Pop Culture

The greatest actors of 2022 have had some awesome movies and TV shows come out this year, whether they&#39;re action-packed or serious dramas, they really show their talent. Of course, you&#39;ll recognize a lot faces from the MCU and adjacent movie universes. You&#39;ll also find actors starring in long awaited sequels/reboots like Tom Cruise in&nbsp;Top Gun: Maverick&nbsp;acting alongside younger talent like Miles Teller. Maybe Ben Affleck will surprise us with another sleeper performance like the one he gave us in&nbsp;The Tender Bar.&nbsp;But now it&#39;s time to determine the best actor of 2022 way ahead of the awards season.

The best part about this list of great actors from this year is that you don&#39;t have to choose just one. You can vote up all your favorite actors and then check back throughout the year to see which one&nbsp;made it to the top of the list or even the top ten.

The Best Actors Of 2022

Actor

The Best Actors Of 2022, Ranked By Fans

Jason Bancroft

Historical movies offer viewers a chance to see important events and time periods come to life. With the right script and a strong vision from the director, these films provide insight into the things that have shaped our world. Of course, excellent performances are also a vital part of the equation. You need to have actors who can make the stories feel vivid and urgent. Over the decades, many a star has scored an Oscar for doing just that in a historical movie, whether based on a true story or just a solid piece of fiction.For every case where that's happened, though, there's another where an actor gave an underrated performance. Sometimes it was because they had a supporting role, or one that wasn't as showy as a co-star's. Other times, the movies themselves didn't light up the box office to the degree that they deserved to. Whatever the case, the following actors all brought something incredibly special to the historical movies in which they appeared. Their efforts deserve to be discovered and appreciated.&nbsp;

18 Underrated Performances In Historical Movies

Underrated Performances In Historical Movies

Mike McGranaghan

Weird History

One of the best parts of celebrating any holiday is curling up with friends and family and watching a festive movie. It's a classic way to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-christmas-kids-movies/ranker-film">reconnect with loved ones</a> and get into the holiday spirit - maybe you love watching Home Alone at Christmas or Hocus Pocus <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/wh-fans-favorite-childhood-halloween-movies/bridget-quinlivan">around Halloween</a>.&nbsp;Many of these films are as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-from-holiday-movies-then-vs-now/lauren-glen">beloved by the people who made them</a> as the people who watch them. Interviewers will often bring up the topics while talking with stars as a way to draw attention to their stories. Here are some of our favorite interview moments with celebrities in which they talk about their own holiday films.

12 Interview Moments From Actors In Holiday Movies That Put Us In The Festive Spirit All Year

Cortland Jacoby

Lists that rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens.

The Best Actors and Actresses

Entertainment

Show business is notorious for being one of the most unforgiving of industries. While it can raise people up and put them on top of the world - often landing them in the coveted position of being on the so-called “A-list” - many stars have found such success is remarkably fleeting.&nbsp;Sometimes,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/next-big-thing-80s-stars-that-vanished/anncasano">stars vanish from public visibility</a> at the height of their fame, while others go from starring primarily in films to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-movie-stars-who-went-to-tv/tyler-mitchell">appearing on television</a>. Oftentimes, these are the actors who managed to capture something peculiar about the moment they were at the height of their powers. For this reason, it’s worth taking a look back at them in order to appreciate what has been lost as a result of their brief time on the A-list.

18 Actors We Wish Had Been On The A-List Longer

Actors We Wish Had Been On The A-List Longer

Thomas West

Looking closer at the '80s movies you've probably already committed to memory.

'80s Movie Marathon

Total Nerd

The 1980s were a very important time for comedy. There were more of the all-time greats working at their peak during that decade than in any other - Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, and so many others. Unsurprisingly, they turned out a series of movies that have gone on to become certified classics. Some they did individually, and others they did in various pairings. Audiences continue to enjoy them many years after their initial releases.Those same actors also had their share of pictures that were overlooked, either because they were a bit too ahead of the curve or got lost amid crowded release dates. In many cases, they're great demonstrations of the stars trying new ideas or showing off sides to their talent that they hadn't been able to show up to that point. Now is a good time to discover any of them that you may have missed. You're guaranteed to get a few good laughs from these overlooked movies.

The Most Underrated Movies Of 1980s Comedy Stars

Film

Unforgettable Film Characters

Celebrities

&quot;Tough guys&quot;&nbsp;are usually revealed to be big ol&rsquo; softies - something society has shamed them into hiding beneath their muscle-clad, action-hero personas - simply because they can&#39;t just be like everyone else, can they? Not only does Hollywood deal often in this archetype, but it also often tackles a subgenre in which <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-action-stars?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">action movie stars</a> find themselves in charge of kids - in some cases just one kid, in other cases a whole boatload of them.

These family-friendly comedic outings see their stars drop their guns, swords, or&nbsp;shields and trade them in for baby bottles and binkies. This break from the norm often reaches a more mainstream audience, dialing the R rating down to a PG. From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Dwayne &quot;The Rock&quot;&nbsp;Johnson,&nbsp;their reluctance doesn&#39;t always make them the best babysitters at first (especially when they allow the kids to engage in violent or otherwise dangerous activities), but eventually, their inner softies take over.

Vote up the tough guys who&#39;ve proven they can handle themselves, in case you ever need an emergency babysitter.

13 Times Tough-Guy Actors Had To Begrudgingly Take Care Of Kids In Movies

13 Movies Where Action Stars Take Care Of Kids

Josh Plainse

Looking closer at some of the best, most realistic, most brutal depictions of war in the history of entertainment.

Wars on Screen

Performances

There is something enduringly appealing about the war film, even if the genre sometimes features underrated performances from its main cast. These are the types of films which immerse the viewer in the dark, sinister and terrifying world of combat. However, while war films are often praised for their cinematography and epic scope, it’s truly the acting that helps to elevate them into the realm of greatness.The men and women who appear in these films help to ground the broader picture, anchoring the drama and giving audiences people they can cheer for and care about, often showing the very human, and devastating, impact it has on the individual.&nbsp;

15 Underrated Performances In War Movies

Underrated Performances In War Movies

A look at the best and most underrated in entertainment, music, and sports in 2022.

2022: Wrapping Up

Actors

The year 2022 was a very rich one when it came to discovering new stars. Whether in fantasy or biopic, sweeping drama or intimate comedy, the year marked a key moment in the careers of some of the industry’s most promising performers. Many of these individuals had fine careers before this year, of course, but very often they managed to fly under the radar, waiting for the one big role that would not only give them a chance to flex their acting muscles but also reach a wider audience.Fortunately for them, and for those sitting in the audience, many got just what they wanted, heralding a bright new future for their careers.

14 Up-And-Coming Actors Who Officially Arrived In 2022

Up-And-Coming Actors Who Officially Arrived In 2022

Lists of famous people who have something just a little different, like physically.

Distinguishing Features

There’s seemingly a cheat code to making a character instantly appear tough, intimidating, and gritty: a shaved head. Commonly used in action films, this trick to toughen up characters is often used as a signifier to the audience that this person is ready for a fight. If they enter the story that way, it's probably a sign they're not to be trifled with; if they lose their hair mid-movie, it's usually representative of a harsh change in the character. Long a stereotype, it has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/guys-shaved-heads-seem-tougher-study-says-919445">proven by science</a> that bald people appear tougher and more intimidating than those with hair. And by comparing the typical roles of these actors to those they play with a shaved head, it becomes glaringly obvious that the simple trick is an effective one.&nbsp;However, this shortcut — not a shaved head pun —&nbsp;isn’t only a method of displaying a character's grit, but can also be used as a tool to separate preconceived notions one might have about a character due to the actor portraying them. Once you become a movie star, it gets difficult to separate the face from the name. Whether they typically play the goofy hot guy or the pretty teen star, the last thing an actor wants is to not be taken seriously. Sometimes, when the role permits, the best thing an actor can do is release themselves from those previous bonds and make themselves unrecognizable. Sometimes that means losing or gaining weight or donning a wig and makeup - but when they choose to depart with their hair, it often gives us a new screen presence entirely.

15 Times A Shaved Head Made A Movie Character Instantly Level Up

General

Times A Shaved Head Gave A Movie Character An Instant Bad-To-The-Bone Makeover

Griffin Peters

If show business is all about who you know, nepotism babies have the ultimate hookup getting through the door. Defined as children working in the same industry as their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/current-stars-with-famous-parents/carly-kiel">famous and connected parents</a>, their presence in Hollywood is controversial because it brings their merit and work ethic into question.&nbsp;However, there is a group of well-connected offspring who have not reached the heights of their parents or what their talent allows. Maybe they are consistently working but <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-should-have-won-oscar/erin-maxwell">have yet to win awards</a> for their efforts. Maybe they are sought after by directors but have failed to find the break-out role to make them a household name. They could be pigeonholed into supporting parts or just not have the credits they should have. Either way, these underrated nepo babies are just waiting for you to discover them.&nbsp;Which of these nepo babies do you think deserve the most success? Vote up your favorites.

14 Underrated Nepotism Babies Who Shouldn't Be Overlooked Anymore

14 Underrated Nepo Babies Who Deserve Their Fame

2022

In Hollywood, success is a fickle thing. An actor can take home an Oscar one year only to fade into obscurity after a string of flops the next. But <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-actors-who-deserve-comebacks/celebrity-lists">everyone loves a comeback</a>, and the last year had a lot to offer. Some were long overdue, while others were downright surprising. British actress Samantha Morton, for example, has been consistently lauded by critics and peers throughout her career but hasn’t gotten meaty enough roles to showcase her considerable talents since the early 2000s. Ke Huy Quan, on the other hand, was all but forgotten as an actor. Having disappeared from the big screen for over 30 years, the&nbsp;Indiana Jones&nbsp;star made a triumphant return in a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-science-fiction-movies-2022/jason-bancroft">major sci-fi movie</a>, launching one of the most unexpected and delightful second acts of the year.Some of the actors who got their mojo back leaped into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-broke-type-casting/anncasano">brand new territory</a> while others went back to their roots. Brendan Fraser, who will always be remembered as a family-friendly '90s action star, relaunched his career with an emotionally complex role in the latest movie from controversial director Darren Aronofsky. Jennifer Lawrence, by contrast, emerged from a multi-year hiatus to start making indie movies again more than a decade after the low-budget noir&nbsp;Winter’s Bone&nbsp;made her a star. From <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/character-actors/lisa-waugh">underrated character actors</a> to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scream-queens-where-are-they-now/jacob-shelton">iconic scream queens</a>, vote up the performers who truly deserve their comebacks.

14 Actors Who Got Their Mojo Back This Year

Actors Who Got Their Mojo Back In 2022

Lily McElveen

These&nbsp;actors who started acting later in life all had legitimate careers they gave up in pursuit of the bright lights of Hollywood. The reasons why they needed to change career directions around mid-life are all different. However, every single one of these successful actors took a major gamble so that they could follow their dreams.&nbsp;

Which Emmy Award-winning actress was inspired to pursue her dreams in her 40s following her mother&#39;s passing? Which funnyman gave up being a doctor so he could play a doctor on the big screen? Which famous comedienne/actress left her high-clearance job at the National Security Agency so that she could pursue comedy?

Find out those answers and more. Plus, vote up the most impressive late transitions to Hollywood.

Actors Who Started Acting Later In Life And Totally Nailed It

Ann Casano

The Man of Steel, The Man of Tomorrow, Krypton's Last Son, Clark Kent, Kal-El... Whatever you call him, he's best known as Superman. Here are some lists about him.

A Bird, A Plane

Looking closer at actors and actresses who have played the *exact* same role.

Familiar Faces

Lists about the DC Comics superhero team and the film of the same name.

Justice League

Superman (Clark Kent)

When it comes to today&#39;s most popular superheroes, Superman was definitely one of the first, and all of the actors who played Superman over the years have offered some great takes on the role. Debuting in <a href="https://ew.com/article/2001/06/06/1938-superman-comics-debut/" target="_blank">1938</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;comics, Superman has long been a favorite among comic book fans and moviegoers (even <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/times-superman-was-a-jerk/stephanroget" target="_blank">when he acts like a jerk</a>), and he&#39;s been the subject of a long <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-superhero-movies-ever-made" target="_blank">list of superhero flicks</a> since. Not only that, but this iconic figure in the superhero universe has also appeared in video games and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-superman-tv-shows-movies/ranker-entertainment" target="_blank">animated series</a>. Of course, with every portrayal of Superman, whether it be a cartoon or live-action feature film, there&#39;s an actor to fill the bill. Of all the men to take on the role, who do you think are the best Superman actors?

A long list of shows, movies, and actors associated with the beloved superhero has graced TV and movie screens for decades. No matter which interpretations of Superman you&#39;re a fan of, whether that be the classic cartoons or action-packed and star-studded modern films, all the actors who&#39;ve played Superman have surely done him justice. From Christopher Reeve&#39;s performances&nbsp;(Superman: The Movie, Superman II)&nbsp;to George Newbern&#39;s&nbsp;voice acting on numerous animated series (Superman vs. the Elite, Justice League), we&#39;ve seen some great Superman portrayals.&nbsp;

Now, take a look at the list of Superman actors and voice actors below and vote up your favorites from over the years.&nbsp;

Can Anyone Top Christopher Reeve?

The Best Actors Who Played Superman, Ranked

Ranking All 19 Superman Actors, Best To Worst

Ranker Entertainment

People describe their experiences working with stars of all ages in all environments.

Stars on Stars

Behind The Scenes

Method acting is when actors immerse&nbsp;themselves fully, emotionally and physically, in a role. Behind-the-scenes stories about method actors reveal that many have stayed in character off-camera as well. Like when <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/firsthand-depictions-of-tom-hanks/katherine-walker" target="_blank">Tom Hanks</a> decided not to bathe for weeks to look the part in Castaway. Or when <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/people-talk-about-nicolas-cage/pierce-nahigyan" target="_blank">Nicolas Cage</a> had his teeth pulled out, minus anesthesia, to feel the pain his Vietnam vet character endured in the movie Birdy.&nbsp;

Those who have worked closely with method actors on a film set offer different reactions to their character-focused colleagues, ranging from awe to puzzlement. Stories that reveal what directors and&nbsp;co-stars say about method actors, and what it&#39;s like&nbsp;to work with them, might surprise you.

What People Who Worked With Method Actors Said About Them

Person

Rima Pundir

Before tickets even went on sale, every major motion picture employed dozens of people and cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Here is how some of them screwed it all up.

Famous Film Fails

Most of the time, if an actor stars in a huge hit Hollywood movie, their career completely takes off. However, sometimes for various reasons, that doesn’t happen. Read about a few actors whose giant hit movies did not turn them into stars.Avatar is the highest-grossing movie of all time. Yet Sam Worthington, the actor who played the hero/lead character, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-lost-mainstream-success/jake-williams">never quite reached A-list Hollywood status</a>. Worthington has certainly had a very nice career (and will continue to star in all the future Avatar movies); he just never entered the rarified air of a Brad Pitt or a Tom Cruise.There are varying reasons why that can happen. Perhaps in Worthington’s case, it’s because the real star of Avatar is its creator/writer/director/producer James Cameron and his innovative vision.

13 Times Giant Hit Movies Did NOT Turn Their Stars Into Stars

Quotations

One way to get to know a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/nostalgic-actors-actresses-then-vs-now/melissa-sartore">nostalgic actor or actress</a>, contemporary performers, or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/old-hollywood-star-stories-2021/elle-tharp">stars of bygone decades</a> is to hear what they share when they're not on the screen. Quotes from actors and actresses give us insight into their daily lives, past experiences, and what they feel strongly about. A lot of what Hollywood stars have said also offers information about their colleagues and co-stars.&nbsp;We found a lot of stories, anecdotes, quips, and firsthand accounts from some of our favorite <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/nostalgic-actor-facts-2021/alby-thompson">actors and actresses</a> in 2022 - many of which really stuck with us. Vote up the ones you won't be able to stop thinking about either.&nbsp;

14 Quotes From Nostalgic Actors And Actresses We Saw In 2022 That Really Stuck With Us

Quotes From Nostalgic Actors And Actresses We Saw In 2022

Melissa Sartore

Actor lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of actor lists and rankings.

Actor lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for top 10, top 100, best of, funny, factual lists of any kind

Actor lists on Ranker

Actors lists on Ranker

Jaden Smith

Miley Cyrus

Beyoncé

Robin Williams

James Earl Jones

Tom Hanks

Christian Bale

Gary Oldman

Benedict Cumberbatch

Liam Neeson

Cillian Murphy

Richard Harris

England

You'd listen to Michael Caine talk all day, right? And surely you'd watch Ian McKellan in just about any movie Hollywood decided he should be in. Why? Because they're two of the best living English actors, along with the other English men on this list. These <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-actors-working-today/bustermcdermott?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest living actors</a> from England aren't just handsome and don't just come with a great accent, they're truly talented actors who have all made film history.Who are the top living English actors? These men (whether retired or still working) are still gracing the earth and many are turning out excellent performances in hit movies, like Christian Bale and Benedict Cumberbatch. The best at what they do, these English actors win awards left and right, from BAFTAs to Golden Globes, and are popular with film-going audiences the world over.This list features the greatest living English actors including Christian Bale, Ewan McGregor, Michael Cane, Colin Firth, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes, Sean Bean, John Cleese, Jude Law, Hugh Laurie, and Rupert Everett. Don't see your favorite living actor from England? Add him below so other film fans can vote. Then, be sure to vote and rerank the list according to who you think are the best English <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/old-celebrities-you-didn-and-_39_t-realize-are-still-alive/carly-kiel?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">actors still alive</a> today.

Tom Hiddleston

The Best Living English Actors

Person in Film

Best Living English Actors | List of Top Actors from England

Ranker Film

Visit Ireland

Ireland

Sure, Colin Farrell is a handsome bad boy, but what about all those other great Irish actors? This list of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-irish-actors-working-today/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best Irish actors</a> of all time reaches back in film history to rank the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-actors?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest male actors</a> to have ever hailed from Ireland. Hollywood just wouldn't be the same without Lawrence of Arabia and a whole bunch of James Bond films, and those movies wouldn't be what they were without a few of the top Irish actors ranked here.Who are the best Irish actors ever? The land of Erin has given the world many good actors, who have played iconic roles, been part of blockbuster and classic films, and represented Ireland on the big screen for decades. Great classic Irish actors like Peter O'Toole and Richard Harris are listed here, along with more modern talents like Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, and Pierce Brosnan. Think of your favorite movie, and there just might be a good Irish actor starring as the leading man.This list features the top Irish actors of all time including Peter O’Toole, &nbsp;Liam Neeson, Noel Purcell, Tony Doyle, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Pierce Brosnan, Richard Harris, and Colin Kenny. Don't see your favorite actor from the Eire? Add him below so other film fans can vote. Then, be sure to vote and rerank the list according to who you think are the best Irish actors to have ever graced the screen.

Pierce Brosnan

The Best Irish Actors of All Time

Ranking the 40+ Best Irish Actors of All Time

Lists about your favorite characters that were drawn by hand or generated by computer.

Animated Characters & Cartoons

This list contains information about the best animated voiceover performances in film, ranked by your votes. Several famous <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-film-actors-and-actresses-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">actors and actresses</a> have lent their voices to to help create some of the most iconic animated characters of all time. Some of these celebrities voiced Disney characters while others teamed up with Dreamworks. Several Academy Award winners are also among the best voice over actors, and have given great voice over performances.Which Hollywood actors have given some of the best animated VO performances in film? Robin Williams is at the top of the list. Robin Williams's iconic performance as Genie in Aladdin is one of the best vocal roles in any Disney film. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen also gave great performances as Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movies. Johnny Depp brought the character of Rango to life with his expressive vocals.Some famous women also voiced animated characters. Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu both gave great performances in Kung Fu Panda. Oscar-winner Meryl Streep did a great job being the voice of reason as Mrs. Fox in The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Perhaps one of the the best animated voiceovers from a famous actress would be Cameron Diaz's portrayal of Princess Fiona in Shrek.Which animated voice overs are your favorite? Vote on this list and let your voice be heard in the comments section.

Mark Hamill

The Best Animated Voiceover Performances

Best Animated Voiceover Performances | Actors with the Best V.O. Performances

This list of the most overrated actors of all time, has been ranked by critics and fans from all over the world. Actors are seen as the face of the movies, television, and other media products in which they star. Hollywood <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-film-actors-and-actresses-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">actors and actresses</a> have become like gods to many people around the globe, and they are worshiped with praise, money, awards, and gifts.

However, many of the actors receiving the most accolades are extremely overrated in their raw talent, charisma, and chemistry with other actors. Some believe that overrated male actors, like Tom Cruise and Will Smith, bring in the big box office bucks, but have little to no acting range and often phone in their performances.

Many of the actors who get the most praise gave one or two great performances, but then rested on their laurels for the rest of their careers. Others are pretty good actors, but nowhere near as talented as the overwhelming praise they receive. Even more overrated celebrities&nbsp;have no talent at all, but are famous because of their looks and personality. Bottom line: some of the actors and actresses from classic movies aren&rsquo;t as gifted as many claim.

Who are the most overrated actors and actresses? This list features current and old Hollywood actors who are rated far more highly then they deserve (for their acting skills). Make your opinions heard by voting below!&nbsp;