Acting is an art that can thrill anyone to the core and leave a person in awe. That’s why some of the best actors of all time receive applause for their work. And some movies make a special place in our hearts for a lifetime.
What does it take to become a great actor? The one-word answer to this question is – creativity. Only a person who can feel a given situation with a great understanding can become a true actor.
Great actors just amaze the audience with their first appearance due to their strong aura. They know the intricacies of what it takes to entertain the target audience. And their performance can make a viewer completely immerse in any film scene.
The ranking of the best actors of all time in Hollywood varies with time. But there are some actors who always remain on the top list. It is what makes them stand out from the rest of the actors.
Here, we have only enlisted the names of the greatest actors of all time. It is important for you to know that this list contains only the best male actors of all time.
Note: I have prepared the list of the 25 greatest actors of all time on the basis of my personal understanding. It contains the list of actors from the current as well as the earlier time.
Leonardo DiCaprio
The handsome actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, is active in Hollywood since the 90s with his consistent performances. He has successfully transitioned from being a child actor to an adult actor without a break.
What makes him so active in the Hollywood world? Well, it is his strong passion for acting that makes him keep going. An introvert in real life, Leonardo knows how to express himself clearly in different roles on the Silver Screen.
And if you check his movies list then you can easily comprehend that he has a diverse acting skills. In every role, Leonardo Dicaprio gives the best possible performance by crossing all his limits.
It is what makes him one of the greatest actors of all time in Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio has given many noble performances in his movie projects. And he has left the audience in a deep see of emotions & amazement with his splendid acting performances.
Over time, Leonardo DiCaprio has also established his name as a film producer and environmentalist. Here is a list of the best movies by the acting talent:
Best Movie Performances
- The Wolf of the Street
- The Aviator
- The Revenant
- Catch Me If You Can
- Shutter Island
Denzel Washington
If there is a Hollywood actor who has a traditional look but a vigorous personality then he is Denzel Washington. It is evident from his various stellar movie performances since his inception in the 1980s.
The hardcore personality is known for playing tough roles in which he portrays himself as a bad guy. Over time, Denzel Washington has only improved himself as an actor and his increasing age has not silenced his desire to act.
In his acting career, Denzel Washington has been nominated for many film awards such as Oscar. And the actor has won a couple of Oscars for his movies, “Glory” and “Training Day”.
Exceptional Movie Performances by Denzel Washington
- Glory
- Training Day
- Malcolm X
- Magnificent Seven
Tom Hanks
Have you watched “Forrest Gump”? If yes, then you must be aware of who Tom Hanks is. The actor is known for his lively acting performances. Irrespective of his age, Tom Hanks has only adopted a progressive approach in life to give many stellar performances.
Continuing an acting career for four decades is no easy task. An actor can only do so if he really has a strong passion for acting. Tom Hanks knows how to deliver a balanced performance in multiple genres.
His coming timing can fill anyone with joy and laughter. Owing to his deep acting, Tom Hanks has won Oscars two times in his five nominations in his entire acting career.
Great Works by Tom Hanks
- Philadelphia
- Saving Private Ryan
- Forrest Gump
- Cast Away
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. is a complete package of wit, fun, and humor. Who can forget his characters of “Tony Stark” and “Sherlock Holmes”? It is due to the splendid acting works that he enjoys a great reputation in Hollywood.
Despite his bad past, Robert Downey Jr. didn’t allow himself to take a backseat in his acting work. For his splendid performances in “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder”, the actor got nominated for Oscar twice.
His natural expressions and seamless acting skills have helped him gain global recognition. Robert Downey Jr. is one of the best actors of all time with a versatile acting career. And it also makes him stand on the list of the best male actors of all time.
Great Movies by Robert Downey Jr.
- Iron Man
- Sherlock Holmes
- Chaplin
- Tropic Thunder
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is a synonym of action, fitness, and remarkable expressions. After making his debut with Endless Love (1981), the American actor has not stopped since. The Top Gun actor has played many challenging roles in his acting career.
He is counted among the most handsome actors of all time in Hollywood. Tom has an heroic image due to his action roles to save the world from evil elements. Owing to his great fitness level, the actor is known for performing his own stunts.
Tom Cruise has got many awards for his remarkable acting performances. His acting is a treat for the audience to watch as he adds a natural touch to his acting.
Popular Movies by Tom Cruise
- Jerry Maguire
- Top Gun
- Mission Impossible
- The Mummy
Will Smith
Will Smith has an impressive appeal due to his exceptional acting performances. His entry into the acting world was a turning point in improving his life. He was struggling financially before signing his first sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.
Its success helped him introduce himself as an actor in Hollywood. Now, Will Smith has a renowned presence in the acting industry. It is due to his many exceptional movie projects that he truly loves to do.
The “Men in Black” persona has given many hits in his film career. Due to his, Will Smith has got many nominations for Oscar and he has won this prestigious award a couple of times.
Will Smith’s Splendid Movie Performances
- The Pursuit of Happyness
- Ali
- Men in Black II
- Gemini Men
- Independence Day
Johnny Depp
Don’t you remember splendid performances by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of Caribbean movie series? His wit and humor mixed with the right comic timing can impress everyone.
Johnny Depp has a long career in the acting world as he started working as an actor during his teen years on the TV series, 21 Jump Street. After this, he made his debut in the title role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007).
Whether a supporting role or a main lead, Johnny Depp has portrayed many lively characters in a phenomenal fashion. He is an ace at performing well in different genres in a seamless manner.
Best Movies of Johnny Depp
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Findind Neverland
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is a veteran actor who possesses many talents in his pocket. He came to light after the success of his comedy show, Saturday Night Live. His near to perfect comedy can make any person laugh and enjoy his time fully.
The seasoned actor has an estimated net worth of around $200 million due to his high-quality acting performance. Eddie Murphy is a pro in playing every character in a flexible manner to amaze his target audience.
He was nominated for the Oscars award due to his top-notch performance in the 2007 movie, Dreamgirls. Since his debut in the movie, 48 Hrs, Eddie Murphy has never stopped on his acting journey.
Certainly, surviving and exceling with the changing times in the evolving acting industy really takes a great courage. And Eddie Murphy has proved his mettle for acting with his splendid acting performances.
Recently, Eddie Murphy starred in the movie, Coming 2 America, for which he is receiving a great applause. Not just in comedy roles but Murphy is also a pro in executing serious roles in a streamlined fashion.
Great Movies by Eddie Murphy
- The Nutty Professor
- Trading Places
- Dreamgirls
Brad Pitt
Born as William Bradley Pitt, the actor is popular with the name, Brad Pitt, in the film industry. He is one of the best looking actors of all time. Due to his attractive aura, Brad Pitt is one of the renowned actors in the American Entertainment world.
For his splendid performances, Brad Pitt has received many accolades in his career. He is popular for delivering exceptional performances in genres such as crime, horror, action, and sci-fi.
Brad Pitt started his Hollywood journey with the firm, Thelma & Louise, a 1991 movie. On setting his feet in Hollywood, Brad Pitt has tried many different roles in different genres. And he has released many awards for his great performances.
Major Movies by Brad Pitt
- Seven
- 12 Monkeys
- Once Upon a Time in…….Hollywood
- 12 Years a Slave
Michael B. Jordan
Michael Jordan has touched new skies in his life due to his strong acting performances. The actor started his acting journey with TV roles and soon he jumped to the film industry.
Jordan has displayed powerful performances in many movies. He got his place on the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine. Known for his performances in two parts of the movie, Creed, he is set to make his directorial debut in the movie Creed III in 2022.
Michael Jordan is active in the film industry for over two decades and he has got many movie projects underway. Owing to his great acting talent, Michael Jordan has spread his dominance in Hollywood.
Popular Roles by Michael Jordan
- Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station
- Donnie Creed in Creed
- Erik Killmonger in Black Panther
George Clooney
It takes a real courage to give creative performances in diverse roles. The actor George Clooney executes it well. Due to this, he has received many awards for his remarkable performances.
George Clooney has a lively personality and his powerful aura appeals to everyone working with him. He is one of the handsome actors of all time in Hollywood. He never afraid of trying new things in his acting. It is one of the reasons why he has starred in many versatile movies with a great impact.
Whether it is a role of a supporting actor or the main lead, George Clooney leaves no stone unturned to do justice with his role. He has got oscar awards for his supporting role in Syriana and the main role in Argo.
Famous Movies of George Clooney
- Syriana
- Argo
- The Midnight Sky
- Gravity
Robin Williams
Robin Williams has left a strong imprint of his inspiring persona on the entire Hollywood industry. He was a cheerful soul who would never compromise with the quality of his roles.
Owing to his strong comic timing, Robin Williams gained a strong recognition in the world of stand-up comedy. And he came into limelight for his ecxception work in the sitcom, Mork & Mindy.
Despite suffering from Lewy Body Dementia, Robin Williams never allowed himself to lower the standard of his performance. For his exceptional work, he received many great awards in the Hollywood industry. He will always be counted on the list of the best actors of all time due to his remarkable contribution to Hollywood.
Critically Accalimed Movies of Robin Williams
- Dead Poets Society
- Good Will Hunting
- Good Morning, Vietnam
- The Fisher King
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson has made a big name for himself in the world of cinema due to his unique acting skills and strong physique. He is a retired WWE star and is known with his ring name, The Rock.
His films have earned a huge amount of money at the box office. Due to this, Dwayne Johnson is counted on the highest paid actor of all time list. His fans believe that he is the best actor ever seen by Hollywood.
The reason for it is his powerful performances in action and adventure movies in Hollywood. Dwayne Johnson has many accolades and awards to his name for his remarkable works in the Hollywood industry.
Popular Movies of Dwayne Johnson
- Moana
- The Rundown
- Snitch
- Fast & Furious Series
- The Scorpion King
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel is one of the top actors of all time and mostly he remains on the list of the top 10 actors of all time. Many a time, he has retained the place of the highest grossing box office star of all time due to his stellar acting.
Vin Diesel is renowned for his role of Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious series. His strong personality and his commitment to his roles in this franchise leave the audience stunned.
The actor has never feared to experiment with his roles and he displays an energetic spirit to make himself count in Hollywood. Unlike many other actors, Vin Diesel has not limited his participation in the acting world even after crossing the age of 50.
Remarkable Movies by Vin Diesel
- Pitch Black
- Fast and the Furious
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper is one of the greatest actors of all time as he has spellbound his audience with his quality work. The actor is counted as one of the most handsome actors of all time.
Moreover, he has grabbed a reputed spot on the list of the highest paid actor of all time. Bradley Cooper pursues his acting career passionately and he chooses his work from different genres.
He came into the limelight with his enormous success with the films namely, Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and American Sniper. Bradley has an attractive personality due to which he easily gains attention among the target audience.
Best Movies of Bradley Cooper
- A Star is Born
- American Sniper
- Silver Linings Playbook
Jeff Bridges
On the list of the veteran Hollywood actors, Jeff Bridges enjoys a special place due to his remarkable work in the acting world. He is known for his role of an alchoholic singer in the movie, Crazy Heart, due to his natural acting.
What makes Jeff Bridges different from other actors is his ability to build a bond with the audience through his character. His fine acting skills are attributed to his family background in acting. He has won an Oscar for his film, Crazy Heart, due to his exceptional performance.
Notable Movies of Jeff Bridges
- Crazy Heart
- The Big Lebowski
- The Last Picture Show
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is a notable Hollywood actor who is known for his rugged looks and streamlined acting style. Although there is no oscar in his pocket, he is known for releasing high earning movies at the box office.
Moreover, Harrison Ford has made a lot of contributions to the Hollywood industry. He has been showing his acting talent for a very long time. It is his ability to fully immerse in his acting role that makes him popular in Hollywood.
The seasoned actor knows the ins and outs of acting due to which he does his role effortlessly. His acting is full of a high entertainment quotient as he portrays his character very well.
Best Movies of Harrison Ford
- Witness
- Indiana Jones Films
- Star Wars Films
Other Greatest and Famous Male Actors of All Time
Apart from this, there are many other names on the list of the greatest actors of all time. Here are the name of these actors:
- Frederic March
- Chris Hemsworth
- Chris Evans
- Morgan Freeman
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Jack Nicholson
- Daniel Day-Lewis
- Keanu Reeves
- Joaquin Phoenix
Conclusion
So, this is all that you should know about the greatest actors of all time in Hollywood. They know how to play their characters well to yield exceptional performances on the silver screen.
Owing to their mindboggling performances, these actors have made their place on the list of the highest grossing actors of all time. Every movie of these actors has something to learn from and improve the overall lifestyle.
