Before you can truly Ken, you have to become him. For Ryan Gosling, this transformation was closer to a calling than just another acting gig. After moving from Canada to rock out with the likes of future-pop superstars Britney and Justin Timberlake in the Disney Clubhouse, he’s had his fair share of hunk and heartthrob roles. You might even know him best as a stony-faced action star or, God forbid, that one awful 2008 “hey girl” meme—but I digress.
By now, whatever it was you used to think of when you heard the name ‘Ryan Gosling’ has surely changed. From now on, it’s all about Ken! If you’ve been following his career, his wonderful performance will come as no surprise to you, but it’s not the only film to showcase his talent. So, put that manly hand in mine, and let’s take a look at ten of Ryan’s best films.
10. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Kicking the list off with number ten is Derek Cianfrance’s The Place Beyond the Pines. While some might find it difficult to establish their presence within such a brilliant cast (Bradley Cooper and Mahershala Ali, amongst others), Gosling does so effortlessly. Stuntman turned bank robber, Luke, is trying to provide for his family, but fails miserably in his pursuit.
Admittedly, there are no colourful characters in this brooding drama, but in a film that would make it easy to fall into the backdrop (especially considering how early Luke meets his fate), he stands out and provides another level of excitement to the story.
9. The Big Short (2015)
We don’t meet Jared Vennett until the 24-minute mark in this Oscar-winning drama, despite his voice leading us through the story from the start. This voice belongs to none other than Gosling, who plays the role of the witty, foul-mouthed trader in a way that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of The Office. Ironically, he stars alongside Dunder-Mifflin’s Steve Carrell (their second film together), as well as Brad Pitt and Christian Bale.
The Big Short (and its big-name stars) tells the story of a group of investors who uncovered corruption in the mortgage market back in the mid-2000s. Sound boring? It isn’t—and that’s all down to two things: exemplary performances across the board and some ingenious writing on behalf of Adam McKay and co..
8. The Notebook (2004)
If there was one person who could bring a swoon-worthy Nicholas Sparks love interest onto the big screen it was Gosling. One of the most notable moves of his career, he stars alongside Rachel McAdams to produce one of the most iconic romance films to date.
In no way does this make it the best romance film—let’s not forget the insane ‘if you don’t go on a date with me, I’ll jump off a ferris wheel’ plotline—but it’s certainly one for the ages. Whatever your thoughts on The Notebook, love it or hate it, Noah and Allie are unforgettable.
7. Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Three years later, in Lars and the Real Girl, we see a much-different kind of romance… if you can call it that. This tongue-in-cheek, quirky comedy stars Paul Schneider as Gus, the supportive big brother of Lars. Lars, unlike any character we’ve looked at so far, is a shy and socially awkward man, who finds companionship in a plastic doll he buys online.
Donning a moustache and woollen sweater, we see Gosling through a more light-hearted lens than earlier entries on this list, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be watching the credits roll with dry eyes. Though it isn’t perfect, Lars and the Real Girl is still a strangely touching story about love and loneliness, not to mention a completely new direction for the actor.
6. Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
During our first meeting with Jacob, a vain and sweet-talking bachelor, he leaves quite the impression. It’s a far different role from the likes of sensitive Lars or lovesick Noah, instead giving a glimpse of the comedic value Gosling had been holding back. For the first time, he joins forces with the equally hilarious Emma Stone (of whom we’ll see more of later on) and Steve Carrell.
If you scroll through Twitter right now, the likelihood is that you’ll see some people surprised to learn that Gosling is, in fact, a very funny guy. Those of us who have seen Crazy Stupid Love, however, know that this has been one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets.
5. Drive (2011)
A visually stunning neo-noir, Drive is considered to be Nicolas Winding Refn’s masterpiece. Gosling stars as the mysterious, nameless anti-hero, known only as ‘Driver’. As if the eerie mood and soundtrack weren’t enough, he plays the role with an uneasy coolness that contrasts everyone around him.
‘Driver’ is a professional stuntman by day, and a getaway driver by night. Yes, I know what you’re thinking—‘wait, haven’t I seen this before?’ And, yes, while the character sounds incredibly similar to Luke in The Place Beyond the Pines, the mood and style of the two films are very different. In Drive, Refn creates a stunning, but foreboding world in which Gosling is able to shine.
4. Blue Valentine (2010)
Back to Derek Cianfrance we go, this time to the tragic tale of Dean and Cindy. As we’re well aware by now, Gosling fits comfortably into romance films and you may be eager to put your feet up and enjoy Blue Valentine as another of the genre. But be warned—this is no Noah and Allie love story.
In this film, Gosling is essentially playing two characters as the narrative weaves between Dean and Cindy at two different points in their life. Young Dean is charismatic, passionate, and wildly in love with Cindy. As their lives change, so do they, and there’s a striking difference between the young and middle-aged couple. Though a heavy and poignant watch, it’s also one of his best.
3. The Nice Guys (2016)
“I think I’m invincible. It’s the only thing that makes sense. I can’t die.”
Holland March isn’t your typical PI. Cowardly, uncoordinated, and lacking his sense of smell, he simply tries to make it through life one day at a time. When he decides to team up with no-nonsense investigator Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe), their skills are put to the test.
Shane Black doesn’t hold back the absurdities in this comedy, nor does Gosling. After dipping his toes in the world of comedy with Crazy Stupid Love, he truly finds his stride here, so much so that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the shoes of Detective March. I’d also be surprised to meet anyone else who could screech quite like him.
2. La La Land (2016)
Another Oscar-winner making an appearance on the list, La La Land was an instant classic when it hit cinemas in 2016. Emma Stone was the beating heart of the film; her moving performance of ‘Audition (Fools Who Dream)’ perfectly encapsulating everything it meant to those who were rooting for its success.
From the very start, Damien Chazzelle’s hit is a high-energy, dazzling display. There are beautiful musical numbers at every corner, but it’s the two leads who tie it together. While their passion and enthusiasm is shared, Mia’s tenacity and Seb’s sentimentality ultimately set them on their different paths.
1. Barbie (2023)
Last, but certainly not least, what better film to help you get your Gosling fix than with the one nobody can stop talking about? You guessed it — Barbie.
Greta Gerwig has been unstoppable the past decade, earning herself Oscar-nominations for both Lady Bird and the outstanding Little Women, and Barbie is only further proof of her genius. It’s silly and bold, sweet and moving, bu —most of all—hilarious. Each Barbie, Ken, and human in this ensemble succeed in bringing the wonderful world of Barbieland to life.
We can’t say for sure if Gosling will leave his mojo dojo casa house to join the lucky folk onstage at the next Academy Awards—no doubt Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig will be there. What we can say, however, is that this Ken’s Oscar is long overdue.
Barbie is playing in cinemas now. You can also read William Stottor’s review here.
Words by Libby Briggs
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