With his good looks and versatility, Canadian actor Ryan Gosling has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Ranking his best performances is challenging, but we’ve come up with a list of 10 you shouldn’t miss. With one exception (Barbie), these are no longer in theaters, but you can find many of them on Netflix, Amazon Prime, DirecTV, and other streaming services. For any you can’t, you can purchase them digitally or on DVD through Amazon or another retailer.
Barbie
If you hurry, you can catch this one while it’s still in theaters. Playing Ken in this summer comedy, Gosling has won acclaim for bringing Ken to buffoonish life. Many think he’ll get an Oscar nod for this one.
Blade Runner 2049
Fans of the original sci-fi classic were skeptical about this sequel, but largely thanks to Gosling, the producers, director, and cast pulled it off. Gosling plays a “blade runner” who hunts replicants, and he unearths a secret that could plunge society into chaos. He also finds Harrison Ford returning in his role as a blade runner from the original.
Blue Valentine
This movie about two young people who fall in love only to see their marriage crumble five years later can be tough to watch, but it’s exceptionally well-acted. Gosling and co-star Michelle Williams went to great lengths to bring their roles to life, including renting a home, living as a couple, and simulating arguments.
Drive
Gosling plays an unnamed L.A. stunt driver and mechanic (listed in the credits as “The Driver”) with an interesting side gig: a getaway driver for criminals. He becomes attached to a neighbor and her son, and when her husband gets out of prison, the two get involved in a heist that goes terribly wrong. This film established Gosling as an action-film star.
First Man
In this one, Gosling plays Neil Armstrong, the first man who set foot on the moon. With great acting and stunning visuals, it’s a must-see for any fan of biographical dramas.
Half Nelson
Playing an idealistic middle-school teacher mainly serving low-income minority students in Brooklyn, Gosling’s character has a dark secret: a crack addiction. When one of his students finds out, he goes from horror to forming an unlikely friendship with her.
La La Land
We mentioned Gosling’s versatility, and he shows it here by singing and dancing in this musical. He and co-star Emma Stone play, respectively, a pianist and an actress whose love affair is challenged by the pursuit of their careers. The movie is also known for its bittersweet ending.
The Big Short
This film is a biographical comedy set in 2006-2007 Wall Street based on real people and events. Gosling plays an investor who makes predictions about the U.S. mortgage market.
The Nice Guys
A buddy action-comedy set in the 1970s, this film pairs Gosling with Russell Crowe. The two play private detectives investigating the sudden death of an “adult movie” star and a young woman’s disappearance.
The Notebook
On Rotten Tomatoes, this romance partly inspired by true events isn’t anywhere close to being Gosling’s top-ranked movie (Drive is). However, it’s the movie that made him a major star, and it’s worth seeing just for that. From a notebook, James Garner as an aging man, tells another resident the love story of a young couple played by Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Fun fact: Gosling and McAdams couldn’t stand each other during the film’s shooting and even got into shouting matches. However, during the film’s promotional tour, they developed romantic feelings and started dating.
10 Highest Grossing Movies of All Time (Inflation Adjusted)
Ever debated the greatest movies? Well, we’re counting cash, not critics. Here’s an inflation-adjusted roundup of the top 10 box office champions—because modern-day blockbusters can’t just inflate their way to the top! This list represents the highest-grossing movies of all time.
10 Highest Grossing Movies of All Time (Inflation Adjusted)
10 Movies So Funny They’re Guaranteed to Make You Laugh
Are you searching for funny films that don’t require a lot of thinking and make you laugh out loud? We got you covered. Recently someone asked for genuinely hilarious movies, and the internet responded to deliver this list.
10 Movies So Funny They’re Guaranteed to Make You Laugh
10 Movies You Need to See if You’re a James Bond Fan
If you’re a dedicated fan of Agent 007 himself, you may have already watched all 27 movies, from Sean Connery’s iteration to the most recent Daniel Craig films. If you’re not a movie re-watcher, you may be longing for a new source to scratch that secret agent itch. Check out our list of 10 movies to watch if you’re a James Bond fan.
10 Movies You Need to See if You’re a James Bond Fan
Incredible Tales of Survival and the Movies That Brought Them to Life
These stories feature various aspects of human survival, from braving the elements and enduring isolation to overcoming unexpected disasters. Each of these tales provides a unique perspective on the indomitable human spirit and our will to survive against all odds. So captivating are these true stories that they’ve even inspired filmmakers to bring them to life on the big screen.
Incredible Tales of Survival and the Movies That Brought Them to Life
Featured Image Credit: DFreeS/hutterstock
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.