We all have our favorite actors, and that’s for a reason. There are simply some performers who are able to deliver every single time and who seem to avoid the ‘flops’. Let’s take a look at 17 actors who are superstars not only on the screen but also at picking great movies.
Denzel Washington
When I see Denzel Washington in a film, I always know I’m in for a good time. Washington flawless delivers every time and I am in awe of his enthralling charisma. He has the ability to make even mediocre movies seem good. Check out some of his best works, like Glory (1989), Man on Fire (2004), and Devil in a Blue Dress (1995).
Christian Bale
Christian Bale has a track record any actor would wish for. Having had his breakout performance at the age of 13 in Empire of the Sun (1987), Bale has gone on to deliver outstanding performances in American Psycho (2000), The Batman trilogy, The Prestige (2006), and Ford v Ferrari (2019).
Matt Damon
Since starring in the 1992 film School Ties, Matt Damon has continued to set himself apart as an actor with an unmatched run of quality performances. An established leading man in Hollywood, Damon boasts of an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and several other nominations.
Leonardo DiCaprio
You know you’re in a class of your own when you have movies like Titanic (1997), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Catch Me If You Can (2002), and Romeo + Juliet (1996) in your filmography. With his movies grossing a combined total of over $7.2 billion globally, DiCaprio is comfortably placed in an elite class of Hollywood’s most successful actors.
Joaquin Phoenix
Phoenix’s performance as Joker in the 2019 DC Comics movie demonstrates the kind of commitment he brings to his roles. The actor not only lost 52 pounds, but he also watched several videos of people suffering from pathological laughter to get the Joker’s laughter right. It’s no wonder the actor has consistently delivered critically acclaimed performances since his breakout role.
Ryan Gosling
Known for his selectiveness in roles, Ryan Gosling has consistently appeared in critically acclaimed films like La La Land (2016). Gosling’s ability to deliver nuanced performances across various genres has made him a favorite among both critics and audiences alike.
Cate Blanchett
From The Lord of the Rings trilogy to movies like The Talented Mr. Ripley and How to Train Your Dragon 2 & 3, there’s barely any dent in Cate Blanchett’s two-decades-old acting career. Fun fact, Blanchett is one of the few actresses to have won the Oscar for Best Actress after winning Best Supporting Actress.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s career is marked by a series of successful films that demonstrate her versatility as an actress. Stone never fails to deliver a compelling performance whether it’s a comedy like Easy A (2010), a period drama like The Help (2011), or a musical like La La Land (2016).
James Dean
Due to his tragic death at the age of 24, James Dean only managed to make three credited appearances on the silver screen. With his three films being Rebel Without a Cause (1955), East of Eden (1955), and Giant (1956), it’s obvious why Dean deserves a spot on this list.
Cillian Murphy
With the successes of relatively recent projects like the hit BBC show Peaky Blinders and the just released Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy’s popularity has gone through the roof in the last couple of years. However, the actor’s track record has been incredible for a while longer with films like 28 Days Later (2002), Inception (2010), and Breakfast on Pluto (2005) under his belt.
Benedict Cumberbatch
The classical-trained actor is one of the most successful British actors of the 21st century. Though widely known for his performance as Sherlock Holmes in the series Sherlock, Cumberbatch has major critical hits in films such as Atonement (2007), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), and The Imitation Game (2014).
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep’s career is adorned with numerous iconic performances that have become classics in the film industry. Some of her best movies include The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Sophie’s Choice (1982), and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
Tom Hanks
Okay, so maybe Tom Hanks has some misses here and there with movies like The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990). However, the Hollywood veteran has had such an impressive career that his appearance in any film is like a reliable stamp of quality.
Viola Davis
Her portrayal of Michelle Obama in the drama series The First Lady may have been over the top, but Viola Davis’ career is a tale of overwhelmingly more hits than misses. The EGOT winner consistently elevates the quality of films she’s part of, as is clear from her stunning performances in The Help (2011), Fences (2016), and Widows (2018).
Daniel Day-Lewis
Renowned for his method acting, Daniel Day-Lewis’ filmography is filled with award-winning performances. The actor’s first and last films, Gandhi (1982) and Phantom Thread (2017), pretty much sum up the kind of career he’s had, with both being nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Sandra Bullock
Since making her Hollywood debut in 1987, Sandra Bullock has gone on to build an incredible filmography. Mostly starring in comedies and dramas, Bullock’s best works include Gravity (2013), Miss Congeniality (2000), and The Blind Side (2009), which earned her an Academy Award.
Tilda Swinton
Despite appearing in over 70 films since the start of her career in the ‘80s, Tilda Swinton has somehow managed to maintain an enviable track record. With performances like Constantine (2005) and Michael Clayton (2007), Swinton remains one of the finest actresses of the past few decades.
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