The 40 Greatest Actors of All Time — Definitive Ranking
There’s nothing like getting lost in a great movie. Whether you’re in a theater or relaxing at home, a powerful performance can move your heart and change how you see the world. The actors on this list are more than just stars — they are true artists who bring characters to life and leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.
We’ve put together the definitive list of the best actors of all time, truly talented in their craft and having blessed the world with their talent and art.
40. Christian Bale
Christian Bale is known worldwide for his roles in blockbuster hits like The Dark Knight, American Psycho, and The Machinist. What sets Bale apart is his extreme commitment to his roles, especially through dramatic body transformations that reflect deep method acting.
He dives deep into each character’s mind, fully understanding even the darkest or most complex personalities. His hard work paid off when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Fighter.
39. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is one of the most famous and loved comedians in Hollywood history. He rose to fame on Saturday Night Live and quickly became a movie star with roles in Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, and Trading Places.
While known for comedy, Murphy showed serious acting talent in 2006, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dreamgirls as soul singer James “Thunder” Early.
38. Javier Bardem
Though often seen as a Hollywood heartthrob, Javier Bardem has built his career on powerful, complex roles far beyond the traditional romantic lead.
Bardem became the first Spanish actor to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, thanks to his chilling performance as Anton Chigurh, a ruthless killer in the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men (2007). His work is celebrated both in international cinema and in Hollywood.
37. Sean Penn
Sean Penn is considered one of the most respected actors of his generation, with over 50 films and several directing credits to his name. Known for his intensity and dedication to his roles, Penn has impressed both audiences and critics for decades.
He’s a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor, earning Oscars for Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008), where he portrayed gay rights icon Harvey Milk in the powerful biopic.
36. Benicio del Toro
Puerto Rican star Benicio del Toro became a breakout success after his role in The Usual Suspects (1995), earning him an Independent Spirit Award and launching a career filled with gripping performances.
He went on to star in major films like 21 Grams, Snatch, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In 2000, del Toro earned Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Award wins for his role in Traffic, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s elite.
35. Daniel Kaluuya
British actor Daniel Kaluuya shot to global fame with his leading role in the psychological thriller Get Out (2017). The performance earned him the BAFTA Rising Star Award, along with nominations for the Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA Best Actor categories.
He continued to impress with standout roles in Black Panther and Widows. In 2019, Kaluuya expanded his career by launching his own film production company, 59% Productions.
34. Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman is known as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and underrated actors. Though not often in the tabloids, he’s considered a master of transformation and character depth.
He gained massive attention as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter franchise but built his reputation with roles in True Romance and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
33. Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker is widely respected as one of the top character actors of his generation, with powerful roles in films like The Crying Game, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and The Great Debaters.
He’s also taken on big-budget hits like Black Panther and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. His most acclaimed role was playing Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, which earned him an Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG Award, and more.
32. Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall is a Hollywood legend whose career spans over six decades. He’s best known for powerful performances in The Godfather series as Tom Hagen, and for his Oscar-winning role as Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies (1983).
Duvall has earned an impressive seven Academy Award nominations and seven Golden Globe nominations, winning four. His legacy as a film industry heavyweight is firmly set in stone.
31. Robin Williams
Beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams first captured hearts as Mork the alien on Happy Days and Mork & Mindy. He later became one of the most versatile performers in film history, mastering both comedy and drama.
From voicing the hilarious Genie in Aladdin, to playing the caring nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire, and delivering emotional depth in Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting, Williams remains a legend even years after his passing. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Good Will Hunting (1997).
30. Tom Hanks
No list of the greatest actors would be complete without Tom Hanks, known both for his talent and his reputation as the nicest man in Hollywood. Hanks has won critical praise for his emotional depth and versatility across decades of film.
He won back-to-back Academy Awards for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump and continues to shine in hits like Sully. He’s also the beloved voice of Woody in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise.
29. Philip Seymour Hoffman
The late Philip Seymour Hoffman left a legacy of excellence in both leading and supporting roles. He gained critical acclaim for his ability to disappear into complex characters and deliver powerful, layered performances.
He won the Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Capote and was described by The New York Times as “perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation.”
28. Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali made history as the first Black actor to win two Academy Awards in the same category—Best Supporting Actor—for Moonlight and Green Book. His career began in music before making a stunning transition to acting.
Ali also holds a Golden Globe, BAFTA, three SAG Awards, and a Primetime Emmy. In 2019, Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
27. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is widely regarded as one of the most respected and versatile actors of all time. Known for taking on challenging and emotionally powerful roles, Washington fully transforms into every character he plays, keeping audiences captivated.
He has starred in everything from action blockbusters to serious dramas, winning two Academy Awards—for Glory and Training Day—and proving time and again that he’s a true master of his craft.
26. Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is a Hollywood icon and a major influence on generations of actors. His performances in Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Godfather Part II have set the gold standard for method acting and character transformation.
He has won two Academy Awards and earned six additional nominations, showcasing his deep commitment to delivering authentic, genre-defining roles.
25. Joaquin Phoenix
Known for his intense method acting and deep psychological roles, Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most daring actors in modern cinema. He famously stayed in character for 18 months while filming I’m Still Here, blurring the line between real life and performance.
Phoenix received Oscar nominations for Gladiator, Walk the Line, and The Master, and finally won Best Actor for his haunting role in Joker (2019).
24. Fred Astaire
No list of cinema’s greatest stars would be complete without Fred Astaire, the legendary performer who helped redefine the Hollywood musical genre. Alongside his famous partner Ginger Rogers, Astaire set the standard for dance and musical elegance on screen.
Over his incredible 35-year film career, Astaire starred in 31 musical films, including timeless classics like Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shall We Dance—all of which remain American film treasures.
23. Edward Norton
Edward Norton burst onto the Hollywood scene with his unforgettable role in Primal Fear (1996), earning a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination right out of the gate. He quickly proved to be one of the most talented and intense character actors of his generation.
He received another Oscar nomination for American History X and developed a massive fanbase for his performance in Fight Club, now considered a modern cult classic. Variety once called him “one of the top actors of his generation.”
22. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is one of the most recognizable voices and faces in Hollywood. With a career spanning film, television, and stage, Freeman has delivered unforgettable performances in The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Seven.
He’s earned five Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar and a Golden Globe, for Million Dollar Baby and Driving Miss Daisy, respectively. His distinctive narration style has also become iconic in film and documentary work.
21. Clark Gable
Known as “The King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable became one of the most iconic actors of cinema’s Golden Age. With unforgettable roles in Gone with the Wind, Mutiny on the Bounty, and It Happened One Night, Gable personified the charismatic leading man.
Over the course of his celebrated career, Gable was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Actor, winning once for It Happened One Night—a true Hollywood classic.
20. James Dean
Despite starring in just three major films, James Dean remains a timeless Hollywood icon, known for his rebel spirit and emotional depth. He delivered unforgettable performances in East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant.
Dean earned two posthumous Oscar nominations, making history as one of the few actors honored after death. His brooding persona and tragic story made him a symbol of youthful rebellion.
19. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is a modern-day Hollywood superstar known for his charm, versatility, and bold career choices. He first made waves in Thelma and Louise and has since starred in hit films like Fight Club, Snatch, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Pitt has received four Academy Award nominations for acting and took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
18. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is a Hollywood icon known for playing cool, sharp-witted characters in high-stakes action films. Whether he’s dropping a one-liner or leading the charge, Jackson brings power and style to every role.
With blockbuster roles in Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight, Jackson has become the highest-grossing actor of all time, with his movies earning over $27 billion at the box office.
17. Richard Burton
Richard Burton became a legendary figure not just for his acting talent but also for his high-profile romance with Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married twice. Known for his strong presence and intellectual charm, Burton lit up the screen in Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
He was nominated for seven Academy Awards throughout his career, solidifying his place as one of the most celebrated dramatic actors in Hollywood history.
16. Orson Welles
Orson Welles was a true cinematic genius. He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Citizen Kane (1941), a film often called the greatest movie of all time. With its groundbreaking storytelling and cinematography, the movie changed cinema forever.
Citizen Kane earned nine Oscar nominations, and Welles later received an Academy Honorary Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and the Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
15. Al Pacino
Al Pacino is a true icon of American cinema, known for his unforgettable performances in some of the most acclaimed films of all time. From The Godfather trilogy to Scarface, Pacino has delivered genre-defining roles that shaped the future of acting in film.
He has received nine Academy Award nominations, winning Best Actor for Scent of a Woman, and holds four Golden Globe Awards. His impact on both crime and drama genres is unmatched.
14. Cary Grant
A true star of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Cary Grant was known for his charm, class, and quick wit. With a career spanning decades, he starred in timeless classics like The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, and The Philadelphia Story.
Originally from the UK, Grant became the face of sophisticated American cinema, earning two Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations. He later received an Honorary Oscar in 1970 for his lifetime achievements.
13. Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman made his breakout in The Graduate, quickly proving he was more than just a one-hit wonder. Known for his incredible range, Hoffman has taken on diverse roles—from Tootsie to Rain Man, each showcasing his deep dedication to the craft.
He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Actor twice—for Kramer vs. Kramer and Rain Man—cementing his status as one of the greatest method actors of all time.
12. Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck stands as one of the most beloved actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His most iconic role came as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, a performance that earned him both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Over his storied career, Peck received five Oscar nominations and won five Golden Globes, along with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award in 1969—cementing his status as a cinematic legend.
11. Paul Newman
Known today for his philanthropy and food brand, Paul Newman was first and foremost a Hollywood icon. With standout roles in Cool Hand Luke and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, he combined leading-man charisma with serious dramatic talent.
Newman was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for The Color of Money. He also received the Academy Honorary Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, recognizing both his film work and charitable efforts.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio has grown from teen heartthrob to one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors. His early roles in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Romeo + Juliet showed serious range, while Titanic made him a global superstar.
After years of near-misses, DiCaprio finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Revenant in 2015. With six Oscar nominations, his legacy spans blockbusters, biopics, and thrillers.
9. Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is one of the most respected and versatile actors in film history. From his chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs to his touching performance in The Remains of the Day, Hopkins has delivered unforgettable performances across genres.
Anthony Hopkins is one of the most respected and versatile actors in film history. From his chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs to his touching performance in The Remains of the Day, Hopkins has delivered unforgettable performances across genres.
8. James Stewart
James “Jimmy” Stewart was the ultimate Golden Age leading man, starring in timeless classics like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, and the holiday favorite It’s a Wonderful Life. His roles often reflected sincerity, morality, and heart.
Stewart earned five Oscar nominations, winning Best Actor for The Philadelphia Story, and was also nominated for three Golden Globes, winning one. His contributions to film left a lasting impact on generations of movie lovers.
7. Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson is known for portraying some of the most intense and iconic characters in film history. From the terrifying Jack Torrance in The Shining to the rebellious Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nicholson redefined what it means to play the antihero.
He holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any male actor, with 12 total nominations and three Oscar wins, securing his place as one of the greatest actors of all time.
6. Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in history, known for his commanding presence on both stage and screen. With a legacy so powerful, the Laurence Olivier Awards were named in his honor—one of the highest recognitions in British theatre.
Olivier received 13 Academy Award nominations, winning four Oscars throughout his remarkable career. His impact on classical acting and Shakespearean performances remains unmatched.
5. Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is known for being the ultimate method actor, taking immersive roles to new heights. From his intense preparation for Lincoln to complete transformations in There Will Be Blood and My Left Foot, Day-Lewis delivers deeply authentic performances.
He is the only male actor to win three Academy Awards for Best Actor, out of six nominations, and has also won two Golden Globe Awards. Though known for being private and intense, his commitment to the craft is second to none.
4. Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier made history in 1964 as the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor, thanks to his role in Lilies of the Field. He became a global symbol of equality, dignity, and integrity in Hollywood.
Poitier was nominated for 11 Golden Globe Awards, winning three, and earned an Academy Honorary Award in 2002 for his groundbreaking contributions to the industry. He was also known for turning down roles that promoted harmful stereotypes, setting a standard for socially conscious acting.
3. Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando is widely considered one of the most influential actors in film history. From his intense portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire to his legendary role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, Brando redefined what it means to be a Hollywood leading man.
Over his remarkable 60-year career, Brando earned eight Academy Award nominations, winning two Oscars. His method acting style and powerful screen presence set a new standard for generations of actors.
2. Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart was the embodiment of the classic Hollywood tough guy with heart. With timeless roles in Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and The African Queen, Bogart became a symbol of Golden Age cinema.
He starred in over 75 films and was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for The African Queen. In 1999, the American Film Institute named him the #1 male movie star of all time.
1. Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman holds a special place in cinema history as a trailblazing actor who made a global impact in a short time. His role as T’Challa in Black Panther became a cultural milestone, giving young Black audiences a superhero they could see themselves in.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Boseman’s legacy lives on through his powerful performances in 42, Get on Up, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Black Panther. His influence will continue to inspire future generations.
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