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The best actors working today include Hollywood legends, Academy Award winners and many of the top up and coming actors in the world right now. These talented and charismatic men grace both the big and small screen with brilliant performances in our favorite movies and TV shows, proving why they are considered the most talented actors of their generation. It's likely that many of these famous male actors will long be remembered as the best actors of all time.
For many of these famous male film stars, being part of Hollywood’s elite is nothing new. The likes of George Clooney, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, and Christopher Walken, among other popular and well-known male celebrities, have been around for decades and have lost little of that spark that made them fan favorites. These legendary leading men of Hollywood continue to deliver some of the best performances in the industry.
Moving into a slightly younger crowd, many of the biggest Hollywood actors today are quickly becoming legendary themselves. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Aaron Paul, Michael Fassbender, Chris Hemsworth, Henry Cavill, and Johnny Depp are not only some of the most talented and famous movie stars working today, but also the male leading actors who define modern cinema. Their performances show that they belong in the same conversation as the best living actors.
How do you compare the newcomers and the veterans to the greatest actors of all time? However you rank them, be sure to cast your vote below on this list of the best and most famous male actors working today!
Freeman's voice is as legendary as his knack for dramatic roles, putting him on the map with performances in top-tier films like The Shawshank Redemption and Million Dollar Baby, for which he bagged an Oscar. His unrivaled narration skills were icing on the cake in documentaries like March of the Penguins. The man's versatility and gravitas have made him a Hollywood mainstay, always bringing an extra layer of depth to the roles he embodies.
- 1The Shawshank Redemption1,636 Votes
- 2Seven1,085 Votes
- 3The Dark Knight949 Votes
This Titanic superstar finally clinched an Oscar for his bone-chilling performance in The Revenant, after years of chased clout. Well-known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, he's also used his platform for environmental activism, packing a punch both on-screen and off. Leo's continually evolving acting has made him a true tour de force in Hollywood, leaving audiences pining for his every performance.
- 1The Wolf of Wall Street2,850 Votes
- 2Titanic3,045 Votes
- 3Shutter Island2,206 Votes
votes needed!NEW TO THE LIST
NEW#272Paul Mescal- NEW#285Michael Stuhlbarg
An Academy Award darling, Washington has earned his stripes with unforgettable roles in films like Training Day and Glory. He's shown a magic touch when it comes to choosing roles that showcase his acting prowess, hitting the ball out of the park every time. Washington consistently tops the game, delivering performances that reverberate, dropping anchor in our hearts and minds.
- 1Training Day1,724 Votes
- 2Man on Fire1,799 Votes
- 3American Gangster1,296 Votes
From Iron Man to Sherlock Holmes, Downey's charisma and magnetic performances have left audiences spellbound. He hit paydirt with his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, becoming the poster boy for superhero flicks. Despite facing personal upheavals, he clawed his way back to stardom and his ongoing charm offensive has made him a box office goldmine.
- 1Iron Man1,951 Votes
- 2Avengers: Infinity War1,199 Votes
- 3The Avengers1,695 Votes
Despite a rollercoaster career, Johnny Depp's performances in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise solidified his status as a massive box office draw. His collaborations with director Tim Burton have given us some truly unique characters, showcasing Depp's incredible versatility. No matter the controversy, Depp's allure and magnetism ensure he remains a Hollywood staple, always ready to bounce back.
- 1Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl2,797 Votes
- 2Edward Scissorhands2,550 Votes
- 3Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest2,298 Votes
Australia's crown jewel, Jackman's performance as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise has turned him into a household name. His Oscar-nominated turn in Les Misérables only went on to reinforce his A-list status. Whether he's singing, dancing, or slicing through baddies, Jackman consistently hits the high notes, making him a star who's as versatile as they come.
- 1Logan225 Votes
- 2X-Men 2258 Votes
- 3X-Men: Days of Future Past256 Votes
