Best actors, list your top 10

Again, just do what the title says. You probably won't have to state why as some are so obvious, but here goes anyway;

1. Robert De Niro

2. Liam Neeson

3. Denzel Washington

4. Sir Anthony Hopkins

5. Heath Ledger

6. Clint Eastwood

7. Sean Connery

8. Bruce Willis

9. Christian Bale

10. Johnny Depp

As you may be able to tell I like the actors who come across serious, voice is important, helps with De Niro being the number one. I also appreciate the ones that can really throw themself into the character and vary their acting for different persona's in different films; with that said I think Bruce Willis can cry too much!

Surprised that with De Niro number 1 you don't also have room for Pacino or Pesci

You're assuming I'm just a big fan of gangster films. I can appreciate Pacino being in top 10's and he would deserve to be there. I guess I am just not a big fan.

Its an interesting list!

Its really hard to come up with a list as some actors maybe very good but I wouldnt watch one of their films if you paid me (well thats a lie as I would watch anything).

For example - Hugh Grant films. Is he a good actor?

Anyway, here is my list, along with my favourite roles they played (not in order) I have gone for people who I think make a film better just by their presence:

Johnny Depp (ed Wood)
DeNiro - Cape Fear
Sean Penn (Casualties of War)
Chris Farley (Tommy Boy)
Brad Pitt - True Romance
Richard Dreyfuss - Jaws
Lance Henrikson - Millenium Tv Series
Heath Ledger - A Knights Tale
Jack Nicholson - The Pledge

1. Michael Caine
2. Steve McQueen
3. Paul Newman
4. Clint Eastwood
5. Yul Brynner
6. Ed Norton
7. Kevin Spacey
8. Johnny Depp
9. Brad Pitt
10. Tom Hanks

I think it's almost impossible to do, rather like the "Greatest British Sportsmen". Different actors have different talents and comparing between roles and eras is very difficult! Is a "Chameleon" better than a type-cast actor who nailed that type of role to the roots and soul of the character?

Daniel Day Lewis
Gary Oldman
Ben Kingsley
Ralph Fiennes
Robert De Niro
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Sean Penn
Robert Downey Junior
Jack Nicholson
Denzil washington


Ok so my list is made up off classic versitle actors.

Al pachino is to type cast for me but amazing at what he does when he does his natural style(i hate him in this bit part roles these days or in ocenas 13) Heath ledger was an amazing actor but doesnt have the volume of work . I love dicaprio and tom hanks who are close to my top 10..Tom hardy, Ryan gossling and Michael fassbender are the three actors i have a feeling could creep into my top 10 at some point down the line- they have great carrers ahead of them.

Adam D wrote:Its an interesting list!

Its really hard to come up with a list as some actors maybe very good but I wouldnt watch one of their films if you paid me (well thats a lie as I would watch anything).

For example - Hugh Grant films. Is he a good actor?

Anyway, here is my list, along with my favourite roles they played (not in order) I have gone for people who I think make a film better just by their presence:

Johnny Depp (ed Wood)
DeNiro - Cape Fear
Sean Penn (Casualties of War)
Chris Farley (Tommy Boy)
Brad Pitt - True Romance
Richard Dreyfuss - Jaws
Lance Henrikson - Millenium Tv Series
Heath Ledger - A Knights Tale
Jack Nicholson - The Pledge

He was pretty funny as a pot head- but good film choice for one of the best ever bit part performances of all time- Drexl was played by Gary Oldman.- and it is scary how he managed that role- complete chamelion.

My other top actor DDL-Every film he plays is different- he lives and breaths his roles, compare him in There will be blood, my left foot, a room with a view, gangs of new york, in the name of my father etc etc.

the only reason i am awaiting on the Abraham lincoln film is because of him!

1. Denzil Washington
2. Johnny Depp
3. Robert De Niro
4. Tom Hanks
5. George Clooney
6. Brad Pitt
7. Kevin Spacey
8. Edward Norton
9. Harrison Ford
10. Leonardo Di Caprio

My favourites, in no particular order, except No. 1 -
1. Groucho Marx
Jeff Bridges
Robert De Niro
Humphrey Bogart
Michael J Fox
Tom Cruise
Woody Allen
Johnny Depp
Robert Redford
James Woods

mystiroakey wrote:Daniel Day Lewis
Gary Oldman
Ben Kingsley
Ralph Fiennes
Robert De Niro
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Sean Penn
Robert Downey Junior
Jack Nicholson
Denzil washington


Ok so my list is made up off classic versitle actors.

Al pachino is to type cast for me but amazing at what he does when he does his natural style(i hate him in this bit part roles these days or in ocenas 13) Heath ledger was an amazing actor but doesnt have the volume of work . I love dicaprio and tom hanks who are close to my top 10..Tom hardy, Ryan gossling and Michael fassbender are the three actors i have a feeling could creep into my top 10 at some point down the line- they have great carrers ahead of them.

I think Fassbender has a fantastic career ahead of him

My top 10 in no particular order

Johnny Depp
Russell Crowe
Ewan McGregor
Michael Fassbender
Denzel Washington
Billy Bob Thornton
George Clooney
Nicolas Cage
Brad Pitt
Channing Tatum

Heath Ledger
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood
Edward Norton
Harrison Ford
Ed Norton
George Clooney
Nicolas Cage
Robert De Niro
Jack Nicholson

You must really like Clint Eastwood. I actually have the 'Dollars' films in a boxset (it includes Hang 'em High). Epic movies.

legendkillarV2 wrote:1. Denzil Washington
2. Johnny Depp
3. Robert De Niro
4. Tom Hanks
5. George Clooney
6. Brad Pitt
7. Kevin Spacey
8. Edward Norton
9. Harrison Ford
10. Leonardo Di Caprio

I think it's going to be impossible for me to create a top ten, as I thought the OP's was pretty spot on except I would have had Pacino instead of Neeson but then lengendkillar's list is very different but would agree with all (except maybe Edward Norton - but then I really dislike him for some inexplicable reason).

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

legendkillarV2 wrote:1. Denzil Washington
2. Johnny Depp
3. Robert De Niro
4. Tom Hanks
5. George Clooney
6. Brad Pitt
7. Kevin Spacey
8. Edward Norton
9. Harrison Ford
10. Leonardo Di Caprio

I think it's going to be impossible for me to create a top ten, as I thought the OP's was pretty spot on except I would have had Pacino instead of Neeson but then lengendkillar's list is very different but would agree with all (except maybe Edward Norton - but then I really dislike him for some inexplicable reason).

Thanks SP

I have a lot of respect for the roles Norton has carried out. American History X, Fight Club, Primal Fear, Pride and Glory and Red Dragon are all great films and roles I think he has made his own. I think when rating actors it is for me about versatility. I think Pacino has played so many similar roles that it is difficult to really rate him on versatility. When he did Ocean's 13 and Righteous Kill, I went off him completely.

I personally agree with alot of the choices on here- it is subjective- however finding a forum like this on the net and only myself mentioning DDL and Gary oldman is very rare should i say!!

I am surprised no-one has vouched for Will Smith. He has made such an amazing transformation from the cocky young upstart to a more methodic style of acting. I Robot, 7 Pounds, I am Legend, Pursuit of Happyness, Ali. I know he done softer roles like Hitch and MIB3, but I think since the turn of the 21st century he has done some stunning stuff.

brad pitt,daniel radcliffe, robert pattison, george clooney , rupert grint,russel crowe,gerrald butler and kevin cosnor,rowen atkinsonan and in tenth place wii smith

will smith is a good actor. just doesnt get the correct roles for me. I do rate actors on versitility and films that are 'high brow' so he wouldnt get in my top 20- maybe a top 30 though

mystiroakey wrote:I personally agree with alot of the choices on here- it is subjective- however finding a forum like this on the net and only myself mentioning DDL and Gary oldman is very rare should i say!!

For me Daniel Day Lewis hasn't applied himself to many roles. For me I find myself saying after recent films "Oh that was a typical Daniel Day Lewis" performance. I find that his performances show the same instensity. I don't find the roles he has chosen as challenging.

As for Gary Oldman too many miss and hit performances. Usually follows up 1-2 good films with 2-3 poor ones.

I rate Will Smith highly and he is very versatile.

I also think it's unfair to say Al Pacino can only do gangster films (though I know you didn't say that LegendKilla) as he's brilliant in Scent of a Woman & Dog Day Afternoon, without mentioning The Insider and plus don't forget him in Fat Boy Slims Weapon of Choice Al is amazing in that...

True. Insider and Scent of Woman were top films. I sometimes wonder if he attracts the whole gangster/authoritive based films because how good he performs in them. No doubt I think he is a talented actor, I think he may not get the roles he deserves to. Insomnia was another good film he done.

I cant agree with that at all. Everyoine of DDL's roles for me are polar different from the next- I am not disputing your opinion but have you seen all of his films? I find many people dont even realise DDL and Gary Oldman are in certain films because they are such chamelions.

Saying that DDL palys the same part over and over is madness- he is well known for doing the exact oppoiste. But then many people dont see his films(and only base it on gangs of new york and there will be blood- similar intensity levels but still very differenmt parts).

Check out a room with a view, in the name of my father, the boxer, my left foot, jack and rose, the last of the mohicuns.

In regarsd to Gary oldman- he plays alot of bit parts, thats his problem. But when you can play a bit part to the level of drexxel in true romance- jeas!!!

These two are by far actors actors and the benchmark in the industry

I do have a love hate thing with Gary Oldman, I love him in True Romance, Leon, Dracula, Batman and Harry Potter, and although I didn't think the film was brilliant Oldmans potreal of George Smiley was brilliant.

But although he's always amazing and should be considered right up there with the greatest actors still acting today, I don't like him as much in parts such as 5th Element and films like Red Riding Hood.

He is a great though

IGNORE That sorry it's Christopher Walken in the Fat Boy Slim music video - :FACEPALM:

Apologies for an elemental error

These two are by far actors actors and the benchmark in the industry

Now that is a silly remark. There are many better actors than them past, present and future.

I have seen all of DDL's films so when I give my opinion it is one based on blindness. I can't believe you think that all of his performances have been so different and varied because they haven't. There have been many an actor out there they have put in great performances and never got the recognition they deserved in terms of awards.

legendkillarV2 wrote:True. Insider and Scent of Woman were top films. I sometimes wonder if he attracts the whole gangster/authoritive based films because how good he performs in them. No doubt I think he is a talented actor, I think he may not get the roles he deserves to. Insomnia was another good film he done.

It could well be, I was amazed when I looked up how many films he's been in, as he hasn't done that many, in comparison to other actors, from the last Godfather he seemed to average 1 a year for over a decade, whereas De Niro was prolific in that same time. I think as a result people always associate Al Pacino with his serious gangster films, Godfather, Carlito's Way, Heat, Donnie Brasco ect (still can't believe he's in Ocean's 13!).

But I respect him hugely for not doing the cheap cookie cutter family comedies like De Niro and Walken.

You havent seen them Legend, you just cant have- its that simple. I have never heard just a incorrect opinion tbh mate.

Your right about certain actors not getting the recognition - gary oldman for one

Legend - I do think Oldman is up there with the very best and is a hugely versatile actor as well, so I can understand and agree when Mystiroakey says he's a benchmark.

Don't want to comment on DDL as haven't seen the majority of his films

Carlito's Way is my favourite Pacino movie. The narration thing is just brilliant. It was the perfect role.

mystiroakey wrote:You havent seen them Legend, you just cant have- its that simple. I have never heard just a incorrect opinion tbh mate.

Your right about certain actors not getting the recognition - gary oldman for one

Sorry mate I have seen them all. My opinion is that they are not as great as many make out.

Call it what you like.

not about being great or not great, you can not like them. But you cant say they are not versitile. They are the two most versitile in the industry. But then you did stick will smith in your list so it proves that you look for very different things in an actor. btw the other 9 you picked i like a lot, great screen presence(and even smith has that)

Sean Penn is amazing in Carlito's Way as well, great film I may have to put before the end of the week

Didn't say Oldman wasn't versatile.

When I look at actors I rate them on versatility and what they bring out in a role. When I look at DDL performances I find they have the same intensity. Doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed them. His performance of Will Cutting is one of my all time favourite performances. Right up there with Crowe in Gladiator, Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko, Ledger in Dark Knight and Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs.

Take the characters from Gangs of New York to There Will Be Blood. Can you honestly tell me that they were so different? Both had a ruthlessness and loose love that made them so similar.

I loved Sean Penn in Mystic River. That was like a grown up version of Sleepers.

Legend have you even read my posts..

this is what is said before!

"Saying that DDL plays the same part over and over is madness- he is well known for doing the exact oppoiste. But then many people dont see his films(and only base it on gangs of new york and there will be blood- similar intensity levels but still very different parts)."

Sean penn no.2 amercan actor in my life time(behind deniro as per my list)- brilliant

Funny asking me that when you assumed I said Oldman wasn't versatile

I am going by what I can recall in detail. I am not going to change my opinion.

All I am suggesting is that 'IF' you havent seen many of his films- watch them. your opinion might change

I have seen his films. Infact I am looking forward to Lincoln when it comes out. See now that is going to be a cut different to his previous roles. Interestingly enough like his counterpart in GONY Di Caprio who recently done Edgar that they have both done a biopic.

mystiroakey wrote:Sean penn no.2 amercan actor in my life time(until he met Madonna)- brilliant

Fixed that for you Mystiroakey

Would any of you guys consider Johnny Depp to be versatile? He seems to play a lot of 'out there' characters and because they aren't normal so to speak he seems to get labelled versatile by default. Willy Wonka, Ed Scissorhands, Jack Sparrow, Mad Hatter, Victor Van Dort and whoever he was in Sleepy Hollow all characters that have quite similar mannerisms. What do you think?

Di caprio is the one 'superstar' that really can act. I love his screen peresence and his acting abilities. I naturally watch all of his films these days..

But i couldnt get through Edgar.

Are we forgetting Leaving Las Vegas, Secret Window, Donnie Brasco, Public Enemies, just a few of his films in which hasn't required an exuberant picture.

Johnny depp is someone i forgot when i did my initial post. I love his out there characters. But he just isnt recognisable or remebered with his 'normal' parts

Got to hand it to Di Caprio. I never thought he would get so far given the successes of Romeo + Julliet and Titanic. Basketball Diaries for me remains his best performance.

Ahhh Donnie brasco- good pick Legend. Yeah he is a top actor..loved him in leaving las vegas but he was crazy!!

yeah basketball diaries is my fav as well. but i dont think he has dipped as i feel many do with that much fame from a young age. He seems more level headed than the tom cruises or the matt damons of this world

He was crazy as batshit in Leaving Las Vegas.

If I could've cried in Donnie Brasco it would've been once Pacino found out he was an FBI informant.