Known for his quiet, intense roles in thrillers, the world’s favorite Ken has much more to offer. From romantic comedies and musicals to political dramas, we have put together a list of the 10 best films that showcase Ryan Gosling’s incredible range.
Content
- The Gray Man
- First Man
- Blade Runner 2049
- La La Land
- The Nice Guys
- Only God Forgives
- Gangster Squad
- The Place Beyond the Pines
- The Ides of March
- Crazy, Stupid, Love.
The Gray Man
IMDb: 6.5/10
2022, Action, Mystery, Thriller
USA, PG-13
Director: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Top cast: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
In 2003, the CIA recruits Kurt Gentry, a convicted murderer, turning him into The Gray Man — a special agent with the codename Sierra Six. Eighteen years later, after eliminating his latest target, he discovers that he has just killed a former Sierra Four. Kurt obtains a drive containing information that threatens the secret “Sierra” program. Refusing to hand over the drive to his superiors, Six becomes the target — not just of his former colleagues but also of elite mercenaries, the most dangerous of whom is the ruthless Lloyd Hansen.
First Man
IMDb: 7.3/10
2018, Biography, Drama, History
USA, Japan, China, PG-13
Director: Damien Chazelle
Top cast: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke
Fate favors the brave, and Neil Armstrong is certainly one of them. While the whole world knows his name, few understand the price he paid for that small step, which became a giant leap for all humankind. First Man takes you behind the scenes of humanity’s journey into space.
Blade Runner 2049
IMDb: 8.0/10
2017, Action, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
USA, R
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Top cast: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas
In the near future, the world is populated by humans and replicants, created to perform the most grueling tasks. Officer K’s main task is to keep the replicants under control amid rising tensions. When he accidentally uncovers a secret that could threaten all of humanity, K sets out to find Rick Deckard — a former officer from the Los Angeles police special unit who disappeared without a trace years ago.
La La Land
IMDb: 8.0/10
2016, Comedy, Drama, Musical, Romance
USA, PG-13
Director: Damien Chazelle
Top cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Rosemarie DeWitt
La La Land is a modern classic that earned Ryan Gosling his second Oscar. It tells the love story of a starlet who serves coffee to established movie stars between auditions and a passionate jazz musician passionate about his craft but stuck playing in dingy bars. As success finally comes their way, it begins to take a toll on their relationship.
The Nice Guys
IMDb: 7.4/10
2016, Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
USA, UK, R
Director: Shane Black
Top cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice
What happens when a tough bruiser teams up with his complete opposite? Jackson Healy and Holland March are forced to work together to solve what seems like a simple missing-person case, only to find themselves wrapped up in the crime of the century. Can these two crack the complex puzzle when each has their very unique methods?
Only God Forgives
IMDb: 5.7/10
2012, Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
USA, R
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Top cast: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm
Julian has fled from American justice and now runs a Muay Thai club in Bangkok, which serves as a front for his drug trade. His mother, the head of a major crime organization, arrives from the U.S. to retrieve the body of her favorite son, Billy, who was killed for another crime he did. Consumed by rage and a thirst for revenge, she demands that Julian find and punish the killers.
Gangster Squad
IMDb: 6.7/10
2013, Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
USA, R
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Top cast: Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Gangster Squad takes us to Los Angeles in 1949. Brooklyn-born, ruthless gang leader Mickey Cohen rules the city with an iron fist, collecting money from drug trafficking, weapons, and prostitution, maintaining tight control over the city. Protected by everyone, from thugs to cops and politicians on his payroll, Cohen intimidates even the toughest street-smart officers. The only exception is a small, secret group within the LAPD, led by Sergeant John O'Mara and Jerry Wooters, who are determined to take down Cohen's criminal empire.
The Place Beyond the Pines
IMDb: 7.3/10
2012, Crime, Drama, Thriller
USA, R
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Top cast: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes
Stunt motorcyclist Luke Glanton travels from town to town, showcasing his skills to make a living. During one of his shows, he meets his ex-girlfriend, Romina, and discovers that they have a one-year-old son named Jason. Luke decides to quit his job to provide a better life for his son. However, Romina is against it, as she is in a relationship with Kofi. When his earnings aren’t enough to support his family, Robin suggests they rob a bank.
The Ides of March
IMDb: 7.1/10
2011, Drama, Thriller
USA, R
Director: George Clooney
Top cast: Paul Giamatti, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman
The Ides of March follows the election campaign of Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris during the 2004 Democratic primary for the U.S. presidency. Charismatic and eloquent, Morris is leading in the polls. The mood in his campaign headquarters is optimistic: after Ohio, only two states remain. One is Pennsylvania, which is certain to back its own governor, and the other is North Carolina, where the local senator is expected to support Morris. Everything seems too good to be true, but the rival strategist, Tom, has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
IMDb: 7.4/10
2011, Comedy, Drama, Romance
USA, PG-13
Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Top cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore
Cal Weaver is a traditional family man living what seems like the perfect life — he has a great job, a beautiful home, wonderful kids, and a loving wife. But when he discovers that his wife, Emily, has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his world comes crashing down. Spending his nights at the bar, lost and heartbroken, Cal unexpectedly becomes the protégé of the charming Jacob Palmer. In an effort to help Cal move on and start fresh, Jacob introduces him to the many opportunities ahead: flirtatious women, strong drinks, and a sense of style you won’t find at a discount store or a cheap barbershop.