Ryan Gosling has had a long and successful career. Though the 39-year-old made his start as a child star on Disney’s Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club in the mid-90s, it didn’t take long for him to pick up roles in other family TV series, indie films, and eventually, mainstream hits. To celebrate his success so far, we thought we’d look back at his greatest films to date. We’ll be doing so by looking at the star ratings on IMDb.
The entertainment website has given every Gosling film a rating of 1 to 10, based on the votes of registered site users. Those with the best scores will be appearing here.
With the logistics discussed, it’s time to head back through Ryan Gosling’s hits. Here are his best movies, according to IMDb.
First Man (2018): 7.3
Gosling took on the role of astronaut Neil Armstrong in this biographical drama.
First Man follows Armstrong as he prepares for his mission to the moon on Apollo 11 in the ’60s. Though he begins his work in NASA’s space program as an engineer, he eventually becomes one of the most prominent figures in the Space Race.
The film packed all the drama and grit audiences could ask for. Gosling's performance and Damien Chazelle’s direction were also praised. First Man received four Academy Award nominations, coming back with a single Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
The Nice Guys (2016): 7.4
This 2016 neo-noir crime comedy tells of a private eye (Gosling) and an enforcer (Russell Crowe), who attempt to figure out the disappearance of a teenage girl in ‘70s Los Angeles. After learning that they're not the only ones searching for her, however, the pair must work even faster.
Critics were quick to applaud the charisma of The Nice Guys’ stars. Additionally, viewers appreciated the well-crafted script and balanced characters.
Blue Valentine (2010): 7.4
In 2010, Ryan Gosling starred alongside Michelle Williams in this romantic drama.
Blue Valentine focuses on the roller coaster romance between a couple, from their first meeting to their fateful divorce.
Audiences fell for the leads’ gripping performances and the script’s emotional depth. The film additionally marked Gosling's first time serving as an executive producer.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011): 7.4
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have acted together more than once. The pair’s first appearance as a couple came in 2011, when they starred in Crazy, Stupid, Love.
This romantic comedy tells of a content middle-aged man, Cal (Steve Carell), who learns that his wife (Julianne Moore) is unhappy and wants to get divorced. Suddenly thrown into the single life, Cal attempts to get back into the dating game with help from womanizer Jacob Palmer (Gosling). What Cal doesn’t realize is that Jacob is after his daughter (Stone).
Funny, sweet, and boasting a talented cast, Crazy, Stupid, Love. stood out among the other rom-coms of the time.
Drive (2011): 7.8
In 2011’s Drive, a Hollywood stuntman (Gosling) doubles as a criminal getaway driver. After a million-dollar heist goes wrong, the driver must find a way to make things right and protect his neighbor, Irene, and her young son.
Drive's sleek, stylistic imagery blended nicely with its compelling action. It once again cemented that Gosling could play an action hero just as well as he could play a love interest.
The Big Short (2015): 7.8
This 2015 biographical comedy-drama recounts the events of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 by focusing on a group of investors who get entrapped in the growing housing market prior to the economic collapse.
The Big Short’s unconventional explanation of financial instruments, fourth-wall-crossing, and detailed story impressed critics. The strong performances by leads Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, and of course, Gosling, carried the film to success.
The Notebook (2004): 7.8
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, this 2004 romantic drama tells of a rich girl named Allie and a mill worker named Noah, who fall in love as teenagers. Due to her parents' disapproval, however, the two are torn apart. Years later, Allie and Noah run into one another again. The problem: she’s engaged to someone else.
While Rachel McAdams plays Allie, Gosling takes on Noah. Viewers loved The Notebook's melodramatic, swoon-worthy story. Additionally, the magnetic chemistry between the leads was too strong to ignore.
Remember The Titans (2000): 7.8
If you jump back to the beginning of the millennium, you’ll find Ryan Gosling playing linebacker Alan Bosley in Remember the Titans.
This biographical sports drama tells of coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), who attempted to integrate a high school football team in Virginia. Remember the Titans became a memorable picture by mixing social commentary with an entertaining sports narrative.
La La Land (2016): 8.0
The first of two Gosling movies to receive a strong 8.0 rating is 2016’s La La Land.
Set against the backdrop of L.A., a jazz musician (Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) chase after their respective dreams in this romantic musical. While their passions are what bring them together at first, they are also what threatens to tear them apart.
La La Land’s grand musical numbers, fanciful direction, and heartfelt story left critics applauding. Gosling received a Best Actor nod at the Academy Awards for his performance. The film ultimately took home six other Oscars including Best Director, Best Actress (Stone), Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("City of Stars"), Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017): 8.0
Ryan Gosling teamed up with Harrison Ford for his other highest-rated movie, Blade Runner 2049.
A sequel to 1982’s Blade Runner, this sci-fi installment has the newest blade runner for the L.A. Police Department (Gosling) uncovering a secret that requires him to track down the long-missing protagonist of the first film, Rick Deckard (Ford).
Critics loved the mind-bending story and the dazzling visuals. This had the film winning Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards.