Top 11 Must-See Films Starring Ryan Gosling

First Man (2018) received thunderous applause and was hailed as a strong contender at the 2019 Oscars. The film is so authentic that it feels like a documentary. The story begins in 1961, when astronaut Armstrong (portrayed by Ryan Gosling) faces numerous challenges in his life. He is temporarily grounded after an unsuccessful mission with the X-15. His beloved daughter Karen tragically falls ill and passes away. After ups and downs, Armstrong signs up for NASA's Gemini program. This is a particularly meaningful program, as the two superpowers of the 1960s, the US and the Soviet Union, are engaged in a relentless race on all fronts. In the space race, the Soviet Union temporarily takes the lead, prompting the US to set an ambitious goal: to land a man on the Moon.

The cast of First Man may not be big-name commercial stars, but Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, and Jason Clarke... all demonstrate their acting prowess. In the role of Armstrong, Canadian actor Gosling sheds his charismatic allure to embody the face of an introverted individual.

Throughout the film, Armstrong expresses emotions through his eyes and actions more than dialogue. When hearing about the deaths of close colleagues, he silently hangs up the phone and grabs a towel to wipe the blood-soaked hands from squeezing a shattered glass. Gosling's portrayal aligns well with the real-life Neil Armstrong.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer: 87%

Audience Score: 67%

La La Land (2016) sets its stage in the captivating city akin to a young girl in love, Los Angeles. It captivates the audience from the first five minutes with its electrifying 'opening' sequence. While hundreds of cars sit motionless in a traffic jam, seemingly frozen in time, suddenly faces pop out from the cars, full of vitality. One, two, then a whole parade of people join in sync with the rhythm of the song 'Another Day of Sun.' The entire city comes alive, dancing along. In this way, Damien Chazelle constructs a grand outdoor Broadway stage.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's chemistry in La La Land will continue to make many other actors envious. Emma Stone's exceptional facial expressions and unexpected dance moves bring Mia to life with vibrant energy in every step, every chin lift, and shoulder sway to the music. Ryan Gosling, although poised and composed, never fails to captivate the audience with tender affection in every gaze.

Ryan Gosling stays true to his classy suits, balancing well with his co-star as they twirl hand in hand, showcasing dance steps. Watching the film, one can see that Gosling possesses the qualities to specialize in portraying inherently romantic characters.

The film has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including an Oscar for Best Picture and Best Actor.

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Tomatometer: 88%

Audience Score: 81%

The Big Short (2015) recounts in an engaging manner the story of the largest economic tragedy to hit the United States since the Great Depression (in 1929) – the 2008 financial crisis.

The narrative of The Big Short unfolds through the eyes and experiences of a small group of savvy freelance brokers. They find a way to become hedge fund managers, allowing them to identify the real estate bubbles being inflated. This enables them to make billions by betting against the real estate bubble (commonly referred to as 'shorting').

Two factors contribute to the unexpected success of this film: First, simplifying complex economic terms and definitions into common English; second, the film is made in a humorous style that sometimes makes the audience unable to resist laughing.

The film also brings together an outstanding cast of Hollywood stars, including Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and Steve Carell. Although appearing in a film with a seemingly inaccessible theme, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, and Brad Pitt all excel in their roles. Their diverse expressions and captivating dialogues are among the biggest factors that make the film appealing, thereby keeping viewers engaged for over 2 hours.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Tomatometer: 89%

Audience Score: 88%

The Nice Guys (2016) is a hilarious action comedy set in Los Angeles in 1977, focusing on a private detective (Ryan Gosling) and a tough enforcer (Crowe) teaming up to investigate the case of a missing young woman.

Russell and Ryan delivered their roles excellently, with perfect coordination through well-timed banter and witty gestures, as well as intense action sequences. The film also stands out for its witty dialogues and humorous situations sprinkled throughout. It received high praise from viewers.

The handsome leading man, Ryan Gosling, gave a stellar performance, far from what audiences typically imagine of him. Shedding his cool demeanor in films like Half Nelson (2006) and Drive (2011), Ryan Gosling impressively portrayed the image of a cunning private detective, witty and bumbling, yet always deeply caring for his young daughter Holly (Angourie Rice).

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer: 91%

Audience Score: 79%

The Ides of March (2011) revolves around the presidential campaign between two candidates: Mike Morris (George Clooney) and Ted Pullman (Michael Mantell). While Mike Morris is the governor of Pennsylvania and a Democratic presidential candidate, his opponent Ted Pullman represents the Republican Party. Both are competing in Ohio – the state that will decide the votes for the White House.

Mike Morris' aide, Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling), is the man behind supporting him in the campaign. Stephen is young, passionate, and ambitious.

The plot in The Ides of March unfolds slowly. However, each scene reveals the political intrigues behind the politicians. Thus, despite being a pure psychological film, The Ides of March still captivates audiences with its storyline.

Ryan Gosling, usually seen in romantic comedies, portrays a completely different character in Stephen Myers. He is a young, energetic, and ambitious individual. Stephen Myers' ambition leads him into the political arena and plunges him into the whirlwind of competition and schemes.

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Tomatometer: 84%

Audience Score: 73%

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) tells the story of Luke (Ryan Gosling), a wanderer with no family or home, only his motorcycle as his closest and sole companion to get through life. Upon returning to Schenectady, Luke reunites with his former lover Romina (Eva Mendes) and learns that they have a son together. Luke's paternal instinct kicks in, and he desires to reunite with Romina and their son, willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his one-year-old child. However, Romina has different plans, wanting her child to have a safer haven. Luke, distraught, becomes lost and resorts to any means to make ends meet for the two, even if it involves illegal activities like robbing banks.

Utilizing his exceptional motorcycle riding skills, along with the assistance of Robin (Ben Mendelsohn), they begin to succeed, robbing banks together. Luke aims to earn as much money as possible, but Robin is unsure if they can continue this line of work indefinitely...

The Place Beyond the Pines is an epic film about family, fatherhood, interwoven with various twists like the dirty underworld of law enforcement or stories overcoming the harsh fate of the poor...

A great film, with groundbreaking screenplay, outstanding sound, and performances, and notably, the excellent cinematography by Sean Bobbitt, all blend together to make the film authentic. The Place Beyond the Pines - a masterpiece for all ages, both thrilling and poignant.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer: 78%

Audience Score: 75%

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) revolves around Cal Weaver living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful home, wonderful kids, and a gorgeous wife named Emily. However, Cal's seemingly perfect life comes crashing down when he discovers that Emily is unfaithful and wants a divorce. At over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is thrust into the world of dating or transformation. Enter Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a self-proclaimed ladies' man, who takes Cal under his wing.

The film received praise for the performances of all actors. Not surprising, considering the star-studded cast including Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone. Their professional acting skills effectively convey the film's message and win over even the toughest critics.

In this film, Ryan continues to charm female fans with his irresistible allure and suave demeanor. Loved by audiences, Crazy, Stupid, Love grossed over $140 million in box office revenue compared to its initial budget of just $50 million.

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Tomatometer: 79%

Audience Score: 78%

Drive (2011) tells the story of a nameless driver (Ryan Gosling). By day, he works as a stuntman in movies, specializing in dangerous car chase scenes. By night, he chauffeurs getaway drivers, giving them only 5 minutes from the start of the car's engine. After 5 minutes, regardless of whether the thieves have reached safety or not, he gets up, opens the door, and leaves them, adhering to his peculiar rule. Despite this odd practice, he remains in high demand among criminals in need of a getaway car. But then he becomes entangled in a romantic relationship with a woman and her child, unwittingly thrusting himself into the dangerous ambitions of a Mafia kingpin.

Ryan Gosling portrays his character's vulnerability and love for Irene (Carey Mulligan) through expressive, deep eyes that speak volumes. His character speaks very little in this film, but his gestures speak volumes. This romantic element is conveyed with profound intimacy and silence.

In the film, Ryan not only excels in his acting but also leaves a powerful impression on the audience. Mysterious yet captivating, his performance resonates deeply.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Tomatometer: 93%

Audience Score: 79%

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) is set in a tranquil small town in the Midwest suddenly disrupted by Lars (Ryan Gosling) – an eccentric yet kind-hearted and shy young man who purchases a life-sized sex doll. He names her, shares detailed stories about her, and invests all his emotions into 'Bianca.' How will Lars' family and the townsfolk handle him? Ryan Gosling delivers an impeccable portrayal, embodying Lars' shy, peculiar, sensitive, earnest demeanor with remarkable balance. He breathes life into the character, narrating a peculiar tale of Lars with a full spectrum of emotions from loneliness, pain, joy, ultimately to liberation and peace.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer: 81%

Audience Score: 84%

Blue Valentine (2010) presents a different perspective on love. It's the beauty of love's tragic sadness. The film portrays the love between Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams). Their love is almost like a lightning strike. They meet and fall in love at first sight.

Director Cianfrance takes the audience on a journey, witnessing the love story from its most beautiful, romantic moments to being destroyed by married life, pushing the two main characters to the brink of collapse, beyond salvation. The psychological development of the two main characters, Dean and Cindy, is excellently portrayed by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The film is praised for its authenticity and harshness of love and marriage, even depicting the awkward lovemaking scenes of the exhausted couple excellently.

Blue Valentine made waves upon its release. Many couples saw themselves in it. The majority of the audience affirmed that they didn't have legendary love like in classic films, they only had realistically portrayed love like 'Blue Valentine'.

However, Blue Valentine also sparked intense controversy due to the steamy scenes of the two lead actors.

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Tomatometer: 86%

Audience Score: 77%