10 Best Ryan Gosling Movies of All Time, Ranked

Ryan Gosling‘s new movie, Project Hail Mary, is a huge success, performing very well in theaters recently. It’s a strong finish to the first three months of 2026 for films, and it’s a reminder of how special the movie theater experience is. Gosling has consistently shown his talent, even in films that weren’t hits, proving he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Over the past twenty years, he’s become a key figure in keeping classic movie stardom alive.

I’m a huge Ryan Gosling fan, and honestly, it’s so hard to pick just one favorite movie of his! He’s been in everything – I loved him in those cool, artsy films like Drive and The Place Beyond the Pines, and then he’s hilarious in big comedies like Barbie. And who didn’t cry during The Notebook? Most actors have one or two standouts, but Gosling has so many amazing roles in so many different kinds of movies, it’s impossible to choose a single best!

10. The Gray Man (2022)

Although Ryan Gosling has starred in critically acclaimed films such as The Big Short and Drive, The Gray Man marks his debut in the action-spy world. The Russo Brothers deliver a fast-paced, purely entertaining experience filled with exciting chases, gun battles, and impressive fight scenes.

While the plot isn’t particularly memorable, Ryan Gosling is captivating, and his on-screen connection with Ana de Armas and Chris Evans is fantastic. The Gray Man is one of the stronger action movies Netflix has produced, and it’s too bad it wasn’t released in cinemas.

9. Crazy Stupid Love (2011)

Ryan Gosling has starred in many of the funniest movies of the last twenty years, and Crazy Stupid Love is a perfect example. The film boasts a fantastic cast, including Steve Carell, Emma Stone, and Julianne Moore, giving Gosling plenty of talented actors to work alongside. His on-screen connection with both Stone and Carell is incredibly charming, and his playful friendship with Carell is a standout part of this consistently hilarious movie.

The surprising turn of events is what truly makes Crazy Stupid Love a standout romantic comedy. While consistently funny, the film also has deeply emotional moments that will genuinely touch your heart. It’s a wonderful story about love at various stages of life, connecting with audiences of all ages.

8. The Notebook (2004)

While Ryan Gosling had appeared in a few projects before, The Notebook was the film that truly launched his career. He became a romantic lead, largely thanks to his portrayal of Noah, based on the popular novel. Throughout his career, Gosling has often benefited from strong chemistry with his co-stars, and Rachel McAdams was no exception. Their connection is legendary, and a key reason why the love story of Noah and Allie remains so memorable.

With its memorable lines, skillful direction by Nick Cassavetes, and sweetly nostalgic feel, The Notebook is truly special. It’s a moving story about love and how it impacts us, and it’s so powerful it might even make a skeptic believe in soulmates. That’s the mark of a truly great film.

7. The Fall Guy (2024)

The Fall Guy is a truly special film. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy that also pays a fantastic tribute to the often-unsung heroes of Hollywood – stunt performers. Plus, it’s one of the funniest action movies in years! Following his success in Barbie, Ryan Gosling is charming and effortlessly funny, and his chemistry with Emily Blunt is incredibly sweet and touching. He’s perfectly cast as an ordinary guy unexpectedly thrown into a world of action and adventure.

Sometimes a movie just reminds you why you love going to the cinema, and The Fall Guy is one of those films. Ryan Gosling is fantastic in it, and the action – the stunts, car chases, and overall excitement – is truly impressive. It’s a shame it didn’t perform well at the box office, earning only $181 million worldwide despite costing $125 million to make. While that means it wasn’t considered a financial success, that’s often the case with movies that later become beloved cult classics.

6. First Man (2018)

Though it doesn’t get as much attention as films like La La Land and Whiplash, First Man is another stunning achievement from director Damien Chazelle. Ryan Gosling, usually known for his comedic timing, delivers a remarkable and transformative performance as astronaut Neil Armstrong in this biopic about the years leading up to the historic moon landing.

First Man is a gripping and immersive film that truly captures the tension of the space race. It’s a standout performance for Ryan Gosling, and he convincingly portrays the immense pressure of the mission. The strong supporting cast, including Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, and Corey Stoll, further enhances the film’s impact. Any fan of Gosling’s work should definitely add First Man to their list of movies to watch.

5. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner 2049 is easily the most somber and thought-provoking film on this list. As a worthy follow-up to Ridley Scott’s original Blade Runner, director Denis Villeneuve continues the story of Harrison Ford’s character, Decker, and delivers a particularly bleak performance from Ryan Gosling. It’s more than just a masterpiece; the film is a deeply complex exploration of loneliness, connection, and what defines humanity.

The connection between Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas’s characters is incredibly moving and will deeply affect viewers. Gosling’s on-screen chemistry with Harrison Ford is also remarkable and deserves attention, especially considering their fantastic promotional appearances together. While Blade Runner 2049 is sadly known for being a major box office failure – one of the biggest in film history – it’s also considered a masterpiece. Ultimately, the film will be remembered for its exceptional quality, and is a rare sequel that surpasses the original.

4. Barbie (2023)

It feels like everything has already been said about the Barbie movie, especially Ryan Gosling’s performance as Ken. Many believe this will be his most memorable role. From the song “I’m Just Ken” to Gosling’s unique mix of awkward comedy, genuine emotion, and heartfelt performance, he transforms the iconic doll into a fully realized character. Surprisingly, Barbie offers a thoughtful look at the vulnerabilities of men and the emotions they often keep hidden.

Ryan Gosling’s Oscar nomination is well-deserved. He powerfully captures the universal search for identity – the feeling that, in some way, we’re all just trying to figure things out. Barbie is a hilarious and deeply moving film, thanks to the incredible performances from Gosling, Margot Robbie, and director Greta Gerwig. It’s a film that will make you laugh until you cry, but also touch you with its thoughtful moments, and Gosling is central to that emotional impact.

3. Project Hail Mary (2026)

Even though Project Hail Mary is still new in theaters, seeing it on the big screen is an incredible experience, especially in IMAX or Dolby Cinema. The film is a thrilling adventure filled with both heartwarming and sad moments, and it’s arguably Ryan Gosling’s best performance yet. In a time when many films feel uninspired, Hail Mary reminds us of the power and importance of human creativity.

For much of the movie, Ryan Gosling shares the screen with an incredibly charming puppet. Despite the lightheartedness, he delivers a powerfully emotional performance. Directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord have created a truly grand space adventure, but it’s the quieter, more personal scenes where Gosling really shines. The film is both funny and wonderfully strange, but it’s the blossoming, unexpected friendship and the resulting heartbreak that will stay with viewers. Ultimately, it’s a story about the power of teamwork and forming strong connections even in the most difficult circumstances, offering valuable lessons for today’s world.

2. The Nice Guys (2016)

“The Nice Guys” is a truly hilarious and memorable buddy cop film. Director Shane Black delivers a wildly funny and unpredictable story, and Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe share incredible chemistry. They feel like brothers, and their dynamic is the heart of the movie. It’s a fun throwback to classic Hollywood detective stories, but with a modern, goofy sense of humor that’s guaranteed to make you laugh.

Ryan Gosling’s performance as Holland Marsh is arguably his best role. He brilliantly showcased both his comedic and dramatic skills, bringing a unique charm to The Nice Guys, which had the potential to become a major franchise. Sadly, like Blade Runner 2049, the film wasn’t a commercial success, and it’s a real shame we never got a sequel. It’s frustrating that The Angry Birds Movie took its place! But if enough fans demand it, this underappreciated film could still get the follow-up it deserves.

1. La La Land (2016)

La La Land is considered one of the greatest musicals ever made, and a truly exceptional film overall. Director Damien Chazelle created a vibrant and joyful tribute to Hollywood’s golden age, set against the backdrop of pursuing the “American Dream.” The film’s energy comes from the fantastic chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, whose characters’ love story remains memorable. With incredible songs, stunning direction, and a unique mix of humor and sadness, La La Land is a truly special and unforgettable movie.

La La Land is a truly special film – the kind you don’t see very often. Its ending is famously shocking, often compared to a horror movie, and people are still talking about it. This movie is a masterpiece that could even make someone who doesn’t usually like musicals fall in love with the genre. It’s a film for those who dare to dream big, even when others tell them it’s unrealistic, and for those who aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. La La Land proved that Hollywood still had a lot of potential, and signaled the arrival of a new generation of talented actors. Ten years later, Ryan Gosling is one of those stars who has truly shone.

2026-03-31 05:07