, and impeccable comedic timing spoke volumes from the first frame.
As the lovable vagrant figure of The Tramp, Chaplin could make audiences laugh uproariously one moment and tug at their heartstrings the next in classics like The Kid and City Lights. Yet Chaplin also exhibited fearless ambition, taking on timely issues, directing, producing, and starring in perhaps his masterpiece—The Great Dictator.
As a parody of Hitler, he delivered an impassioned speech that still rings powerfully today. The actor-filmmaker pushed boundaries his whole career, his style and creative sensibilities, leaving an indelible print on cinema. Nearly a century since his heyday, the subtle virtuosity of Chaplin remains a sheer joy to behold – a founding father of film comedy whose legacy will never lose its universal appeal.
20. Sean Penn
A powerhouse of film artistry, Sean Penn is a versatile actor who will stay stamped in the history books for a long time. This Los Angeles native had his breakthrough in Fast Times at Ridgemont High as a stoner kid. However, he didn’t seem like the sort to elevate his career to what it is today. His open-mindedness is undoubtedly what has given him the drive to succeed so thoroughly as an actor, playing roles that are vulnerable and unconventional from what was once a “bad boy” actor.
The 2000s were a profound time to see Penn on screen, giving us an emotionally gripping performance in 2003’s Mystic River and playing the first openly gay man to be elected into political office in 2008’s Milk. He’s an accomplished individual even outside of acting, but his accolades still stand tall, with 2 Oscar wins and five nominations in his career. As one of the greatest actors of all time, Sean Penn has definitely earned his place on this list.
19. Tom Cruise
If there’s a face for the phrase “movie star”, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone other than Tom Cruise to take the crown. Without playing up his importance in interviews or press runs off-screen, Cruise is able to draw audiences into his roles simply thanks to his consistency.
Once people are aware of a new Tom Cruise flick in the works, everyone is sure that he has some mind-blowing scenes to display on-screen. As a total and undiluted figure, he treads some paths few men would even dare to attempt in life-or-death scenarios. While it is flashy to highlight the stunts, Cruise has shown that he has the range to bring passion onto the screen, as evidenced by his performance in films like Rain Man.
So far, he has shown no signs of slowing down, displaying a true love for the craft. Tom Cruise may lack any Oscar nods, but he doesn’t need them to show the biggest critics how it’s done.
18. Paul Newman
An icon in film history, Paul Newman is an unforgettable figure thanks to his illustrious career and passion for self-expression. Whether it was his racing career, political activism or anti-hero roles in movies, we could always witness and appreciate his individuality on display. A highlight of his fame is also worth attributing to his ever-so-popular piercing blue eyes. With a no-nonsense attitude, he had fans swooning over him and the bad boy brand he exemplified.
In his film roles, Newman was an impressive figure to watch. He showcased his talent and artistry as a student of the Stanislavski method of acting, which brought a lot of realism into his roles. His characters’ natural mannerisms, combined with his charismatic charm, made them feel more impressionable. In his successful career, Newman earned one Oscar win, 10 Nominations, and multiple Golden Globes.
17. Robin Williams
An actor with a cinematic legacy that has warmed the hearts of millions, Robin Williams is a massive influence on many millennials today, providing performances that have connected with the core of his audiences.
His Academy Award-winning role in Good Will Hunting is an example of what made this actor so special. Performing with a delivery that pierces the heart like a dagger, he’s one who is willing to show vulnerability in a way that encourages dialogue. Films like Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam, and The Fisher King are among some of the finest pieces of film a camera has ever seen.
While he’s gone now, his legacy stands tall. Williams earned 4 Oscar Nominations along with a well-deserved win for Good Will Hunting.
16. Robert De Niro
No actor manages to find a way to complement a good script like De Niro. His filmography has been stellar since the 1970s, showing viewers that an actor can be on top of their game for however long they choose. Although the modern trajectory of films hasn’t done any favours for his career, his amazing run during the peak of gangster movies and underdog vs the world stories will never go unforgotten.
He’s given us a wide spectrum of performances, including a funny and gripping presence in The King of Comedy. His dedication to a role is uncontested, with films like Raging Bull displaying his willingness to make physical changes for a character. Even the fine details don’t go unnoticed with Robert DeNiro, who considers even little things like mannerisms when holding ketchup.
Some of his best films include The Deer Hunter, American Hustle, Taxi Driver, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Goodfellas, The Godfather II, and Heat. So far, he has earned 2 Academy Awards along with eight nominations. Like other actors on this list, his total award and nomination count is impressively diverse and indicative of his talent.
15. Christian Bale
In the current climate of filmmaking, an actor like Christian Bale seems like a dying breed. As one of the few masters of the craft, it’s important to give him his flowers.
Bale has had an air of magnificence ever since his start as a child actor back in the 1980s. However, his true statements of permanence in the film were present in his roles from the 2000s with a maniacal perfectionist in American Psycho, as well as his eerie uncertainty in The Machinist. He also went on to embrace commercial success with the philosophically gripping take on Batman in a magnificent trilogy.
In addition to these roles, Bale has also solidified his range by proving himself to be among the best method actors, doing what it takes to perform in multiple films such as American Hustle and Vice. He has many accolades and awards, including an Academy Awards win and 4 Nominations.
14. Dustin Hoffman
An actor who manages to sink so deeply into his roles that you forget the actor and remember the characters. Dustin Hoffman is a true artist with his convincing yet smooth embodiment of his characters.
His breakout role in The Graduate elevated him to new heights in his career, making him a household name. The film was eventually inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry, a great honour for any actor to behold. The Kramer vs. Kramer actor has produced some of the most iconic performances of the 80s and 90s, such as his role in Rain Man, where one might be mistaken to believe that the actor in the main role actually had the condition being portrayed. Some of his best films include Midnight Cowboy, Tootsie, Hook, Marathon Man, and Runaway Jury.
A natural gift for central roles, Hoffman never fails to put a smile on an audience’s face in his comedic performances. Likewise, he embodies the tumultuous range of emotions felt in dramatic performances. In his illustrious career, Hoffman has earned two Academy Awards, seven nominations, and multiple accolades.
13. Denzel Washington
One of the most accomplished actors in Hollywood, Denzel Washington, is the epitome of smoothness when it comes to delivery. With a dominant screen presence, he’s the one you’re always watching out for, even when he’s in a supporting role.
Over time, Denzel has gathered a nice list of classic roles that enrich his film catalogue in ways that are rare to see over the course of decades. Training Day, Malcolm X, The Hurricane, Equalizer, Macbeth… The list goes on with a definitive favourite from the New York actor.
His critical acclaim is well deserved, with two Oscars earned and ten nominations. Commercially, he’s also one of the most praised actors among fans across social media and film discussions. There’s no doubt that Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of all time.
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12. Tom Hanks
An actor who embodies America’s warmest virtues, Tom Hanks, is a movie star who manages to avoid the braggadocio air of entitlement Hollywood stars seem to embrace. His film performances have been nothing short of heartfelt, regardless of the genre. A testament to how an actor usually brings a little bit of themselves into a performance without deviating from a character’s core elements.
Pulling off the role of the main character in Saving Private Ryan, Philadelphia, and Forrest Gump is something a casting team would probably need two very different actors to play. Still, Hanks has enough finesse and charisma to mould himself into a character. Earning his place as one of the most phenomenal actors of his generation, Hanks is a two-time Oscar winner with no signs of slowing down in his performances. He recently tried out a more antagonistic supporting role in the Elvis biopic.
11. Daniel Day-Lewis
Perhaps the best example of a method actor is Daniel Day-Lewis, a name that is synonymous with passion in a film performance. Whether it is a biopic or a Scorsese gangster flick, this English actor has the tools in his arsenal to embody a character.
Day-Lewis’ career originally began with theatre, where he performed in multiple stage plays prior to his arrival in Hollywood. Typically choosing roles based on passion and not commission, he doesn’t boast an extensive list of projects compared to some other actors presented here. Still, he has a reputation for the fine details invested in every performance. On one occasion, the actor contracted Pneumonia for refusing to wear a coat or receive medical treatment while filming Gangs of New York. He cited that this behaviour was accurate for the time period. Talk about dedication!
His accolades include 3 Academy Awards with six nominations, four BAFTA Awards with six nominations and a slew of other reputable awards across the industry.
10. Brad Pitt
Believe it or not, it’s actually easier to choose who’s going to take the first spot on this list than who’s going to be on the 10th spot. Brad Pitt might be one of the most recognizable actors of the 21st century, and his impressive filmography and charming good looks might be the main reason for his worldwide popularity.
More than just a renowned actor, Pitt was known as a pop culture icon during the peak of his popularity. His “Brangelina” days made him the de facto face of Hollywood stardom. Nowadays, he seems to be a bit more laidback with his acting, but that doesn’t mean that he’s stopped starring in great films like Moneyball and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
It’s hard to deny that Brad Pitt is one of the best actors of all time.
9. Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford redefined what it meant to be cool back in the 80s, and he hasn’t stopped being cool ever since. Starring in legendary franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, the image of Ford as a rogue who plays by his own rules is engraved in the minds of everyone who grew up during the 80s and 90s.
Besides his more mainstream roles, Ford has also starred in some great thrillers, like the 1993 classic The Fugitive. He also had the lead role in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049. With a fifth Indiana Jones movie coming to theatres soon, Ford simply shows no signs of ever slowing down.
8. Russell Crowe
Even though we don’t see Russell Crowe in mainstream films as frequently these days, it’s hard to understate how successful the Kiwi actor truly was. Perhaps the role that defines his career is that of Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 historical drama Gladiator.
Crowe’s acting in Gladiator is simply perfect – a fact that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognised with an Oscar in 2001. Recently, Crowe has been taking his career in a new direction, mostly playing the bad guy in some indie films.
7. Joaquin Phoenix
Few actors can play a broken man with the raw emotion that Joaquin Phoenix instils into every character he’s ever played. He shared the screen with Russell Crowe in Gladiator, playing the narcissist tyrant, Commodus.
Despite his long list of outstanding drama roles, the moment that truly made Phoenix’s career shine happened just a few years ago when he starred as the Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips’ Joker. He might forever be remembered as a charismatic villain, but one of his best performances comes from a simple love story between a man and his cellphone in 2013’s Her.
Joaquin Phoenix is definitely recognised as one of the best actors of all time.
6. Clint Eastwood
When it comes to working in the film industry, some actors have tried it all, from standing in front of the cameras to moving behind them and directing their own feature films. Clint Eastwood is a man who has done both – and also redefined the face of the American cowboy for generations to come.
Starring in such legendary Western films as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and For a Fistful of Dollars, Eastwood has also directed some spectacularly touching drama films. 2004’s Million Dollar Baby might be his magnum opus, and even now, at 91 years old, Eastwood is still directing and starring in films like Cry Macho.
5. Morgan Freeman
There’s hardly anyone in the entertainment business with a voice as soothing as Morgan Freeman. Known primarily for his collaborations with Christopher Nolan, Freeman has become a drama icon thanks to his impressive skills and the sheer emotion he manages to communicate through his acting.
Some of his best films are Seven, the Nolan Batman trilogy, and the absolute classic that is The Shawshank Redemption. He also played everyone’s favourite version of God in the Bruce Almighty duology.
4. Jack Nicholson
One of the most recognizable personalities in Hollywood, Jack Nicholson has some of cinema’s most iconic performances under his belt. It would be hard to pick a single role to call his best, but if we had to choose some of our favourite Nicholson movies, we’d probably pick One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, A Few Good Men, The Shining, and, of course, his version of the Joker in 1989’s Batman.
Here’s a fun fact: It’s well known that Stephen King wasn’t as huge of a fan of Nicholson as Jack Torrance in The Shining, but did you know why? The reason is that King believed that the audience would immediately know that Nicholson’s character was going to go wild at some point in the film due to his already menacing looks.
3. Al Pacino
Al Pacino’s name became synonymous with some of Hollywood’s most popular crime films of all time. This is an actor that makes being bad look good – from The Godfather to Scarface, Pacino has proved his mettle as an amazing character actor time and time again.
Even if he has recently appeared in some… questionable roles (like his cameo in Jack and Jill), the fact remains that Pacino’s career is one of the most prolific in cinema history. His starring role as Michael Corleone in The GodfatherPart II rivals in quality with the work of Marlon Brando – a feat that not many actors can presume of.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
Starting in the movie business at a young age is rarely kind to child actors. Still, some of them, like Leonardo DiCaprio, end up reshaping the entire entertainment industry for the better. Not only is DiCaprio an incredible actor, but he’s also an immensely altruistic fellow, helping the environment and those in need with his philanthropic organizations.
In 2015, thanks to The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio finally managed what some thought was impossible: he finally won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, an accolade he had been pursuing for quite some time.
1. Marlon Brando
Many consider Marlon Brando one of the best actors of all time. His imposing presence commanded respect and admiration from his peers, even in the later years of his career. His role as Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather pretty much shaped the entirety of the Italian mob genre.
Besides The Godfather, Brando also starred in Apocalypse Now, comedies like The Teahouse of the August Moon, and as a true 50s rebel in The Wild One and A Streetcar Named Desire. Even at his worst, Brando still managed to be absolutely enjoyable, as if he were in the fever dream of The Island of Dr. Moreau.
What do you think? Who are the best actors of all time? Here is a list of actors who have appeared in the most movies.
A list of the best actors of all time without Boris Karloff, John Wayne, Sean Connery and Johnny Depp is not a good list.
Total bunkum! Any list of greatest actors without Humphrey Bogart at or neat the top is a total waste of time!
Say what you will, but there are few actors who are as much fun to watch as John Travolta. Leonardo DiCaprio should be higher on the list, as should Joaquin Phoenix. Brad Pitt is good, but not great.
Jack Nicholson should be number 1
1. Marlon Brando, 2. Jack Nicholson, 3. Viggo Mortensen, 4. Meryl Streep, 5. Robert de Niro, 6. Al Pacino, 7. Dénzel Washington, 8. Paul Newman. 9. Gary Oldman, 10. Robert Duval
Colin Firth, Montgomery Clift
Willem Dafoe anyone?
There are too many to even make a list as it would be in triple digits if not bigger.
CLARK GABLE
James Stewart
James Stewart, Charleston Heston, Gregory Peck, and a few others were the greatest!
theres no way. MARLON BRANDO is the best actor h ow is he not
Nope…. Bogart.
JOHNNY DEPP NEED I SAY SOMETHING MORE
I have one name and one name only Sean Connery
Lol no Johnny Depp, what a list
Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins.
No mention of Spencer Tracey, Errol Flynn, Gregory Peck, Rock Hudson, John Malkovich, Jimmy Cagney, Henry Fonda, Peter Fonda, Peter Finch, John Arquette, James Dean, John Wayne, Robert Duval and let’s not forget Morgan Freeman!
Morgan freeman was included, but I would rank him higher
Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas, Robert Redford, Henry Fonda, Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Cary Grant, Keifer Sutherland, Leonardo DiCaprio. And we can’t leave John Wayne off the list. I mean, he’s an icon.
John Wayne???
You can’t be serious, he may be iconic but in no way he was near great acting.
John Wayne just portrayed in all his movies just “John Wayne”
Why aren’t any women on this list? Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver, and Jodie Foster are a few that come to mind.
its actor,it did not say actress
I think you’ll find both sexes referred to as ‘actors’ these days.
Not at the Oscars
Robert Redford, Hugh Jackman, Sean Connery, Jeff Bridges, George Clooney.
Russell Crowe is too high on the list. He not known for many roles and didn’t secure too many awards. Meryl Streep should have been on the list ad well as Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Tom Cruise should have been higher on the list. Certainly not #19.
the actors shooudnt be. numbered . Give their era but not their #. They are great in differing ways to different people for varying reaskns.
All the actors mentioned are great actor. It’s not fair to qualify who is number one. All of them are good. Why Anthony Hopkins is not on the list. There are so many we not mention. There are some scene in certain movie that is so magical. Al Pacino, De Niro
Lawrence Olivier!!!
Thank you for adding this gentleman.
This list has the right names no doubt but the numbers next to those names is so wrong. It should look like this.
1. Daniel Day Lewis
2. Al Pacino
3. Robert De Niro
4. Marlon Brando
5. Leonardo Dicaprio
6. Denzal Washington
7. Christian Bale
8. Joaquin Phoenix
9. Christopher Waltz
10. Jack Nicholson
FACTS!!! LEONARDO DICAPRIO IS NOT 2ND
Thank you for the Gary Oldman addition. This is a hopelessly flawed list and anyone who knows anything about anything is aware that DDL is top 5 not 11th. Actors are any gender yet there’s no women considered. SMFH!!!
FACTS! THERE IS NO WAY LEONARDO DICAPRIO IS 2ND!!! AND THE NAMES ARE SO OUT OF ORDER!
hay morgan freeman is beter
Wheres
HumPhrey Bogart
Kirk Douglas was my favorite and a great actor
Sidney Poitier, Gene Hackman, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Howard Rollins, Lawrence Olivier, Anthony Quinn, Spencer Tracy, John Barrymore, Phillp Seymour Hoffman, Ernest Borgnine, as well as many other actors are deserving of being on this exclusive list.
The top 6 best actors are:
Arnold shwarcnegger
Al pachino
Leonardo di caprio
Tom hanks
Jack nicholson
Ryan Reynolds.
Very few actors have or had as much ‘on screen presence’ as Gregory Peck. No matter which role he played you were in some way ‘into’ the film. ‘Mocking Bird,’ will never be played with as much natural ‘panache’ as did Peck. Another actor who for some reason never seemed to get as much top billing as he should have done was, Robert Duvall: George C Scott another screen riveter. And one of the best actors perse was an Englishman, and a truly fine man also…..Richard Attenborough! I really could go on with more, but space is limited, but these actors mirror my age that being 79, but really great actors.
Gary Olman is the best actor of all time! He doesn’t receive the credit he deserves!!
? Oldman Absolutely!!
Arnold come on!,
Tom Hiddleston, Javier Bardem, Timothee Chalamet
and Charles Dance
Bro what about Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Michael Caine, and that guy from Django Unchained who won an Oscar, Ryan Reynolds, Tim Roth, Dennis Quaid, Mel Gibson, Nicolas Cage, Don Knotts, Roddy McDowell, Charlie Chaplin, My favorite actors growing up Martin Sheen, Charleton Heston, John Wayne, Curt or Kirk Douglas, Gene somebody- Willie Wonka guy with the red hair deserve to be on a list like this somewhere.
Gene wilder is who you’re thinking. Good actor but he’s more known for comedies.
This is the stupidest list. No wonder nobody would put their name on it.
How can someone forget Edward Norton
Yes, Edward Norton & Gary Oldman would also be on my list!
What the f**k is wrong with this writer.
Why is Gary Oldman not on this list!!!??
Exactly and where is Philip Seymour Hoffman. Joke
I am deeply surprised, I am aware this was based upon subjective opinions, that legendary iconic actor Cary Grant was not mentioned
This was the only comment I was searching for. All of these lists are trash if they do not include Gary Oldman. That man is hands down one of the greatest actors of all times and ranks #1 on my list.
Gary Oldman is an amazing actor to watch.
Spencer Tracy WAS a good actor. Paul Newman (bravo) was the best!!!!
Spenser Tracey and Tom Hanks are the only two actors to ever receive back to back Oscars.
Humphrey Bogart was one of the best actors on the screen Brando was good also. Paul Newman, Anthony Hopkins, Leonardo DeCaprio, To name a few
Robert Shaw
Roy Scheider
Richard Dreyfus
Sigourney Weaver
Emily Blunt
Paul Newman
The guy who played Goldhat in Treasure of the Sierra Madre
You thinking of Walter Houston?
Others: Anthony Hopkins, Bryan Cranston, Robert Redford, Rudolf Valentino, Gregory Peck, John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, James Dean, Anthony Quinn, Benicio del Toro, Cary Grant
James Dean was a terrible actor imo…
This Horrible list shows that there were only two great actors during the Golden Age of Hollywood Paul Newman and Marlon Brando……You can forget about the likes of Spencer Tracy , Lawrence Olivia , John Barrymore , Paul Muni , Jack Lemmon , Charles Laughton etc etc etc.
Well, and…Gene Hackman ?