Fans Rank the Top 10 Flash Actors of All Time
The Flash stands out as fiction’s most famous speedster, having been adapted many times in both animated and live-action formats. Over the decades, various actors have portrayed the iconic character, with some resonating more with audiences than others. Fans on Ranker recently rated all actors who have taken on the Flash roles, including both voice and live-action performances. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 based on their rankings. Let’s dive in!
10. Kenny Johnston
Kenny Johnston portrayed Barry Allen/The Flash for a brief period, appearing in the 1997 made-for-TV movie Justice League of America. This film, presented as a mockumentary about the titular superheroes, was originally intended as a pilot for a Justice League TV series that never came to fruition. Although his time as the Flash was short, Johnston’s role earned him a spot in the top 10.
9. Josh Keaton
Keaton voiced Barry Allen and Wally West across various animated projects, games, and direct-to-video films. With his work spanning 10 years, including his role as Wally West, Keaton has become closely associated with the Crimson Speedster. His most recent project was the video game Justice League: Cosmic Chaos. Many fans connect him strongly with the character, and I agree with this ranking.
8. Jack Angel
In the mid-1970s, Angel launched his voice-over career with roles on the series Super Friends, where he voiced Hawkman, The Flash, and Samurai. This early work earned him a high ranking on the list, as many fans grew up with his performances.
7. Kyle Gallner
Gallner played Bart Allen, also known as Impulse, in Smallville across four seasons, with additional mentions in other episodes. Writer Steven S. DeKnight explained that the name Impulse was used for Bart due to a DC request, though the audience continued to refer to him as the Flash, rendering the technicality largely irrelevant. While Gallner may not be the most iconic actor associated with the role, his performance was solid.
6. Charlie Schlatter
Since the early 1990s, Schlatter has voiced various characters in multiple series, including The Flash in Superman: The Animated Series, The Batman, and Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts. Given his extensive career voicing these roles, his high ranking is not surprising.
5. Ezra Miller
Miller’s tenure as The Flash is unfortunately overshadowed by allegations of troubling behavior rather than his solid portrayal of the Scarlet Speedster. Despite receiving excellent reactions for his role in several DCEU live-action projects, rumors and evidence of his problematic behavior emerged, affecting his reputation.
Although Miller eventually starred in his own standalone film, The Flash, it faced a boycott due to the studio’s decision not to recast him. Even if Miller had avoided controversy, the DCEU’s decline likely would have led to his departure. Nevertheless, Miller’s performance as The Flash was highly regarded, which explains his high ranking despite the surrounding controversy.
4. Alan Tudyk
Tudyk voiced Barry Allen in two episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. He infused the character with a lively and humorous energy that matched the series’ tone, highlighting the Flash’s quick wit and dynamic personality.
3. Michael Rosenbaum
While many of you know Rosenbaum primarily as Lex Luthor, he also made his mark in voice acting. In the superhero genre, Rosenbaum voiced Wally West (The Flash) in Justice League, Static Shock, and Justice League Unlimited, and also played Kid Flash in Teen Titans. In the Justice League Unlimited episode “The Great Brain Robbery,” he reprised his role as Lex Luthor when Wally West and Lex Luthor temporarily swapped bodies. His performances were highly praised by audiences, which is reflected in his impressive ranking.
2. John Wesley Shipp
Shipp starred as Barry Allen/The Flash in the CBS series The Flash, which aired during the 1990–91 season. In the 2010s, he returned to The Flash on The CW, initially in a “mysterious” role later revealed to be Henry Allen, the titular character’s father. He also portrayed Jay Garrick, an alternate universe Flash, in the second season finale of The Flash. Additionally, Shipp voiced Professor Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash, in a 2010 episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Known for his versatility in live-action roles, Shipp’s legendary portrayal of the character justifies his high ranking.
1. Grant Gustin
You probably guessed who would take the top spot on this list. On September 13, 2013, it was announced that Grant Gustin would portray Barry Allen in the second season of Arrow. Originally slated for three episodes, with the last serving as a backdoor pilot, the plan shifted to a standalone pilot, The Flash, which premiered on October 7, 2014, drawing 4.8 million viewers—the highest for a CW premiere in five years. The series ran for nine seasons, wrapping up on May 24, 2023, with 184 episodes. Gustin also reprised his role across other Arrowverse series, including Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and the web series Vixen. His portrayal earned him numerous awards and solidified his association with the role.
Recently, fans have been advocating for Gustin to take on the role of the DCU’s Flash, and honestly, we’d love to see it happen!
Check out the full list on Ranker.
Do you agree with the rankings? Let us know in the comments below!