The Top 10 Ryan Gosling Films of All-Time
Ryan Gosling is a Canadian actor who starred in mostly Canadian TV shows during the 90s, and only later moving on to feature films. He has shown a great amount of talent and gained popularity through his diverse choices of roles, handsomeness, and a kind attitude. Although he is currently taking a break from acting, there is no doubt that many fans are looking forward to his return. Let’s take a look at his best films, as ranked by the users of Flickchart.
10. Fracture (2007)
Role: William “Willy” Beachum, deputy district attorney
Fracture shows the psychological battle between a man accused of attempted murder and a promising attorney who tries to prove his guilt. Starring alongside veteran actor Anthony Hopkins, Gosling manages to keep up well with the man who played Hannibal Lecter. Receiving positive reviews from film critics and performing well in the box office, Fracture is an interesting film which should make any legal thriller fan satisfied.
- currently ranked #4355 of all-time
- ranked 35084 times by 5211 users
- wins 29% of match-ups
- 51 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 2 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
9. The Notebook (2004)
Role: Noah Calhoun
The Notebook is a romantic drama that since its release has received somewhat of a cult following. Despite mixed reviews, it became a favorite among female audiences and helped make jumpstart the careers of Gosling and fellow Canadian actress Rachel McAdams. Definitely recommended to romance fans, this movie contains plenty of intense emotion.
- currently ranked #2820 of all-time
- ranked 201422 times by 29357 users
- wins 35% of match-ups
- 1990 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 145 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
8. The Believer (2001)
Role: Daniel “Danny” Balint, Jew turned Neo-Nazi
With this role, Gosling proved that he can act. The interesting premise – which is even more thought-provoking considering it is based on a real-life member of the American Nazi Party – makes the viewer wonder about the true nature of belief. Bold and convincing, The Believer is a powerful drama thanks to Gosling’s performance.
- currently ranked #2774 of all-time
- ranked 7239 times by 324 users
- wins 55% of match-ups
- 8 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
7. The Ides of March (2011)
Role: Stephen Meyers, junior campaign manager
Directed, written by, and starring George Clooney, The Ides of March is a political drama about a campaign manager who becomes involved in a scandal that threatens his candidate’s shot at the presidency. Showing politics from the inside and keeping the viewer entertained, the movie is a great example of how democracy is sometimes a broken system. Quoting Ryan Gosling’s character: “You wanna be a president? You can start a war, you can lie, you can cheat, you can bankrupt the country, but you can’t fuck the interns.”
- currently ranked #1745 of all-time
- ranked 35372 times by 2360 users
- wins 52% of match-ups
- 67 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 3 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
6. Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Role: Lars Lindstrom
In this brilliant comedy drama about a shy man who falls in love with a sex doll, Ryan Gosling proves that he is unafraid of unusual roles. Lars and the Real Girl is an unexpectedly heart-warming story about loneliness, family, and relationships. Recommended for everyone, it shows the real talent of Gosling who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.
- currently ranked #1421 of all-time
- ranked 35664 times by 2871 users
- wins 53% of match-ups
- 72 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 6 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
5. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Role: Jacob Palmer
This film is a romantic comedy-drama about people facing problems with love. Its strength is showing that the love and relationships can be intelligent and funny at the same time. Gosling stars as a womanizer who helps a troubled man dealing with divorce (played by Steve Carell) by teaching him the right way to pick up girls. This film garnered yet another Golden Globe nomination for Gosling.
- currently ranked #1369 of all-time
- ranked 46333 times by 3386 users
- wins 56% of match-ups
- 173 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 5 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
4. Half Nelson (2006)
Role: Dan Dunne, middle-school history teacher
This role earned Gosling a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor, but he ultimately lost to Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland. Gosling plays a teacher who is dealing with his addiction to cocaine, and later befriends a student whom he teaches. A good character study with convincing performances, the film helps you realize anyone can be a worthy person and have problems with themselves at the same time.
- currently ranked #1341 of all-time
- ranked 30048 times by 2481 users
- wins 47% of match-ups
- 61 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 3 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
3. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Role: Luke Glanton, motorcycle stuntman turned bank robber
In this moving family drama starring Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta, Gosling plays a stuntman who learns about fatherhood. This causes him to make decisions that have a much greater impact on those around him than he thought. Dealing with themes such as crime, responsibility, family and poverty, The Place Beyond the Pines is a must-see.
- currently ranked #1095 of all-time
- ranked 19897 times by 1121 users
- wins 56% of match-ups
- 74 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 7 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
2. Blue Valentine (2010)
Role: Dean
This film about a troubled couple is another which Gosling was once again nominated for a Golden Globe. Starring alongside Michelle Williams, it is an examination of a disintegrating marriage despite both sides trying to repair it. Difficult themes are dealt with expertly by both lead actors, as well as the director, Derek Cianfrance.
- currently ranked #926 of all-time
- ranked 32345 times by 1899 users
- wins 59% of match-ups
- 114 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 7 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
1. Drive (2011)
Role: Driver
The number one film on our list is considered by many to be a modern classic. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, and also the highest ranked film from 2011, Drive is an epic mix of a pulsing score, brutal violence, a captivating story, strong performances, and solid directing that combines to make a marked impact on its viewers.
- currently ranked #299 of all-time
- ranked 123808 times by 7437 users
- wins 64% of match-ups
- 1030 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 87 users have it ranked as their #1 film of all-time
What do you think about Ryan Gosling’s filmography? Are there any other movies with Gosling worth seeing that should have made the cut? Please let us know in the comments!
I really enjoyed Fracture, even if it is, ultimately, pretty formulaic.