Best Male Actors of All Time

After examining the whole list my assessment is people do not make a distinction between actors they like, actors in movies they like, and good actors. There are many movies I like whose main actor is good to mediocre. There are movies I do not like whose main actor is excellent. Final comment: Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Clarke Gable always play the same personae in any of their movies. They are not versatile actors just well chosen for the roles. Warren Beatty and Kevin Cosner are flat - hardly worthy of being called actors.

believable performances and intelligent choices Bhelped this actor have a long career, not to mention a large selection of different grocery foods! Who wouldn't want to have a career such as his? But #1? Definately Top 10

if Im a lame woman i chose Newman, However he is great artist but I can accept #1 rank in best actors of all time suitable for him.

Why Nicolac Cage and Humphrey Bogart not on the list?

I agree with paul newman as tops, but why is Alec Baldwin not on this list?

NEWMAN AND GAGNEY OR CAGNEY AND NEWMAN AS THE 2 BEST MALE SCREEN ACTORS OF ALL TIME. THE OTHER ACTORS MENTIONED IN THIS ARE GREAT ACTORS WITH GREAT SKILLS, BUT I BELIEVE NONE PUT AS MUCH HEART MIND AND SOUL INTO THERE ROLES AS NEWMAN AND CAGNEY. THERE THE GOLD STANDARD. Joe Caprio

Another non-conformist who died tragically young. He was the upcoming heart-throb of his era and commanded the screen as such. His cocky approach to a character changed the norm for his time. Top 50, yes. Unfortunately, he didn't stay around long enough.

Are you kidding? James Dean should seriously be higher on this list. He was one of the first stars to use Method acting, and even though he only made three films, in my opinion they were all incredible performances. No, he wasn't copying Brando. In Dean's own words, "People were telling me I behaved like Brando before I knew who Brando was!" Did you realize that Dean was dyslexic? That's right. He had a natural gift for improvisation. In sum, I think quality matters more than quantity.

Is it not obvious?Brando stands alone.Watch the scene in the funeral parlor from the Godafther or the Marc Antony monologue from Julius Caesar or the taxicab scene from Waterfront.After Brando,comes De Niro,Pacino,Olivier,Burton etc.Newman was more of a movie star and should be nowhere near the top.Dean was good but untested really.

he must be no 1:no other actor deserves that place than him,and wat about AL PACINO HE MUST BE NO 2.RATHER THAN THE MOVIE JUST catch the expressions and the change of accent in different situations

Very good when he was young, but the older he got, the worse he got. I loved Apocalypse Now until they found Brando's character.

HE SHOULD BE #1.

Here is a man with an apetite for fame (and food) and the ability to lead not only on screen, but in off screen causes. A very talented non-conformist. Top 10 stuff.

legend, well deserved place at number 2, but still think he should be number 1. see godfather, on the waterfront and a streetcar named desire and you will agree

Totally overrated. James Dean should be here!

Plays the same character over and over. Yes, because there is no need to play anything else. He is top, why change top to bottom?

Plays the same character over and over.

western legend, some of his greatest movies are hondo, the comancheros, el dorado, chisum, rio bravo and can't forget the searchers

should be no 1

Oh my gosh he should be so much higher just because of Harvey

Jimmy Stewart was a trail blazer and a class act who did everything from screwball, to romantic/comedy/ drama/ thriller/ western and he would be right at home with CGI and 3D if he were around to day. There's no point in listing his successes; there are way too many. Try Harvey. Everybody loves a loveable drunk! Top 10 stuff!

Amazing actor. Should be in the top 20. People don't appreciate older actors as much these days because action movies and special effects are making the movies better so the acting doesn't have to. Sit down and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" with family or close friends. Your opinion will almost definitely change.

yeah, but his name is not Charleston, but Charlton

I agree i mean come one he played God, moses, and john the baptist

Kirk was a steady hard working old school actor. Played his parts well, kept himself in good physical condition and manger his career with brains. He made the most out of the talent he had and produced some good eforts. Top 200.

As Gregory aged, he showed more depth in his roles. Also, he spent most of his time in those horrible 50's dramas that dragged on and on until you left the theatre depressed and headed for the nearest bar. Thank God for Bee Bop and Elvis in the 50's! But, if you catch Gregory in some of his smaller roles in the 70's and on, you'll see a different actor. One more in tune with the audience and you start to really appreciate his chops. Top 100.

definitely in top 10...

Nock Nock! Whos there?Bella!Bellawho?YOU!

Singing in the Rain; 'nough said indeed! But he also always had a great supporting cast and that has been the genoius of Kelly. Muscular and agile, he pulls off routines with a smile time after time and has us believing in that Great American Dream! If you are into Americana, then you need a little Gene. Top 200.

Yeah. Missed a letter there bud.

Learn to spell "Clint".

After a successful run on the small screen, he headed out to Italy to team up with the King of Spaghetti Westerns, Sergio. There, he learned his craft. Upon his return to Hollywood, he was a different actor. If you have an opportunity, compare the Clint before and after. Clint has proved his stay power as both actor and director. How old is the man? He doesn't get bored and he never bores his audience. Top 10 stuff!

A great actor who is always in average or bad films. It's almost got to the point now where I won't watch a film if he's in it, even though he's a great actor.

Denzel is great. Catch him in Much Ado About Nothing and you can see that the man can play anything. But he is always in roles that are dark and moody. He spends his time propping up weaker actors around him. He needs a better manager. Top 20.

he is increadible in de ja vu

He is in top10? The man with one same face in all of his movies? Ok, he is good but I wouldn't place him in top20. How can a man with same facial expression for: sad, interested, mad, angry, funny be in top10!!!

I liked him in the Eighties when he did more comedies but I just can't accept him in serious roles. He can be a decent actor but that's all.

tom hanks deserves nothing less than #1 spot non and i mean non of his movies has ever anything but perfect

Not just because of the wonderful movies he did but the the actuation is always perfect for the characters. My favorites are The Terminal, Cast Away, Forrest Gump and Philadelphia.

What about Saving Pvt. Ryan and Philadelphia, he should be #1 iMO

Tom hanks is a very outstanding actor in all of his movies, he was nominated 5 academy awards in his role forrest gump and if you havent watched it then you buy it.

Tom Hanks had us in stitches with The Man with One Red Shoe, Big, The Burbs, etc. and then he got us with a more sensitive side in Sleepless in Seatle, Forest Gump, The Green Mile, etc. Then he ups it with big animation projects like Toy Story and The Polar Express. Smart actor and for the most part, selected the right roles for his ablities. Top 50.

he has the voice, the perfect movie, but he lacts the actting.

Morgan Freeman once said in an interview, "Acting is the easy part. It's getting the job that's difficult". Maybe so Morgan; but with your abilities, ease of tongue and smooth mannerisms, only a fool would pass you up for a part. He is one of the Greats! Top 10.

I agree

are you kidding me, he is the best actor. made shawshank redemption best movie ever. If you haven't seen it, go rent it!

Jack is a card. From Five Easy Pieces through to this very day, you cannot tie Jack down to a particular style. Werewolve, Devil, Detective, Bum, Womanizer, etc. You name it, he's played it and played it so that we believe that Jack is really that cat we see on the screen. And all this from a balding not particularily good looking brad pitt kinda guy! Jack - tons of fun all the time - Top 20.

Sir Anthony Hokins, please. And with good reason. He is tremendous in all his ambitions. Silence of the lambs, Meet Joe Black, Howard's End, etc., he can slip into any role with ease. Hope he stays around for awhile and hope that he runs into some good writers. Top 50.

He is the greatest of all time.

when he acts you feel it threw the TV thats how powerful his acting is he beats everybody on this list because of that

I am just confused when i see the Pacino the great here,he is i admit the miracle of all world's cinema history,he is the best at the masterpiece of cinema for all time the godfather saga.

compared to any other actor "forget About It"

Al commanded the screen in so many well known performances, there's no point in listing them. Fro the well educated son in the Godfather to the screaming man in The Scent of a Woman, he has energy that many would love to have. But why he has to yell so much has always befuddled me. Top 100.

Most intense actor of all time and not just in movies but hes love and performance in theatre

best actor ever

This was Martin's muse for so many years, it is easy to overlook all of his attributes. Drama, henchman, intelligent man, comedian, you name it. With the energy of Pacino and with a slightly different set of tools, he eclipses many actors. But, like I said, he spent a good part of his career locked up with Martin and we all remember that side of him. Top 20.

There has never been another actor like Cary Grant - to date. Screwball, Romantic Comedy, Thriller, etc. and a calss act on and off the screen. Too many movies to list, but even my young kids get into this guy (Mr Blanding Builds His Dream Home). #1 all time.

Cary Grant is on the list of American film academy in 2 places all the time,the most charismatic and handsome actor.North By Northwest:) First on that list is Humphrey Bogart but Bogart is not on list.

Mel has talent and looks and for the better part of his career, played all of his roles brilliantly and deserved all of the accolades thrown his way. He peaked with Braveheart. Then we find out that the man has a problem; boredom which drives him to alcohol (this is what makes Clint great - he doesn't bite at all the razzle dazzle). Can Mel make a rebound? Top 100.

The Patriot, Signs, Braveheart. This guy's amazing! One of the best on my list

he was excellent in The Patriot as well

how come tom hanks heath ledger and kevin spacey and some others are before dicaprio. he must be in top three. jhe is ten times better than dustin hoffman.

His best work was in What's Eating Gilbert Grape.

Leonardo DiCaprio is my most favorite actor of all time. In every movie I've seen him in, he really gets into role and makes his characters so believable, unlike a lot of other actors. Too bad most people don't think so, too.

best actor ever must be nmbr1.see movie whats eating gilbert grape.?

He played a role as frank abagnale jr in catch me if you can was nominated for these awards 2 oscars, another 10 wins and 18 nominations.

Baby face Leonardo is one of the few child stars to make it through to adulthood and that in itself is a career. His latest effort, Inception, for it's day and it's genre, is miles ahead of the pack. He has to work for his pay and make us forget his pretty little face from all of those bopper flicks and he does work hard. Top 100.

He should be #1. He is a great actor

he should be in top 3

COME ON Johnny Depp is the worlds Greatest actor of all time and he's at number 30..! Whats up with that.?!

really i luv him i thought hed be higher on the list. i had to search forever to find him

56? Johnny Depp deserves better.

well well well finally i find depp in that . . . list!!!

No, he is not the number one because his movies are not great

He's at 50!!!!! He should be #1

should be number 1!!!!! 51 is a disgrace, and absolutly not true.

top 3

absolutely in top 5!

Yes he Should Be in the Top 5 or even Top 3

Should be in the top five.

I am stunned he's not in a higher ranking!

Indiana jones

Harrison had a good run in the late 70's with George and then as Jack Ryan. Between that he had some very memorable movies; American Grafitti, Blade Runner, Witness, Presumed Innocent, Patriot Games, The fugitive, etc. He kind of fizzed out, but hey; if I were an actor, I would have loved to have had the type of career this man has had. Right place, right time. Top 100.

He was good, but not this good. I'd say 26th or 27th

Who else could have played a hitman at a spiritual crossroads as well as he did in Pulp Fiction?One of the greatest characters in cinematic history!

Now eher is a man who can challenge Cary Grant. But, with today's movies being all about 3D, CGI and very little to do with acting; there isn't much interest in great screen performers by producers or audiences. Wonder where his career will go?

14 is it a joke?

He should be #1 there is no actor in any era better than him

Deserves an Oscar for Ali

This man deserves mention in the top ten. Took a stand as a young man to not swear in his music , took flack for it and now is getting top billing and makes more money than all the "rappers" turned actors. He is an entertainer and excells in all he does. Looking forward to his next film. Plus the talent seems to be hereditary

Top 10 easily

Gene is in the same category as Robert Duvall; can do it all. He is always believable. Besides Unforgiven, try him in Enemy of the State. Top 50.

Kevin starts off his career with Blockbusters; not in order, Untouchables, Feild of Dreams, Runs with Wolves, Bull Durham and yes, even Bodyguard, etc; but then he fades. Some poor scripts? Poor choices? Who knows. Top 50.

Umm...Dances with Wolves...

Best actor ever!!!!!! Could do anything. The King of the Silver Screen. Best leading man. Best speaking voice ever. I can't say enough about him!!!!!!!!!

Clark could do it all and was bigger than life on the screen. A true Golden Era Star. Not only good looks, but the man could act as well. Gone with the Wind for sure; but try It Happened One Night, Mutiny on the Bounty, Too Hot to Handle, etc. Top 50.

Robert has directed and acted in some movies that turned the tide! The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, etc. and has directed such greats as The Legend of Bagger Vance. He is one of the most unselfish actors that ever hit the screen and was a heart throb for years. Try Sneakers if you heavn't seen it. Top 20.

Sir Sean Connery has been blessed with a unique voice, good looks and eyes that speak volumes. Not to mention his physical stature, energy and ability to provide balanced performances throughout even the worst scripts. Try, The Name of the Rose if you haven't seen this one. Top 50.

Let's give it up for the "Man Ho!" LOL!

all the other actors can try and copy him but there was only 1 Olivier! He was a genius. He had it all!

A very talented Shakespearean actor who can bore you to death on the big screen unless you are into watching theatre on the big screen. His comdies shine with Brit humour and his dramas reek of too much depth for a camera to appreciate. I would have loved to see this guy perfomr live. It mut have been incredible. Top 50.

Everytime I think of Robin, I think of the Bobby McFerrin video; the first time I saw him interviewed on late night TV, Mork and Mindy, etc. You have to love the guy. His routine in the Bicentennial Man is a killer and then he tunrs around and plays a killer, a crazy salesman, a professor with a problem, a homeless man with troubles, a doctor who makes people laugh, etc. Brilliant stand up comedian and the kind of guy who you know if you share a beer withm, will have you in stitches all night long. Thanks for the laughs Robin! Top 10.

You have to go back and watch ome of the flicks Michael made in the 60's. Not just Alfie and see how a great actor became a man who can hold you attention on the screen whenever he talks and make eveyone around him look good. He makes Steve Martin look like a genius in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He shows his depth in Educating Rita. He is a man who was troubled with alcohol, but found his way through. Maybe Mel should read Michael's bio. Top 20.

Robert is one of those actors who passes unoticed until you see him so often you say, who is that guy? He has played a vast amount of different characters in so many different time lines and various personas, it is difficult to describe his talent other than a natural. Watch him on the small screen - Route 66 or on the big screen, M.A.S.H., Godfather and so so many more. Hope he stays around for a while. My personal favourite, Wrestling Ernest Heminway. Top 50.

So Sad. When you look at his role in the remake of the Four Feathers or watch him beside Matt in the Brother's Grimm; you know at once that here is a man who knows his craft. He leaves a great legacy behind him and for us, a void. Top 50.

undiscoverd talent

Brad Pitt really is a fine actor and not just another pretty face.

He is various and the greatest.

Kevin Spacey is a fine actor with some excellent chops. Seven, Usual Suspects, L.A. Confidential, American Beauty, etc. He plays his roles with confidence and is very believable. Top 200.

Vannila sky, Mission Impossible, Jerry Maguire

who is this man????

40? is this a joke? he should be #2 after Daniel Day Lewis

Check out the movie "Cinderella Man" about the true story of heavy weight boxer Jim J Braddock, very good. Paul Giamatti and Rene Zellwiger are outstanding in it also!

One of the best!

Russell has made some very fine movies and some dogs. Gladiator and Robin Hood were not super fine screen plays. Master and Commander and A Beautiful Mind are examples of what he can do with a good script. Top 50.

No, he was pointless in Inception, all he did was shoot people and ski. He has been in other films, you know.

Okkk, Sureee! He was pretty goood in Inception! BUT, to have him on a list of greatest actorssss? That makess NO sense, especially beforee James Stewart, Cary Grant and Robert Duvall! OMG, You guyssss are craaaaazy!

Does 'insane' better than any actor there has ever been, in my opinion, and has unbelievable screen presence, much like De Niro did in his heyday. I think he has the potential to become the greatest British actor of all time. Surely it's time for a Brit to be the best - USA gave the world Brando, De Niro, Newman, Pacino, Hoffman, and the UK's population is a fifth of USA's. Maybe it's time for a British acting legend. Seriously, I think he might actually be that good. I agree with the previous comment saying that he was totally under-used in Inception, but at least the man's finally getting some recognition after being (criminally) overlooked in Hollywood for a decade, in part due to a nervous breakdown and other personal problems, to be fair, but he seems to have got over all that now. Yes, he was awesome in Bronson, I would very much like to see him doing more demanding, edgy roles like that once he's made a bit of money for himself in the US.

He didn't really have much acting to do in Inception, he's done better than that. He was excellent in Stuart: A Life Backwards. Also was very good in Bronson. Those two are probably his best so far.

He was amazing as Eames in "Inception". Go see it right now!

he is the best

he is a gr8 actor bt not better than aamir khan of india

This guy has depth

Roy Scheider is better than this. He was great in All that Jazz.

U know which is most talked movie of 2011 in south India?? Its obvious " Mankatha ". Starring Ajith in his 50th movie. The expectations are sky high. Fans are restless and cant wait to watch the movie on silver screen.

One of the most celebrated actor of south Indian film industry with very huge fan following. The opening for his movies cannot be compared with any of the actors in India. His movies are considered as a festival celebrations. Performed mind blowing roles in the movies like, Amarkalam, Vaali, Villain, Billa, Varalaru, Kireedom and the list goes on and on... He is the diamond in the crown of South Indian film Industry...

Better than the Best...He is SRK the KING!

No actor has accomplished anything bigger and better than King Khan

WE LOVE SHAHRUKH

HE is the BEST!!!

I wouldn't say top five, but he definitely should be in top 10 best actors! His wonderful personality is unique not only in reel-life, but also in reel life. SRK is the biggest start and King of the Bollywood film industry. I LOVE SHAHRUKH KHAN

He is the best Indian actor and one of the best and finest actors of the world. Shahrukh Khan is more than just an actor. He is a great human and a great husband and father besides having billions of both male and female fans after him!

he is the best romantic actor i ever seen . he also known as the king of bollywood

rajinikanth should be in TOP 10.. he is the all time Indian actor

super style ,super star

Stylish actor.... Amazing body language.... Most of his movies are blockbusters.... Biggest superstar of India.

I think Schwarzenegger should be in top 30

It's either Cagney and Newman or Newman and Cagney for the 2 best male actors ever. Noboby could be more versitile in so many ways or more real yet bigger then life then these 2 legends. Joe Caprio

Check the top 10.

it dummy list....

He is marvellos like Marlon brendo. He can act any characters like humor,patriot hero,action.Really amazing actor.Should be rated in top 10.

NO ONE CANNOT PLAY HIS ROLE. HE IS BEST HUMAN BEING. HE IS LEADING ACTOR, DIRECTOR, SINGER, WRITER, POET, FILM PRODUCER, BEST DANCER AND MORE...

He can do his best play at any film .