Top 10 Male Actors of the 21st Century

This is a list of the actors that caught our imagination in the past 13 years.

The Top Ten

1 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.

One of my favorites. Robert Duval is the other next in line. I love them both.

One of the best actor of all times. Absolutely my favorite no matter what rile his plays.

Versatile

Most of his films are awesome - belarbi

2 David Tennant David Tennant David Tennant is a Scottish actor known for his roles as the Tenth Doctor in the British television series Doctor Who, Alec Hardy in Broadchurch, Giacomo Casanova in the TV serial Casanova, Kilgrave in Jessica Jones, and Barty Crouch, Jr. in the Harry Potter movie series.

From 'Glasgow' my City he is...

Great actor! Has been chosen for many films, series and episodes now that's saying something he was the doctor for 4 years, featured in doctor who, broad church and the escape artist!

Oh God this guy... just ugh.

Talented and my favorite doctor.

Yes, he was THE ALL MIGHTY DOCTOR, and the evil BARTY CROUCH JUNIOR

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3 Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch is an English actor and film producer who has performed in film, television, theatre and radio.

The game is on

Amazing Actor, Sherlock Holmes

I am voting for Benedict because he certainly took off during this century.

- Sherlock Holmes
- Smaug
- Imitation Game
- Doctor Strange
- etc...

4 Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is an American actor and film producer. DiCaprio began his career by appearing in television commercials in the late 1980s.

Best actor ever

THE BEST!

He is the most consistent actor in my opinion.
He takes movies to a whole new level!

There really is no one who can do what this guy does...

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5 Christian Bale Christian Bale Christian Charles Philip Bale is an English actor. He has starred in both blockbuster films and smaller projects from independent producers and art houses.

His greatest work was the fighter transforming from the batman stuff to new england at its best he deserved the academy award

The dark knight trilogy machinist big short American hustle such variety defines greatness of an actor

He is a very talented, hard-working, dedicated and honest actor...

Very good actor... I think he had continued as Batman...

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6 Martin Freeman Martin Freeman Martin John Christopher Freeman is an English actor, who became known for portraying Tim Canterbury in the original UK version of sitcom mockumentary The Office, Dr. John Watson in the British crime drama Sherlock, Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film trilogy, and Lester Nygaard in the dark ...read more.
7 Tom Hardy Tom Hardy Edward Thomas Hardy, CBE is an English actor and film producer. Originally a model, Hardy made his film debut in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down.

He’s the best actor ever!

Love watching anything Tom Hardy is in! Just loved him in "Taboo" & it was not an 'easy watch'!

He is one of the most talented actors of this generation! He is such a versatile actor. Every movie that he is been in has been worth watching just to see him act. First film of his that I watched was "Stuart a life backwards" and since then I have watched all and will continue to watch any film that he is in. :D

He should be top three. Liam neeson should nit be on the list. Hardy is the top method actor of the past 20 years

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8 Daniel Craig Daniel Craig Daniel Wroughton Craig is an English actor. Craig trained at the National Youth Theatre and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1991, before beginning his career on stage.

Babe

Daniel Craig is an amazing actor. Aside from the James Bond series his acting in Defiance and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (adaptation) were excellent. Although I did not like the movies themselves he was good at Dream House and Cowboys vs Aliens.

Well now... You can't beat those eyes.

9 Will Smith Will Smith Willard Carroll "Will" Smith, Jr. is an American actor, comedian, producer, rapper, and songwriter. He is best known for his acting career overall. He has been in many popular movies, These include, but are not limited to, the Men in Black franchise, The Pursuit of Happyness, and After Earth. He is ...read more.

Just amazing #1

Should be #1 you uncluttered swine

Did not know Johnny Depp was so bashful. Love him on his movies and off.

Nobody can beat these - Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds. Best Actor there is!

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10 Don Cheadle

The Contenders

11 Johnny Depp Johnny Depp John Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor, producer, and musician. He has won the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. His role in a movie is often rather big. His character is often on the "loopy side" and his character being in a darker state of mind, etc.

Depth to the depp

Johny Depp has starred in many brilliant movies including rango, Scissorhands and the most famous of all "the pirates of the carribean series and the latest comedy, dark shadows.

It was a hard decision but I have to say Johnny. He can play any character perfectly. Great as jack sparrow - dragonfly99

Every character he plays is THE SAME. He is always a freaky weirdo and has no charisma or emotion in his acting.

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12 Chris Evans Chris Evans Christopher Robert Evans is an American actor. Evans is best known for his superhero roles as the Marvel Comics characters Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Human Torch in Fantastic Four.

He is amazing

13 Robert Downey Jr. Robert Downey Jr. Robert John Downey Jr. is an American actor. His career has included critical and popular success in his youth, followed by a period of substance abuse and legal troubles, and a resurgence of commercial success in middle age.

I love how easily he can go from comedy to drama from one scene to another.

He just has that perfect timing to do both genres. Very few actors can do that. - Sa26

He is the best obviously

This list makes no sense. Robert should be the No. 1!

14 Gary Oldman Gary Oldman Gary Leonard Oldman is an English actor, filmmaker, musician and author. Renowned for his "big" acting style, Oldman is one of the most celebrated thespians of his generation, with a diverse career encompassing theatre, film and television.
15 Denzel Washington Denzel Washington Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. is an American actor and filmmaker. He has received three Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film Glory and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt cop in the crime thriller Training Day.

Dependable performance always. Believable in all of his roles. Training day took him to a new level. Super bad Azzz. But he's able to carry the good guy role too.

16 Heath Ledger Heath Ledger Heath Andrew Ledger was an Australian actor and director. After performing roles in Australian television and film during the 1990s, Ledger left for the United States in 1998 to develop his film career.

His performance in the Joker compared to Jack...no comparison! Such a tragic end to such a talented actor!

Extremely versatile. Gave everything he had to his roles. His performance of the Joker is among the greatest of any actor on this list or any other.

Too bad his death was little too soon. His role as The Joker is the best performance ever. Thank You and RIP, Heath Ledger.

He is an amazing actor who shows great pride in what he does.

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17 Ralph Fiennes Ralph Fiennes Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes (born 22 December 1962) is an English actor, director and producer. A noted Shakespeare interpreter, he first achieved success onstage at the Royal National Theatre. ...read more.
18 Bryan Cranston Bryan Cranston Bryan Lee Cranston is an American actor, voice actor, screenwriter, director, ordained Pastor and producer.
19 Brad Pitt Brad Pitt William Bradley "Brad" Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and producer. He has received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and three Academy Award nominations in acting categories and received three further Academy Award nominations, winning one, as producer under his ...read more.

It's a shame I had to scroll down to the 20th spot to find Brad Pitt.

His legendary roles in Fight Club, Troy, 12 Monkeys, Inglorious Basterds etc have been overshadowed by his extremely good looks.

He deserves to be on the 2nd spot after Leo.

20 Christoph Waltz Christoph Waltz Christoph Waltz is an Austrian-German actor that has won 2 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained.

I love him. His work in Inglorious Basterds and Django Unchained is mindblowing. - HysteriXxD

21 Shahrukh Khan Shahrukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is an Indian film actor, producer, and television personality. Referred to in the media as the "Badshah of Bollywood", "King of Bollywood", "King Khan", he has appeared in more than 80 Bollywood films, and earned numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards.

Greatest actor of all time.The king of Bollywood.

22 Jude Law Jude Law David Jude Heyworth Law (born 29 December 1972), is an English actor. He has received nominations for two Academy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and two British Academy Awards, winning one. In 2007, he received an Honorary César and was named a knight of the Order ...read more.
23 Edward Norton Edward Norton Edward Harrison Norton is an American actor, filmmaker and activist. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards for his work in the films Primal Fear, American History X and Birdman.

Should be top 20

Come on people, what about Fight Club, Primal fear and american history X? Norton is amazing in every one of his performances

24 Hugh Jackman Hugh Jackman Hugh Michael Jackman is an Australian actor, producer and musician . Jackman has won international recognition for his roles in major films, notably as superhero, period, and romance characters .
25 Christopher Lee Christopher Lee Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (1922-2015) was an English actor, singer, and author. He was best known for his villainous roles in films such as Dracula in the Hammer Horror films, Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit ...read more.
26 Hugh Laurie Hugh Laurie James Hugh Calum Laurie, is an English actor, writer, director, musician, singer, comedian, and author.
27 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.

Bottom of my list

What about tomm?

28 Kevin Spacey Kevin Spacey Kevin Spacey Fowler is an American actor, producer and singer. He began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s before obtaining supporting roles in film and television.

One of the best actors in the world.

I can't believe he is not in the top.. And also matthew mcconaughey

29 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.

Number 2 next to Pacino

Al Pacino is top actor

Best of all.

The most amazing actor of our generation.

30 James McAvoy James McAvoy James McAvoy is a Scottish actor. He made his acting début as a teen in 1995's The Near Room and continued to make mostly television appearances until 2003, when his feature film career began and he continued to work in both areas from then on.
31 Liam Neeson Liam Neeson Liam John Neeson, OBE is an actor from Northern Ireland. In 1976, he joined the Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast for two years. He then acted in the Arthurian film, Excalibur.

I will find you and I will kill you. - Sh8 just got real

Good actor loved the taken trilogy and his role as ra's al Gul in batman begins

Best

AWESOME ACTOR WITH THE BEST VOICE EVER

32 Samuel L. Jackson Samuel L. Jackson Samuel Leroy Jackson is an American actor and film producer. He achieved prominence and critical acclaim in the early 1990s with films such as Jungle Fever, Patriot Games, Amos & Andrew, True Romance, Jurassic Park and his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino including Pulp Fiction, Jackie ...read more.
33 Suriya Suriya Saravanan Sivakumar, better known by his stage name Suriya, is an Indian film actor, producer and television presenter, who is currently working in the Tamil film industry.

One of the greatest Indian actors

Versatile, handsome, great actor, action packed, experimental what more do you need- By Kaushik

34 Guy Pearce Guy Pearce

Guy Edward Pearce (born 5 October 1967) is an English-born Australian actor and musician, known for his roles as Leonard Shelby in Christopher Nolan's Memento, Lieutenant Ed Exley in L.A. confidential, Adam Whitely aka Felicia Jollygoodfellow (a drag queen) in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Mike Young in the Australian television series Neighbours and King Edward VI ("David") in The King's Speech. Pearce has won an Emmy Award, and received nominations for Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards and Saturn Awards.

35 Morgan Freeman Morgan Freeman Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor and narrator. Freeman won an Academy Award in 2005 for Best Supporting Actor with Million Dollar Baby (2004), and he has received Oscar nominations for his performances in Street Smart (1987), Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus. ...read more.

Should be in the top 10.

I guess he should be number 1

36 Orlando Bloom Orlando Bloom Orlando Jonathan Blanchard Bloom is an English actor. After having his breakthrough as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he rose to fame by further appearing in epic fantasy, historical epic, and fantasy adventure films.

So beautiful

37 Bradley Cooper Bradley Cooper Bradley Charles Cooper is an American actor and producer. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards, three for acting and one for producing, and one Tony Award.
38 Mads Mikkelsen Mads Mikkelsen
39 Viggo Mortensen Viggo Mortensen

He's. a great actor puts emotions into his movie. Ice: The Road

40 James Norton James Norton James Geoffrey Ian Norton is an English actor best known for playing Reverend Sydney Chambers in the ITV period crime series Grantchester and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in the 2016 BBC mini series adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel War and Peace.
41 Michael Fassbender Michael Fassbender Michael Fassbender is a German-Irish actor of stage and screen whose career includes roles in both independent and blockbuster films, most notably; Hunger, Inglourious Basterds, Shame, X-Men: First Class, Prometheus, 12 Years a Slave, Frank, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Steve Jobs.

Words don't describe the combined style and intensity he brings to the screen. His expressions tell a thousand words, and his words a thousand expressions. The perfect blend of character and personality to fit him in with greats such as Jack Nicholson and Jeff Bridges.

42 Joaquin Phoenix Joaquin Phoenix

Jensen Ackles above this guy. Joaquin is top 10 easily.

43 Daniel Radcliffe Daniel Radcliffe Daniel Jacob Radcliffe is an English actor who rose to prominence as the title character in the Harry Potter film series.

This guy is the definition of awesomeness, especially in Harry Potter.

Love you

44 Colin Farrell Colin Farrell
45 Kevin Bacon Kevin Bacon Kevin Norwood Bacon is an American actor and musician whose films include musical-drama film Footloose, the controversial historical conspiracy legal thriller JFK, the legal drama A Few Good Men, the historical docudrama Apollo 13, and the mystery drama Mystic River.
46 Nicolas Cage Nicolas Cage Nicolas Kim Coppola, known professionally as Nicolas Cage, is an American actor and producer. He is well known for his roles in Raising Arizona, Moonstruck, Vampire's Kiss, Wild at Heart, Honeymoon in Vegas, Red Rock West, Leaving Las Vegas, The Rock, Con Air, Face/Off, City of Angels, 8MM, Bringing ...read more.
47 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.
48 Christopher Walken Christopher Walken Christopher Walken is an American actor of screen and stage who has appeared in more than 100 films and television shows.
49 Alan Rickman Alan Rickman Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (February 21st 1946 - Janurary 14th 2016) was an English actor and director known for playing a variety of roles on stage and screen, most notably Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series and Hans Gruber in Die Hard. He passed away of pancreatic cancer in 2016
50 Simon Pegg Simon Pegg Simon John Pegg is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. Pegg came to public prominence in Britain as the co-creator of the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced, directed by Edgar Wright.
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List Stats

1,000 votes
121 listings
6 years, 147 days old

Top Remixes (11)

1. Christian Bale
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
3. Johnny Depp
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1. Christian Bale
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
3. Kevin Spacey
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1. Shahrukh Khan
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
3. Will Smith
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