You’re lying if you say you’ve not crushed on an actor at least once. Since the time I remember, actors around the world were my first love. Just something about their charisma, acting, and appearance makes them the heartthrob. Over the years, there have been so many best actors in the world that have won the hearts of so many that there is no definition when describing the best actor in the world.
This blog brings you the 12 best actors in the world, not just one! We have created a list of 12 actors who are best in their way. Their popularity, acting, appearance, and awards have made them the favorite of many people worldwide.
We will discuss their famous projects and the success they’ve achieved throughout the years. These actors have made people swoon with the characters they’ve played on the silver screen, and now we bring them to you!
12 Best actors in the world 2024:
Follow along and spot your personal favorite on the list! The best actor in the world might be different for you and me, so this list is created based on popularity and critical acclaim. Happy reading!
1. Dwayne Johnson:
- Age- 51 years
- Years in the Industry- 22 years
- Country- USA
Most popularly known as- “The Rock,” Dwayne Johnson doesn’t need an introduction. He is an immensely talented actor who’s also a wrestler, but you’d probably guessed that just by looking at him. His popularity speaks volumes, as you would recognize him from his most famous projects- “Fast and the Furious,” “Baywatch,” and “Jumanji.”
Johnson has also bagged a place in the list of the world’s top 50 best Hollywood actors in 2022. He has received prestigious awards like the NACCP image award for Entertainer of the Year, Kid’s Choice, and Teen Choice awards.
He has over 220 million followers on social media, making him one of the most followed actors! The immense love he receives from his audience is because he believes in never letting his “audience go home unhappy.” You could see him in many of his upcoming projects, like Red One and Moana.
2. Johnny Depp:
- Age- 60 years
- Years in the Industry- 39 years
- Country- USA
Johnny Depp is known for so many of his iconic roles it’s hard to pick one that is a cult favorite. Being in the industry for almost 40 years, Depp has the title of one of the best actors in the world in the hearts of so many. His most famous roles include- “Willy Wonka,” “Edward Scissorhands” and “Captain Jack Sparrow.” His lead role in the Pirates of the Caribbean series gave him goodwill and critical acclaim.
He was recently in the limelight for his infamous lawsuit with his ex-wife Amber Heard which became an international sensation. Aside from acting, Depp is very passionate about his painting endeavors. Many of you might not know, but Depp is applauded for his hard work as, at one point, he used to sell ballpoint pens to make ends meet.
3. Shah Rukh Khan:
- Age- 57 years
- Years in the Industry- 35 years
- Country- India
The true riches to rags story of “King Khan,” the stealer of many hearts worldwide. Shah Rukh Khan started his journey by working in TV shows and slowly moved to the silver screen, after which the rest is history. With starring in at least 105 films, the popularity of this actor knows no boundaries. From playing an intense character in “My name is Khan” to being a heartthrob in “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” he has always maintained a class of acting.
With a net worth of $770 Million, he stays true to the “King Khan” title. SRK has been appreciated for his humble nature and witty replies during interviews and award shows. Shah Rukh Khan has a fan following of about 3.2 Billion people across the globe! He has participated in many charitable endeavors and received accolades in numerous categories for his contribution.
4. Robert Downey Jr:
- Age- 58 years
- Years in the Industry- 53 years
- Country- USA
Robert Downey Jr. has spent most of his life in cinema, which is evident in his acting. If someone says Avengers, the first name we hear is Robert Downey Jr! His famous works include- ” Captain America: Civil War,” “The Avengers,” and “Iron Man.”
He has worked in about 81 films and has a reputed fan base worldwide. He is one of the best actors in the world, loved by children and elders. RDJ has won many accolades for his work, including- “MTV Generation Award,” “The People’s Choice Award for The Avengers,” and “The BAFTA Award for Chaplin.”
He has proved that he can play any role with versatility and poise! You can thank us for this vital information if you didn’t know he played a puppy *chuckles* for his first on-screen role. Aside from acting, he has been a prominent part of the music and martial arts industries.
5. Leonardo Di Caprio:
- Age- 48 years
- Years in the Industry- 34 years
- Country- USA
The name Jack Dawson is synonymous with Leonardo Di Caprio! In addition to his good looks, he has played many note-worthy roles. Some of his best movies are- “Titanic,” “Inception, “The Wolf of the Wall Street,” and “Shutter Island.” Titanic was the turning point of his career and his cult favorite movie, making him very popular amongst the audience.
It was after 107 failed auditions that Di Caprio finally managed to break through the film industry, giving a clear picture of his hard work and determination. All his hard work paid off when he won his first Oscar for the film “Revenant.”
His charitable endeavors include now re-wild—a foundation to protect the wild species who inhabit the Earth. Di Caprio is known for his critical thinking, versatility, and undeniable charm.
6. Tom Cruise:
- Age- 61 Years
- Years in the Industry- 42 years
It’s Mission Impossible not to love Tom Cruise! This icon is immensely popular, especially amongst the female audience, because of his charisma and daring attitude.
Tom Cruise is best known for his “Mission Impossible” series and various other action films like- “Top Gun” and “Collateral.” A fun fact about Tom Cruise is that he never holds back while shooting his action sequences, with most of his Mission Impossible sequences shot with him making those moves.
Tom has been nominated for Academy Awards 3 times: For ‘Born on the Fourth of July,’ ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Magnolia’ and won a Golden Globe for each role. Regarding his personality, he is one of the Best Actors in the World due to his polite attitude, cooperative nature, and his acting skills.
7. Daniel Craig:
- Age- 55 years
- Years in the Industry- 31 Years
James Bond might have the license to kill, but Daniel Craig always kills with his looks and dapper attitude! Extremely popular for his role as James Bond in the franchise of the same name, he is a vision to behold.
Aside from James Bond, his famous movies include- “Knives Out,” “Glass Onion” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” His awards include- Empire Award for Best Actor, British Independent Film Award for Best Actor, and Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Actor in an Action Movie.
Craig has impeccable taste in fashion and has a major following for his dressing sense. Craig left school at just 16 years old to pursue acting, and look where it has got him today! He debuted in the company’s London staging of William Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida and later toured Spain and Russia in other productions.
8. Will Smith:
- Age- 54 Years
- Years in the Industry- 38 years
Will Smith is one name that comes to everyone when natural acting skills and meaningful roles are spoken about. He has done some iconic roles in movies like- “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Aladdin,” “Focus,” and “Men in Black.”
Although he has been nominated for Oscars, He has received the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for his role as Richard Williams in King Richard (2021). He received single nominations for the Emmy Award and Tony Award for producing Cobra Kai (2021) and Fela! (2009) respectively.
Will Smith was a part of the recent controversy, including his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chris Rock for slapping Chris Rock at an Award Show. Despite these Controversies, Smith is known for his witty and humble nature and has participated in various charitable endeavors.
9. Chris Hemsworth:
- Age- 39 years
- Years in the Industry- 21 years
Most famous for his role as Thor, Chris Hemsworth is a vision to behold. He has been a part of many famous projects like- “Thor,” “Star Trek,” “The Avengers,” and “Red Dawn.” His hard work was exemplified in his gaining 20 pounds to play his role in Thor!
He began his career by appearing in soap operas and worked his way up to the pedestal he is on today. He was even a contestant on the 5th season of Dancing with the Stars Australia with his partner, the professional dancer Abbey Ross in 2006.
The awards Chris Hemsworth has received include- MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Fight, People’s Choice Award for Favorite Action Movie Star, Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent, and Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Music Star: Male.
10. Joaquin Phoenix:
- Age- 48 years
- Years in the Industry- 37 years
All his roles have won the heart of many people around the world, even after him playing negative roles! His projects like- Joker, Napolean, and his latest Beau is Afraid helped him make a mark in the industry.
In 1978, he changed his name to “Leaf;” because he wanted a nature-related name like his siblings- River, Rain, Summer, and Liberty. He kept the name “Leaf” until 1991, when he changed his name back to Joaquin; after filming ‘Walking the Dog.’
Being an academy award nominee, his life has not been short of ups and downs. He saw his brother pass away, the call of which had been recorded and played repeatedly over the years. After his comeback, he played more negative roles, and finally, his role in “Joker” got him critical acclaim and praise worldwide.
11. Samuel L. Jackson:
- Age- 74 years
- Years in the Industry- 50 years
Hitting a golden jubilee in the industry, age is just a number for this master actor! Samuel L. Jackson is a legend. He has played many note-worthy roles, making him a cult favorite amongst every age group. His careful role choices are evident in movies like Unbreakable, Kingsman, The Legend of Tarzan, and Barely Lethal. Aside from the silver screen, he has starred in many commercials and TV shows.
Aside from acting, he is an avid golf player; he enjoys the game particularly because it’s unique among sports in that you, as a single player, are responsible for every mistake you make. He was also an usher for Martin Luther King, Jr., as they shared the same Alma Mater. Instead of becoming an actor, this legend also was about to become a marine biologist.
12. Tom Hanks:
- Age- 67 years
- Years in the Industry- 45 years
Another legend in the acting domain is none other than Tom Hanks. His most critically acclaimed and famous movie is “Forrest Gump” which gained a lot of popularity from audiences worldwide and has also been turned into different language adaptations.
Tom Hanks has also recently starred in the Netflix Hit “A Man Called Otto,” a film adaptation of the 2012 New York Times best-selling book A Man Called Ove by Swedish author Fredrik Backman.
In the past, Tom Hanks has worked as a hotel bellman and even a peanut vendor, which clearly shows how much hard work and determination he possesses. He also funded a scene in his movie Forrest Gump where he had to run nationwide. Surprisingly, Tom Hanks also has an asteroid named after him.
Conclusion
This article highlighting not just one best actors in the world but twelve must’ve surely covered one of your favorite actors as well! These actors are not just the best because of their acting skills, but their demeanor and hard work also play a very important role in their success today.
Hi! I am Nabieha Khusro, a content writer and voracious reader with a passion for creating compelling and engaging content. I have 3 years of experience writing for various industries, including fashion, education, and creative content writing. When I am not writing, I enjoy playing my ukulele and trying new cuisines.