Best Actors of the 80s

Alexandr

The Top Ten

1 Tom Cruise Tom Cruise Tom Cruise is an American actor and filmmaker. Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won three Golden Globe Awards.

Endless Love (1981), Taps (1981), The Outsiders (1983), Losin' It (1983), Risky Business (1983), All the Right Moves (1983), Legend (1985), Top Gun (1986), The Color of Money (1986), Cocktail (1988), Rain Man (1988), Born on the Fourth of July (1989). - Alexandr

I love the color of money and top gun. He's a great actor, one of the best all time. - jwileson

I guess for me the best movie would be Endless Love

He was the 80's

V 5 Comments
2 Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Stallone Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone is an American actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer.

Nighthawks (1981), Victory (1981), Rocky I (1982), First Blood (1982), Rhinestone (1984), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Rocky IV (1985), Cobra (1986), Over the Top (1987), Rambo I (1988), Tango & Cash (1989), Lock Up (1989). - Alexandr

Best action actor ever. His most badass look was in Cobra, I don't know why this movie is so underrated. Stallone all day every day. I watched about 100 times each Rocky and Rambo movie. My favourite actor, by the way he is still kicking ass in his 70s.

Nothing beats rambo amazing

He is the best in the world. Tom cruise is nothing. stallone is the champ and he will always be the champ in hollywood

V 2 Comments
3 Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, filmmaker, businessman, investor, author, philanthropist, activist, former professional bodybuilder and former politician.

Classics:
Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984), Commando (1985), Predator (1987).

Above average:
Raw Deal (1986), The Running Man (1987), Red Heat (1988), Twins (1988)

He build the road that others just used to get to the top.

Conan the Barbarian (1982), Conan the Destroyer (1984), The Terminator (1984), Red Sonja (1985), Commando (1985), Raw Deal (1986), Predator (1987), The Running Man (1987), Red Heat (1988), Twins (1988). - Alexandr

With the two terminator movies he achieved the superstar level - MatrixGuy

Predator & Conan...Nough said.

V 2 Comments
4 Michael J. Fox Michael J. Fox Michael Andrew Fox, known as Michael J. Fox, is a Canadian-American actor, author, producer, and activist.

I absolutely LOVE Michael J Fox! From Family Ties to Teen Wolf to back to the Future, he is absolutely iconic. Michael is adorably cute and sexy in a really adorable way! What an absolutely talented actor... love him!

I absolutely adored him in back to the future trilogy.

Ok. This is the best actor of the 80s. He worked so hard to get to where he was! And he made it. Now, you probably don't know, but he was in America for a little, starving! He needed to get on Family Ties, and he did! He knew he had what it took! And he's hot not to mention

Best. Actor. Ever.

V 7 Comments
5 Harrison Ford Harrison Ford Harrison Ford is an American actor and film producer. He gained worldwide fame for his starring roles as Han Solo in the original Star Wars epic space opera trilogy and the title character of the Indiana Jones film series.

Indiana Jones! Enough said.

Great actor. Perfect for Han Solo and Indiana Jones - PeeledBanana

Come on people, it's Harrison Ford!

Indiana Jones, Han Solo, Bladerunner, etc

V 7 Comments
6 Al Pacino Al Pacino Alfredo James "Al" Pacino is an American actor and filmmaker. Pacino has had a career spanning more than five decades, during which time he has received numerous accolades and honors.

Cruising (1980), Author! Author! (1982), Scarface (1983), Revolution (1985), Sea of Love (1989). - Alexandr

7 Matt Dillon Matt Dillon

He is a very awesome actor... Still today. I loved when he played Dally in
THE OUTSIDERS! :-)

Omgg so hot

8 Michael Biehn Michael Biehn Michael Connell Biehn is an American actor. He is primarily known for his military roles in science fiction films directed by James Cameron.

Hog Wild (1980), The Fan (1981), The Lords of Discipline (1983), The Terminator (1984), Deadly Intentions (1985), Aliens (1986), Rampage (1987), The Seventh Sign (1988), In a Shallow Grave (1988), The Abyss (1989). - Alexandr

Eddie Murphy should also come long before Biehn.

Charlie Sheen should come long before Biehn.

9 Emilio Estevez Emilio Estevez Emilio Estevez was born on May 12, 1962, to Ramon Esteves, better known to the world as Martin Sheen, and to his wife, Janet Templeton. He is oldest 4 children, and among his 3 younger siblings is Carlos Esteves, better known the to the world as Charlie Sheen. ...read more.

His best performance was The Breakfast Club by far

Where's athony michael hall

hot af

10 River Phoenix River Phoenix River Jude Phoenix, born River Jude Bottom (August 23, 1970 – October 31, 1993) was an American actor, musician, and activist. He was the older brother of Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix and Summer Phoenix.

He is very underrated but he should be remembered in today's society, by many. Not only were his natural acting abilities inspiring, but the way he cared about everything. He was very environmentally friendly, a strict and committed vegan, and even in the 80s/90s he was supportive of homosexuals. I love him so much and words can't describe how inspiring he is to me and many other people. RIP, sweet River Jude Phoenix.

The greatest young actor of all time, River brought so much soul and emotion to his performances. His role as Chris Chambers in Stand By Me is one of the most beautiful performances of any film. River was a beautiful person inside and out, and his death was such an enormous loss. He is truly and deeply missed.

By far one of the most talented actors of his generation. Stand by me, Running on empty, The mosquito coast, Explorers... To name a few of his films. Stand by me is his best. Such a gifted actor and amazing person. I miss him.

Amazing actor. And Matured beyond his age.

V 9 Comments

The Contenders

11 Bill Murray Bill Murray William James "Bill" Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He first gained exposure on Saturday Night Live, for which he earned his first Emmy Award and later went on to star in comedy films, including Meatballs, Caddyshack, Stripes, Tootsie, Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, Scrooged, What ...read more.

Ghostbusters 1984 stripes 1981 caddyshack 1980

12 Josh Brolin Josh Brolin
13 Rob Lowe Rob Lowe Robert Hepler "Rob" Lowe is an American actor. He garnered fame after appearing in such films as The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, About Last Night..., St.

He was really beautiful. And talented - rambocrazyhorse

He was so hot in 1983

Sodapop Curtis

Also hot

14 Jack Nicholson Jack Nicholson John Joseph Nicholson (born April 22, 1937) is an American actor and filmmaker, who has performed for over 60 years. Nicholson is known for playing a wide range of starring or supporting roles, including satirical comedy, romance and dark portrayals of antiheroes and psychopathic characters. In many ...read more.

The Shining (1980), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), Reds (1981), The Border (1982), Terms of Endearment (1983), Prizzi's Honor (1985), Heartburn (1986), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Broadcast News (1987), Ironweed (1987), Batman (1989). - Alexandr

I love jack nicholson! was the best then and is the best now! ANGER MANAGEMENT! I love that movie and all the others but I love jack nichoolson!

It's not from the 80s but his best movie was definitely A Few Good Men

15 C. Thomas Howell

Tommy makes everyone's day and have worked so hard to get where he is. I love him so much

Ponyboy Curtis

V hot

16 Andrew McCarthy

The boy next door.. Saint Elmo fire

17 Kurt Russell Kurt Russell Kurt Vogel Russell is an American actor. He began acting on television at the age of 12 in the western series The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters. In the late 1960s, he signed a ten-year contract with The Walt Disney Company where, according to Robert Osborne, he became the studio's top star of the 1970s. ...read more.

Used Cars (1980), Escape from New York (1981), The Thing (1982), Silkwood (1983), Swing Shift (1984), The Mean Season (1985), The Best of Times (1986), Big Trouble in Little China (1986), Overboard (1987), Tequila Sunrise (1988), Winter People (1989), Tango & Cash (1989). - Alexandr

used cars comedy
the thing horror
tango and cash action
silkwood drama
swing shift romance
big trouble in little china fantasy adventure
Kurt Russell has done it all
i know DARK BLUE was not made in the 80s but it was his best performance to date and oscar worthy

18 Corey Haim Corey Haim Corey Haim was born on December 23 1971, in Toronto Ontario. He grew up in the Toronto suburbs of Thornhill and Willowdale, and attended such schools as Pineway Public School, Baythorn Public School, German Mills Public School, and Zion Heights Junior High School. ...read more.

Best actor of the 80s hands down.

I still love him in this generation! You're missed dearly, Corey Ian Haim xx

Big movies big fan base!
Had it all in the 80's! Possibly too much! Rip lost boy!

MY BABY COREY
I LOVE THE TWO COREYS
THEY ARE SO BAE
rip bby

19 Dan Aykroyd Dan Aykroyd Daniel Edward "Dan" Aykroyd is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, musician, businessman and filmmaker. He was an original member of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on Saturday Night Live.
20 Michael Douglas Michael Douglas Michael Kirk Douglas (born September 25, 1944) is an American actor and producer. His career includes a diverse range of films in both independent and blockbuster genres, for which he has received a number of accolades both competitive and honorary.

It's My Turn (1980), The Star Chamber (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), A Chorus Line (1985), Fatal Attraction (1987), Wall Street (1987), Black Rain (1989), The War of the Roses (1989). - Alexandr

21 Mel Gibson Mel Gibson Mel Colmcille Gerard Gibson AO is an American actor and filmmaker. He is best known for his action hero roles, namely his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the first three films in the Mad Max post-apocalyptic action series, and as Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon buddy cop film series.

Gallipoli (1981), Mad Max 2 (1981), Attack Force Z (1982), The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), The Bounty (1984), The River (1984), Mrs. Soffel (1984), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), Lethal Weapon (1987), Tequila Sunrise (1988), Lethal Weapon 2 (1989). - Alexandr

22 Mark Hamill Mark Hamill Mark Richard Hamill is an American actor and voice actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy – Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi and his portrayal of the Joker in Batman: the Animated Series.

star wars

23 Ralph Macchio Ralph Macchio Ralph George Macchio, Jr. is an American actor, best known for his roles as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid series, Eugene Martone in Crossroads, Bill Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, and Johnny Cade in The Outsiders.

He is so the best actor you better vote for him

Should be above Mark Hamill

The karate kid is amazong

I’m in love

24 Robert De Niro Robert De Niro Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. is an American actor, producer, and director. De Niro was cast as the young Vito Corleone in the 1974 film The Godfather Part II, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Raging Bull (1980), True Confessions (1981), The King of Comedy (1982), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Falling in Love (1984), Brazil (1985), The Mission (1986), Angel Heart (1987), The Untouchables (1987), Midnight Run (1988), Jacknife (1989), We're No Angels (1989). - Alexandr

raging bull. no more need be said

Once upon a time in America, Raging bull, The Untouchables, what more do you want?

25 Dustin Hoffman Dustin Hoffman Dustin Lee Hoffman is an American actor and director with a career in film, television, and theatre since 1960. He has been known for his versatile portrayals of antiheroes and vulnerable characters.

Tootsie (1982), Death of a Salesman (1985), Ishtar (1987), Rain Man (1988), Family Business (1989). - Alexandr

26 Charlie Sheen Charlie Sheen Carlos Irwin Estévez, known professionally as Charlie Sheen, is an American actor. Sheen has appeared in films including Platoon, Wall Street, Young Guns, Eight Men Out, Major League, Hot Shots!, and The Three Musketeers.

Red Dawn (1984), The Boys Next Door (1985), Lucas (1986), The Wraith (1986), Platoon (1986), Predator: The Concert (1987), Three for the Road (1987), No Man's Land (1987), Wall Street (1987), Young Guns (1988), Eight Men Out (1988), Major League (1989). - Alexandr

Charlie Sheen is the man

27 Corey Feldman Corey Feldman Corey Scott Feldman is an American actor and singer. He became well known during the 1980s, with roles as a youth in films such as The Fox and the Hound, Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, The Goonies, Stand by Me, The Lost Boys, Gremlins and The 'Burbs.

Great actor, he should have stuck with it as he doesn't act much now. Mouth, Teddy, his characters are all legends!

Best movies are with him

He's MINE
I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
he's SO CUTE
AND I LOVE HIM
AND he's MINE
even though I'll never get to see.him

28 Clint Eastwood Clint Eastwood Clinton "Clint" Eastwood Jr. is an American actor, film director, producer, musician, and political figure.

Bronco Billy (1980), Any Which Way You Can (1980), Firefox (1982), Honkytonk Man (1982), Sudden Impact (1983), Tightrope (1984), City Heat (1984), Pale Rider (1985), Heartbreak Ridge (1986), The Dead Pool (1988), Pink Cadillac (1989). - Alexandr

29 Richard Gere Richard Gere

American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Breathless (1983), Beyond the Limit (1983), The Cotton Club (1984), King David (1985), Power (1986), No Mercy (1986), Miles from Home (1988) - Dancedom

30 George Clooney George Clooney George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, filmmaker and activist. He has received three Golden Globe Awards for his work as an actor and two Academy Awards, one for acting and the other for producing.

By far the BEST ACTOR EVER!

31 Anthony Michael Hall
32 Tom Selleck Tom Selleck Thomas William Selleck is an American actor and film producer. He is known for starring as private investigator Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I.
33 Steve Martin Steve Martin Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, playwright, author, and musician. Martin came to public notice in the 1960s as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later as a frequent guest on The Tonight Show.
34 James Spader James Spader James Todd Spader is an American actor. He is best known for portraying eccentric characters in films such as the drama Sex, Lies, and Videotape, the action science fiction film Stargate, the controversial psychological thriller Crash, the erotic romance Secretary, and the blockbuster superhero film ...read more.

He is literally the best and his eccentricities help him portray a character with such passion

Love James in white palace, pretty in pink in al his movies he is number 1 on my list

He is truly the best and should be higher up on this list

JAMES SPADER ONE OF THE WORLDS VERY TOP BEST ACTORS. SO BEYOND TALENTED AND AN INCREDIBLE MAN. MUCH LOVE FOR JAMES SPADER DEFINIETLY THE MOST ATTRACTIVE OUT OF THIS WHOLE LIST AS WELL <3 still in complete shock this man was not in the top 10 #notright what IS this disrespect!

35 Timothy Hutton
36 Eddie Murphy Eddie Murphy Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American comedian, actor, writer, singer, and producer. Murphy was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984.
37 Jeff Goldblum
38 Steve Guttenberg
39 Dudley Moore
40 Dennis Quaid
41 Judge Reinhold
42 Chevy Chase Chevy Chase

He is higher on the rankings

43 Don Johnson Don Johnson
44 Patrick Swayze Patrick Swayze Patrick Wayne Swayze was an American actor, dancer, singer, and songwriter. Having gained fame with appearances in films during the 1980s, he became popular for playing tough guys and romantic lead males.
45 Robert Redford Robert Redford Charles Robert Redford Jr., known professionally as Robert Redford, is an American actor, director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, and philanthropist.

Brubaker (1980), The Natural (1984), Out of Africa (1985), Legal Eagles (1986). - Alexandr

46 Rutger Hauer Rutger Hauer
47 Kevin Kline Kevin Kline
48 Tom Hanks Tom Hanks Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker. He is known for his roles in Splash, Big, Turner & Hooch, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, You've Got Mail, The Green Mile, the Toy Story Franchise, Cast Away, The Da Vinci Code, Captain Phillips, and Saving Mr. ...read more.

Money pit, big and punchline not to mention turner and hooch great actor my favorite!

49 Sean Connery Sean Connery Sir Thomas Sean Connery is a retired Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes.

My favorite James Bond! Athletic and sexy.

50 Richard Dreyfuss Richard Dreyfuss Richard Stephen Dreyfuss is an American actor best known for starring in popular films during the 1970s through 1990s.
PSearch List
Featured
Popular
Latest

Related Lists

Top Ten Greatest Actors Top 10 Best Tamil Actors Top Telugu Actors of All Time Top Ten Best Batman Actors Top 10 Actors to Portray the Doctor

List Stats

600 votes
112 listings
9 years, 119 days old

Top Remixes

1. Matt Dillon
2. Tom Cruise
3. Emilio Estevez
doggyface
1. Tom Cruise
2. Al Pacino
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Coatsy
1. Michael Biehn
2. Arnold Schwarzenegger
3. Sylvester Stallone
lukestheman4

WRemix

Error Reporting

See a factual error in these listings? Report it here.
P