Starting out his career on The Mickey Mouse Club in the '90s, Ryan Gosling was immersed in the world of entertainment from a young age. Not long after that, he took on more roles in family shows and films including Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps.
The early 2000s saw Gosling make a shift into indie films, and eventually, he broke out in a little 2004 film called The Notebook — but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Since then, Gosling has taken on leading roles in all sorts of genres from romcoms to musicals to dramas, and even sci-fi adventures.
Updated on July 25th by Colin McCormick: Ryan Gosling's new Netflix action movie The Gray Man hopes to launch a new franchise for the streaming service and could see the actor creating a new iconic character with super spy codenamed Six. But with a career filled with intense dramas, gripping thrillers and hilarious comedies, Gosling has plenty more fantastic characters who fans will no doubt remember or who they should become more acquainted with.
The Believer (2001)
- Available on Fubo, Roky, Kanopy, Crackle and Plex
The Believer may not be one of Gosling's most famous movies, but his role in it helped to prove himself as one of the most exciting and daring young actors emerging in Hollywood. Gosling plays Danny Balint, a leader of a neo-Nazi group who is hiding the fact that he is a Jewish man.
Danny is one of the most conflicted and troubled characters Gosling has ever played. He battles with his own faith, his questions about it, and the path he has chosen for himself. It is a fascinating character study with a powerhouse performance from Gosling.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
- Available to rent on HBO, HBO Max, Max Go DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand
Gosling may have cemented his status as a heartthrob in movies like The Notebook, but he seemed to relish the idea of subverting that status in movies like Lars and the Real Girl. Gosling plays Lars Lindstrom, a man who struggles with his intense social anxiety and is able to find love with a sex doll.
Lars could have been a one-joke character but is made deeply compelling by Gosling's performance. It is amazing to watch him appear to be pained by the notion of interacting with other people but coming out of his shell once this plastic doll is in his life.
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
- Available on Peacock Premium
The Place Beyond the Pines finds Gosling playing Luke, a motorcycle stunt rider and bank robber who is seeking to provide for his lover and their infant child. But when one robbery goes wrong, it leads to a deadly conclusion that has lasting impacts on many people.
Despite some similarities to his character in Drive, this is a much different man with Gosling once again showing the complexities of someone with shades of good and bad.
First Man (2018)
- Available on Fubo, DIRECTV and Spectrum on Demand
Neil Armstrong is already an iconic figure in American history. Gosling brought him to life on the big screen in Damien Chazelle's historical biography movie First Man which details Armstrong's quest to become the first man to walk on the moon.
Gosling plays Armstrong as a reserved and determined man who faces the constant dangers of the mission and its preparation with an unflinching sense of duty. But the movie also explores him in a deeper way, looking at his personal tragedy and how it may have pushed him into this journey.
La La Land (2016)
- Available on Hulu
The Oscar-winning romance La La Land stars Gosling as Sebastian, an aspiring jazz pianist who falls for an aspiring actor (Emma Stone). Being that the film is a musical, Gosling also got to show off his dance skills, vocal range, and piano playing.
The on-screen chemistry Gosling shared with his co-star Emma Stone was electric, and the movie nailed its final scene with a surprising, bittersweet conclusion. Gosling was nominated for Best Actor and further showcased his versatile talents.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
- Available on Tubi
Before Gosling was dancing alongside Stone in La La Land, the couple was falling hard for each other in Crazy, Stupid, Love. This romcom also starred Steve Carell and Julianne Moore, who played a couple in a failing marriage. When Carell's character wants to get back out into the dating game, Gosling offers to help him.
This movie gave Gosling the opportunity to step away from his typical intense indie projects and show off his comedic skills in a more mainstream movie. The result was a charming rom-com with a very likable cast.
The Notebook (2004)
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Gosling made the world swoon when he played Noah in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. The sleeper hit told the story of a young man (Gosling) and young woman (Rachel McAdams) who fall for each other in the '40s. Unfortunately, their love is forbidden by the girl's parents and the pair becomes separated, only to encounter each other years later after she is engaged to someone else.
The movies seemed to become established as an epic movie love story for an entire generation with Gosling and McAdams elevating beyond the genre's typical offerings.
Half Nelson (2006)
- Available on Fubo, Starz, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, DIRECTV, Crackle, Plex and Spectrum on Demand
Though not as commercially popular as the aforementioned films, Half Nelson is one of Ryan Gosling's most critically-acclaimed roles. In the 2006 drama, he plays an inner-city junior high teacher who is befriended by one of his students after she learns he abuses drugs.
Gosling caught the attention of many with his raw and complex performance that was far from a flattering role. His dedication and natural onscreen sincerity earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards.
Drive (2011)
- Available on Tubi
This 2011 action drama film has Gosling playing a Hollywood stunt driver who doubles as a getaway driver. The stakes get crazy high after he teams up with his neighbor, who was just released from prison, to embark on a million-dollar heist.
The movie offered a surreal take on the crime genre which thrilled audiences. Gosling's silent and calculating hero remains one of his most popular role among fans, being a mix of badass and frightening.
The Ides Of March (2011)
- Available on Starz
The Ides of March is a 2011 political drama film, directed by George Clooney. It is a film adaption of the play Farragut North, which is loosely based on the election campaign of Governor Howard Dean in 2004.
While Clooney played the role of Mike Morris, the fictional Governor of Pennsylvania and Democratic presidential candidate, Ryan Gosling took on the role of his junior campaign manager.
The Big Short (2015)
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Gosling once again joined Steve Carell onscreen in 2015. This time, the pair was joined by Christian Bale and Brad Pitt to tackle the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
The Big Short was notable for featuring multiple cameos, unconventionally explaining financial instruments, and breaking the fourth wall. Gosling's character did this the most as one of the film's lead salesman. Although Gosling didn't receive a Best Actor nomination, the highly-praised film wouldn't have been the same without him.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
- Available on Netflix and HBO Max
The sequel to the 1982 neo-noir sci-fi film known as Blade Runner had Ryan Gosling starring alongside Harrison Ford. Gosling plays a K replicant "blade runner" named K who comes across top-secret information that will threaten society.
The long-awaited sequel was worth the wait for many fans who found Denis Villeneuve to be the perfect director to return to this universe. Gosling was also praised for his layered performance as a tragic hero learning more about his existence.
The Nice Guys (2016)
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Set in 1977 Los Angeles, this crime comedy film starred Ryan Gosling as a private eye and Russell Crowe as an enforcer. The two team up together to figure out the disappearance of a teen girl.
While Gosling had shown glimpses of his funny side in some projects, The Nice Guys was an unexpected comedic performance from the serious actor that he totally nailed. Gosling gets some of the biggest laughs in the movie as the hapless detective trying to realize his potential.
Blue Valentine (2010)
- Available on Peacock Premium
Lastly, we can't talk about Ryan Gosling without mentioning the small but acclaimed role he held in the romantic drama Blue Valentine. Gosling and Michelle Williams played a married couple that navigated the various ups and downs of their relationship together.
Though the film's budget was small, with its box office performance also coming out modest, the lead actors' performances were praised. They communicated the heaviness of their failing marriage with the type of authenticity that only comes around every once in a while.