Ryan Gosling’s 33-Film Career: From ‘Frankenstein and Me’ to ‘The Actor’
Ryan Gosling’s career is a fascinating journey through diverse roles and genres, showcasing his evolution from a young actor to a bona fide Hollywood leading man. Over nearly three decades, he has curated a filmography that balances mainstream hits with critically acclaimed independent features, demonstrating a willingness to take on complex and unconventional characters. His path has been anything but predictable, marked by intense dramas, romantic blockbusters, and even a turn in the director’s chair.
From his early days in family-friendly entertainment to his current status as a producer and seasoned actor, Gosling has consistently chosen projects that challenge him and resonate with audiences. He has seamlessly transitioned between playing a charming romantic lead, a brooding anti-hero, and a stoic historical figure. This extensive body of work not only highlights his versatility but also his commitment to storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera, solidifying his place as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Frankenstein and Me (1996)
In one of his earliest film roles, a young Ryan Gosling played Kenny, a friend to the main character, Earl. The movie centers on Earl, a boy with a wild imagination who becomes obsessed with the idea of bringing Frankenstein’s monster to life. He enlists his friends to help him in his quest to reanimate the famous creature.
The film has a charming and adventurous tone, capturing the spirit of childhood fantasy and the lengths a kid will go to for something he believes in. It’s a nostalgic look back at a time of imaginative play, with Gosling in a supporting part that gave an early glimpse of the actor he would become.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Gosling took on the role of Alan Bosley in this inspiring sports drama about a real-life event. The film follows the journey of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia in the early 1970s. As the black and white students are forced to play together, they must overcome their prejudices with the help of their determined coach, Herman Boone.
Playing a defensive back on the team, Gosling’s character is part of the group of white players who initially resist the change. Though not a central character, he is part of the ensemble that effectively portrays the team’s difficult but ultimately unifying journey. The movie is celebrated for its powerful message about racial harmony and the unifying power of sports.
The Believer (2001)
In a powerful and controversial role, Gosling played Danny Balint, a young Jewish man who becomes a neo-Nazi. The film is a complex and intense character study that delves into the protagonist’s internal conflict and self-hatred. His performance was a significant moment in his early career, earning him critical acclaim.
He brought a unique and unsettling quality to the performance, embodying the deep psychological turmoil that would lead someone to such a paradoxical and destructive path. The film itself is a thought-provoking and often disturbing look at identity and extremism.
Murder by Numbers (2002)
Gosling played Richard Haywood, one of two brilliant and wealthy high school students who attempt to commit the perfect murder. The psychological thriller places him alongside a seasoned homicide detective, played by Sandra Bullock, who begins to unravel their carefully constructed plot. The students believe their intellect makes them superior and above the law.
The dynamic between Gosling’s character and his partner in crime is a central element of the film, showcasing their arrogance and twisted logic. It’s a cat-and-mouse game where the young perpetrators are confident they can outsmart the police. Gosling’s performance captures the chilling and detached nature of his character.
The Slaughter Rule (2002)
In this independent drama, Gosling plays Roy Chutney, a high school student in a bleak Montana town who is cut from the football team. He finds a new sense of purpose when a small-time coach recruits him for a six-man football team. The film explores themes of mentorship, masculinity, and the search for identity in a desolate environment.
Gosling’s character is a quiet and sensitive young man trying to navigate his difficult relationship with his mother and find his place in the world. The film is a somber and character-driven piece that showcases Gosling’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety. It’s a raw and understated movie that stands out in his early work.
The United States of Leland (2003)
Gosling took on the title role of Leland P. Fitzgerald, a quiet and detached teenager who inexplicably murders an autistic boy. The film explores the aftermath of the crime and the attempts by those around Leland, including a teacher at the juvenile detention center, to understand his motives.
The story is told through a series of flashbacks and conversations, slowly revealing the events that led to the tragedy. Gosling’s portrayal of Leland is haunting and subdued, capturing a character who is emotionally disconnected from the world and his own actions. The film poses questions about the nature of good and evil, and the reasons behind senseless violence.
The Notebook (2004)
Gosling became a household name with his role as Noah Calhoun in this iconic romantic drama. The film tells the epic love story of Noah and Allie Hamilton, a young couple from different social classes who fall in love during one summer in the 1940s. Their story is framed by a modern-day narrative of an elderly man reading from a notebook to a woman with dementia.
His portrayal of the passionate and steadfast Noah cemented his status as a leading man. The on-screen chemistry between Gosling and his co-star, Rachel McAdams, was a huge part of the film’s success. He fully immersed himself in the role, even learning woodworking skills to authentically portray Noah’s character.
Stay (2005)
In this psychological thriller, Gosling plays Henry Letham, a university student who tells his psychiatrist that he plans to end his life in three days. The film follows the psychiatrist’s desperate attempts to stop him, leading to a surreal and disorienting journey where the line between reality and illusion becomes increasingly blurred.
Gosling’s performance is both erratic and compelling, reflecting the disturbed mental state of his character. The film is known for its distinctive visual style, featuring confusing transitions and a dreamlike atmosphere that keeps the audience guessing. It’s a complex and artistically ambitious movie that explores themes of guilt, death, and perception.
Half Nelson (2006)
For his role as Dan Dunne, an inner-city junior high school history teacher with a drug addiction, Gosling earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film follows the unlikely friendship that forms between Dan and one of his students, Drey, after she discovers his secret.
His performance was widely praised for its depth and realism, with critics calling it mesmerizing and one of the finest of his career. To authentically portray the teacher, Gosling spent time observing a real classroom environment. The film is a powerful and unsentimental portrait of two lonely people finding a connection in difficult circumstances.
Fracture (2007)
Gosling stars as Willy Beachum, an ambitious young prosecutor who is on the verge of leaving his job for a high-paying corporate position. Before he goes, he is assigned one last case, prosecuting a man who has confessed to attempting to murder his wife. However, the case proves to be far more complex than it appears.
The film is a tense legal thriller that pits Gosling’s character against a brilliant and manipulative antagonist played by Anthony Hopkins. It becomes a battle of wits as Willy tries to find a crack in what seems to be a perfect crime. Gosling effectively portrays the transformation of his character from a confident careerist to a determined seeker of justice.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Gosling took on the quirky and endearing role of Lars Lindstrom, a shy and socially awkward man who develops a romantic relationship with a life-sized doll he orders online. The film follows how his family and the small town community around him decide to embrace his delusion, treating the doll as a real person.
His portrayal of Lars is gentle and deeply empathetic, earning him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. The film is a heartwarming and unique story about love, acceptance, and the importance of community. It handles its unusual subject matter with sincerity and charm, creating a story that is both funny and touching.
Blue Valentine (2010)
In this raw and emotionally devastating drama, Gosling plays Dean Pereira, a man whose marriage is falling apart. The film cuts between the hopeful beginnings of his relationship with his wife, Cindy, and the painful, crumbling end of their life together years later. The movie is an unflinching look at love, heartbreak, and the passage of time.
Gosling, who also served as an executive producer, gives a powerful and vulnerable performance that captures the joy and pain of his character’s journey. The film is known for its improvisational style and the intense chemistry between Gosling and his co-star, Michelle Williams. It’s a tough but moving examination of a relationship’s life cycle.
All Good Things (2010)
This mystery drama features Gosling as David Marks, the son of a wealthy real estate tycoon who marries a working-class woman. Their love story, drawn from a real-life unsolved crime, takes a dark turn as David’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and controlling, leading to his wife’s mysterious disappearance.
The film explores the complex psychology of its main character and the troubling events surrounding the case. Gosling’s performance was noted for being detailed and chilling, capturing the disturbing transformation of his character and creating a very dark on-set atmosphere.
ReGeneration (2010)
Gosling served as both the narrator and a producer for this documentary. The film examines the cynicism and apathy prevalent among today’s youth toward social and political issues. It explores the reasons behind this disconnect and features interviews with leading scholars, activists, and musicians.
Through its analysis, the documentary challenges the notion of a slacker generation and looks for the sparks of a new kind of social engagement. Gosling’s involvement as a narrator lends a thoughtful and serious tone to the film’s exploration of modern youth culture and its potential for change.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Gosling showcased his comedic timing and charm as Jacob Palmer, a suave and sophisticated ladies’ man. His character takes a newly single and down-on-his-luck man under his wing, teaching him how to pick up women and rediscover his confidence. However, Jacob’s own life gets complicated when he falls for a woman who seems immune to his charms.
This role demonstrated Gosling’s versatility, allowing him to be both funny and romantic. The film was a commercial success and was praised for its witty script and the strong chemistry among its ensemble cast. It remains a fan-favorite romantic comedy.
Drive (2011)
In this stylish and violent neo-noir film, Gosling plays the unnamed ‘Driver’, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. His quiet, isolated life is turned upside down when he grows fond of his neighbor, Irene, and her young son, and gets pulled into a dangerous criminal underworld to protect them.
The role, which is largely defined by its minimalism and intense stares, became one of his most iconic performances. To embody the character, Gosling took an active role in the film’s practical details, including preparing for the stunt driving sequences and working on the hero car himself. The result is a performance that feels authentic and lived-in.
The Ides of March (2011)
Gosling starred as Stephen Meyers, an idealistic junior campaign manager for a charismatic presidential candidate. The political drama, directed by George Clooney, follows Stephen as he gets a harsh lesson in the dirty and manipulative world of politics during a critical primary.
His character’s journey from a true believer to a cynical player is central to the film. The role gave him a chance to delve into a world he was previously unfamiliar with. The film explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the corruption of ideals, with Gosling’s performance earning him a Golden Globe nomination.
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Gosling plays Luke Glanton, a motorcycle stunt rider who turns to robbing banks to provide for his infant son. This decision puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop, and the consequences of their confrontation reverberate through generations.
The film is a sprawling crime drama told in three distinct acts, with Gosling’s character dominating the first part of the story. His performance is intense and magnetic, portraying a man driven by a desperate need to connect with his child. It’s a powerful story about legacy, fatherhood, and the choices that define us.
Gangster Squad (2013)
Set in 1949 Los Angeles, this action-packed crime film sees Gosling as Sgt. Jerry Wooters, a smooth-talking cop. He is part of a secret LAPD unit tasked with taking down the ruthless mob boss Mickey Cohen, inspired by the real officers who fought to keep the East Coast Mafia out of their city.
Gosling’s character is initially a cynical playboy but is drawn into the fight after witnessing the mob’s brutality. He shares the screen with an ensemble cast that includes Josh Brolin and Emma Stone. The film is a stylish and violent homage to classic gangster movies, filled with shootouts and period details.
Only God Forgives (2013)
Reuniting with ‘Drive’ director Nicolas Winding Refn, Gosling plays Julian Thompson, an American running a boxing club in Bangkok as a front for his family’s drug smuggling operation. After his brother is murdered, his mother arrives and demands he seek revenge, sending him on a violent and surreal journey through the city’s dark underworld.
To prepare for the physically demanding role, Gosling trained in Muay Thai boxing. The film itself is known for its striking visual style, minimal dialogue, and extreme violence, receiving a divisive response from critics and audiences alike for its unconventional and challenging nature.
White Shadow (2013)
Gosling served as an executive producer on this powerful drama. The film tells the story of a young albino man in Tanzania who is hunted by local witch doctors who believe the body parts of people with albinism bring good fortune. After witnessing his father’s murder, he is sent to the city to live with his uncle for safety.
The film shines a light on a brutal and little-known human rights crisis. By lending his name to the project as a producer, Gosling helped bring wider attention to this important and harrowing story. It is a testament to his interest in supporting impactful and socially relevant filmmaking.
Lost River (2014)
Gosling stepped behind the camera for his feature film directorial debut, which he also wrote and produced. The film is a fantasy-noir set in the decaying city of Lost River, where a single mother is swept into a dark underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town.
The film, which stars Christina Hendricks and Saoirse Ronan, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The story uses a fairy tale format to explore the emotional landscape of a family trying to survive in a dying city. The movie was noted for its surreal atmosphere and striking visual style.
My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (2014)
In this documentary, Gosling appears as himself. The film chronicles the making of ‘Only God Forgives’ and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of director Nicolas Winding Refn. It provides insight into the director’s life and methods while he was on location in Bangkok.
The documentary captures the challenges and dynamics of the film’s production. Gosling’s presence offers a glimpse into his working relationship with the director, with whom he had previously collaborated on the hit film ‘Drive’. It’s a candid look at the creation of a very unconventional movie.
The Big Short (2015)
Gosling joined an all-star cast to play Jared Vennett, a slick and opportunistic bond salesman at Deutsche Bank. The film dramatizes the real story of a handful of investors who predicted the housing market collapse of the mid-2000s and decided to bet against the American economy.
Vennett serves as one of the film’s narrators, often breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible and humorous way. His performance was praised as volcanically fierce and funny. The film itself received critical acclaim for making a complicated and serious topic both entertaining and understandable.
The Nice Guys (2016)
In this action-comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles, Gosling plays Holland March, a bumbling and down-on-his-luck private investigator. He is forced to team up with a gruff enforcer, played by Russell Crowe, to investigate the disappearance of a young woman and the death of a porn star.
The film is a witty and stylish throwback to buddy-cop movies, filled with sharp dialogue and physical comedy. Gosling’s comedic performance was a highlight, showcasing his chemistry with Crowe. The movie earned praise for its clever plot and humor, becoming a favorite among fans of the genre.
La La Land (2016)
Gosling starred as Sebastian Wilder, a struggling jazz pianist with a passion for the classics. The musical romance follows his love story with an aspiring actress, played by Emma Stone, as they both chase their dreams in modern-day Los Angeles. For his performance, Gosling won a Golden Globe for Best Actor and received his second Academy Award nomination.
He and Stone were praised for their incredible on-screen chemistry. To prepare for the part, Gosling spent months learning to play the piano so he could perform all of his character’s songs himself. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, celebrated for its direction, music, and heartfelt story.
Song to Song (2017)
In this experimental drama from director Terrence Malick, Gosling plays BV, a songwriter navigating the Austin music scene. The film follows his complicated romantic entanglements with another musician and a powerful music producer. The narrative is loose and impressionistic, focusing more on mood and emotion than a traditional plot.
The film features a star-studded cast and was shot over several years, with much of the dialogue being improvised. It is a visually poetic exploration of love, betrayal, and the artistic life, showcasing a more abstract and free-form style of filmmaking.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Gosling took on the role of Officer K in this visually stunning sequel to the classic science fiction film. K is a new generation of blade runner, an officer who hunts down and ‘retires’ rogue bioengineered humans known as replicants. During an investigation, he unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to throw society into chaos.
His performance is stoic and subdued, fitting the noir-inspired, dystopian world of the film. The character is a lonely and isolated figure searching for his place in the world, a theme that resonates with some of Gosling’s other roles. The film was praised for its breathtaking cinematography and for thoughtfully expanding on the universe of the original.
First Man (2018)
Re-teaming with ‘La La Land’ director Damien Chazelle, Gosling portrayed Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. The film focuses on the decade leading up to the historic Apollo 11 mission, exploring the immense sacrifices and personal costs involved for Armstrong and his family.
The film provides an intimate and visceral look at one of the most dangerous missions in history. Gosling’s performance was praised for its quiet charisma and grace, capturing the stoic nature of the famous astronaut. The movie received acclaim for its direction, performances, and technical achievements, particularly the moon landing sequence.
The Gray Man (2022)
After a four-year break from acting, Gosling returned in this action-thriller as Courtland Gentry, also known as ‘Sierra Six’. He plays a highly skilled, black-ops mercenary for the CIA who uncovers dark agency secrets, making him a target for a sadistic former colleague and international assassins.
The film is a fast-paced, globe-trotting spy adventure filled with large-scale action sequences. As a veteran agent on the run, Gosling’s character is resourceful and relentless. The movie pits him against a formidable antagonist played by Chris Evans, creating a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Barbie (2023)
Gosling delivered a scene-stealing performance as Ken in this blockbuster phenomenon. In the vibrant world of Barbieland, he is simply Barbie’s companion, his existence defined by her attention. When he accompanies Barbie to the real world, he discovers patriarchy and embarks on a comical journey of self-discovery.
His portrayal of the insecure and attention-seeking Ken earned him widespread praise and another Academy Award nomination. He fully embraced the comedic and musical aspects of the role, creating a character that was both hilarious and surprisingly sympathetic. The film itself became a cultural touchstone, breaking box office records and sparking conversations worldwide.
The Fall Guy (2024)
In this action-comedy, Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a veteran stuntman who finds himself in over his head. After a near-career-ending accident, he is drawn back into the business to work on a film being directed by his ex-girlfriend. When the movie’s lead actor goes missing, Colt has to use his stunt skills in the real world to solve the mystery and win back the love of his life.
Gosling, who also served as a producer on the film, fully embodies the charm and resilience of the charismatic stunt performer. The movie is a love letter to the stunt community and a fun, action-packed romantic comedy. It showcases Gosling’s talent for both physical comedy and heartfelt romance.
The Actor (2025)
The story follows a New York actor named Paul Cole who is beaten, stripped of his memory, and left for dead in 1950s Ohio.
The plot revolves around Paul’s struggle to find his way back home and reclaim the life and identity he has lost. The story is described as a thrilling journey to find home, love, and ultimately, oneself. This project sees Gosling returning to a darker, more character-driven genre, promising a complex and compelling performance.
From his earliest roles to his upcoming projects, which Ryan Gosling performance has been your absolute favorite? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.