20 Actors Who Can Play Absolutely Anything

Some actors have a rare gift for disappearing into any role, from villains to heroes, comedy to tragedy, with a chameleon-like ease that leaves audiences in awe. Their range defies typecasting, bringing depth to every character, whether it’s a historical figure, a quirky sidekick, or a tortured soul. These performers elevate every project with their boundless talent.

I’ve picked 20 actors who can tackle any role with stunning versatility, based on their diverse filmographies and transformative performances. Let’s dive into these shapeshifters who make every character feel real.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver shifts from brooding Kylo Ren in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015) to a heartfelt poet in ‘Paterson’ (2016) with ease. His raw intensity as a conflicted son in ‘Marriage Story’ (2019) earned him an Oscar nod, showing his emotional depth.

Driver’s ability to play comedic roles, like in ‘Logan Lucky’ (2017), and historical figures, like in ‘The Last Duel’ (2021), proves his range. His commanding presence makes every character, from villain to everyman, utterly believable.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix transforms into the unhinged Joker in ‘Joker’ (2019), earning an Oscar, then pivots to a tender uncle in ‘C’mon C’mon’ (2021). His chilling Commodus in ‘Gladiator’ (2000) showed his knack for complex villains early on.

Phoenix’s raw vulnerability in ‘Her’ (2013) and manic energy in ‘Walk the Line’ (2005) highlight his fearless range. He slips into any role, from historical to futuristic, with haunting authenticity.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette’s gut-wrenching performance as a grieving mother in ‘Hereditary’ (2018) contrasts her warm, quirky role in ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006). Her Oscar-nominated turn in ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999) blended quiet pain with strength.

Collette shines in comedies like ‘About a Boy’ (2002) and dramas like ‘Knives Out’ (2019), showing her endless versatility. Her ability to convey raw emotion or sly humor makes her a standout in any genre.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale’s drastic transformations, from the skeletal Trevor in ‘The Machinist’ (2004) to the bulky Dick Cheney in ‘Vice’ (2018), are legendary. His Oscar-winning role in ‘The Fighter’ (2010) showed his knack for gritty, real characters.

Bale’s intense Batman in ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) and comedic conman in ‘American Hustle’ (2013) prove he can do anything. His physical and emotional commitment makes every role feel like a new actor.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis commands as the fierce Ma Rainey in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020) and the vulnerable wife in ‘Fences’ (2016), earning an Oscar. Her regal Aibileen in ‘The Help’ (2011) showcased her quiet power.

Davis excels in action as Amanda Waller in ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021) and emotional depth in ‘Widows’ (2018). Her ability to embody strength and heartbreak across genres makes her a force.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis, with three Oscars, vanishes into roles like the ruthless oilman in ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007) and the gentle Lincoln in ‘Lincoln’ (2012). His Method acting in ‘My Left Foot’ (1989) set a new standard for immersion.

From the fiery Hawkeye in ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ (1992) to the refined designer in ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017), Day-Lewis’ commitment is unmatched. He makes every character feel uniquely alive.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett shifts from the regal Elizabeth I in ‘Elizabeth’ (1998) to the chaotic Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017). Her Oscar-winning role as a spiraling socialite in ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013) blended humor and tragedy with ease.

Blanchett’s ethereal Galadriel in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001) and gritty conductor in ‘Tár’ (2022) show her boundless range. Her commanding presence makes any role, from fantasy to reality, mesmerizing.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman morphs into the punk-rock Sid Vicious in ‘Sid and Nancy’ (1986), then the reserved George Smiley in ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ (2011). His chilling Dracula in ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992) was a gothic masterpiece.

Oldman’s comedic turn in ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ (2017) and stoic Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’ (2017) highlight his versatility. His ability to vanish into any accent or era is pure magic.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s iconic roles, from the tormented Sophie in ‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982) to the icy Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006), show her unmatched range. Her three Oscars barely scratch her talent’s surface.

Streep’s musical turn in ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008) and political heft in ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011) prove she can do anything. Her chameleon-like ability to embody any character keeps her in a league of her own.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton transforms from the ethereal White Witch in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ (2005) to the heartbroken lawyer in ‘Michael Clayton’ (2007), earning an Oscar. Her androgynous rock star in ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011) was haunting.

Swinton’s quirky roles in ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014) and otherworldly presence in ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016) show her fearless range. She slips into any genre or character with uncanny ease.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp’s eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (2003) contrasts his tender Edward in ‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990). His chilling Sweeney Todd in ‘Sweeney Todd’ (2007) blended menace and heartbreak seamlessly.

Depp’s comedic flair in ‘Benny & Joon’ (1993) and dark intensity in ‘Black Mass’ (2015) prove his versatility. Despite personal controversies, his ability to inhabit any role remains undeniable.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman’s Oscar-winning ballerina in ‘Black Swan’ (2010) was a descent into obsession, while her poised Jackie Kennedy in ‘Jackie’ (2016) radiated grace. Her child role in ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994) showed early depth.

Portman’s witty Padmé in ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ (1999) and raw emotion in ‘Vox Lux’ (2018) highlight her range. She balances blockbusters and indies with a natural, transformative ease.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s frantic trader in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013) contrasts his haunted dreamer in ‘Inception’ (2010). His raw turn as a teen in ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’ (1993) earned an early Oscar nod.

DiCaprio’s intense frontiersman in ‘The Revenant’ (2015) and charming conman in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002) show his adaptability. His emotional depth makes every role feel fresh and gripping.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington’s commanding Malcolm X in ‘Malcolm X’ (1992) and corrupt cop in ‘Training Day’ (2001) earned him Oscar nods, with a win for the latter. His quiet strength in ‘Glory’ (1989) was equally unforgettable.

Washington’s charm in ‘The Equalizer’ (2014) and vulnerability in ‘Fences’ (2016) prove his range across action and drama. His ability to embody any character with gravitas is unmatched.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s heartbreaking Truman Capote in ‘Capote’ (2005) won him an Oscar, but his slimy villain in ‘Mission: Impossible III’ (2006) was just as compelling. His raw preacher in ‘The Master’ (2012) was a tour de force.

Hoffman’s quirky roles in ‘Boogie Nights’ (1997) and tender everyman in ‘Magnolia’ (1999) showed his limitless range. His ability to vanish into any character, big or small, made him a legend.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks shifts effortlessly from the heartfelt everyman in Forrest Gump (1994), earning an Oscar, to the steely Captain Sully in Sully (2016). His comedic charm in Big (1988) contrasts his intense war hero in Saving Private Ryan (1998).

Hanks’ warm wit in You’ve Got Mail (1998) and commanding astronaut in Apollo 13 (1995) showcase his boundless versatility. His ability to embody relatable heroes or complex figures with authenticity makes every role unforgettable.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster’s fierce Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), which won her an Oscar, contrasts her vulnerable mother in Panic Room (2002). Her early depth as a young survivor in Taxi Driver (1976) set the stage for her brilliance.

Foster’s commanding scientist in Contact (1997) and gritty vigilante in The Brave One (2007) prove her range across genres. Her poised intensity and emotional nuance make every character vividly real.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino’s explosive Tony Montana in Scarface (1983) contrasts his quiet, tragic Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972). His Oscar-winning role as a blind veteran in Scent of a Woman (1992) blended bombast with vulnerability.

Pacino’s manic cop in Heat (1995) and understated lawyer in …And Justice for All (1979) highlight his dynamic range. His raw energy and commanding presence make every role, from understated to unhinged, electrifyingly authentic.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro’s terrifying Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976) contrasts his tender boxer in Raging Bull (1980), earning him an Oscar. His comedic turn as a quirky father-in-law in Meet the Parents (2000) shows his lighter side.

De Niro’s chilling villain in Cape Fear (1991) and soulful priest in Sleepers (1996) prove his mastery across genres. His ability to vanish into any character, from menace to warmth, cements his legendary versatility.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise’s cocky Maverick in Top Gun (1986) contrasts his haunted veteran in Born on the Fourth of July (1989), earning an Oscar nod. His charismatic Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible (1996) thrives in high-octane action.

Cruise’s dramatic depth in Magnolia (1999) and comedic flair in Tropic Thunder (2008) showcase his range. His relentless energy and commitment make every role, from blockbuster hero to complex antihero, utterly compelling.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey’s laid-back charmer in Dazed and Confused (1993) contrasts his harrowing AIDS patient in Dallas Buyers Club (2013), earning an Oscar. His cosmic explorer in Interstellar (2014) radiates emotional depth.

McConaughey’s slick lawyer in The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) and eccentric villain in The Gentlemen (2019) highlight his versatility. His soulful charisma and transformative intensity make every character feel vividly alive.

Which of these versatile actors blows you away with their range, or is there another shapeshifter you’d add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!