Top 20 Greatest Method Actors Of All Time

[@WatchMojo]

Did we forget a notable Method actor? Let us know in the comments below. For more content like this, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6q1fqOGarOKj5o

[@vanplq8841]

Daniel Day Lewis should have been #1.

[@KeysofIDproductions]

Jamie Foxx comes to mind in terms of method actors.

[@Taya-9822]

Yeah the ladies unless you're doing a separate list for actresses but then why is Hilary swank in here

[@paulroberts8479]

Brando is not a method actor.

[@carolynclaire5241]

Christian Bale is insane about method acting.

[@Vicii03]

Daniel day lewis was kind of actor that took his acting skills to another levels each time he came up with new movies with newer something

[@lexkanyima2195]

He is innovated

[@davidtaylor6663]

he is the best. So many great actors though Meryl, Brando, De Niro, the list goes on and on.

[@Kyloki87]

Daniel Day Lewis has two of my favorite performances of all time, so I must give it to him. Then probably Bale, partially for the weight changes alone.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

It’s been over 15 years since Heath Ledger passed away, and we still miss him a lot. He became Oscar-nominated in ‘Brokeback Mountain.’ After Mr. Ledger’s death, they kindly giving him both Golden Globe award and Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actor” in ‘The Dark Knigjt’, one of the best superhero movies ever made.

[@mikerryan85]

Ben Foster is one hell of an actor. His acting in “3:10 To Yuma” and “Hell Or High Water” was phenomenal.

[@luisestradahernandez]

leave no trace too check it out

[@nickrodriguez2958]

Yeah... Ben foster is a monster method actor... Literally watching that movie he did last year, "medieval" as I type. Just saying, medieval was easy role for him but he did a great job in alpha dogs I thought

[@rishabsingh8009]

Even 30 days of night

[@mikerryan85]

@@rishabsingh8009 That’s a great movie and he was just as creepy as the vampires! He did a great job at playing the cowardly neighbor in The Punisher movie (2004).

[@rishabsingh8009]

@@mikerryan85 there's a movie"leave no trace" it's 100% on rotten 🍅

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Daniel-Day Lewis is such an impressive film actor turned 3-time Oscar winner. He deserve a decent retirement…

[@Reaperguy67]

​@@OnePieceGuy55 will you go away with your spam

[@nickrodriguez2958]

I think he still likes stage acting

[@katherinemiller2401]

Thank you for including Montgomery Clift. He gets overlooked so much. He was such a talent and icon.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Oh, I love Robert De Niro! ‘The Godfather: Part II.’ ‘Taxi Driver.’ ‘Raging Bull.’ ‘Goodfellas.’ ‘Casino.’ ‘Heat.’ ‘The Irishman.’ ‘Joker.’

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Dirty Grandpa... To be fair the first 25 years of his career saw the best actor ever doing his thing majestically, Taxi Driver is the best acting I have ever seen, and don't forget Once Upon A Time In America too...but the 25 years since 1998 haven't been that great have they, still yes for the first half of his career he was the very best.

[@patrickhauser588]

@@ChubbyChecker182 Together with Al Pacino of course.

[@jjjxcfdarvb1137]

De Niro is superior to Al ​@@patrickhauser588

[@shundy00]

4 jokers, 2 batmen, a commissioner Gordon and a riddler on this list

[@BigFella117]

0:04 Gary Oldman’s throat must have hurt after that scream, but boy did we fans love it

[@DamnPictures]

Yes, everyone loved it. Every-one!!!

[@jmsagarbarria5956]

Travis Bickle, Young Vito Corleone, Jake Lamotta, Max Cady... De Niro will always be my number 1!

[@louiset7053]

Monty Clift and Daniel Day-Lewis my all time favorites❤️

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

Christian Bale. Oh, how we love that man in ‘American Psycho’, ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, ‘American Hustle’ and ‘The Fighter.’

[@claytonbearden7793]

Empire in the Sun is great, Vice, hell even Equilibrium is a fun guilty pleasure.

[@NewRedYolk]

How dare you forget The Machinist, where he lost enough weight that he looked like a skeleton! Talk about dedication to the craft. He's such a great actor.

[@luisestradahernandez]

3:10 to Yuma him and Crowe and Foster were great Out of the furnace too

[@CesarLP74]

The machinist ... Brilliant

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

‘Joker’ is also one of my top 5 favorite non-DCEU movies. Joaquin Phoenix did a fantastic job on his performance as Arthur Fleck/Joker, he literally earned both Golden Globe award and Academy Award. I can’t wait to see the sequel starting next October.

[@AirborneAshes]

imo his role in you were never really here really set him up to be that joker. amazing film

[@alanstypelkoski7283]

Brando was a legend, but Daniel Day-Lewis is on another level, even other all-time greats acknowledge his mastery, should have been number 1..

[@bispren_ej28]

I have no problem with other actors in this list but I felt Edward Norton from American history X, Leonardo Di Caprio from Django Unchained and The Revenant, Bruce Willis from Twelve Monkeys should atleast on this list

[@oludarden5556]

Edward Norton and Leonardo Dicaprio should definitely make this list.

[@JOHNJAIRO5]

Four Jokers. What a character!

[@Gor85]

So many great actors. Awesome clips :D Heath is PERFECT Joker. Al Pacino and Robert should be higher :) But I understand why Marlon. He's absolute legend. Totally fantastic!

[@nickrodriguez2958]

It was a great list... Where is Leo and Johnny Depp at though? Ik they had to name guys from the old school like Dean and Brando to pay homage but there are others that are better... Might not have them off it weren't for the old school method actor's though I guess. Leo should be in top 3i think

[@Gor85]

@@nickrodriguez2958 yes. Strange no mention of them.Both are great. Lepo is pretty good too. He should be high on the3 list. I think Al and Robert should be 2 and 3. Since Marlon is first.

[@sophiec67]

@@Gor85 Leo isn’t really a method Actor and Johnny Depp while I love him as a actor, isn’t the greatest (he’s 50/50), top 3 method are Brando, Day-Lewis & Deniro

[@Abood99222]

My favorite is Marlon Brando. I don’t know what is it but he always gets my full attention when any of his characters is on screen

[@juraii]

I love how all 4 jokers made the list👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@havanadaurcy1321]

Wait for it "Ledger ONLY Joker baaaa'

[@sarashaker6147]

and 2 batmen

[@NicotineRosberg]

It takes range to play the joker, not just everyone can play that character

[@rigagoalnico]

Nicolas Cage really??? What about Edward Norton, Natalie Portman and even more Leonardo DiCaprio.

[@yungkidnf]

Natalie Portman????

[@RoyaltyEntertainment510]

Wait, you’re mad about Nick cage? Jered Leto was on the list. & all the movies they mentioned did not do well

[@joewas2225]

Nicolas, not 1 you mentioned has ever gone method.

[@joewas2225]

@@RoyaltyEntertainment510 Bullshit, Dallas Buyers Club did well plus he got the Oscar for that role.

[@nickrodriguez2958]

​​@@RoyaltyEntertainment510 have you seen all Leto's movies.. he's def a method actor.

[@nwmnjy]

Carrey should have gotten an academy award for Man on the Moon. Back when they meant something

[@danabnormal5988]

You mean, before the Oscars became a boring exercise in political posturing?

[@FrancisBurns]

Not after being such an asshole to the whole cast!

[@candicemonique5927]

Before they started playing favorites and/or allowing people to buy awards.

[@timothyivey5497]

They mean the same now as they always have, so just shut up.

[@timothyivey5497]

​@@candicemonique5927 You mean like it's been for decades?

[@ROP632]

Leonardo DiCaprio for What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Aviator, Django Unchained, The Wolf Of Wall Street, The Revenant, and Killers Of The Flower Moon.

[@odallard]

This needs to be like a Top 40 or something, there’s many worthy additions in the comments and I would also include Tom Hardy.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Oh yeah, good point.

[@sanchezsushi007]

It’s important to note that while many actors’ techniques are referred to as “method acting” or “The Method,” and they almost all descended from Konstantin Stanislavski’s approach, each technique has taken on a unique life of its own. They’re not all about pretending to be the character off-stage or screen.

[@DanaArmas]

Christian Bale Called me Girlfriend. hehe 😅😅😅

[@Lilmovieman27]

DDL is the best....but you can't argue with number one since there would not be this list without him...

[@richardbruton1224]

What are you talking about? DDL is one of the best actors period for sure but he didn't make his acting debut until the mid 80s a good 30-40 years after Method acting had taken the film industry by storm thanks to Brando and Dean. If THEY weren't there then you would be right.

[@nicolas.grisanti]

Robert De Niro will always be my favorite.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Taxi Driver is just an amazing performance, the best acting I have ever seen.

[@pepshaven6520]

Where the hell was Cate Blancett on this list? She's never played a part she didn't totally lose herself in

[@sjogre7789]

I'm a huge movie buff. My favorite actor is James Dean. 1 thing you missed. Of his 3 films. 2 came out after his death. And we still talk about all 3 films. What talent!!!!

[@aaronhepler8070]

...only because he died.

[@richardbruton1224]

@@aaronhepler8070 If you say this you haven't watched any of his movies, when those movies were done filming I would say James Dean was one of if not the best most natural actor of his era. Maybe you're judging him by todays standards (even though he still radiates off the screen even today) but back then the only other notable actor doing that was Marlon Brando and I doubt you would say he's overrated. He died at 24 just imagine what more he could of done, how good his craft could of been. You should be ashamed for your brazen lack of knowledge.

[@cookungfoo]

I was sure Johnny Depp would be on the list 😊

[@Yoli-wf2ki]

Me too

[@nickrodriguez2958]

I was shocked Johnny and Leo didn't make the list. Johnny created Jack Sparrow outta thin air..... Maybe the legal thing but he cleared that?!?!? And then Leo who's done more accents successfully than most of the people on the list. Good list though besides all that

[@codyj8763]

Ive seen the 'Darkest Hour' 4 times, and i had NO clue that was Gary Oldman...my mind is blown.

[@nishitbhardwaj9981]

Where is Edward Norton? He is also one of the greatest method actors.

[@timothyivey5497]

Not really. He buffed up for American History X, that's it. Norton has never been considered a "method actor"...by no one, even himself.

[@nishitbhardwaj9981]

@@timothyivey5497 Dude come on, what about Fight Club?

[@joewas2225]

He's never gone method.

[@nishitbhardwaj9981]

@@joewas2225 I literally mentioned Fight Club, Dude. Go search about it.

[@Gamex-Frontiers]

And the best Hulk Ever.

[@chelseacanales8763]

Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman is his best work; yes there are previous works that should had won him a Oscar, which there’s no denying that, but he did a good job of making the movie.

[@joewas2225]

Scarface is his best.

[@blackpanther-nx7ff]

​@@joewas2225 1. The Godfather 2. Scarface 3. Scent of a woman

[@joewas2225]

@@blackpanther-nx7ff Nope

[@patrickhauser588]

​@@joewas2225the Godfather is 10 times better than Scarface. There is not even the slightest competition between these two. This is a very strange opinion of yours

[@patrickhauser588]

@@joewas2225 Of course the Godfather is much better. Scarface is nothing compared to this masterpiece.

[@kzarkage]

Daniel Day Lewis is on another level All respect to Brando though

[@nobodynoonenowhere5609]

There's a Method to the Madness! Also worth mention:Chuck Norris and Steven Segal😂😂😂

[@pj828]

Brando was amazing but if there was one person on this list (or not on this list) that could best even him it's Daniel Day Lewis.

[@AskAdam28]

Fantastic list!!

[@Velidmujic111]

Brando, Day Lewis, Pacino, Denzel, Hopkins, Hoffman, Nicholson, Oldman, Bale, Di Caprio

[@barrellracer]

Vincent D'onofrio should've been on the list... In the TOP 3❤

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

Al Pacino, one of my most favorite film actors of all time. I LOVE 2 ‘Godfather’ movies. I REALLY, REALLY WANNA see ‘Dog Day Afternoon.’ I LOVE 1983’s ‘Scarface’ remake. I REALLY WANNA see ‘Heat.’

[@Jimmersaunt]

Daniel Day Lewis should be number one! Just keep your milkshake away from him!

[@nickrodriguez2958]

Awesome list but I'm surprised that Johnny Depp, Leo, Natalie Portman didn't make the list. At least Daniel day Lewis was in top 3

[@fabric.soundz]

Classic line within the first 5 seconds 🙌🏽

[@theboxingchannel1586]

How in earth could you not put Leo Dicaprio on this list. The amazing work he has done with some of his method acting in those roles would have him in top 10 easily.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I agree. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” he was perfection.

[@gyaneshswain8377]

Cate Blanchett Should Be On The List

[@nicolas.grisanti]

Totally!

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Jack Nicholson is quite an amazing film actor between 1974 and 2007.

[@MARALAGO2024]

Virgin

[@jmanfunkslice]

I was so mad Daniel Day Lewis didn’t place number 1, but then I saw who you actually picked at number 1, and completely agree

[@johnchipol7716]

Great list the top 2 are the greatest male actors of all times

[@lft3636]

The secret to Gary Oldman’s acting is to spit on the actor 🤣

[@matthewcollier5717]

I'd say Russell Crowe belongs somewhere on this list.

[@merewynyard5813]

YEAH BECAUSE HE'S A KIWI AND VERY GOOD ON SCREEN😊

[@csababarath2784]

Edward Norton. Michael Shannon. Tom Hanks. Leo DiCaprio. Johnny Depp.

[@johnjamesleahy4065]

Leaving las vegas is hard for me to watch but i love it, i find parts very real and not that im an alcoholic but i have some regrets involving alcohol and seeing him portray that helped me see what being unhealthily drunk can look like from other people's perspectives

[@oneAndyHicks]

1: 19:43 Marlon Brando 2: 18:26 Daniel Day-Lewis 3: 17:33 Robert De Niro 4: 16:31 Christian Bale (Should never break top 10, you just want to appeal to childish "sigma" kids) 5: 15:33 Meryl Streep (These are actors not actresses) 6: 14:35 Al Pacino 7: 13:35 Heath Ledger (I guarantee you're only mentioning him because he "died for his role" and he's popular with childish "sigma" kids) 8: 12:43 Gary Oldman 9: 11:43 Hilary Swank (She's an actress) 10: 10:44 Jared Leto (No way you said Jared Leto💀) 11: 9:44 Joaquin Phoenix 12: 8:42 Jack Nicholson 13: 7:39 Montgomery Clift 14: 6:43 Dustin Hoffman 15: 5:41 Choi Min-Sik (bruh) 16: 4:42 Adrien Brody 17: 3:43 Val Kilmer 18: 2:29 Nicolas Cage (Don't joke like that) 19: 1:36 Jim Carrey 20: 0:34 James Dean Where tf is leonardo dicaprio and tom hardy? This list is so PC its laughable how much you want to appeal to the younger generation.

[@rippleplayz1002]

Oof this ain't too good of a list for method actors

[@shashanksrivastavasri9641]

The fighter Mechanic The big short American Hustle Childish ??

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

Gary Oldman is my favorite

[@razwanaakram6598]

Where was Jodie Foster? 😮she should have made the list 👌

[@samkresil6011]

13:34 I knew Heath ledger would be on here!

[@NaticzkaKaminskaHenryDolphin]

Fun fact: Christian Bale said many times in interviews, he isn't a 'method' actor. He said he has no idea what his 'method' or process is. 🤣you clearly don't do good research just rely on the gossip and popular opinions that somehow form online.

[@Jorkinit247]

Day Lewis is the greatest actor of all time. Point blank, period.

[@PolishGod1234]

Brando is, overall. But the best acting performance in anything goes to Bryan Cranston as Walter White (imo)

[@cedricbeard4609]

At least they got Number One right. Completely different mannerisms & voice in Godfather & Last Tango in Paris. Completely different mannerisms & voice in Julius Caesar & A Streetcar Named Desire. Even his flops like The Fugitive Kind & Reflection of a Goldeneye had unique voices and all around great acting. Hard to believe the same actor did On the Waterfront, Reflection of a Goldeneye, and The Godfather. Those were three completely different characters when compared together.

[@vanplq8841]

Daniel Day Lewis should be #1.

[@merewynyard5813]

I admired him, he gave his all in every Film he made. I ❤ him

[@socratesxo]

A lot of great actors here, and I have no problem with Brando on top. He was ahead of his time.

[@greatfilmmaker]

Daniel day Lewis number 2 NO.number1

[@danielpandelanemichele1785]

I'm so dark that I heard a Marlo Brando joke where there's none. "A heavyweight on stage and screen"...If you know you know.

[@queensgaelsmenshockey]

Seems about right that 4 of these guys were The Joker

[@KadeemG61]

Is Robin Williams on this list? If not, you’re screwed WatchMojo. Also, Will Smith should’ve been on this list for his performance in The Pursuit Of Happiness. And Adam Sandler, don’t forget about Punch Drunk Love and Uncut Gems.

[@roberttorres8477]

Adam Sandlers is a joke. Not a real actor

[@KadeemG61]

@@roberttorres8477 Adam Sandler is an actor, so get over it, dweeb.

[@veganermetzger1234]

You can think what you want about Adam Sandler. Love him or hate him. But he for sure does not belong in a "Top 20 Method Actor of All Time"-List.

[@joewas2225]

They've never gone method.

[@leonardogoulart3245]

Fun fact: there are four jokers in this list

[@ryanSLF]

Edward Norton should be on here for his roll in American History X

[@freddiemolinajr.8397]

great video

[@TheDolfan2010]

#2?! C’mon now!

[@jbizzle7616]

Brody was really good in Cadillac Records

[@tonyvelli4324]

Christian Bale

[@sgt.marcusstacker]

Honorable mention: Jeremy Strong (Succession)

[@Jadoreilove]

Number 1- not Jared Leto

[@originaltommy]

How much I love Nic Cage. He makes me laugh like no other!

[@domwalker6526]

Shocked didn't see Russell Crowe

[@HalleyBay61]

As an actor and a method actor, I think I have to place Sir Daniel Day Lewis at the top of the heap. The depths of transformation he undergoes for his portrayals is, to put it plainly, unmatched. There are indeed other very serious method actors on very high levels indeed, but DDL is simply different to them all. Marlon was possibly the one who really showcased it to the masses originally, but it is Sir Daniel who has perfected it. When I saw Flight with the mighty Denzel, I was adamant that he would and should get the oscar for his performance. It was an exhibition 101 on how to be in total control and understanding of his character and his environment. It was phenomenal. Then, a few weeks later, I saw Abraham Lincoln show us all what what it was like for him in his time and as they say........ The rest is history. Denzel Washington sits atop the pinnacle of the sceeen acting world, and it's no little thing to say that Daniel Day Lewis' turn as President Lincoln blew Denzel to pieces. Such is the almighty talent of that man.

[@rudyg323]

James Dean was phenomenal.

[@richardbruton1224]

He should be top 5 without a doubt, he and Brando revolutionized the art of acting. I would even say he was even more natural than Brando was.

[@judeadriyanfernando5565]

Christian bale 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@reemakang3406]

Wow Amazing

[@tanaka7341]

Method acting is the most underrated part of acting

[@azeiras]

Garry Oldman and christian bale have always been in another league above others..

[@lokisingularity3394]

Indeed. With DDL up there too maybe just above the two you mentioned or at least on the same plane.

[@patrickhauser588]

No. These others are on the same level

[@jasonsalow2119]

pretty good and it is really hard to do this, but I would have Daniel Day Lewis #1

[@hognuckles]

Jack should have most definitely been top 5 on this list!

[@MrGmart64]

Sam Rockwell is an amazing actor. His performances in The Green Mile and Moon were outstanding.

[@heyamabaza6235]

True 👍I love him

[@dallasjewett1295]

Adrien Brody was a great actor. I watched him play Harry Houdini

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Thanks so much 🎭🗼💬 3:32-3:41 🤣😂

[@tjwash2]

Montgomery Clift is arguably the most handsome man to ever grace Hollywood

[@ssm090]

Should do a top tv shoes perfect for background noise

[@supercoolvimi007]

Where is Johnny Depp? and Edward Norton

[@arisxatz5312]

Daniel Day Lewis also owns the role of Abraham Lincoln watchmojo.

[@Nostalgic90s765]

I don't see how Daniel Day Lewis isn't number 1.

[@Mojave702]

This city, deserves, a better class of criminal!! And, I'm going to give it to to them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Heath Ledger- [ The Dark Knight]

[@merewynyard5813]

Iliked Mr Brando in 2 Films ..The Godfather and A Street car named Desire...thats all!!!

[@darcicali7693]

Johnny Depp!!! Halle Berry!!! Kathy Bates, Nicole Kidman

[@pattyrick99dad]

You guys forgot. Kirk Lazarus remember he doesn't get out of character until after the DVD commentaries lol

[@saramarie516]

I think Edward Norton, Jamie Foxx, and Tom Hardy could easily make this list. Maybe even Charlize Theron. Other than the one performance listed, I don't think Jim Carrey beats out any of those actors. I don't think Nic Cage deserves a spot on this list either.

[@SvetlanaMSK-n8t]

Agreed

[@Hugh_Jannis]

#1 is Armie Hammer. The man wanted to play the role of Hannibal Lector so badly he resorted to actual cannibalism. Look it up. This is real.

[@carolynclaire5241]

I’m pretty sure it’s still a thing.

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

Oh nice!

[@raysierra4194]

It would of been a sacrilege not to have Brando number one....I agree with Jack Nicholson that Brando is the greatest of all time,thiers many others who will agree, Charleston Heston said that Brando was the greatest film actor of all time and that he was also the greatest actor to ever come out of America,it is said that Brando changed acting with one performance from the second half of the 20th century(a street car named desire)

[@Najj85]

Deserved No. 1 Marlon Brando. Most influential actor and the best looks