5. Drive (2011)

In the stylish Neo-Noir thriller “Drive,” Ryan Gosling stars as a nameless Hollywood Stuntman by day and Getaway Driver by night, known for his skills behind the wheel. His lifestyle begins to change when he falls for his neighbour Irene (played by Carey Mulligan) which leads to an intense, action-packed story.  

The soundtrack alone is almost enough for this movie to earn a spot on our list but, the atmospheric cinematography, riveting action sequences and Gosling’s captivating performance solidifies “Drive” as a must-watch movie. 

4. The Notebook (2004)

Caution: This one’s a tearjerker!  

The Notebook is a timeless romantic drama that tells the story of a working-class young man named Noah, who falls in love with a wealthy young woman named Allie (played by Rachel McAdams), who is visiting for the summer. The heartfelt tale, set in 1940’s South Carolina, takes us on a journey of love and heartbreak through the eyes of an elderly man, recounting their poetic love-story to his wife. 

Gosling’s performance, along with his undeniable chemistry with McAdams, provokes so much emotion and elevates this movie into a beloved classic. His portrayal of Noah proves his reputation as a leading man capable of delivering both passion and sincerity. 

3. Barbie (2023)

Barbie took the world by storm last summer, earning awards for its bold narrative, exceptional soundtrack, and stellar performances from its star-studded cast. Greta Gerwig’s reimagining of the cultural icon promises laughter and smiles, while also stirring thought and emotion.  

Ryan Gosling’s Oscar nominated portrayal of Ken is not only hilariously entertaining but also delivers a bold commentary on society and gender norms, adding depth to the film’s charm and appeal. Not to mention, Gosling’s musical performance of "I’m Just Ken" is unmissable.  

2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In the in the visually stunning Sci-Fi masterpiece “Blade Runner 2049”, Gosling plays “K”, a replicant tasked with hunting down his own kind. Set in the dystopian future, this film immerses viewers in a world where the lines are blurred between humanity and technology. 

His performance in this movie is layered with nuance and emotion and his range of abilities as an actor is proven by his mesmerizing portrayal of turmoil and existential depth.  

1. La La Land (2016)

Last but most definitely not least is a gut-wrenching love story about two artists trying to achieve their life-long dreams in Los Angeles. Ryan Gosling stars across from the immensely talented Emma Stone in their third cinematic collaboration and their chemistry is unmatched.  Ryan was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor, and Emma walked away with the trophy for Best Actress at the 2017 Academy Awards.

Their raw and authentic portrayal has you rooting for their relationship from start to finish. Along with an incredible original soundtrack by Damien Chazelle, this Oscar-winning (but not Best Picture, that was Moonlight, if you remember the announcement mistake!) , movie masterpiece is without a doubt one of Gosling’s greatest films!