Ryan Gosling has built an incredibly strong film career over the last 25 years. Though he’s not always mentioned among the most celebrated actors, few have consistently delivered as much quality work. He’s consistently shown both charm and comedic timing, and is capable of great dramatic depth, often within the same movie. He began his career with appearances on shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and as a member of the Mickey Mouse Club, but it was The Notebook that truly launched him into the spotlight.
Ryan Gosling’s early romantic comedy with Rachel McAdams showcased his natural charisma, but his career choices after that were even more compelling. Instead of sticking to mainstream Hollywood roles, he opted for independent films and took on complex characters, like a teacher struggling with addiction in Half-Nelson and a man who falls in love with a doll in Lars and the Real Girl. This led to a second wave of success in the 2010s, where he balanced popular films with more artistic projects, solidifying his status as a major star across various genres, including romantic comedies, musicals, and science fiction.
His latest film, Project Hail Mary, released in 2026, falls into that exciting category. It’s predicted to be one of the year’s best and a possible Oscar nominee in 2027. Considering his impressive filmography, few actors have starred in as many of my favorite movies this century. But how does Project Hail Mary stack up against Ryan Gosling’s other great performances?
8) First Man (2018)
Following the hit movie La La Land, Ryan Gosling worked with director Damien Chazelle again on First Man, a film about the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong. The movie shows the years before Armstrong’s historic moon landing, and the personal sacrifices he, his wife Janet (played by Claire Foy), and others made along the way.
This film represents a shift in style for both of the lead actors. While it still features some visually striking scenes in space – the launch sequence is especially powerful – it’s generally more subdued than their previous work. Gosling delivers one of his most understated yet impactful performances, portraying Armstrong with a reserved and internal intensity. He and Foy have strong chemistry, and the movie delves into the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of a dream – a theme also present in the director’s films Whiplash and La La Land. Though the film occasionally feels a bit emotionally detached, Gosling’s portrayal is consistently captivating.
7) Barbie (2023)
Ryan Gosling might only play Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, but his performance is truly exceptional. Even before the movie came out, the first pictures of him as bleached-blonde Ken suggested this would be a standout role, but they didn’t hint at just how brilliant he – and the film itself – would be.
Though Margot Robbie is the clear star, Ryan Gosling delivers a standout performance. He fully commits to the role of Ken, hilariously portraying his insecurities while also adding moments of genuine emotion that prevent the character from becoming a complete caricature. He’s incredibly entertaining, and while not every actor gets a chance to shine as brightly, Gosling is more than up to the task – he’s perfect as Ken.
6) Project Hail Mary (2026)
It’s likely that Project Hail Mary will become even more highly regarded as time goes on. While it’s still early and I want to avoid simply favoring recent releases, the film is truly exceptional. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and based on the novel by Andy Weir, it tells the story of Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), a teacher who unexpectedly ends up in space with the fate of Earth resting on his shoulders.
Though the film simplifies some of the complex science in Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling is crucial to making it understandable and engaging. He grounds the story with a relatable and human performance, blending his signature wit with genuine emotion whenever the serious stakes demand it.
This film is ultimately a story about the power of friendship. While James Ortiz, who brought Rocky to life through voice and movement, did a fantastic job, Ryan Gosling deserves major praise for acting so convincingly alongside him – proving he can share a genuine connection with even an inanimate object! The movie’s visuals are stunning, and it’s a truly unique experience best enjoyed on the biggest screen – something we don’t see enough of these days.
5) Blue Valentine (2010)
Like another Ryan Gosling film, Blue Valentine doesn’t tell its story in a straightforward way, but for different creative reasons. The movie, directed by Derek Cianfrance, focuses on Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) and their complicated relationship, showing both the good times and the struggles. In my opinion, it’s the most realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of a difficult breakup I’ve ever seen.
This movie isn’t always easy to watch, and it won’t appeal to everyone, but that’s actually a good thing. It doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, and while glimpses of happier times offer some relief, it’s a powerfully emotional and draining experience. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams deliver incredible performances, making their complex relationship feel completely real.
4) The Nice Guys (2016)
If things had gone a little differently, The Nice Guys would have earned well over $63 million (it cost $50 million to make), and we’d likely have seen at least one sequel, maybe even more. The film, directed by Shane Black, teams up Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as a detective and a tough guy who are forced to work together when a young woman goes missing.
This movie is a fantastic example of a Shane Black action comedy – it feels both nostalgic, like the classic Lethal Weapon, and completely fresh and updated. The script is cleverly written, consistently funny, moves quickly, subverts typical action movie tropes, and is full of witty, snappy conversations.
The real strength of the movie lies in the fantastic chemistry between Gosling and his co-star. They make an unlikely pair, but their on-screen connection is brilliant – it’s both funny and incredibly engaging, and truly deserves more recognition. Gosling, in particular, delivers a wonderfully physical and amusing performance, playing his character with endearing clumsiness. It might just be his most hilarious and rewatchable film yet.
3) Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Taking on a role in a sequel to a classic science fiction film, especially alongside an icon like Harrison Ford, is a big challenge, but Ryan Gosling delivered. Blade Runner 2049 came out during a wave of Hollywood sequels revisiting beloved franchises, a trend sparked by hits like Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, unlike many of those films that relied on familiar nostalgia, director Denis Villeneuve crafted a thought-provoking and original story that explored the past while forging its own path, making it a truly satisfying experience.
Ryan Gosling, playing Officer K, portrays a replicant who discovers a shocking secret and is led to Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford. Despite playing an artificial intelligence, Gosling delivers a remarkably human and nuanced performance. It’s a more restrained role for him, conveyed through subtle expressions and movements, which works beautifully alongside the film’s stunning visuals.
Okay, so this movie? It’s just… huge. Seriously epic in scope, and the cinematography by Roger Deakins is unreal – some of the best I’ve ever seen. But it’s not just spectacle; it’s surprisingly personal and moving too. It doesn’t shy away from violence, but somehow manages to be beautiful. What I really loved is how it takes the original story and digs deeper, asking interesting questions while still telling its own compelling narrative. The pacing is a little slow at times, I’ll admit, but honestly, I think it actually improves on the original.
2) Drive (2011)
While not necessarily Ryan Gosling’s best film, Drive is definitely his most stylish. It sparked a trend where many young men tried to emulate the look, particularly with the iconic white scorpion jacket – though I personally preferred a different piece of his recent wardrobe, the ‘Kenough’ hoodie.
This movie stars Ryan Gosling as a skilled stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver. He develops a connection with his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and gets drawn into a dangerous world when her husband (Oscar Isaac) becomes involved in a criminal situation. It’s one of Gosling’s most gripping and exciting films, and director Nicolas Winding Refn’s highly stylized action sequences set it apart from other action movies of the 2010s.
The movie’s electronic music is fantastic, even outside of the film itself. The chemistry between Gosling and Mulligan creates both exciting and touching moments, highlighting the movie’s overall darkness. Plus, Albert Brooks delivers a truly memorable and unsettling performance. Gosling plays his role with quiet intensity, barely speaking throughout the film, but somehow remains incredibly captivating.
Before we get to #1, here are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut:
- The Place Beyond the Pines
- Crazy, Stupid, Love
- Half-Nelson
- The Fall Guy
1) La La Land (2016)
It was tough to decide on the order of these films – I could easily rearrange most of them. But choosing the number one spot was simple. I absolutely love La La Land, directed by Chazelle, and it’s one of only two movies that truly feel that way to me. This bright and cheerful musical tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) as they navigate love and their professional ambitions. It’s a film that’s funny, touching, visually stunning, and ultimately heartbreaking.
The film is visually stunning, with a soundtrack that’s both upbeat and emotionally resonant. It’s hard not to get swept away by the story, especially as the two main characters fall in love. It feels like a beautiful dream, but one that also feels real – and that’s what makes it so impactful and unforgettable.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have incredible chemistry together, and it really shines in their third film as a duo, following Crazy, Stupid, Love and Gangster Squad. Stone delivers a powerful performance as Mia – her rendition of “Audition” is a particularly moving moment – but Gosling is equally important. He’s endearing, humorous, a bit clumsy, and though a hopeless romantic, you can’t help but cheer him on. They’re a fantastic match, and together they make this film truly special.
What’s your favorite movie starring Ryan Gosling? Share your pick in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-03-26 01:42