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
57,67921,062Tom Hanks
Forrest Gump, Saving Private RyanBirthplace: Concord, California, United States of America
Age: 64
2
14,1017,907Samuel L. Jackson
The Avengers, Pulp FictionBirthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Age: 72
3
25,27515,806Morgan Freeman
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
Age: 83
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10,9167,063Charlie Chaplin
City Lights, The Gold RushBirthplace: Walworth, United Kingdom
Age: Dec. at 88 (1889-1977)
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16,7578,877Christian Bale
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Haverfordwest, United Kingdom
Age: 46
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11,5776,267Alan Rickman
Die Hard, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanBirthplace: Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
Age: 74
7
23,41114,452Anthony Hopkins
The Silence of the Lambs, ThorBirthplace: Margam, United Kingdom
Age: 83
8
19,89212,119Clint Eastwood
Good, UnforgivenBirthplace: California, United States of America
Age: 90
9
11,8687,038Tommy Lee Jones
No Country for Old Men, Men in BlackBirthplace: San Saba, Texas, United States of America
Age: 74
10
11,3176,762Christopher Walken
Pulp Fiction, Annie HallBirthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Astoria
Age: 77
11
14,8078,969Michael Caine
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Rotherhithe, England, London
Age: 87
12
10,4996,708Cary Grant
North by Northwest, Bringing Up BabyBirthplace: Horfield, United Kingdom
Age: Dec. at 82 (1904-1986)
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12,4968,145Humphrey Bogart
Casablanca, The Maltese FalconBirthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Age: Dec. at 58 (1899-1957)
14
10,3786,240Ian 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
15
6,8944,467Jack Lemmon
JFK, Some Like It HotBirthplace: Newton, Massachusetts, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 76 (1925-2001)
16
14,0888,455Brad Pitt
Fight Club, SevenBirthplace: Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States of America
Age: 57
17
8,3695,380Sidney Poitier
In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to DinnerBirthplace: Miami, Florida, United States of America
Age: 93
18
16,74010,349Gary Oldman
The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight RisesBirthplace: Eurasia, New Cross, London, England, United Kingdom
Age: 62
19
15,3729,803Robert Duvall
The Godfather, The Godfather Part IIBirthplace: San Diego, California, United States of America
Age: 89
20
18,93511,641Robin Williams
Aladdin, Good Will HuntingBirthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Age: Dec. at 63 (1951-2014)
21
6,8924,165Steve McQueen
The Great Escape, The Magnificent SevenBirthplace: Beech Grove, Indiana, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 50 (1930-1980)
22
13,8526,832Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight, Brokeback MountainBirthplace: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Age: Dec. at 29 (1979-2008)
23
6,2494,062Clark Gable
Gone with the Wind, It Happened One NightBirthplace: Cadiz, Ohio, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 59 (1901-1960)
24
14,2209,182Gene Hackman
Superman, The French ConnectionBirthplace: San Bernardino, California, United States of America
Age: 90
25
11,8938,104Gregory Peck
To Kill a Mockingbird, Cape FearBirthplace: La Jolla, San Diego, California, United States of America
Age: Dec. at 87 (1916-2003)
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