The Top 10 Actors I Would Watch In Any Movie
I was recently looking at a list of upcoming movies, and as I got excited to see some of them, I realized that seeing the name of some actors will make me want to watch a movie. I thought this might be an interesting insight as to why I am excited or choose to watch some films.
And so I decided to put together a list of the Top 10 actors that will get me to the movie theater by simply being in a film. Check them out below in no specific order.
James McAvoy
I first saw James McAvoy in "The Last King of Scotland" and was so blown away by his strong performance that I started looking for some more films he had starred in. He just gives amazing performances in every single one, that now knowing he is in a movie pretty much guarantees I'm going to see it. The next step for him is getting an Oscar at this point.
If you like him, you should watch: The Last King of Scotland, Penelope, Becoming Jane, Atonement, Wanted
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is without a doubt one of the most (if not the most) talented actor of his generation. I first noticed him in "The Believer," which was followed by an incredible performance in "The United States of Leland." Most people of course know him from "The Notebook," which I really loved as well (no surprise there). Like James McAvoy, I think it's only time before he wins an Oscar, especially since he was already nominated for his work in "Half Nelson."
If you like him, you should watch: The Notebook, The Believer, The United States of Leland, Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl
Alex O'Loughlin
I first saw Alex O'Loughlin in "The Invisible." And although I didn't enjoy the movie that much, he really stood out to me because of his obvious talent. I remember thinking "this guy is going to get big, whoever he is." Well, wouldn't you know it, only a few months later, I saw him in the promo for the TV show, "Moonlight," which unfortunately didn't last nearly long enough. The show definitely put him on the map for a lot of people. His next appearance will be in CBS's new series, "Three Rivers." I think it's only a matter of time before the right part sends him into an award spree.
If you like him, you should watch: August Rush, The Invisible, Mary Bryant (TV mini-series), Moonlight (TV series)
Cillian Murphy
I had seen Cillian Murphy in a few movies (Red Eye, Batman Begins, Sunshine) before becoming a really big fan. But the one movie that amazed me was "The Wind That Shakes the Barley." Not only was the movie really great, but Cillian Murphy was pretty incredible as well. This made me go back a look at a few of his early films, and I now would watch pretty much anything he stars in.
If you like him, you should watch: On the Edge, Batman Begins, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Sunshine
Aaron Eckhart
Aaron Eckhart is another actor that I started liking gradually. I always thought he was really talented, but only recently did he become in my top 10. There isn't one movie in particular that put him there, but more of a few movies that I watched one after the other.
If you like him, you should watch: The Dark Knight, Thank You for Smoking, Towelhead, No Reservations, Erin Brockovich
Billy Crudup
I think I started liking Billy Crudup when I saw him in "Walking the Dead," although I had seen him in a lot of his early movies. From there followed "Big Fish" and "Stage Beauty," which pretty much sealed the deal for me, from then on Billy Crudup was definitely a reason to go see a movie.
If you like him, you should watch: Watchmen, Public Enemies, Dedication, The Good Shepherd, Trust the Man, Stage Beauty, Big Fish, Waking the Dead, Inventing the Abbotts, Sleepers
Viggo Mortensen
I was already a fan of Viggo Mortensen after seeing him in "A Perfect Murder" and "A Walk on the Moon" (although I can't remember which one I saw first). And then of course came "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and needless to say, Viggo Mortensen was boosted up to my top 10 list.
If you like him, you should watch: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, Appaloosa, A Walk on the Moon, 28 Days, A Perfect Murder
Ewan McGregor
The way I discovered Ewan McGregor is quite the unusual story. I didn't see him in a movie, but as a guest star in 'ER' (no kidding). At the time I had no idea that he already had a career, I just thought he was a random guest star, but was so taken by his performance, that I had watched the episode quite a few times. Not too long after that I saw his picture in a magazine in promotion of his new movie, "A Life Less Ordinary." I of course went to see the movie as soon as it came out and started watching all his earlier movies, including "Transpotting" and "Shallow Grave." I've been following his career ever since.
If you like him, you should watch: Big Fish, Moulin Rouge!, A Life Less Ordinary, Trainspotting, The Island, Down with Love, Star Wars: Episode 1-3, Little Voice, Emma, Brassed Off, Shallow Grave
Keanu Reeves
I knew of Keanu Reeves when I was young, but never got any interest in him, that is until (and I am ashamed to say) seeing "Chain Reaction" (which I still love by the way). I only saw "Speed" after that and then started watching more of his films. To this day Keanu Reeves can still get me to see a movie. There is just something about him...
If you like him, you should watch: Constantine, The Lake House, The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Something's Gotta Give, The Replacements, The Gift, Sweet November, The Devil's Advocate, Speed, A Walk in the Clouds, My Own Private Idaho, Chain Reaction, Point Break, I Love You to Death, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey
Guillaume Canet
Guillaume Canet is another one that I came to know in an unusual way. I saw a preview for his first film "Barracuda" and was really fascinated by it, but never ended up seeing it. A few years later, "The Beach" came out, which I went to see because I was a fan of Danny Boyle. That's when I started liking Guillaume Canet and then started watching other movies he starred in. The peak was probably seeing "Love Me If You Dare (Jeux d'enfants)," with Marion Cotillard, which was equally amazing in that movie.
If you like him, you should watch: Ensemble C'est Tout, Merry Christmas, Love Me If You Dare, Fidelity, The Beach
So now that you know what my top 10 is, I want to know who your top 10 is. Which actors will make you go see any movie? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
August 16, 2009 by Sandie · Print This Article
Category: News
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Thanks for taking Alex O'Loughlin in your list.
I do agree with you, Alex is a talented and gorgeous actor. His large range of skills makes him able to perform any kind of character, no matters good or bad guy.
I am looking forward to seeing Alex in Whiteout, Three Rivers and The Back-Up Plan
Thank you so much for your wonderful words and excellent review of Alex O'Loughlin. He is definitely a star to watch. Three Rivers will introduce him to the mainstream audience (Moonlight obviously was genre driven). More people will see him for the talented actor that he is. His movie credit will really take -off in January 2010 when his movie with Jennifer Lopez's movie "The Back Up Plan" hits theaters. He is her co-star and may very possibly steal the movie from her!
Alex O'Loughlin! Thank you for including him on your list. He's mega talented and I would watch him do anything. He has a promising and lasting future ahead of him. If you haven't seen him, you're missing out. Mesmerizing!
Thanks for including Alex O'Loughlin. He is super talented, smart, charismatic and so easy on the eye! He is going to be a super mega star before long.
Other movies, shows that you may want to watch with Alex:
The Shield (Season 6- 7 episodes)
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant
Oyster Farmer
Feed
Criminal Minds (season 4, episode 22- "The Big Wheel")
Whiteout (premieres on 09/11)
The Back-Up Plan (premieres on 01/22/2010)
Three Rivers (premieres on CBS 10/04)
For more information and movies go to Imbd
I agree, Alex O'Loughlin's talents won't be unnoticed for very long, this gorgeous young actor is on his way to stardom, thank you for including him on your list!
Thanks for having so many of my favorite actors on this list! i was especially happy to see keanu reeves on there. he doesn't usually make anyone top ten list, and i'm glad he made someone else's other then mine!!
my faves:
keanu reeves- loved him in the matrixs, and in speed. even with his bad hair. i love it long...
johnny depp- of course from the priates movies, but also from chocolat, and finding neverland.
james mcavoy- saw him in wanted, and adored him. i love him most in penelope, though.
zach braff- i love him from scrubs. he's always ready to make a complete fool out of himself, and i love that!
ryan reynolds- saw him in amityville horror, and fell in love. he's so funny, and yet, he can play a totally creepy guy and not look ridiculous. he's so versitile, and i love that!
zac efron- before anyone goes crazy on me, i'd like to say one thing. i hated him, loathed him in the high school musical movies. but i liked him in his very first thing, which was a short cameo in firefly.i also like him in 17 again.
hugh jackman- um... yeah. even if he couldn't act, which he can, i'd still see everything he's ever been in, simply for the eye candy!! lol... but i do enjoy his stuff. especially when he gets to use is accent!
abigail breslin- not an actor i know, but she's so brilliant, and i just had to put her here. my favorite thing of her's is definitely, maybe, which, coincidentally, also stars ryan reynolds! lol...
and my last fave actor is... elmo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex O'Loughlin is first on my list ..He's so beautiful and such a great actor.
Thanks for adding him to your list.
Thank you for recognizing Alex O'Loughlin. I got introduced to this marvelous young actor first on The Shield and then on Moonlight. Alex's star can only get brighter as he gets bigger and better roles. He will most certainly be a super star.
Bless you for adding Alex O'Loughlin to your list! While I'm still mourning Moonlight's cancellation, I'm anxiously waiting for his new upcoming projects. I fully expect him to gain millions of new fans by the end of this year.
Thank you for including ALEX O'LOUGHLIN in your list! His work expresses an intensity and versatility I've never seen before in another actor. He's as glamorous as the stars of the Silver Screen era, yet he maintains a down-to-earth charm and sense of humor which attracts both women and men. Undoubtedly, his star is on the rise. I hope his career will be filled with many wonderful and diverse characters for him to play. Alex's dedication to his work deserves the greatest parts and, yes, many awards.
ALEX O'LOUGHLIN, no doubt! I first saw Alex on Moonlight, and I immediately began to collect everything that he has done on DVD, from Australia to the US - and the man is brilliant in all that he does. I have never seen such talent, and his accents are flawless. I didn't even know he was Australian until I read it in the TV Guide after a few episodes of Moonlight. I miss Moonlight terribly, but I look forward to Three Rivers - and to WhiteOut, finally set to open in 9/09 - and his new movie, The Back-Up Plan, opening in 01/10. Alex is the lead in that movie, as he was in quite a few marvelous movies in Australia - and the lead he shall be from now on. Alex is going to be a huge star here - and I can hardly wait to see him accept his first Emmys and Oscars! Do yourself a favor and check out all of Alex's work on DVD, TV and movies - you will love all of it!
Thank you for putting my favorite actor Alex O'Loughlin. It's just a matter of time when he'll be on everyone's Top 10 list. He has a strong, devoted following. We are pulling for his success in anything he does. He is a singular, exceptional, brilliant actor. The guy can act. Tone, facial expressions, demeanor, physicality changes with every part he plays. The guy is that versatile. He doesn't play the same person over and over again. I can't wait for October 4th when CBS Three Rivers will be debuting at 9 pm, Sundays. Whiteout movie with Kate Beckinsale Sept. 2009 and The Back-Up Plan with Alex and JLo.
Alex O'Loughlin and Moonlight
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Thanks for taking Alex O'Loughlin in your list. Alex is great!
Thanks for listing my favorite, Alex O'Loughlin. After seeing him on Moonlight, I sought out his other work and bought Oyster Farmer, Feed, Man-Thing, The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant, The Invisible, the 6th season of The Shield. I have seen August Rush but didn't buy it (too much Robin Williams, not enough AOL). I have Criminal Minds on my Netflix list to watch The Big Wheel episode again. Looking forward to Whiteout, The Back Up Plan, and Three Rivers this fall. I've enjoyed all of his performances and think that you are right about his future.
Cool list although not sure how you have a list without Will Smith on it. He's the man.
@Craig - Haha, yeah. I do like Will Smith and I would see pretty much all his movies. But I admit that he is not in my top 10. But that's just me.
You have good taste. I'd add Jeff Bridges to the list.
i would like to thank you for add all of my favourite actors specially Keanu Reeves,Ewan McGregor and Cillian Murphy