40 Best Screen Actors Ever, Ranked

We all know the feeling: a movie grabs you and you forget the room you are in. Whether you’re watching in a packed theater or curled up on the couch, a standout performance can pry open your emotions and alter how you see a story. That power comes from actors who earn our trust and make the impossible feel real, which is why acting gets called a craft. Below are the performers who, time and again, have given the screen moments we still remember.

Christian Bale, Master of Physical Transformation

Christian Bale is the kind of actor who reshapes himself to fit a role, physically and mentally. From Batman to American Psycho and Memento, he’s known for extreme weight changes and total immersion. Bale throws himself into preparation without holding anything back, even when the work is brutal. His commitment paid off with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Fighter.

Eddie Murphy, Comic Star Turned Dramatic Force

Eddie Murphy exploded out of Saturday Night Live and then into box-office hits like The Nutty Professor and Trading Places. He built a reputation as a comedy machine, but he can shift gears into serious work with ease. His fierce turn as James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls earned him an Academy Award nomination, proving he can carry laughs and real dramatic weight. That blend of timing and heart keeps him compelling.

Javier Bardem, Heartthrob Who Turns Menacing

Javier Bardem started as a serious character actor in Spain before making an international mark. He surprised audiences by turning his handsome looks into something dangerous, most famously as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men. That cold, haunting performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, the first Spanish actor to win that honor. Bardem proves charm and menace can live in the same face.

Sean Penn, Two-Time Oscar Powerhouse

Sean Penn has had a long career marked by risky, complex choices that hit hard. He’s acted in more than 50 films and even directed several, showing range on both sides of the camera. Penn’s dedication to tough characters earned him two Best Actor Oscars, for Mystic River and Milk. His work tends to be intense, often raw, and always aimed straight at the audience.

36. Benicio del Toro

Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro burst onto the Hollywood scene in 1995 with his breakout role in The Usual Suspects, which earned him an Independent Spirit Award and put him firmly on the showbiz map. Since then, he has appeared in smash hit movies such as 21 Grams, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Snatch. He also starred in the 2000 film Traffic, for which he won the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award! Wowsa!

35. Daniel Kaluuya

Next up on our list we have Daniel Kaluuya, the British actor best known for his starring turn in the comedy horror Get Out. Kaluuya won the BAFTA Rising Star Award for his performance, as well as receiving nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Kaluuya continued his winning streak with roles in the modern classic Black Panther and heist movie Widows. As if that’s not enough, he also has his own production company! Kaluuya launched 59% Productions in 2019.

34. Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman is what might be referred to as a silent treasure. He doesn’t have the same amount of celebrity status as other Hollywood actors—you rarely see him popping up in the tabloids—but this understated star certainly has the acting chops to rival even the biggest Hollywood heavyweights. Though he finally gained international recognition thanks to his role as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movie franchise, he worked his way up slowly with critically acclaimed films such as True Romance and Darkest Hour, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

33. Forest Whitaker

Next up on our list we have Forest Whitaker, who is one of the most acclaimed and renowned character actors of his generation. Having appeared in movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Crying Game, and The Great Debaters, Whitaker has also added a few major blockbusters to his resume like Black Panther and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Whitaker’s seminal performance was as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, for which he won an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Phew!

32. Robert Duvall

Next up on our list we have Robert Duvall, another Hollywood heavyweight with decades of showbiz experience and classic performances under his belt. From his role as Tom Hagan in the The Godfather movies to his Oscar-winning turn as Mac Sledge in 1983’s Tender Mercies, Duvall has cemented his place as a true showbiz giant. Over the course of his glittering career spanning across six decades, Duvall has received a whopping seven Academy Award nominations, and also seven Golden Globe nominations, winning four.

31. Robin Williams

Next up we have legendary funnyman and worldwide inspiration Robin Williams. Bursting onto our screens as lovable alien Mork in Happy Days and later his own series Mork and Mindy, Williams went on to carve a reputation as one of the greatest comedians AND serious character actors of his generations. With roles as diverse from the hilarious Genie in Aladdin and cross-dressing nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire to tear-jerking performances in Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting, Williams remains one of the greatest actors of all time, even six years after his death.

30. Tom Hanks

We couldn’t possibly have a list of the world’s greatest actors without including the inimitable Tom Hanks. As well as carving a reputation for being the nicest man in the world, Hanks also has gained critical acclaim for his performances in a number of history-making roles throughout his career. From his early Academy Award-winning roles in movies such as Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, Hanks continues to deliver in every film he stars in, such as more recent offerings like Sully—not to mention his work as the voice of Woody in the much-loved Toy Story franchise.

29. Philip Seymour Hoffman

The late great Philip Seymour Hoffman left behind a much-loved legacy of movie greatness when he passed away in 2014. Having gained recognition and international critical acclaim for his variety of supporting and character roles, Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Capote. He also won a Golden Globe and British Academy Film Award for this performance. In his obituary, the New York Times called him "perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation".

28. Mahershala Ali

Next up we have Mahershala Ali, who began his career as a rapper before transitioning into the world of acting. Ali made history when he became the first Black actor to win two Academy Awards in the same category, winning the Best Supporting Actor accolade for his roles in movies Moonlight and Green Book. He has also won three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a BAFTA award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2019, he was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

27. Denzel Washington

Next up we have esteemed actor Denzel Washington, whose career has been marked with exceptionally varied and challenging character roles. Washington’s skill as an actor is so incredible that he is able to completely transform himself into his different roles, captivating the audience every time. Having appeared in action movies, comedies, and serious pieces, it’s no surprise that Washington is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, having won two Academy Awards for his roles in Training Day and Glory.

26. Robert De Niro

Next on our list we have renowned and legendary actor Robert De Niro, who is often named as the biggest inspiration behind some of the movie stars of today. With genre-defining roles such as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull, and the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, De Niro has come to embody serious character acting, often undergoing major physical transformations for his roles. Over the course of his career, De Niro has won two Academy Awards, and been nominated for six more.

25. Joaquin Phoenix

Regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, Joaquin Phoenix is known for his devoted method acting. For example, he once pretended to be having a meltdown for 18 months, which was revealed as an act for the mockumentary comedy-drama, I’m Still Here, directed by Casey Affleck. Over the years, he received wide attention for his roles in Gladiator, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Walk the Line and The Master for which he was nominated for an Academy award, and most notably Joker, for which he won an Oscar for Best Actor.

24. Fred Astaire

Any list of the greatest actors of all time could not possibly neglect to include the legendary Fred Astaire. In the early years of Hollywood glory, the all-singing, all-dancing Fred Astaire made history as he completely transformed the musical movie genre alongside his equally legendary partner Ginger Rogers. Over the course of his 35-year career, Astaire starred in a whopping 31 musicals, including classic movies Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shall we Dance, which remain much-loved national treasures to this day.

23. Edward Norton

Next up on our list we have Edward Norton, who made his name with a starring turn in 1996’s Primal Fear, for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for an Academy Award. He was nominated for an Oscar once again for his stunning turn in American History X, and gained a worldwide cult following for his role in the modern classic Fight Club. In 2015, Variety called him “one of the top actors of his generation”.

22. Morgan Freeman

Next up we have one of the most beloved and recognizable faces—and voices—in Hollywood today. That voice of course belongs to the inimitable Morgan Freeman, who has built a super successful career stretching across movies, TV, and on the stage. Freeman has appeared in iconic movies such as The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Seven. He has been nominated a whopping five times for an Academy Award AND a Golden Globe Award, winning one of each for Million Dollar Baby and Driving Miss Daisy respectively.

21. Clark Gable

Swoonsome heartthrob and showbiz tough guy Clark Gable was known as “The King of Hollywood” back in his heyday in the golden age, and it’s not hard to see why. With iconic roles in classic movies such as Gone with the Wind, Mutiny on the Bounty, and It Happened One Night, Gable’s name became synonymous with charismatic Hollywood leading roles and the associated glamor. Over the course of his glittering career, Gable was nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Actor, winning one.

20. James Dean

Despite only appearing in three major movies throughout his short career, James Dean remains the quintessential Hollywood bad boy, immortalized forever as the young and handsome wild child. With roles in classic movies such as Giant, East of Eden, and of course Rebel Without a Cause, Dean earned two Oscar nominations over the course of his brief yet stellar movie career. Thanks to his raw emotional depth and brooding good looks, Dean remains one of the most iconic and much-loved figures of Hollywood history even today.

19. Brad Pitt

Next up on our list we have everyone’s favorite Hollywood leading man and schoolgirl crush, Brad Pitt. From when he first burst on to our screens as the lovable good-for-nothing in the classic Thelma and Louise, to his Oscar-winning turn in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Pitt brings his characteristic charm and charisma to each and every role he turns his hand to. Despite his classic good looks, Pitt has often for less conventional movie roles, such as Fight Club and Snatch. Pitt has been nominated for an amazing four Academy Awards for acting, winning one.

18. Samuel L. Jackson

Legendary actor and certified cool guy Samuel L. Jackson has come to define what it means to keep your calm under pressure. Known for his sharp-witted characters in fast-paced action movies, Jackson embodies class and status no matter what wild adventures are going on around his characters. With starring roles in movies such as Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight, Jackson has well and truly made his mark as one of Hollywood’s greatest heavyweights—and with a total of $27 billion at the box office, he’s the highest-grossing actor of all time.

17. Richard Burton

Next up on our list we have Richard Burton, who cemented his place in Hollywood history with both his glittering film career and also his highly publicized personal and romantic life—marrying fellow movie megastar Elizabeth Taylor not just once, but twice! Burton made a name for himself playing intellectual and refined leading men with dark secrets, appearing in classic films such as Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Over the course of his career, Burton was nominated for a whopping seven Academy Awards.

16. Orson Welles

One of the most talented and successful Hollywood legends of all time, Orson Welles made history when he wrote, produced, directed AND starred in the 1941 classic Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane received a stonking nine Academy Award nominations, winning one, and is regarded by many as the greatest movie of all time. In recognition of his stellar and genre-defining career, Welles received an Academy Honorary Award, the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, and the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

15. Al Pacino

Next up on our list is a true Hollywood legend in every sense of the word. Almost every movie that Al Pacino has starred in has gone on to be an enduring, acclaimed and internationally beloved classic. From his iconic role as Michael Corleone in the The Godfather film series, to Tony Montana in Scarface, Pacino has made history with his genre-defining and much-loved movie performances. Pacino has been nominated for an amazing nine Academy Award nominations, winning one, and 18 Golden Globe nominations, winning four.

14. Cary Grant

Another giant of showbiz from Hollywood’s golden age, next on our list we have the legendary Cary Grant. Grant became known for his string of Hollywood leading roles, in classic movies such as The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, and The Philadelphia Story. A native Brit who moved across the pond at the age of 16, Grant also came to epitomize the idea of class and refinement, exhibiting a British-American hybrid accent that was regarded as the height of sophistication at the time. Over the course of his career, Grant was nominated for two Academy Awards and five Golden Globes, eventually winning an honorary Oscar in 1970.

13. Dustin Hoffman

From when he burst onto the movie scene as disillusioned young drifter Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate, Dustin Hoffman has cemented his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation. As versatile as he is talented, Hoffman has played everything from a cross-dressing dancer in Tootsie, to an autistic savant in the 1988 classic Rain Man. Hoffman has been nominated for a stonking seven Academy Awards, winning twice—once for Rain Man and once for Kramer vs. Kramer.

12. Gregory Peck

Next on our list we have Gregory Peck, another esteemed member of Hollywood’s much-loved and now-legendary golden age. Peck’s most notable role was probably as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, for which he received worldwide critical acclaim, and won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actor. Over the course of his career, Peck was nominated for a whopping five Oscars and EIGHT Golden Globe Awards—winning five of the latter. He was also honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1969.

11. Paul Newman

Though many people today might know him as the face of a large range of salad dressings, Paul Newman actually made his name as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history. With genre-defining roles in movies such as Cool Hand Luke and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Newman quickly became one of the hottest names in showbiz thanks to his super-sharp delivery and heartthrob good looks. Newman has been nominated for an Academy Award for acting a whopping nine times, receiving one Best Actor Award for The Color of Money, as well as the Academy Honorary Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

10. Leonardo DiCaprio

We couldn’t have a list of the greatest actors of all time without mentioning Hollywood’s long-term golden boy Leonardo DiCaprio. From his fresh-faced performances in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and This Boy’s Life, to his emergence as a heartthrob in movies such as Titanic and Romeo and Juliet, DiCaprio has carved out a career as one of the most well-respected character actors of all time. Nominated for six Academy Awards, the honor famously evaded DiCaprio for over 20 years, before finally scooping the Best Actor gong for his role in 2015’s The Revenant.

9. Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins is undoubtedly one of the most successful and popular actors in history. As well as being mega-talented, he is also incredibly versatile—playing roles as varied as the murderous Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, and his turn as loving and committed butler in The Remains of the Day. Described by director Richard Attenborough as "the greatest actor of his generation”, Hopkins has been nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one, and nominated for seven Golden Globes, later being honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2006.

8. James Stewart

Next up on our list we have the legendary and much-loved Hollywood leading man James Stewart. Affectionally known as “Jimmy” by his friends and admirers, Stewart was a key player in the iconic movies of Hollywood’s golden age, starring in films such as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life. It really was a wonderful life for this Hollywood legend, who was nominated for five Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, winning one of each.

7. Jack Nicholson

There’s no denying that Jack Nicholson has taken on some of the most memorable and sometimes downright crazy and terrifying film roles in movie history. From his horrific “Heeeere’s Jonny!” in classic horror movie The Shining, to his irreverent sharp-toothed criminal in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nicholson has mastered the act of portraying wild and dark characters while still retaining a degree of humanity. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, Nicholson has been nominated for an astonishing 12 Academy Awards—the highest number of nominations in history—winning three.

6. Laurence Olivier

Next up on our list we have Laurence Olivier, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time on both screen and stage. After all, who else in Hollywood has a prestigious acting award actually named after him?! Olivier was nominated for a whopping 13 Academy Awards for acting—winning four! In 1976, the Society of London Theatre renamed the prestigious Society of West End Theatre Awards to the Laurence Olivier Awards, in recognition of his incredible contribution to acting.

5. Daniel Day-Lewis

Famously eccentric and unconventional actor Daniel Day-Lewis is well known for his unusual approach to acting techniques. A fan of the method acting approach, Day-Lewis immerses himself completely in his roles, sometimes doing months or even years of research into his characters, such as legendary president Abraham Lincoln in 2012’s Lincoln. Though rumored to be somewhat of a difficult person to work with, Day-Lewis’ approach clearly pays off—he has been nominated for six Academy Awards, winning three in total, and eight Golden Globes, winning two.

4. Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier made history in 1964 when he was the first African American to win an Academy Award, receiving the accolade for Best Actor in recognition of his performance in Lilies in the Field. He has also been nominated a whopping 11 times for a Golden Globe Award, winning three times. Poitier gained worldwide acclaim and respect as he stuck to his principles throughout his career, frequently turning down high-profile roles that encouraged negative African-American stereotypes at the time—choosing only roles that he took genuine pride in. In 2002, he was honored with the Academy Honorary Award for all he had achieved in his glittering career.

3. Marlon Brando

One of the original and best leading men in Hollywood history, Marlon Brando has had a long and illustrious career on both stage and screen. From his career-defining turn in the movie adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire, to his unforgettable performance as Vito Corleone in the Godfather films, Brando brings a unique energy and charisma to every role he has appeared in. Over the course of his 60-year career, Brando received a whopping eight Academy Award nominations, winning two.

2. Humphrey Bogart

Coming up in second place we have undeniable Hollywood heavyweight and screen legend Humphrey Bogart. Thanks to his history-defining roles in classic movies such as Casablanca, The African Queen, and The Maltese Falcon, Bogart came to embody the Hollywood ideal of tough guy with a heart. Over the course of a career spanning almost three decades, Bogart starred in around 75 movies, and was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Bogart the greatest male star in the history of American cinema.

1. Chadwick Boseman

We all know that ranking actors is a near impossible mission and so in first place we have placed a true innovator and inspiration to the world. This is somewhat of an honorary position, as sadly Chadwick Boseman recently passed away, but the achievements he made in his short life will live on forever. Boseman’s iconic role as Black Panther gave a new generation of young Black kids a superhero figure that they could finally identify with, lifting up their confidence and sense of self-empowerment. Despite his tragic death at such an early age, Boseman’s incredible influence on the landscape of cinema will be felt for years to come.

What This Story Really Says

Looking back at this list, what stands out most is the range. From slapstick and stand-up to quiet, interior performances, these actors show how wide the craft can be. Some built careers on transformations and method work, others on charm and timing, and a few changed how we see certain characters altogether. And yes, there are legends and heartbreakers here, all reminding us why we keep going to movies.

Actors Who Bend Their Bodies and Minds

Some performers go all in, reshaping their bodies and psyches to serve a role. Think of Christian Bale's physical shifts, Daniel Day-Lewis' full immersion, or Joaquin Phoenix's intense commitment. That willingness to take risks is part of what puts certain performances into the conversation as unforgettable. You can see the craft in every scar, silence, and small gesture.

Comedy, Heartbreak and Everything Between

This list proves that great acting wears many faces. From Eddie Murphy and Robin Williams making us laugh until we ache, to Chadwick Boseman and Phillip Seymour Hoffman moving us to the bone, the emotional range is enormous. Comedy and drama live side by side, and often the same performer can do both. That crossover is part of what keeps film fresh and surprising.

Why Awards Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Awards are useful signposts, but they don't capture everything. Plenty of actors on this list have stacks of nominations, while others earned legendary status without sweepstakes of trophies. What really matters is the performance itself, the way a role lingers in your head long after the credits roll. That lingering is the true measure of a great actor.

How This List Might Inspire You

For anyone who loves movies, this list is an invitation. Revisit a classic performance, seek out a lesser-known role, or watch an actor work across genres. Pay attention to small choices and repeated patterns. You might find a new favorite performance, or a new way of seeing a familiar face.

Looking Back at It All

What stands out is simply how wide this craft can be. Some actors remake their bodies and their habits to inhabit a part, others charmed us with timing or a single unforgettable line. There are showstoppers, like Christian Bale and Daniel Day-Lewis, and quiet giants, like Morgan Freeman and Gregory Peck. Together they remind us why we go to movies: to be seen, moved, and surprised.

Why Some Roles Stick With You

The performances that linger are rarely loud for the sake of it. They hang on tiny habits, a look, a pause, or a physical change that sells the inner life of a character. Think of the extreme shifts of Christian Bale, the patient immersion of Daniel Day-Lewis, or Joaquin Phoenix’s slow-burning intensity. Those choices turn acting into something you remember long after the credits.

Why Awards Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Awards are useful signposts, but they miss plenty. Some careers, like Marlon Brando’s or Robin Williams’, carry a weight that trophies only hint at. Others, like Chadwick Boseman’s, changed how audiences saw themselves. The real test is whether a role keeps living in your head after the movie ends.

Try This: Watch With a Critic’s Eye

Next time you watch a favorite, focus on one small beat per scene. Note how an actor chooses to breathe, move, or look away. Compare the same performer in two different films, say Gary Oldman in a subtle role and in a larger-than-life part. You’ll start spotting patterns and decisions that turn good work into great acting.

Keep Watching, Keep Wondering

This list is an invitation, not a rule book. Revisit classics, hunt down lesser-known turns, and let unexpected performances surprise you. The point isn’t settling debates about ranks, but enjoying how these actors extend what a film can do. Keep watching and keep wondering what great acting can make you feel next.