The Best Movies That Have Only One Actor (Most of the Time)
This list contains information on the best movies with only one actor, ranked from best to worst by user votes. The best one person films come in many forms. Some good single character films are about socially awkward loners while other good films about one person feature characters lost at sea. Many of the best movies about single characters star Oscar-winning actors and actresses.
What films will you find on this top single actor movies list? Castaway has to be near the top. Tom Hanks stars as Chuck Noland, a FedEx employee who finds himself marooned on an island, in this 2000 Robert Zemeckis film. Hanks appears alone in much of the movie with his primary co-star being a volleyball named Wilson. Other good films with one character featured on this list include Gravity, 127 Hours, All Is Lost, and The Shallows.
Which one actor film is your favorite? Give the best movies a thumbs up and get in on the conversation in the comments section.
- 1Tom Hanks
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Featuring a riveting performance by Tom Hanks, this film showcases one man's struggle to survive on a deserted island after a plane crash leaves him stranded. Hanks' portrayal of a FedEx employee forced to adapt to life in solitude will tug at the heartstrings, while his extraordinary willpower keeps audiences captivated. The story artfully explores themes of perseverance and hope against all odds, making it a timeless classic.
- 2Will Smith
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Francis Lawrence
In this gritty post-apocalyptic tale, Will Smith embodies the last man standing in a world ravaged by a deadly virus that has wiped out most of humanity. His portrayal of a scientist desperately searching for a cure amidst isolation and despair is both captivating and heartbreaking. The film is an unforgettable journey, touching upon loss, survival, and ultimately, redemption.
- 3Sam Rockwell
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Duncan Jones
A slow-burning sci-fi thriller, this flick centers around an astronaut stationed on the moon who uncovers a startling secret about his mission. Masterfully portrayed by Sam Rockwell, the protagonist's loneliness and eventual realization of the shocking truth propel the complex narrative forward. Audiences are left with questions about morality, identity, and what it means to be truly human.
- 4James Franco
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Danny Boyle
Reliving the harrowing survival story of trapped canyoneer Aron Ralston, this gripping movie showcases James Franco's raw talent as he carries the film almost single-handedly. The visceral intensity and psychological torment make it difficult to turn away from this mesmerizing performance. The movie inspires awe and admiration for the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
- 5Tom Hardy
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Steven Knight
Tom Hardy delivers an electrifying performance in this character study about a construction foreman confronted with a series of life-altering decisions during a single car ride. As the protagonist grapples with his past missteps and tries to determine his future course, viewers are drawn into his emotional turmoil. The film expertly uses real-time storytelling to amplify tension and create an engrossing atmosphere throughout.
- 6Suraj Sharma
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Ang Lee
This visually stunning adaptation of Yann Martel's best-selling novel tells the story of a young boy stranded at sea with a Bengal tiger following a shipwreck. Suraj Sharma's portrayal of Pi Patel is both captivating and deeply moving, as he navigates challenges of survival and spirituality. The film immerses viewers into a spellbinding world where faith, hope, and perseverance triumph over adversity.
