Ryan Gosling has made 29 movies in 30 years, and with Project Hail Mary (2026) just out, we’re ranking them all.
Call him Hollywood’s renegade, chameleon, or Millennial Hollywood’s answer to Old Hollywood’s Marlon Brando. Whichever moniker, Ryan Gosling delivers. His latest film, 2026’s science fiction blockbuster Project Hail Mary, just hit streaming platform Amazon this July, and cinephiles are out-of-this-world excited (pun intended). Gosling might’ve excelled in his previous science fiction and astronomy forays. Cue 2017’s Blade Runner 2049 and 2018’s First Man. But Gosling and alien Rocky in Project Hail Mary, battling astrophage out in deep space? This film has penetrated hearts, and Gosling’s performance has received Oscar buzz.
Nominated for three Oscars in his 30-year film career, Gosling is one of Hollywood’s hottest actors. Known for his smoldering intensity, rawness, and seemingly effortless character delivery, he’s forged a singular path, which includes both independent arthouse films and big-budget mainstream movies. Hello, iconic Ken doll in 2023’s Barbie! From good to best, let’s rank Ryan Gosling’s filmography.
All Ryan Gosling Movies, Ranked
29. Frankenstein and Me (1996)
It’s Ryan Gosling’s film debut! The family-friendly horror has a bit of everything. In addition to mild horror, it has comedy, drama, heartfelt tributes to classic horror films, and more. Gosling plays a young, imaginative teenager who tries to bring the “real” Frankenstein monster (who he believes he’s discovered at a carnival) back to life. Gosling was about fifteen when this film is released, so it’s him at his adolescent cutest. Overall, this film is entertaining popcorn fun. It’s not intended to be more, and it gives Gosling some helpful time in front of a movie camera.
28. Murder By Numbers (2002)
Here’s a nail-biting thriller. It’s a story about a detective who investigates the murder of a young high school woman. She believes that two young high school men are responsible for the crime, one of them being Richard (played by Ryan Gosling). Taking inspiration from the infamous real-life Leopold and Loeb murder case of 1924, which was subsequently the inspiration for legendary director Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948 film Rope, Murder by Numbers is good. Actress Sandra Bullock shines as the curious detective with a troubling history, and Ryan Gosling expertly plays a posh, punky villain with a sense of entitlement. He’s legitimately frightening.
27. Remember the Titans (2000)
Gosling’s role in Remember the Titans is unquestionably minor, but he boasts one important scene. Cue Alan, a young quarterback on a newly racially-integrated high school football team in Virginia in 1971. Alan famously gives up his starting spot on the field to a black teammate who’s better. Not yet twenty when filming this biopic, it’s hard to tell if youthful Gosling is just “real-life appealing” in Remember the Titans, or if he’s a “talented up-and-coming actor.” It’s probably a bit of both. Either way, critics liked him. He played a high school football player seemingly so naturally, and well.
26. The Slaughter Rule (2002)
An indie film about a high school football player in snowy Montana, The Slaughter Rule is a coming-of-age film that doesn’t exactly sing with cheerfulness, but it has deep compassion. Gosling is still a young, blossoming actor in The Slaughter Rule. He hasn’t hit it big yet, and this movie is one of those nostalgic pieces in his vast filmography, where one might say, “Look how young and talented he was. A star just about to be launched.” There’s a down-home, lived-in quality to The Slaughter Rule, thanks to its setting, cinematography, and talented cast. Gosling smartly taps into this, delivering a fine performance that feels equally lived-in and sympathetic.
25. The Gray Man (2022)
Coming back after a four-year hiatus starting in 2018, Gosling said to Movie Weather of his decision to star in the big-budget mainstream action film The Gray Man, “This character falls out of the airplane without a parachute… and he still remains positive!” Enter Ryan Gosling as Hollywood’s newest action hero. While Gosling might’ve employed some action in previous films, The Gray Man is his first foray into a “superhero” inspired action film, “superhero” being all the rage in recent Hollywood. Gosling plays CIA agent Sierra Six (aka The Gray Man), who’s trying to flee from ex-CIA agent bad-guy Lloyd Hansen. Gosling is riveting. It’s an auspicious debut to a popular action subgenre.
24. Gangster Squad (2013)
It’s 1949 Los Angeles, and Gosling plays a Tinseltown detective on the hunt for a savage gangster. Starring alongside actings greats Nick Nolte, Josh Brolin, and Sean Penn as the gangster, Gosling does well in this highly-stylized crime thriller period piece. Though the film received “meh” reviews, Gosling’s detective character is one of its bright spots. Gosling knows how to play cool, quiet, and observant. He also knows how to play killer. This wouldn’t be the first time. Watch his facial expression when he pulls the trigger. He’s chilling.
23. All Good Things (2010)
Gosling doesn’t have to look far for character inspiration in All Good Things. This film is loosely based on the real-life story of rich New York City real estate “nepo baby” Robert Durst, and his connection to various murders and the disappearance of his wife. Steep in production costs, and not earning much at the box office, Gosling and his romantic co-star actress Kirsten Dunst still earned praise for All Good Things. They synch up well on-screen, and keep the movie percolating with true crime mystery. Noteworthy, even notorious Robert Durst professed his enjoyment of this film.
22. The United States of Leland (2003)
Gosling tackles another arguably unsympathetic character in The United States of Leland. He’s a teenager who takes the life of a young boy. But there are questions surrounding his motive and memory of committing the crime. The United States of Leland is a drama that attempts a lot, to varying degrees of success. It delves into many individual psychological issues, alongside community societal issues. Whether or not the movie achieves its big overarching motives is debatable. But this is a positive early performance for Gosling. He digs deep into a complex character to explore both light and dark.
21. Song to Song (2017)
This independent film by renowned director Terrence Malick of Tree of Life (2011) fame often sneaks under the radar in Ryan Gosling’s filmography. He plays a dreamy, drifting musician in Austin, Texas, who’s part of a love triangle. Experimental in narrative structure, where Malick utilizes several voice overs and “fragments” of full scenes to tell his story, Song to Song is somewhat akin to a “beautiful cinematic collage.” It’s not for everyone. But Gosling, who typically thrives when pushing the envelope with unusual character and film choices, looks comfortable here. Song to Song is an intriguing watch, especially if you’re a music lover.
20. Only God Forgives (2013)
Armed with a disconcerting plot, Gosling bravely tackles his psychopathic role as Julian, a drug dealer and would-be revenge assassin, in the neon-underworld streets of Bangkok, Thailand. Polarizing with filmmakers, critics, and audiences, Only God Forgives is a highly stylized, violent film that isn’t for the faint of heart. Some accuse it of being incoherent and too stylized. But as for Gosling? His character’s detached, potent gaze, and slip of the fingers underneath his victim’s top jaw (before he drags him!) makes it hard to turn away. Will he kill to please his mother? Gosling embodies one of his most complex characters. It’s a powerful, disturbingly good internal struggle.
19. Fracture (2007)
In this riveting legal drama, Ryan Gosling gnashes it up with formidable Anthony Hopkins of terrifying The Silence of the Lambs (1991) fame. He plays a district attorney trying to convict a murderer (Hopkins’ character). If anyone was in doubt of Gosling’s acting chops until now, this doubt diminishes with Fracture. Gosling plays off Hopkins brilliantly, bringing a delectable, disconcerting tension to their screentime together. Entertaining? Maybe the serious subject matter doesn’t warrant it. But a legal drama is a tried-and-true staple of cinema, and these two actors know how to get the job done.
18. The Fall Guy (2024)
Based on the popular 1980s TV series, The Fall Guy is a colorful, jam-packed action comedy, where Gosling gets to do double duty. Portraying a movie stuntman, he’s both flipping over in a truck with flames blasting, and sidling up to his movie director ex-girlfriend as he assures her that he can be professional. He cutely says, “Profesh is my middle name.” Gosling fully leans into mainstream big-budget Hollywood cinema with The Fall Guy, and he’s great. Noteworthy, he even does some of the stunts! The film embraces its “retro” 1980s setting, relying more on practical effects and stunt doubles instead of modern CGI (computer-generated imagery).
17. The Ides of March (2011)
A mainstream political film co-starring Hollywood heavyweight George Clooney (who also directs, writes, and produces here), Gosling’s character takes on the important role of “right-hand man” to a Democratic presidential candidate (played by Clooney’s character). Released a year before the USA’s 2012 presidential election, The Ides of March was a timely, popular film. It was praised not so much for its political insight or bite, but for its strong dramatic acting, which expertly illuminated what most people already knew about the dirty underbelly of politics. Gosling captivates with Clooney. They’re compelling and believable.
16. The Believer (2001)
Ryan Gosling is chilling as a neo-Nazi in The Believer. He could’ve easily rested on the assumed negative perception of his character. A neo-Nazi? Audiences know what to feel. But this film’s brilliance is layered. For starters, it’s loosely based on a real-life person, which lends one to question, “Well, what makes this specific neo-Nazi worthy of a movie?” Secondly, this question is answered as this neo-Nazi is revealed to be Jewish, the very religion of the neo-Nazi’s hatred. Lastly, and most brilliantly, there’s Ryan Gosling to bring this complex, mystifying character to life. Gosling was brave to tackle this provocative role.
15. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Gosling’s ultimately lovable womanizer character Jacob in Crazy, Stupid, Love is one of his most cherished characters, especially by romantic comedy fans. The “peeling away of the onion” from sly playboy to sweet upstanding suitor is mainstream Hollywood appealing. Gosling is at his frothy rom-com best, and leans into his renowned “dreamboat” good looks. Importantly, he successfully synchs up with his co-stars (notably actors Steve Carell and Emma Stone, the latter who he would later display phenomenal romantic chemistry with in 2016’s La La Land). For its actors, romantic comedy relies heavily on the “likeability” quotient and “chemistry” factor. This ensemble cast displays their collective magic beautifully, and in spades.
14. Stay (2005)
A moody, visually sumptuous psychological thriller that asks a lot of questions, Stay features Ryan Gosling as a troubled art student in New York City. He’s able to use the film’s surreal visual style and cinematography to his advantage, reflecting his character’s own internal dreamlike state. Deliberately slow in laying out the breadcrumbs, and not a fully penetrating experience, Stay might not be the most memorable of psychological thrillers. Still, Gosling conveys a psychological pain that is searing, tired, and in desperate need of help. We believe his limit is near. But, are we ready for the film’s surprise ending?
13. The Notebook (2004)
Taking its steamy, red lipstick-stained place among “Most Romantic Movie” lists everywhere, The Notebook is Ryan Gosling at his romantic best. His portrayal of a young 1940s man from the American South who is of limited financial means (aka poor), and loses his sweetheart because of it, is sympathetic and touching. He and Rachel McAdams are stunning on-screen, and their famous kiss-in-the-rain scene has become a pop culture phenomenon. This movie becomes extra bittersweet when factoring in that this 1940s romance is all a flashback. The Notebook has an intriguing, suspenseful narrative structure.
12. The Big Short (2015)
A modern tale about the modern real-life American housing market crash of 2007, Ryan Gosling once again shines in an “ensemble” film. The Big Short has Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, and other high-profile talents. Gosling also shares screentime with Steve Carell, who he bonded excellently with in the aforementioned rom-com Crazy, Stupid, Love. Here’s the movie where Gosling infamously bets against American banks, and plays a bit of Jenga blocks to depict the housing market crash. Saturday night family fun, anyone? Gosling commendably displays intellectual swagger and arrogance. The Big Short is sleek, fast-paced, and noted for its disturbing historical accuracy. Gosling and all the actors deserve high marks.
11. Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Here’s a quirky Gosling “cult classic” that presses all the right buttons (pun intended). But wait, did that s** doll have buttons, or was she just inflatable plastic? Gosling’s loner character Lars falls head-over-heels for a lifelike s** doll who he perceives as real. Her name? This lovely Brazilian/Danish lady is called Bianca. Alternatingly sweet and disturbing, yet never unkind or mocking, this film is precious. It’s a wonderfully nuanced vehicle for Gosling to showcase his many talents in character development, from comedy to drama, and more. The result is an offbeat “sleeper” hit that keeps watchers “awake” and even smiling.
10. First Man (2018)
A biopic of astronaut Neil Armstrong, chronicling his life and lead-up to the legendary Apollo 11 Moon mission in 1969, First Man offers a peek into an enigmatic character. We get to see behind the grandiosity of scientific accomplishment in this historic Moon mission, and to learn of one astronaut’s troubles and sacrifice to get there. While receiving accolade for production design and sound, the film has received some mixed reviews for its emotional restraint. But First Man still shines for Gosling. He’s able to work within the film’s restraint, successfully infusing a quiet passion that he’s become known for with many of his characters.
9. Barbie (2023)
Gosling’s most commercially lucrative (aka blockbuster) film, and the highest-grossing film of 2023, Barbie is a crowd-pleaser. But, it’s technically excellent, too. Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Barbie isn’t just an obvious vehicle for its titular 1950s doll character. Aided by an unflinchingly insightful and comedic script, Gosling as Ken (Barbie’s lovelorn suitor) embarks on a rich character study, too. The result is fascinating, humorous, and touching. Gosling was nominated for his third Oscar. Behold some iconic Barbie and Ken dialogue. Ken says, “I thought I might stay overnight.” Barbie replies, “Why?” Ken continues, “Because we’re girlfriend/boyfriend.” Barbie asks wide-eyed, “To do what?” Ken says with charming candor, “I’m actually not sure.”
8. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Starring alongside his future off-screen romantic partner, actress Eva Mendes, The Place Beyond the Pines is a crime drama that thoughtfully explores fathers and sons, love and legacy. Heavily tattooed, sporting a black Metallica t-shirt, Gosling’s character is a seemingly tough bank robber trying to provide for his newfound family. One could say setting, plot, and costuming are all-important cinematic elements here. But Gosling delivers deep, intriguing character elements, too, where we’re left deliciously with our thoughts and meditations. Some have negatively cited the film’s slow pacing. Meanwhile, others commend Gosling and the entire cast for making this slow-burn worthwhile.
7. Half Nelson (2006)
It’s the film that earned Ryan Gosling his first Oscar nomination. Gosling plays a cocaine-using middle school teacher in Brooklyn, who becomes friends with one of his students who learns that he’s a drug user. Like the wrestling sports move referenced in the title, Gosling’s Dan is metaphorically down and rendered helpless by his self-destructive behaviors. But, he’s not dead. There’s still hope. Powerfully dramatic, Gosling takes us on a bumpy ride of acting brilliance. It’s the early movie where both critics and audiences perked up to his impressive capabilities.
6. Drive (2011)
The best indie film in Ryan Gosling’s catalog, Drive is a gripping neo-noir that rightly evokes images of Gosling’s iconic “Driver” character. He’s behind the steering wheel, gripping it as a Hollywood stunt driver, but also as a getaway crime driver during his downtime. Drive boasts a complex plotline involving a romance with a neighbor, a heist, deception, and ultimately, a brilliant ending in that there is no definitive ending or resolution. Gosling is superbly quiet and at times tender, which serves as an intriguing contrast to the film’s graphic violence and action. He’s A+ potent.
5. Project Hail Mary (2026)
*Not making it to the Ryan Gosling IMDb ranking list by publication time, but receiving top ranking at 95% by Rotten Tomatoes, Project Hail Mary earns its spot as Ryan Gosling’s ultimate “Must See.” His character premise is disturbingly intriguing. He’s an average school teacher and once-molecular biologist, who is forcibly brought to deep space and is alone on a spacecraft. He then develops a friendship with another sole survivor in a spacecraft, this survivor being an alien. Praised for its spectacular visuals and scientific accuracy, Gosling is pitch-perfect as he brings spectacular heart and humor to Project Hail Mary. He’s intense, raw, and seemingly effortless in his delivery, embodying everything that filmmakers, critics, and audiences have come to adore in him over the years. Should Gosling earn an Oscar nomination for Project Hail Mary? I say, “Yes!”
4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Just as Gosling can embody the “fire,” he’s conversely adept at displaying the “ice.” He can do deadpan, flat, and the effect can be beyond intriguing and mysterious. Enter Officer K from the futuristic sci-fi megalith Blade Runner 2049, which is the sequel to the original 1982 “cult classic” Blade Runner. Is Gosling’s Officer K a replicant, or a hybrid human that was born and not artificially created? Are his memories real or instead implanted? Blade Runner 2049 is visually stunning, majestic, and enveloping. The futuristic aesthetic is perfectly palpable, and Gosling inhabits this futuristic world with a commanding quietness that still displays heartbreaking yearning.
3. The Nice Guys (2016)
Similar to Lars and the Real Girl, The Nice Guys sometimes falls under the radar in Gosling’s filmography. But this “cult classic” is possibly his best comedy film. He teams up with Rusell Crowe, and the two travel back in time to 1970s Los Angeles. Sporting a 1970s-style moustache in the fashion of legendary actor Burt Reynolds, Gosling plays a “retro” private eye with panache, as he and Crowe investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl. This buddy film doesn’t take itself seriously, and yet it doesn’t rely on just setting, costuming, or circumstantial set pieces to produce its comedy. Rather, Gosling and Crowe have chemistry, and smartly know how to work the script.
2. Blue Valentine (2010)
Made on a shoestring budget of just $1 million, Blue Valentine is a beloved piece in Ryan Gosling’s independent film catalog. He and co-star Michelle Williams dive into the murky, painful depths of a failing marriage. Both Gosling and Williams show their power as actors, and this film pulls no punches. The two are unvarnished, explicit. Legend has it they also improvised some of their dialogue. The result is a film that amplifies Gosling’s daring spirit. Blue Valentine shows that Ryan Gosling is an actor who “isn’t afraid to go there.” He’ll see that boundary line and, similar to previously mentioned Marlon Brando, if he feels it’s the right move creatively, he’ll leap past it.
1. La La Land (2016)
Marvelous, wondrous, and truly superlative-worthy, La La Land is one of Ryan Gosling’s most acclaimed films. It won six Oscars, and Gosling was nominated for an Oscar as jazz pianist Seb. Set in modern Los Angeles, La La Land follows two dreamers, Gosling and Emma Stone, who sing and dance in the Tinseltown moonlight, as their characters fall in love, fight for their showbiz careers, break up, and all the rest. A colorfully clever modern musical that gives audiences all those magical Old Hollywood feels, this movie leaves us asking, “Is there anything that Ryan Gosling can’t do?” His performance elevates a stellar screenplay, superb art direction, and expert cinematography.
Very informative! *presses play on his movies*