The best actors in film history are a great subject of debate. These are the greatest actors ever to appear on the silver screen - male only (to vote on both genders, check out this list of the greatest film actors and actresses). These gentlemen were part of some of the greatest movies of all time (or were perhaps the reason they were the best movies ever), with countless Academy Awards between them.
What are the qualities of the best actors of all time? Remember, this is not simply about the most famous actors of all time, or the most popular actors. Is it the raw emotion they show, the parts they choose, their acting methods, or simply their effortless charm and charisma? There's no denying some of these amazing actors belong on the list of the hottest male celebrities, but behind the 1000 watt smiles lies the talent that defines generations of top actors. An argument could be made for some on this list that they are the best actor in the world.
Who is the best actor of all time? Is it a classic actor like Marlon Brando, a comedic genius like Charlie Chaplin, a double-threat like Clint Eastwood, or a method actor like Daniel Day Lewis? There are so many choices for the greatest movie actor ever that you may have a hard time picking just one. Good thing you can vote for as many candidates for best actors ever as you'd like. Then check back to see if your favorites have made it into the top ten actors.
1
58,11621,224Tom Hanks
Forrest Gump, Saving Private RyanBirthplace: Concord, California, United States of America
Age: 64
2
14,1477,821Samuel L. Jackson
The Avengers, Pulp FictionBirthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Age: 72
3
11,9656,939Tommy Lee Jones
No Country for Old Men, Men in BlackBirthplace: San Saba, Texas, United States of America
Age: 74
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25,43615,877Morgan Freeman
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
Age: 83
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11,6276,174Alan Rickman
Die Hard, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanBirthplace: Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
Age: 74
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10,9387,072Charlie Chaplin
City Lights, The Gold RushBirthplace: Walworth, United Kingdom
Age: Dec. at 88 (1889-1977)
7
16,8648,807Christian Bale
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Haverfordwest, United Kingdom
Age: 46
8
20,06912,194Clint Eastwood
Good, UnforgivenBirthplace: California, United States of America
Age: 90
9
23,57914,512Anthony Hopkins
The Silence of the Lambs, ThorBirthplace: Margam, United Kingdom
Age: 83
10
14,9678,960Michael Caine
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Rotherhithe, England, London
Age: 87
11
11,4186,720Christopher Walken
Pulp Fiction, Annie HallBirthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Astoria
Age: 77
12
10,5866,719Cary Grant
North by Northwest, Bringing Up BabyBirthplace: Horfield, United Kingdom
Age: Dec. at 82 (1904-1986)
13
10,4356,187Ian McKellen
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingBirthplace: Burnley, United Kingdom
Age: 81
14
8,4335,394Sidney Poitier
In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to DinnerBirthplace: Miami, Florida, United States of America
Age: 93
15
19,06311,665Robin Williams
Aladdin, Good Will HuntingBirthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 63 (1951-2014)
16
6,9424,170Steve McQueen
The Great Escape, The Magnificent SevenBirthplace: Beech Grove, Indiana, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 50 (1930-1980)
17
12,5848,186Humphrey Bogart
Casablanca, The Maltese FalconBirthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Age: Dec. at 58 (1899-1957)
18
14,1678,448Brad Pitt
Fight Club, SevenBirthplace: USA, Shawnee, Oklahoma
Age: 57
19
15,7579,781Harrison Ford
Star Wars, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes BackBirthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Age: 78
20
6,8814,484Jack Lemmon
JFK, Some Like It HotBirthplace: Newton, Massachusetts, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 76 (1925-2001)
21
6,2844,063Clark Gable
Gone with the Wind, It Happened One NightBirthplace: Cadiz, Ohio, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 59 (1901-1960)
22
16,86710,421Gary Oldman
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Eurasia, New Cross, London, England, United Kingdom
Age: 62
23
13,9336,803Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight, Brokeback MountainBirthplace: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Age: Dec. at 29 (1979-2008)
24
15,4749,863Robert Duvall
The Godfather, The Godfather Part IIBirthplace: San Diego, California, United States of America
Age: 89
25
14,3729,241Gene Hackman
Superman, The French ConnectionBirthplace: San Bernardino, California, United States of America
Age: 90
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