Ryan Gosling is one of the most popular actors in the world today, as well as one of the most well-paid. Beginning his career as a child actor on Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club, he moved on to more serious roles as he progressed in age, finding himself in one blockbuster after another until he had paved his way to Hollywood stardom.
It goes without saying, then, that he’s had his fair share of critical successes – but what are the best Ryan Gosling movies so far?
The Ides Of March (2011) – 7.1
Gosling’s profile in Hollywood was clearly rising as he led the amazing all-star cast of the political drama The Ides of March. Gosling plays an idealistic yet determined political staffer with a presidential candidate (George Clooney) who is quickly introduced to the dirtier side of politics.
Gosling gives a great performance in the lead role as a noble character gradually broken apart by a flawed system. Along with Clooney who co-wrote and directed the movie, the cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood.
Half Nelson (2006) – 7.1
- Available on Fubo, Starz, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, DIRECTV, Crackle, Plex and Spectrum on Demand
Gosling earned his first Oscar nomination for the intense indie drama Half Nelson. He plays a teacher at an inner city school who works to inspire his young student while he also struggles with his own drug habit.
The movie showcases Gosling’s tendency to pick challenging and complex roles as his character can be both uplifting and reprehensible. It is a towering performance in a raw and engrossing movie that helped cement Gosling as one of the most talented young stars in Hollywood.
Fracture (2007) – 7.2
There have been a number of impressive actors Gosling has shared the screen with over the years but Fracture saw him going toe-to-toe with Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins. Gosling plays an ambitious lawyer who takes a seemingly open-and-shut case of prosecuting a man (Hopkins) charged with murdering his wife. But the man soon shows he has planned ahead and the case is anything but ordinary.
Though it is not as innovative or impactful as some of Gosling’s other acclaimed projects and may not be considered one of the best courtroom dramas of all time, it is a solid entry in the genre.
Lars And The Real Girl (2007) – 7.3
- Available to rent on HBO, HBO Max, Max Go DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand
It is quite telling for Gosling’s direction of his career that he would follow up playing a heartthrob in The Notebook with Lars and the Real Girl. He plays a socially awkward man who strikes up a genuine relationship with a sex doll.
Despite the premise making it sound like a screwball comedy, Lars and the Real Girl is a more subtle indie comedy with lots of laughs but also a lot of heart. Gosling does a great job playing this outsider gradually brought out of his shell.
First Man (2018) – 7.3
- Available on Fubo, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand
Gosling took on the role of one of America’s most iconic figures in First Man. Reuniting with director Damien Chazelle, Gosling plays Neil Armstrong in the story of how he prepared for his historic mission to the moon while also dealing with his own personal tragedy.
Instead of being a rousing biopic of an American hero, First Man is instead a gripping look at just how dangerous the NASA space program was in its early years and why someone like Armstrong would be willing to take part in it.
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012) – 7.3
- Available on Peacock Premium
The 2012 crime film The Place Beyond The Pines starred Gosling as Luke Glanton, a motorcycle stuntman whose death during a failed heist creates a ripple effect.
The movie offered a moody and stylistic approach to the crime genre as it told separate stories surrounding one crime and act of violence that has lasting implications. Filled with great performances and surprising developments, it is seen by many as one of Gosling’s underrated projects.
The Nice Guys (2016) – 7.3
- Available to rent on Apple TV
2016’s The Nice Guys is a black comedy film that stars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as two detectives who attempt to solve the disappearance of a teenage girl in 1970s Los Angeles.
Though not a hit at the box office, the obscure buddy-cop movie has gained a strong following over the years. Writer-director Shane Black embraces and pokes fun at the detective genre while Gosling showed his considerable comedic talents with a hilarious performance.
Blue Valentine (2010) – 7.4
- Available on Peacock Premium
A romantic drama that stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as a couple whose relationship slowly breaks down, 2010’s Blue Valentine gave Gosling his first Golden Globe nomination.
The movie is an emotionally raw journey that is certainly not easy to watch at times. But it has also been praised for the depth of Gosling and Williams’ performances and the ground take on the love story that falls apart.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) – 7.4
The 2011 romantic comedy-drama Crazy, Stupid, Love stars Gosling as Jacob Palmer, a serial womanizer who offers to coach Cal Weaver (played by Steve Carrell) on how to become confident with women.
The film’s combination of sweet and silly won over many audiences and elevated it above the usual romantic-comedy fare. It is also a rare comedy movie with a plot twist that is genuinely surprising and great.
Remember The Titans (2000) – 7.8
The classic 2001 sports drama film Remember The Titans was based on the true story of an integrated football team that overcame inner struggles to form a winning squad led by a determined coach, played by Denzel Washington. It also featured Gosling in one of his first major film roles as a football cornerback.
With outstanding reviews from critics, who praised everything from its story to its writing to its acting, the film is now considered one of the greatest football movies of all time.
The Big Short (2015) – 7.8
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Adam McKay’s 2015 satirical drama The Big Short takes an inside look at the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, showing how it was inadvertently caused by those looking to capitalize on the unstable housing market.
Gosling co-stars as Jared Vennett, a salesman looking to strike it big. Gosling was joined by such big names as Christian Bale and Brad Pitt in the movie, with many fans seeing it as a compelling and entertaining take on a subject few have looked into themselves.
The Notebook (2004) – 7.8
- Available to rent on Apple TV
A rare example of the cult classic rom-com, 2004’s The Notebook (which was based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks) follows Noah Calhoun (played by Gosling) and Allison Hamilton, a young couple who are brought together by their love for each other, despite the many obstacles that stand in their way.
The film was Gosling’s breakout role, and he earned much praise for his performance; the film also received praise for its well-written dialogue, emotional weight, and light-hearted tone.
Drive (2011) – 7.8
The 2011 film Drive stars Gosling in a very similar role to 2012’s The Place Behind The Pines – a stunt driver whose heist gone awry impacts the lives of those around him (and endangers his own).
Drive recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and its popularity has only grown in the subsequent years. Its stylish and surreal approach makes it far more than another run-of-the-mill crime movie.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – 8.0
- Available on Netflix and HBO Max
The sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 cyberpunk classic Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049 stars Ryan Gosling as a “replicant”, a bio-engineered human male with above-average physical and mental capabilities.
The movie has since become known as one of the best legacy sequels ever made. Director Denis Villeneuve was able to honor the beloved original while also expanding the universe in some exciting ways.
La La Land (2016) – 8.0
Gosling teamed with Emma Stone once again to deliver the Oscar-winning modern musical La La Land. Gosling plays a struggling jazz musician who falls for Stone’s aspiring actor as they ignite their charming romance while trying to realize their dreams.
Gosling and Stone continue to prove they have effortless chemistry on screen. Director Damien Chazelle also creates some unforgettable musical sequences that dazzle the audience inside this complex love story.
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