Top 10 Coolest Things About Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling has built one of the most versatile filmographies of his generation, shifting from indie dramas to blockbuster spectacles while working with top-tier directors and ensemble casts. Below are ten standout projects and moments that show how he approaches roles with craft-first discipline—singing, dancing, driving, and digging into complex characters—plus one key early TV credit that set the stage for everything that followed.

‘Barbie’ (2023) – the unexpected musical-comedy showcase

As Ken, Gosling blended deadpan comedy with full-throttle musical performance, delivering show-stopping numbers and a character arc that anchored the film’s social satire. He collaborated closely with director Greta Gerwig and co-star Margot Robbie, leaning into choreography and vocal work to sell the big musical set pieces. The film became a global box-office phenomenon, crossing the billion-dollar mark and breaking multiple studio records. His performance earned major awards attention, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

‘La La Land’ (2016) – the pianist who actually learned the keys

Gosling trained extensively on the piano so his hands could be filmed in close-up during the musical’s jazz performances, avoiding hand doubles for the main pieces. He reunited with Emma Stone to play a musician navigating art and ambition in Los Angeles under director Damien Chazelle. The film swept key ceremonies, including a record-tying haul at a major awards show, with Gosling nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Its soundtrack and long-take dance sequences became cultural touchstones, further cementing his musical credibility.

‘Drive’ (2011) – the quiet antihero who did stunt training

Playing the nameless Driver, Gosling prepared with real stunt-driving practice to ground the film’s car chases in practical technique. Working with director Nicolas Winding Refn, he emphasized physicality and minimal dialogue to create a precise, almost mythic presence. The neon-soaked thriller won acclaim at Cannes, boosting its reputation as a modern cult classic. Its synthesis of mood, music, and method performance became a template for countless neo-noirs that followed.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) – carrying a revered sci-fi legacy

As Officer K, Gosling shouldered the lead role in Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of a landmark science-fiction world while sharing the screen with Harrison Ford. The production pushed large-scale practical sets and immersive sound design to complement its philosophical narrative. The film received widespread critical praise and multiple technical Oscars, including cinematography and visual effects. Gosling’s restrained performance anchored the story’s humanity amid its expansive futurist aesthetic.

‘The Notebook’ (2004) – the breakout romantic lead

Adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel, the film transformed Gosling into a mainstream romantic lead alongside Rachel McAdams. Casting hinged on his ability to play a timeless, working-class character with sincerity rather than gloss. The movie became a long-tail hit on home entertainment and streaming, turning key scenes into enduring pop-culture references. Its success opened doors to bigger studio projects while keeping him in demand for character-driven roles.

‘Half Nelson’ (2006) – the indie role that made awards voters look twice

Gosling’s turn as a troubled middle-school teacher earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film was produced on a small budget with a vérité style, relying on intimate scenes and improvisation-friendly direction. Its success at festivals and on the critics’ circuit positioned him as a serious dramatic actor early in his career. The performance proved he could lead challenging material without relying on genre hooks or spectacle.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016) – a masterclass in physical comedy

Teaming with Russell Crowe under director Shane Black, Gosling leaned into slapstick timing, pratfalls, and rapid-fire dialogue. He crafted a hapless private eye whose comedic meltdowns play as sharply as the film’s action beats. The buddy-caper balanced noir plotting with breezy humor, earning praise for its chemistry and script. Gosling’s adaptability showed he could headline comedy with the same precision he brings to drama.

‘First Man’ (2018) – meticulous astronaut prep for a grounded biopic

Reuniting with Damien Chazelle, Gosling portrayed Neil Armstrong with a focus on the engineer’s mindset rather than myth-making. He trained in cockpit mockups and worked with technical advisors to capture procedures, checklists, and the claustrophobia of early spacecraft. The production emphasized practical effects and in-camera techniques, culminating in an immersive lunar sequence. The film’s sound design and cinematography earned major accolades, reflecting its commitment to realism.

‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (2011) – suave precision in a modern rom-com

Opposite Emma Stone and Steve Carell, Gosling delivered a sharply tailored performance that balanced charm with character growth. The movie’s now-famous re-creation of the lift from ‘Dirty Dancing’ became a signature moment for his comedic-romantic persona. His line readings and timing helped reset expectations for what a mainstream rom-com leading man could do. The ensemble structure also showcased his ability to elevate scenes without dominating them.

‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ (1993–1995) – early TV training that stuck

Before the breakout films, Gosling performed sketches, songs, and dance numbers alongside fellow future stars on this variety show. The environment demanded constant rehearsal, quick memorization, and comfort in front of live audiences. That foundation carried into later musical roles and on-set discipline across genres. It also connected him to a network of young performers and coaches who shaped his professional habits from the start.

Share your favorite Ryan Gosling performance or moment in the comments—what did we miss?