20 Best Actors of All Time

Through unforgettable performances, some actors have established themselves as the greatest of all time. After more than a century of cinematic history, there have been countless actors and actresses who have enjoyed their fair share of the spotlight. A long list of industry stars past and present, ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Clint Eastwood, have achieved reputations as movie legends.

The diverse list of movie genres lends itself well to the massive pool of movie stars audiences have followed over the years. Some have developed a mastery over a certain medium, with actors like John Wayne and James Cagney becoming synonymous with Westerns and gangster films respectively. Others have tried to show their versatility by appearing in all sorts of different films. In one way or another, many actors have made enough contributions to movie history to earn their place among the best.

20

Cate Blanchett

Notable movies: The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Flyer, Elizabeth

One of the most impressive things about Cate Blanchett’s career is how much she has achieved in such a short time. Despite being active since 1990, the 55-year-old actress can be considered one of Hollywood’s best, and not only in the current era. Her breakthrough performance was the role of Elizabeth I in the 1999 biopic, Elizabeth. Less than a decade later, Blanchett set a noteworthy record that continues to hold by reprising the role in Elizabeth: The Golden Rule.

Not only did her portrayal of Elizabeth earn her an Oscar nomination, but her second turn as the Queen of England managed the same. until today, Blanchett was nominated for eight Oscars and won twice For roles that show her incredible range and willingness to take on intimidating roles. This includes starring as another Hollywood legend, Katharine Hepburn, in Martin Scorsese The planeBringing complexity to the role of an abuser in Notes on a scandalAnd playing a version of Bob Dylan in I’m not there.

19

Christian Bal

Notable movies: The Dark Knight, American Psycho, Vice

In the 2000s, Christian Bale was a rising name in Hollywood due to his growing status at the time as an action star, as well as for American Psycho. Playing Batman has a lot for his image, but it is important to note that Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy was more than just a lot of superhero-themed action vehicles; With Bale’s performance, the three films succeed in providing a nuanced look at what makes the Caped Crusader tick.

Since then, Bale’s profile has grown beyond Batman, with the actor garnering critical acclaim for movies outside the action genre. Part of this was due to his screen performances, but a large part of it also comes from the extreme effort he puts into becoming his character. One of the most noteworthy examples of this is the very real physical transformation that Christian Bale underwent to play Dick Cheney in Vice. The Machinist, American Hustle, The FighterAnd other roles highlight a commitment to his performances that draws the audience in.

18

Al Pacino

Notable movies: The Godfather, The Irishman, Scarface

Although Al Pacino only won one Oscar, The range of his nominations says a lot about his career’s significance to Hollywood. Between 1973 and 2020, Pacino racked up nine nominations, including his win for Secret of a woman In 1993. He can play inspiring heroes like in SerpicoHe can play over-the-top and comedic villains such as his turn in Dick TracyAnd he can play complex characters that challenge the audience such as In Dog day afternoon.

Pacino made his first mark on the industry with his role as Michael Corleone in The godfatherA film justifiably hailed as one of the best movies ever made. In fact, it is often cited as the greatest of them all, and this is due in no small part to what Pacino brought to the Michael Corleone role with how he crafted the character’s gradual transformation into A crime lord. Likewise, his performance as Tony Montana in Sharpface Made for one of the most iconic movie characters of all time and his performance alone makes it an iconic movie.

17

Harrison Ford

Notable movies: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner

Few stars walk the line between action hero and dramatic actor better than Harrison Ford. His importance to action movies is emphasized by the idea that two of the biggest action icons ever – Han Solo and Indiana Jones – are credited to him. Ford’s charisma helped immensely in making Star Wars Han Solo and Indiana Jones are beloved favorites for multiple generations.

Also among the best movies of Harrison Ford are Blade Runner, The fugitiveAnd witness. With the latter, Ford won his first and only Academy Award. The others were also supported by Ford’s performances, as it is difficult to imagine Blade Runner Hailed as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time with another actor in the lead role. Ford can sometimes be viewed more as a movie star than a serious actor, but, even in his most popular roles, he brings depth and nuance to the characters, building icons that would inspire countless action heroes to come.

16

Marlon Brando

Notable movies: The Godfather, Apocalypse Now!, Last Tango in Paris

The Godfather’s Legacy that is today, can be attributed at least in part to its cast is headlined by not one, but two of Hollywood’s most talented actors of any generation. Marlon Brando memorably portrayed Vito Corleone, taking viewers through his personal journey and adding various edges to the role. With Corleone being just one example of this, Brando excelled at playing desperate and charismatic charactersAs evidenced by his performances in A streetcar named desire, On the waterfrontAnd Apocalypse now.

His unique approach to his performances helped change movie acting in America forever. His breakout role in The wild ones was an electrifying look at something new with a withdrawn and captivating performance. Crucial to his approach was his prominent implementation of method acting, which grew more common thanks to Brando. Brando forced the audience to lean in close and become involved in his performance.

15

Kate Winslet

Notable movies: The Reader, Titantic, Mare Of Eastown

Not unlike Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet has accrued many major accolades in her career, enough to be considered one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. Along with Leonardo DiCaprio, Winslet used her performance and chemistry with her co-stars to help make the love story in Titanic One of the most famous big screen romances. But While Titanic Has emerged as a timeless classic, it is ultimately one of Kate Winslet’s best movies.

It shares good company with sense and sensibility, The reader, Eternal sunshine of the Spotless MindAnd little childrenAll of which were raised by Winslet’s acting. The high Rotten tomatoes Scores from each film do well to illustrate the value Winslet brings to a movie’s cast and story. This is further reflected by her seven Academy Award nominations, including one win, which was for The reader.

14

Toshiro Mifune

Notable movies: Yojimbo, The Samurai Trilogy, Seven Samurai

It is not an accident Some of the best Japanese movies of all time have Toshirō Mifune as the lead actor. In his distinguished career, Mifune headlined a number of now-iconic movies, including Seven Samurai, YojimboAnd Rajman. His ability to play a cold and calculated warrior in Akira Kurosawa’s samurai movies even provided the inspiration for Clint Eastwood’s The Man With No Name. It’s not hard to see why; He could expertly play a character with a quiet and measured demeanor that hid a powerful and terrifying spirit.

While his collaboration with Kurosawa shows why the director is one of the greatest of all time, the movies would never be as effective without Mifune’s performances to anchor them. The actor shows his incredible range in these roles, with wild and entertaining performances as reserved and haunting roles. He can play the despicable gangster in Rashomon just as effectively as he played the stoic hero in Yojimbo. Perhaps his best performance is his nuanced turn as a village doctor in Red beardWhich won him the best actor at the Venice Film Festival.

13

Olivia de Havilland

Notable movies: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Heir, The Serpent’s Pit

Between playing the love interest in a string of Errol Flynn movies, Olivia de Havilland carved a legacy for herself through her performances in movies like Gone with the wind. Early in her career, her roles leaned heavily on the charming and innocent appeal of her character, but other movies demonstrated that there were multiple layers to the actress.

De Havilland seemed to effortlessly steal the show in films such as Snake pit, Hold back the dawnAnd The heiressAll of which are films that highlight her emotional range. Three of her performances were recognized with well-deserved wins for Best Actress. She rose to fame in an era in which the roles for women were not as substantial as the male actors received. However, her talents helped to change this and force the kind of roles that would highlight her versatility.

12

Glen Ford

Notable movies: The Blackboard Jungle, 3:10 to Yuma, Gilda

Several film genres count at least one Glenn Ford movie as one of the best examples of what they have to offer. This is the case with the West (3:10 to Yuma), film noir (Guild), comedy (Pocket of miracles), and war movies (Midway). Even 1978s SupermanArguably the most popular superhero movie before the 21st century, it was made better by a Glenn Ford appearance. His empathetic portrayal of Jonathan Kent was vital for Superman.

This thoughtful, caring side of Ford contributed much to his likability, but it is worth noting that there were other shades of him as well. Movies like White heat And Guild Show that he can also convincingly play darker, cruel characters, which can be equally entertaining to watch. This kind of balance went hand-in-hand with his many Western roles, which often called for him to play characters whose morals are not necessarily in black and white.

11

Jacob Stewart

Notable movies: Vertigo, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Man Who Knew Too Much

Although some acting legends have earned their reputations due to being able to play both heroes and villains, James Stewart does not have the same level of experience. But while his history of playing protagonists is limited, that does not detract from Stewart’s legacy. He has made a career out of playing soft, kind-hearted characters whose likable qualities made him instantly relatable and easy to root for in movies like Harvey And Mr. Smith is going to Washington.

Of course, the characters in James Stewart’s best movies are not without nuance. His haunting performance as a man who discovers that his life has been erased from existence in It’s a wonderful life is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Stewart’s career. Something similar can be said for his roles in Rear window And Winchester ’73, To name a few.

10

Tom Hanks

Notable movies: Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile, Big

Another actor largely associated with “Nice guy” Roles is Tom Hanks. But like the situation with James Stewart, this is not a knock on Hanks’ versatility. Rather, it speaks to his success in playing characters viewers are meant to like and respect. With movies like Castaway And Forest Gump perfect example, Hanks is adept at presenting his character’s flaws and endearing them to the audience at the same time. Notably, this is a quality of Hanks that seems to have improved over time, with the actor continuing to deliver memorable, Oscar-worthy performances in the later years of his career.

Hanks is one of the rare actors to win two Oscars back to back, showing his incredible range. He first won for his intense performance as a lawyer dying of AIDS in Philadelphia and followed it up with his charming and iconic performance in Forrest Gump. Hanks has been nominated four more times in roles that range from comedy, vi Greatto harrowing, vi Saving Private Ryan.

9

Ingrid Bergman

Notable movies: Casablanca, Notorious, Joan of Arc

One of the top stars of the 1940s, Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman has her name associated with some of the most famous films of the decade, such as Notorious, Gaslight, CasablancaAnd The bells of St. Mary. Her chemistry with Humphrey Bogart and emotional range played a huge role in Casablanca With at least a claim to the title of the greatest movie ever made.

While the movie’s fame is proof of her acting ability, her Oscar-winning role in Gaslight It might have been an even better opportunity to show off her talents, as Bergman delivered a captivating performance as a woman who is driven by her own husband to think she is losing her mind. Bergman’s relevance lasted much of the 1940s. She received critical acclaim and major awards throughout her career, with Anastasia And Murder on the Orient Express Being among her many noteworthy roles. At 63 years old, she came close to winning what would be her fourth Oscar Autumn Sonata.

8

Meryl Streep

Notable movies: The Devil Wears Prada, Kramer vs. Kramer, Little Women

Meryl Streep, who is easily one of the most accomplished actors still working in the industry today, has had more Oscar-nominated performances than any other actor or actress in history. Streep has a staggering number of 21 nominationsincluding three wins, between 1978 and 2017. The sheer frequency of a Meryl Streep performance garnering widespread attention is a testament to her screen presence. Celebrated films like The Deer Hunter, The Iron Lady, The Bridges of Madison CountyAnd The mail Make up only a fraction of Streep’s best acting credits.

She grabbed audiences’ attention early in her career by stealing scenes from more high-profile actors like Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman before moving on to direct her own movies. Her stirring performances like Sophie’s Choice and A Cry in the Night contrast wonderfully with her fun and lighter performances in the likes of The Devil Wears Prada And Florence Foster Jenkins. Streep’s name has become known as a quality that will elevate any movie.

7

Denzel Washington

Notable movies: Training Day, The Equalizer, Man on Fire

Denzel Washington enjoyed a long and fruitful career in Hollywood, one that was filled with exemplary performances. Washington has been an audience favorite since the 1990s, a notion backed up by box office numbers. His roles are also good with critics, as indicated by the score of nine Oscar nominations and two wins that the actor has under his belt. As a testament to his long-lasting career, Washington has received at least one Oscar nomination every decade from the 1980s to the 2020s.

impressive, Washington never needed to find a niche to find this level of successHow he’s able to reliably deliver hits whether he’s playing a corrupt detective (Training day), a certain lawyer (Cry freedom), or a boxer (The hurricane). He brings an intensity that elevates many of the movies he stars in with the likes of Roman Y. Israel, esq. Sitting entirely on the shoulders of his incredible performance. There are many who consider Washington to be the best actor still working today.

6

Katharine Hepburn

Notable movies: Woman of the Year, Adam’s Rib, Holiday =

In 1982, Katharine Hepburn won an Oscar for her starring role in The golden poundAnd in the process, claimed an extraordinary record no actor has since been able to top: with him, Hepburn has accumulated a total of four Academy Awards. Originally, she found success in the 1930s and 1940s romantic comedies, which leaned heavily on her unique wit and charm. As time passed and the movie industry changed, Hepburn gracefully evolved with it, moving on from the screwball comedies of her past and diving deeper into more dramatic roles.

Hepburn is another trail-blazing talent who helped shape cinema in her era. She was never interested in conforming to the typical female roles of the time with her distinct and fascinating persona forcing Hollywood to change to accommodate her. This led to huge successes viz The Philadelphia Story And The African queenWhich cemented the riveting talent she displayed on screen.

5

Cary Grant

Notable movies: To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest, Notorious

An actor with whom Katharine Hepburn shared much of her early success, Cary Grant had his own wit about him that greatly elevated the romantic comedies he made both with her and opposite other actresses. That humor can come in a variety of forms, viz Grant could provide laughs and entertainment as a clumsy victim of circumstance or a suave playboy. But thanks to Grant’s impressive repertoire as an actor, his films aren’t always dependent on his comedic chops. Cary Grant’s many collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock act as examples of his greater dramatic range.

He became the quintessential symbol of the American actor, playing the dashing and crowd-pleasing hero in movies like north by northwest, suspicion, And To catch a thief. Grant had the ability to play the stoic hero that everyone looked up to and wanted to emulate, but he was smart enough as an actor to also play the vulnerable everyman roles that made him relatable.

4

Sidney Poitier

Notable movies: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Defiant Ones, Lilies of the Field

The most prominent black actor of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as The first to win the Best Actor Oscar (Lilies of the field)Sidney Poitier has collected dozens of excellent performances. His supporting role as a rebellious teenage student in The Blackboard Jungle put him on the map in Hollywood in 1955. Before long, Poitier was able to work his way up to being a leading actor himself, playing emotionally meaningful roles in dramatic films, including Patch of blue And To the Lord, with love.

Poitier excelled at playing good-natured, respectful characters. These roles made up a large part of his career, but do not necessarily define it. The defiant onesFor example, used his impressive depth when he was cast in the role of an escaped prisoner who struggles with his conscience during his time on the run. Although his talents are undeniable, the impact Poitier had on cinema and Hollywood cannot be quantified.

3

Laurence Olivier

Notable movies: Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, That Hamilton Woman

With his experience as a stage actor, British actor Laurence Olivier does some of his best big screen work when he headlines. Otelle, Richard III, HamletAnd Henry V. All four Laurence Olivier-led William Shakespearean adaptations reached acclaim across the boardWith Olivier’s performances in particular getting best Oscar nominations (including one win). This amazing achievement highlights the extent of his dramatic range, which perfectly complements the emphasis of William Shakespeare’s stories on psychological journeys.

Olivier is an actor who has inspired countless performers to follow with his command of the audience something few have been able to replicate. He has the ability to bring the captivating and inescapable focus of live theater, delivering a unique cinematic feel. However, he was also excellent in movies outside of his Shakespearean roles, such as The Mystery Movie Sleuth And his terrifyingly villainous performance as a Nazi in Marathon Man.

2

Beth Davis

Notable movies: Dark Victory, What About Eve, The Star

for decades, Bette Davis is revered as the “The Queen of Hollywood” And for good reason. Rather than sticking to love interests or sympathetic protagonists, Davis has never been averse to playing characters with questionable morals, or even those who are downright despicable, as seen in Jezebel. The movie industry benefited from 60 years of Bette Davis’ stellar performances, as she received Oscar buzz from her mid-20s until her late 70s, just before her death in 1989.

She delivered unforgettable performances in the likes of the drama All about Eve While also unsettling audiences in her later project, What happened to Baby Jane? She demanded the audience’s attention as soon as she appeared on screen. Well-respected for the extreme level of intensity and attention to detail that the actress prioritized, Davis set the standard for Hollywood’s leading ladies.

1

Daniel Day-Lewis

Notable movies: The Phantom Thread, The Age of Innocence, The Crucible

If there is an actor who can stand above all other acting legends in the modern era, it is Daniel Day-Lewis. His remarkable versatility was shown throughout his career. Day-Lewis’ moving performance as someone with cerebral palsy in My left leg Rewarded him with instant critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor. It was the start of a long-running, consistent streak for the actor who has remained in the conversation for high-profile accolades year after year, including multiple wins.

His Oscar for My left leg was joined by new Academy Awards for 2008s There will be blood and 2013s Lincoln. Both were deeply dramatic roles, but Day-Lewis showed that he can thrive even when trying something completely different. Despite playing a somewhat over-the-top character in Gangs of New YorkDay-Lewis still picked up an Oscar nomination. and with the last of the mohicans, It was an indication that he had “Action hero“Potential too.