The Best of 2018

The Most Influential Actors Of 2018 

Celebrity Lists
Updated January 18, 2019 5k votes 456 voters 5.9k views 55 items

List Rules Vote up the actors who had the biggest impact in 2018.

In 2018, some of the most influential people were those who work in Hollywood. With the rise of the Me Too movement and with films in general becoming more political, there are plenty of influential actors that truly made the public think this year. From breakout stars to veterans of the field, you'll find all the greatest actors of 2018 below! 

In 2018, there was a major push for diversity in film and television. Actor and writer Jordan Peele's Get Out, starring upcoming actor Daniel Kaluuya, addressed racial issues in America and proved a massive hit with critics and audiences. There has also been a big push for supporting women's rights in Hollywood. Benedict Cumberbatch made headlines for vowing to only accept roles in projects where actresses are paid equally. Many actors inspire by smashing stigma surrounding taboo topics. Stars like Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson, for example, are raising awareness about mental health by being open about their struggles with anxiety and depression. 

Which actors do you find the most inspiring? Vote up the most influential stars of 2018 below and feel free to add anyone you think is missing! Then see which actors are influential in 2019.

list ordered by
1
Chadwick Boseman is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Chadwick Boseman Age: 37

Birthplace: Anderson, South Carolina

Chadwick Aaron Boseman (born November 29, 1976, or in 1977) (sources differ) is an American actor known for his portrayals of real-life historical figures such as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), ...more

More Chadwick Boseman ❯

#217 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #832 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History #34 of 275 The Hottest Men Of 2020, Ranked

2
Ryan Reynolds is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 39

Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada

Ryan Rodney Reynolds (born October 23, 1976) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, film producer, and screenwriter. He began his career starring in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside and ...more

More Ryan Reynolds ❯

Ryan Reynolds Quotes That Perfectly Illustrate Why He's The Internet's Favorite Superhero #14 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #228 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History

3
Benedict Cumberbatch is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 39

Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom

Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (born 19 July 1976) is an English actor who has performed in film, television, theatre and radio. A graduate of the Victoria University of Manchester, he ...more

More Benedict Cumberbatch ❯

The Best Benedict Cumberbatch Movies #6 of 273 The Greatest British Actors of All Time #8 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today

4
Tom Holland is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
holy_stockings added Age: age 22

Birthplace: Kingston upon Thames, London, England

Thomas Stanley Holland (born June 1, 1996) is an English actor and dancer. A graduate of the BRIT School in London, he is known for playing Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), so ...more

More Tom Holland ❯

#725 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History #3 of 275 The Hottest Men Of 2020, Ranked #191 of 329 The Greatest Actors Who Have Never Won an Oscar (for Acting)

5
Donald Glover is listed (or ranked) 5 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 35

Birthplace: Edwards Air Force Base, California

Donald McKinley Glover Jr. (born September 25, 1983) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, musician, and DJ. He performs music under the stage name Childish Gambino and as ...more

More Donald Glover ❯

The Best Childish Gambino Songs, Ranked #148 of 261 The Funniest Stand Up Comedians Of All Time #176 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today

6
Chris Hemsworth is listed (or ranked) 6 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 32

Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia

Christopher Hemsworth (born 11 August 1983) is an Australian actor. He rose to prominence playing Kim Hyde in the Australian TV series Home and Away (2004–07) before leaving to begin a film ...more

More Chris Hemsworth ❯

24 Posts That Prove Chris Hemsworth Is One Of The Most Wholesome Guys On Social Media #32 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #49 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

7
Michael B. Jordan is listed (or ranked) 7 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 32

Birthplace: Santa Ana, California

Michael Bakari Jordan (born February 9, 1987) is an American actor. He is known for his film roles as shooting victim Oscar Grant in the drama Fruitvale Station (2013), boxer Adonis Creed in the ...more

More Michael B. Jordan ❯

Michael B. Jordan Might Be Hollywood's Biggest Anime Fan #196 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #728 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History

8
Dwayne Johnson is listed (or ranked) 8 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 46

Birthplace: Hayward, California, United States of America

Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor, producer, and former professional wrestler. Johnson was a professional wrestler for the ...more

More Dwayne Johnson ❯

17 Times Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Was The Best #51 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #19 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

9
John Krasinski is listed (or ranked) 9 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 39

Birthplace: Newton, Massachusetts, United States of America

John Burke Krasinski (; born October 20, 1979) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. Besides appearing in and making feature films, he is known for his role as Jim Halpert ...more

More John Krasinski ❯

The Best John Krasinski Characters #613 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History #122 of 177 The Best Living American Actors

10
Leonardo DiCaprio is listed (or ranked) 10 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 41

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio (, Italian: [diˈkaːprjo]; born November 11, 1974) is an American actor, film producer, and environmentalist. His accolades include an Academy Award and three Golden ...more

More Leonardo DiCaprio ❯

Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Leonardo DiCaprio #66 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #101 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

11
Finn Wolfhard is listed (or ranked) 11 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Finn Wolfhard (born December 23, 2002) is a Canadian actor and voice actor. He is best known for his starring roles as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series Stranger Things, and Richie Tozier in ...more

More Finn Wolfhard ❯

#20 of 40 Actors Who Are Having Their Best Year In 2019 #57 of 90 Who Is the Coolest Actor in the World Right Now? #5 of 50 The Next Generation Of Stars (Age 20 and Under)

12
Mark Ruffalo is listed (or ranked) 12 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 51

Birthplace: Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States of America

Mark Ruffalo (; born November 22, 1967) is an American actor and producer. He began acting in the early 1990s and first gained recognition for his work in Kenneth Lonergan's play This Is Our ...more

More Mark Ruffalo ❯

The Best Mark Ruffalo Movies #23 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #151 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History

13
Tom Hardy is listed (or ranked) 13 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 38

Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom

Edward Thomas Hardy (born 15 September 1977) is an English actor and producer. After studying acting at the Drama Centre London, he made his film debut in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down (2001) ...more

More Tom Hardy ❯

Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Tom Hardy #11 of 273 The Greatest British Actors of All Time #9 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today

14
Jordan Peele is listed (or ranked) 14 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 40

Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America

Jordan Haworth Peele (born February 21, 1979) is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is best known for his film and television work in the comedy and horror genres.Peele's breakout ...more

More Jordan Peele ❯

The Best Characters In Jordan Peele Movies #139 of 362 The Funniest People Of All Time #34 of 40 Actors Who Are Having Their Best Year In 2019

15
Daniel Kaluuya is listed (or ranked) 15 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 29

Birthplace: England, London

Daniel Kaluuya (born 24 February 1989) is a British actor and writer who was nominated for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his ...more

More Daniel Kaluuya ❯

#248 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #986 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History #179 of 258 The Best Marvel Movie Actors Ever

16
Ryan Gosling is listed (or ranked) 16 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 38

Birthplace: London, Canada

Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor and musician. He began his career as a child star on the Disney Channel's The Mickey Mouse Club (1993–1995), and went on to ...more

More Ryan Gosling ❯

The Best Ryan Gosling Movies #19 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #100 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

17
Denzel Washington is listed (or ranked) 17 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 64

Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, United States of America

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. (born December 28, 1954) is an American actor, director, and producer. He has received two Golden Globe awards, one Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best ...more

More Denzel Washington ❯

The Best Denzel Washington Movies #74 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #10 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

18
Daniel Radcliffe is listed (or ranked) 18 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 29

Birthplace: Fulham, London, England

Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (born 23 July 1989) is an English actor and producer. He is known for playing the titular protagonist in the Harry Potter film series, based on the novels by J. K. ...more

More Daniel Radcliffe ❯

19 Reasons Daniel Radcliffe Is The Most Awesome Dude In Hollywood #48 of 273 The Greatest British Actors of All Time #121 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today

19
Gary Oldman is listed (or ranked) 19 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 60

Birthplace: Eurasia, New Cross, London, England, United Kingdom, + more

Gary Leonard Oldman (born 21 March 1958) is an English actor and filmmaker who has performed in theatre, film, and television. Known for his versatility and expressive acting style, Oldman is ...more

More Gary Oldman ❯

The Best Gary Oldman Movies #3 of 273 The Greatest British Actors of All Time #17 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today

20
Peter Dinklage is listed (or ranked) 20 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 46

Birthplace: Morristown, New Jersey, USA

Peter Hayden Dinklage (; born June 11, 1969) is an American actor and producer. Dinklage studied acting at Bennington College, starring in a number of amateur stage productions. His film debut ...more

More Peter Dinklage ❯

The Best Peter Dinklage Movies #45 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #165 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History

21
Woody Harrelson is listed (or ranked) 21 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
starwarssuperfan added Age: 57

Birthplace: Midland, Texas, United States of America

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson (born July 23, 1961) is an American actor and playwright. His breakout role came in 1985 as bartender Woody Boyd in the television sitcom Cheers. He later became known ...more

More Woody Harrelson ❯

The Best Woody Harrelson Movies #15 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #76 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History

22
Nick Offerman is listed (or ranked) 22 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 48

Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, United States of America

Nicholas Offerman (born June 26, 1970) is an American actor, writer, comedian, and carpenter who is known for his role as Ron Swanson in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, for which he ...more

More Nick Offerman ❯

Hilarious Nick Offerman Quotes That Prove He's Basically Ron Swanson #244 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #152 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

23
John Boyega is listed (or ranked) 23 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 26

Birthplace: Peckham, London, United Kingdom

John Adedayo B. Adegboyega (born 17 March 1992), known professionally as John Boyega, is an English actor known for playing Finn in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens and its 2017 sequel ...more

More John Boyega ❯

#171 of 275 The Hottest Men Of 2020, Ranked #324 of 329 The Greatest Actors Who Have Never Won an Oscar (for Acting) #1,423 of 2,004 The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History

24
George Clooney is listed (or ranked) 24 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 57

Birthplace: USA, Lexington, Kentucky

George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is the recipient of three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, one for acting in Syriana (2006) and the ...more

More George Clooney ❯

The Best George Clooney Movies #84 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #91 of 274 The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

25
Robert De Niro is listed (or ranked) 25 on the list The Most Influential Actors Of 2018
Age: 75

Birthplace: Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, United States of America

Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. (, Italian: [de ˈniːro]; born August 17, 1943) is an American-Italian actor, producer, and director. He is a recipient of numerous accolades, including two Academy ...more

More Robert De Niro ❯

The Best Robert De Niro Movies #31 of 285 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #64 of 1,139 The Best Actors in Film History