With the Barbie movie dominating the media following its release, Ryan Gosling has become the number one face for Ken. At the age of 12, Gosling began his career starring in Disney Channel movies and the Mickey Mouse club. Gaining 46 current accreditations in 30 films and 16 shows over the past 30 years, the actor’s longevity cannot be denied. To honor his recent run of brilliant success, let’s dive into some of the most memorable and perhaps underrated Ryan Gosling movies.
8. Jacob Palmer in ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’
“I’m going to help you rediscover your manhood. Do you have any idea where you could have lost it?” – Jacob
Crazy, Stupid, Love is the 2011 romantic comedy starring Ryan Gosling alongside Emma Stone, Steve Carell and Julianne Moore. Gosling plays Jacob, the womanizer with a history of flirting and taking different women to bed each night. In comparison to Gosling’s most recent role in Barbie, his performance in this movie seems a little strange. However, he embodies his character to perfection and gives a convincing performance.
Grossing $84.3 million in the United States and Canadian box office, and $60.7 million in other countries, Gosling was nominated for a total of six awards across four different events after its release, making it one of the most acclaimed Ryan Gosling movies.
7. Sebastian Wilder in ‘La La Land’
“I’m always gonna love you.” – Mia
“I’m always gonna love you, too.” – Sebastian
A cinematic, musical masterpiece, La La Land follows Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) as they navigate through their common interests and love for music. Over time, their love affair, ambitions, and dreams pull them apart from one another. La La Land is not the first film the two have stared alongside together, and for good reason. They have continued their partnership and are one of the best romance duos of the century.
A loving, yet heartbreaking story with Ryan Gosling under the spotlight as the musical enthusiast and club owner is the perfect combo in La La Land. Pairing the passionate dialogue with Gosling and Stone delivers a musical feature for the ages. Gosling showcases his emotional and theatrical side within La La Land and executes this performance flawlessly, capturing the heart of both Mia and the audience.
6. Ken in ‘Barbie’
“Now if you’ll excuse me, this is my Mojo Dojo Casa House. It’s not Barbie’s Mojo Dojo Casa House” – Ken
Ryan Gosling as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is undoubtedly one of his funniest roles yet. Also referred to as “Mojo Dojo Ken” and “Beach Ken,” Gosling gives an incredible performance as the lead Ken, alongside Margot Robbie, Will Ferrell and Simu Liu. He steps outside his comfort zone in comparison to his other roles, and it most definitely pays off.
Ken is by far one of Gosling’s most iconic roles, although his casting as Ken came as a surprise, he captures the hearts of audiences perfectly through his emotions, musical number, and overall talent. Gosling brings the perfect balance between comedy and realism to Barbie, solidifying this as one of the best Ryan Gosling movies of all time.
5. Driver in ‘Drive’
“You give me a time and a place, I give you a five-minute window. Anything happens in that five minutes, and I’m yours.” – Driver
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this crime fantasy had a huge impact on Gosling’s career and was a crucial stepping stone for making him an A-List star, staring alongside Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isacc and Bryan Cranston. Based on the 2005 novel of the same name, Gosling stars as the main protagonist, a stuntman by day who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals.
Drivers‘ story takes an unsuspected turn when he falls in love with his neighbor, Irene, whose husband owes a lot of money to the local gangsters. Gosling delivers a different style and narrative within his character Driver, taking the world by storm and further showcasing his incredible talents and ability to adapt to various genres of film.
4. Noah Calhoun in ‘The Notebook’
“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” – Noah Calhoun
The Notebook is a heartwarming but heartbreaking story set in the 1940s following Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) as they fall deeply in love. Gosling delivers a beautiful story through his portrayal of Noah in The Notebook and highlights a perfect movie boyfriend. Noah Calhoun is by far one of Gosling’s most outstanding and notable roles through presenting a character that audiences can relate to and admire.
Based on a true story, The Notebook is a romance classic within the history of film and Gosling is the perfect for the striking leading man. This film has been deemed one of his most remarkable, talented and heartfelt roles immediately following its release in 2004.
3. Officer K in ‘Blade Runner 2049’
“I have memories, but they’re not real. They’re just implants” – Officer K
Starring in the long-awaited and phenomenal sequel to 1982’s Blade Runner featuring Harrison Ford, Gosling leads as Officer K in Blade Runner 2049, an obedient and devoted member of Los Angeles law enforcement who dials up the ruthlessness and aggression. Gosling portrays strong and harsh emotions which still resonate with audiences to this date, years after the film’s release.
Director Denis Villeneuve deserves noteworthy recognition for Blade Runner 2049’s incredible casting, as Officer K is by far one of Ryan Gosling’s most memorable roles. Blade Runner 2049 is filled with intensive talent and Gosling’s determination to his character is heavily recognizable throughout.
2. Sierra Six in ‘The Gray Man’
“Six is an odd name” – Claire
“Just, 007 was taken, so.” – Six
Netflix is one of the biggest film streaming services, creating new productions and adding classics to its platform. Directed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, most famously known for their directorial work within the MCU on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Gosling stars as Sierra Six in The Gray Man.
Six, along his journey to assassinate one of his teammates, comes into possession of information that highlights the widespread corruption within the CIA. Gosling’s Six combines the personality and traits of his previous roles in Blade Runner 2049 and The Nice Guys. This role is familiar and perfect for Gosling, as this type of character comes naturally to him and creates a sense of realism in his character. On top of his game in The Gray Man, he delivers witty one-liners, bringing force and charm to one of his most incredible roles yet.
1. Holland March in ‘The Nice Guys’
“I think I’m invincible. It’s the only thing that makes sense. I don’t think I can die.” – Holland March
The loveable goofball known as Holland March is one of the most underrated, yet admirable roles in Gosling’s filmography. Whilst reluctantly teaming up with an aggressive rogue enforcer, Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe) to find a presumed dead film star, he comes across more challenges than expected, including the involvement of his stubborn daughter.
Gosling’s role in The Nice Guys is refreshing and entertaining. Although his transformation of his character may not be life-changing or record-breaking, his effortlessly hilarious portrayal of Holland March makes The Nice Guys such an enjoyable watch, and showcases his talent to deliver this type of comedic relief with ease.
Diversity in Ryan Gosling movies
Gosling is known for stealing the show within many of his films, perfectly delivering various characters differentiating in personalities from the love-struck lead in La La Land and The Notebook, to the crazy alcoholic in The Nice Guys.
Gosling is set to lead as Colt Seavers alongside A-List stars Emily Blunt and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the future Fall Guy, as a former stuntman is back in the action when the star of a new movie goes missing, set to release in 2024.
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