
The Most Influential Male Actors Of The Last Decade

25. Casey Affleck
Casey Affleck has quietly established himself as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his raw, heart-wrenching performance in Manchester by the Sea. With a career defined by authenticity and depth, he’s become a respected figure in contemporary cinema. | © Bleecker Street Media

24. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson, a legendary actor known for his iconic voice, unforgettable catchphrases, and powerful presence, continues to dominate the screen. From his iconic portrayal of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to his unforgettable roles in classics like Pulp Fiction, Jackson has become one of the most bankable and influential actors of all time. | © Netflix

23. Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch, a highly acclaimed actor known for his distinctive voice and ability to embody complex characters, has captivated audiences with his mesmerizing performances. From the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series to the powerful sorcerer Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Cumberbatch consistently delivers powerful performances. | © TriStar Pictures

22. Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt has become one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, transitioning from lovable goofball Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation to leading man in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. His ability to balance action, comedy, and heart has cemented his status as a modern-day Hollywood superstar. | © Marvel Studios

21. Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali has redefined excellence in Hollywood, becoming the first Black actor to win two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor in Moonlight and Green Book. Known for his quiet intensity and profound emotional depth, Ali has delivered unforgettable performances that resonate far beyond the screen. | © Universal Pictures

20. Idris Elba
Idris Elba is a powerhouse of talent, seamlessly transitioning between intense dramatic roles in Beasts of No Nation to blockbuster MCU hits. From the enigmatic Stringer Bell in The Wire to the charismatic Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elba consistently delivers powerful and unforgettable performances. | © Netflix

19. Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo has become a beloved figure in Hollywood, blending his talent for nuanced performances with a humble, down-to-earth persona. Best known as The Hulk in MCU, he has earned critical acclaim with multiple Oscar nominations for films like Spotlight and The Kids Are All Right. | © Focus Features

18. Will Smith
Will Smith, a global superstar for decades, reached a career peak with his Oscar-winning performance in King Richard. Despite recent controversies, including the infamous 2022 Oscars incident, Will is known for versatility, from blockbuster action in Men in Black to emotional depth in The Pursuit of Happyness. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

17. Rami Malek
Rami Malek skyrocketed to stardom with his Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Known for his enigmatic presence and intense dedication, Malek also gained acclaim as the troubled genius Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot, earning an Emmy Award. | © Disney

16. Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal is a chameleon-like actor known for his intense dedication and willingness to disappear into his roles. Known for his fearless dedication to complex, often dark characters, Gyllenhaal’s versatility has made him a favorite among critics and fans. | © Marvel

15. Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield has captivated audiences with his heartfelt performances and undeniable charm, earning critical acclaim and two Academy Award nominations for Hacksaw Ridge and Tick, Tick... Boom!. Garfield also brought a fresh, relatable edge to Spider-Man and recently delighted fans with his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home. | © StudioCanal

14. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, faced a tumultuous period during the last decade with a highly publicized legal battle with Amber Heard, which nearly derailed his career and reputation. However, the June 1, 2022, jury verdict in his favor not only vindicated him but also galvanized millions of fans worldwide, particularly males, who rallied behind his resilience. | © Disney

13. Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston has been renowned for an iconic portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, which is nothing short of legendary, earning him multiple Emmy Awards and cementing the show’s status as one of the greatest TV series of all time. While his recent filmography may be less extensive, Cranston’s ability to embody complex characters has solidified him as one of the finest actors of his generation. | © Sony Pictures Television

12. Bradley Cooper
A twelve-time Oscar nominee, Bradley Cooper stands among Hollywood's elite male actors, combining emotional depth, and artistic versatility. From the intensity of American Sniper to voicing Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Cooper has mastered both dramatic and mainstream roles. | © Netflix

11. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise continues to reign as the king of stunts, pushing the boundaries of action cinema with jaw-dropping feats in the Mission: Impossible franchise, including hanging off planes and scaling skyscrapers. With a career spanning decades, he consistently pushes the boundaries of action cinema, delivering thrilling and unforgettable performances. | © Paramount Pictures

10. Christian Bale
Christian Bale is an undisputed king of Hollywood body transformations who has captivated audiences with his diverse and challenging roles. From the enigmatic Batman in Christopher Nolan's trilogy to the sociopathic Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Bale consistently delivers unforgettable performances. His influence extends to social media, where his stoic demeanor and “sigma-male” energy have turned him into a viral meme. | © 20th Century Studios

9. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio, even at 50, remains a powerhouse in Hollywood, proving his enduring talent with an Oscar-winning performance in The Revenant. While his prime years might have placed him at an undisputed first place, DiCaprio continues to captivate audiences with roles in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Don’t Look Up. | © 20th Century Fox

8. Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix is renowned for fearless dedication to his roles, delivering a hauntingly transformative performance in Joker that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for immersing himself entirely in his roles, he confessed to nearly losing his mind after undergoing an extreme lettuce-and-apples diet to embody the tormented Arthur Fleck. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

7. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, has become the major name in the industry after starring in blockbuster action movies like Jumanji and Fast & Furious. His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, as he’s one of the most-followed stars on Instagram and TikTok, as well as the subject of countless viral memes. | © Marvel Studios

6. Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey has been renowned as the most influential male actor of our generation after his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club and critically acclaimed role in True Detective. Known for his magnetic charisma and dedication to complex, transformative roles, he has become a symbol of artistic reinvention. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

5. Anthony Hopkins
While the recent work of Anthony Hopkins may not have matched the frequency of his earlier career, his powerful performance in The Father earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, reminding the world of his unparalleled talent and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest actors of all time. | © Lionsgate

4. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is widely regarded as one of the most enigmatic actors of his generation, celebrated for his piercing gaze and exceptional talent for portraying complex characters. His recent brilliant performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his place among the greatest male actors. | © Universal Pictures

3. Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy is one of the most talented actors of our generation. His roles range from the enigmatic Bane in The Dark Knight Rises to one of the most emotionally complex characters in Peaky Blinders. His portrayal of the iconic anti-hero Venom further solidified his status as a modern-day movie star, showcasing his ability to take on dramatic and comedic roles. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

2. Robert Downey Jr.
An actor who launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe himself and reshaped the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking, Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most influential male actors ever (he's also a two-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner). Beyond the screen, Downey has had a significant influence on the culture with his iconic quips and Avengers moments, which have made him an enduring fan favorite. | © Marvel Studios

1. Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling, a Canadian actor known for his viral social media moments and memes, has captivated audiences with a diverse range of roles, starting from the enigmatic driver in Drive to the romantic dreamer in La La Land (which won him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination). This cements his status as the most influential male actor of the last decade. | © Universal Pictures
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