18 Best Movies Starring Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is no newcomer to the movie world. He was born on November 12, 1980, and made his debut as an actor in 1997. However, Gosling's fame skyrocketed when he played Sebastian Wilder in the musical drama film "La La Land" in 2016.

This charming man who is known for his sweet smile has starred in various movie titles. If you are a Gosling fan, then you must have enjoyed watching the best Ryan Gosling movies from time to time. Let's check out the full review from Showpoiler!

1. Barbie

Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken in the movie "Barbie" (2023) has left a lasting impression on many viewers. With his blonde hair, sculpted tan abs, and unwavering love for Barbie (Margot Robbie), Gosling's performance shines. In addition, he also demonstrates impressive dancing and singing skills throughout the movie.

As the story progresses, Ken explores the real world with Barbie and becomes astonished by the respect and important positions held by men in various fields. In stark contrast, in Barbieland, his fellow men are mere complements with no real authority or position.

Unfortunately, Ken, influenced by real-world patriarchy, brought this perspective back to Barbieland. As a result, the once vibrant and equal society undergoes a transformation, now ruled by Ken and his male counterparts in positions of power.

The Barbies, on the other hand, find themselves following Ken's lead without question. Even worse, Ken takes over Barbie's dream house, renaming it Mojo Dojo Casa House to suit his tastes. This shift in power dynamics causes Barbie to lose the sense of a perfect world that she once cherished.

2. La La Land

La La Land is Ryan Gosling's most successful movie, as no other Gosling movie has surpassed the success of this musical drama. The movie won many awards and nominations, and although Gosling was nominated for Best Actor at the 89th Oscars, he did not take home the trophy.

The movie revolves around Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress who wants to make it big in her career. Despite her persistent efforts in auditioning, Mia repeatedly faces disappointment and failure.

Fate intervenes when Mia accidentally meets Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician who dreams of opening his own jazz club. Initially uninterested in jazz, Mia slowly develops a love for the genre as she listens to Sebastian's music, and this shared passion brings them closer together, which makes them fall in love.

Mia and Sebastian prove to be a supportive couple, but heated arguments put a strain on their sweet love story. Mia's immense frustration due to continuous audition rejections becomes a significant obstacle.

At the same time, Sebastian grapples with the fact that traditional jazz music has lost its popularity. Their differences escalate into a major conflict, leading Mia to make the life-changing decision to move to Boulder City.

The question remains: What will happen to Mia and Sebastian's love story? Will they find their way back to each other, or will their paths be different forever?

3. Blade Runner 2049

As the title suggests, Blade Runner 2049 (2017) is set in the year 2049, depicting a world where many bioengineered humans known as replicants are kept as slaves. One of them is K (Ryan Gosling), a replicant who serves as a Blade Runner for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

K's primary mission is to track down and eliminate older, evil replicants, with his current target being Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who has been missing for three decades.

In his investigation, K accidentally kills Sapper Morton (Dave Bautista) on a farm. Next, he discovers a buried box hidden among the trees, which contains the remains of a woman who died during a C-section procedure.

This discovery confuses K, as replicants are not supposed to be able to get pregnant. As he digs deeper into the mystery, his encounter with Rick Deckard leads to the revelation of an old secret that triggers a series of events, culminating in total chaos.

4. The Nice Guys

The Nice Guys (2016) is a highly recommended movie that seamlessly blends comedy, action, and crime genres. Prepare to be entertained, confused, and curious as the dynamic duo of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe guarantee a truly entertaining experience.

The movie revolves around Detective Holland March (Ryan Gosling), who receives an assignment to investigate the murder of a famous pornstar, Misty Mountains (Murielle Telio). The case takes Los Angeles by storm, as Misty tragically dies after crashing her car into a resident's house.

As March digs deeper into the investigation, he meets Amelia (Margaret Qualley), and this encounter leads him to the brilliant private detective, Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe).

Things take a turn for the worse when Amelia suddenly disappears, forcing Holland to team up with the savvy spy, Jackson Healey. Their unlikely partnership becomes crucial as they attempt to solve this puzzling and mysterious case. Will their efforts be enough to solve the mystery surrounding the death of Misty Mountains?

5. The Big Short

The Big Short (2015) is arguably the most star-studded Hollywood movie. Besides Ryan Gosling, famous actors like Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, and Steve Carell also appear in this biopic. Now, let's dive into the story.

The movie revolves around the global financial crisis in 2008. At that time, four young men, Michael Burry (Christian Bale), Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), Mark Baum (Steve Carell), and Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt), started a mission to capitalize on the market situation.

The journey begins with a brilliant yet eccentric idea from Michael Burry. Utilizing his expertise in investigating potential creditors, he finds a loophole in America's economic development. With incredible courage, Burry decided to make a high-value investment.

In a move considered insane by many, three of Burry's friends joined him to take a very bold investment risk by engaging in practices forbidden in the banking industry.

Initially, they faced criticism, being labeled as foolish and reckless. However, as more investors, ranging from startups to Deutsche Bank executives, witnessed their success, they began to join their cause in droves, making astonishing profits.

The Big Short brings to life the captivating story of four individuals who dared to challenge the status quo, navigate the complexities of the financial crisis and make history with their bold endeavors.

6. Drive

If you've seen the movie Baby Driver, you'll probably find this Ryan Gosling movie synopsis somewhat reminiscent of the movie starring Ansel Elgort.

In Drive (2011), Gosling plays a quiet and mysterious driver. This movie is guaranteed to captivate you, aside from Gosling's captivating performance, the storyline is also full of suspense.

Curious about the story? The main character, an unnamed man, works as a driver and mechanic, who is often hired by criminals for various tasks. Known for his cold and silent attitude, the driver just keeps quiet and focuses on his duties while working.

However, everything changes when he meets Irene (Carey Mulligan), his beautiful neighbor who has to raise her child alone while her husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), serves his prison sentence.

Tragically, Irene and Standard's reunion is disastrous. Pressured by the prison warden to pay off a debt, Standard is involved in a store robbery, which ultimately ends in his death.

As the driver awaits Standard's return, he becomes entangled in a mysterious murder. Left with no choice, the nameless driver starts a mission to uncover the mastermind behind the crime, all in an effort to protect Irene from harm. The movie has thrilling twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie.

7. The Grey Man

The Grey Man (2022) is an action-packed thriller film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, adapted from Mark Greaney's novel of the same name. The movie is about CIA agents who get entangled in a dangerous case, making them fugitives on the run.

Gray Man (Ryan Gosling) was once credited as the CIA's most reliable agent. However, he is now a wanted prisoner by authorities across the country. He manages to escape from prison with the help of Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), a senior CIA official and leader of the Sierra program.

In the past, Gray was a member of an elite group of assassins known as the Sierra Six. He underwent strict training to become a silent and efficient assassin. However, due to a critical mistake, the Sierra Six who were once the best hitmen in the CIA, now have to face the wrath of the authorities after almost leaking the agency's most valuable secrets.

Gray, as one of the Sierra Six, has become a prime target of the CIA, marked as a fugitive from justice. Desperate to capture him, the CIA recruits Lloyd Hanse (Chris Evans), a former Sierra Six member turned defector. The agency offers Hanse an interesting deal to capture Gray, even if it means using ruthless methods, as Hanse and his gang are notorious for their penchant for torturing their victims.

8. The Notebook

The Notebook (2004) is a moving Ryan Gosling movie that managed to evoke strong emotions from the audience. This romantic film also played an important role in catapulting Gosling's name, although his fame reached its peak with his role in "La La Land".

The story revolves around Allison (Rachel McAdams), who visits the village where her cousin lives. While there, she meets Noah (Ryan Gosling), a local boy who falls in love with her. Unfortunately, their blossoming love story is challenged by Allison's parents.

In response to the challenge, Allison decides to leave the village and part ways with Noah. She returned to the city, where she made the acquaintance of a lawyer, and considered marrying him. However, as time passes, memories of Noah resurface, prompting Allison to seek him out and question their past love story.

Meanwhile, Noah, devastated by the end of their relationship, he enlisted in the military to serve his country during wartime. After experiencing hardships, Noah contemplates returning to the village to rekindle their love.

However, his heart breaks once again after hearing the news of Allison's upcoming wedding. Amidst these complicated misunderstandings, there is a lingering question: Can Allison and Noah's love find a way to reunite against all odds?

9. Crazy, Stupid, Love

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone's first collaboration on the big screen didn't happen in "La La Land" (2016). They actually met back in 2011 for "Crazy, Stupid, Love" (2011). The movie expertly blends romance and comedy, offering an entertaining and engaging storyline with fantastic chemistry between the actors.

The film centers on Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), a middle-aged man who is shocked by a surprising confession from his wife. After 25 years of marriage, Emily (Julianne Moore) confesses to having an affair with her coworker, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon), and expresses her desire for a divorce.

Cal is devastated by the divorce announcement and revelation from the woman he considered his true love and soulmate.

Witnessing Cal's heartbreak, a bar owner named Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) sympathizes with him. As a seasoned playboy, Jacob has never experienced heartache like Cal has. Driven by friendship, Jacob decides to help Cal move on from this difficult phase.

Without messing around, Jacob sets up a makeover for Cal, transforming him from his old-fashioned appearance into a friendly and stylish person, just like Jacob himself.

In addition, Cal turns to Jacob for guidance when it comes to love and attraction, as he becomes Cal's love guru, teaching him how to approach women with confidence.

10. The Place Beyond the Pines

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) is an exciting crime-themed movie starring Ryan Gosling that should be on your list of must-see movies. At the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie caught the attention of critics who praised its plot, acting, and soundtrack, and received various positive reviews. Organized in three acts, let's explore what happens.

In the first act, set in 1997, Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) is separated from his girlfriend Romina Gutierrez (Eva Mendes) due to his involvement in a motorcycle stunt show. Upon returning home, Luke discovers that he has a son.

Struggling to provide for his family, Luke takes a part-time job as a mechanic, but his income is insufficient. With the encouragement of his boss, Robin Van Der Hook (Ben Mendelsohn), Luke enters the dangerous world of bank robbery.

Deep down, Luke wants to leave his criminal activities behind and be there for Romina and his son. However, breaking away from this dangerous profession proves to be challenging.

Things take a dramatic turn when Luke decides to pull off a robbery on his own, which leads him to meet a determined cop named Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper).

11. Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine (2010) is a highly recommended movie that tells the story of the complexities of marriage and relationships. The movie has left a strong impression on critics, receiving an 86% approval rating from 212 reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie also earned nominations for the 27th Academy Awards and the 30th Golden Globe Awards.

The story revolves around a married couple, Dean Pereira (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy Heller (Michelle Williams), who used to be very connected and in sync. However, as time passes, their marriage becomes devoid of warmth and passion. Despite their unhappiness, they were bound by the responsibility of caring for their child.

Dean and Cindy viewed love as something that had an expiration date, but they refused to give up. Both try various ways to bring back the love and happiness they once had. Their efforts go beyond caring for their child; they long to feel the love they once felt.

However, despite their best efforts, their attempts to rekindle their love were in vain, leaving them to face the hard reality of divorce. The question remains: Is there still love left in Dean and Cindy's hearts, or have they reached the point of no return?

The movie sharply explores the complicated emotions and challenges faced by couples in the midst of a broken relationship.

12. First Man

First Man (2018) is a biopic based on James R. Hansen's book of the same name. Ryan Gosling plays Neil Armstrong, the astronaut who made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the moon.

The story unfolds as Armstrong is faced with the fear of a mental breakdown after a harrowing experience, stranded in the Mojave Desert during the X-15 rocket flight mission. Despite his concerns, Armstrong assured his colleagues that he was fine.

However, his personal life took a tragic turn when he received the devastating news that his young daughter had a brain tumor. Driven by love for his child, Armstrong began to find alternative treatments. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, her daughter's struggle came to a heartbreaking end in short order.

In an effort to move forward, Armstrong dedicated himself to Project Gemini, moving his entire family to Houston. He worked tirelessly with the team at NASA to advance the mission.

However, sadness struck again when two of his colleagues lost their lives in a T-38 aircraft accident. Faced with enormous obstacles and challenges, the question arose: Would Armstrong and his fellow astronauts be able to realize their dream of reaching the moon?

13. The Believer

In 2001, Gosling played Daniel "Danny" Balint, a former Jewish yeshiva student who had become an ardent neo-Nazi in New York. Daniel is portrayed as a bold individual, passionately embracing violence.

During his time as a student, Danny often challenged his teachers by interpreting scripture in unorthodox ways. His controversial actions generated significant controversy.

Joining a gang known as the Skinheads, Danny aligns himself with racialists who spread violent anti-Semitic ideology. Surprisingly, Skinheads are very adept at articulating their hateful beliefs.

Daniel Balint's story is actually based on the true story of a Nazi party member named Dan Burros. Dan tragically ended his life after being exposed as a Jew by the New York Times.

Although "The Believer" (2011) faced opposition from various quarters, Ryan Gosling's performance in the movie earned him the Grand Jury Prize at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.

14. Lars and the Real Girl

Known for his versatility in portraying various roles, Ryan Gosling also shines in the comedy film Lars and the Real Girl (2007). This lighthearted movie tells the story of a young man who has the delusion that his doll is a living being.

Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) orders a doll that resembles a woman from an online store. After the doll arrives, he names her Bianca and is convinced that she is a living being. Lars sees Bianca as an ideal companion, and her presence greatly impacts his daily life.

Since childhood, Lars has been known as a quiet and introverted person. According to his older brother, Gus (Paul Schneider), it started with Lars growing up without the warmth and love of a mother.

Gus tries to encourage Lars to leave his dolls and interact more with the outside world, but Lars firmly refuses. Even when a girl shows interest in him, Lars chooses to keep his distance.

Despite Lars' eccentricities introducing his doll, Bianca, to his family and friends, everyone around him responds with understanding and support, rather than ridicule or rejection.

The story of Lars and his doll, Bianca, is cleverly woven into a funny, engaging and brilliantly executed movie. From the cinematography to the superb acting, the movie simply radiates quality and promises to be an enjoyable viewing experience.

15. The Ides of March

Released the same year as "Drive","The Ides of March" (2011) is a Ryan Gosling movie directed by George Clooney, who also starred in the movie. This political drama revolves around the intricacies of the political world.

Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) is recruited to join a campaign team supporting Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) in his bid for the upcoming presidential election. Initially, the job seems promising and easy for Meyers. However, things change when Morris' competitors attempt to lure Meyers to their side.

When Meyers is dismissed from his position, his life becomes even more complicated when he learns of Governor Morris' affair with Molly (Evan Rachel Wood). Tragically, the situation worsens when Molly commits suicide.

This shocking revelation puts Meyers, who has always been a man of principles, at a crossroads. He struggles with moral conflicts, questioning whether he should stay true to his ideals or succumb to the political game and adopt the ways of the typical politician.

16. Fracture

Fracture (2007) is a gripping psychological thriller starring Ryan Gosling alongside Anthony Hopkins. The movie tells the story of a shocking incident in which a husband shoots his wife dead, which leads to a battle of wits with a young assistant prosecutor in court.

Theodore Crawford, also known as Ted (Anthony Hopkins), is a wealthy Irish aeronautical engineer who discovers that his wife, Jennifer (Embeth Davidtz), has been unfaithful to him. Jennifer has been having a secret affair with a detective named Robert Nunally (Bill Burke).

Fueled by anger over his wife's betrayal, Ted commits a heinous act and shoots her. He openly admits to the police that he attempted to kill her and surprisingly refuses to get a lawyer, choosing to represent himself during the trial.

Behind bars, Ted clashed with a young district attorney, William Beachum (Ryan Gosling). At the time, Will was about to be promoted to criminal defense attorney at Wooton Simms.

When Will takes on the infamous Ted Crawford shooting case, he finds himself entangled in a battle of wits. Ted cunningly manipulates emotions and uses logic games, making the situation even more uncontrollable. Surprisingly, Ted's clever wordplay leads to the rejection of his own confession of the murder as evidence, leaving Will frustrated and challenged to the core.

17. Half Nelson

Half Nelson (2006) is an American movie about education. Ryan Gosling's outstanding performance in this movie earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards, making him the youngest actor to be nominated in the category.

The story revolves around Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling), a history teacher at a school in Brooklyn. Dan is known as a non-conformist educator who refuses to follow the standard curriculum. His unconventional approach is further emphasized by his use of cocaine and freebase.

One day, a student named Drey (Shareeka Epps) discovers Dan doing drugs in the locker room. This encounter leads to the development of a complex relationship between teacher and student.

Drey comes from a family with drug addiction issues, so she is no stranger to seeing people like Dan. Despite being labeled a bad teacher, Dan is determined to prevent Drey from going down the same path. He is aware of the negative influence his closeness with Drey has on the boy and goes to great lengths to protect him from the dangers of addiction.

18. Stay

Back with a psychological movie and thriller, Stay (2005) makes the audience think hard. Directed by Marc Foster. The movie shows the relationship between reality, love, death, suicide and the fear of the afterlife.

A psychiatrist named Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor) is studying the case of his patient Henry Letham (Ryan Gosling). From his research, Letham suffers from depression and paranoia due to feelings of guilt and regret.

Over the years, Sam has studied Letham's development, and the man always says that he hears strange voices and can predict the future. On the other hand, Henry Letham suspects Sam of being the cause of one of his regular psychologists, Beth Levy (Janeane Garofalo) leaving him.

Various strange events and information continue to be given by Henry Letham to Sam. Wanting to find out the truth, Sam carefully examines Henry's background and his confession. Sure enough, there are many false statements given by Henry. In fact, Sam discovered new facts about Henry. It turned out that the man was planning a suicide.

Previously, Sam always went to the bookstore and read biography books about his favorite artists. But the artist died at the age of 21 on the Brooklyn Bridge, and Henry was obsessed with doing the same. What's wrong with Henry Letham?

We have to admit, Ryan Gosling was able to succeed in Hollywood because of his amazing acting skills and talent. Not only that, Ryan Gosling is smart enough to choose a character and is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone. From the recommendations above, which Ryan Gosling movie do you prefer?