Most Influential Actors Of 2010s

Robert Downey Jr. stars as Iron Man. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the decade's biggest film franchise. Robert Downey Jr. is the biggest star in that franchise. He starred in 12 movies over the last decade. Eight of those roles were Tony Stark in Marvel pictures.Sherlock Holmes: A Game of ShadowsDue Date, orThe JudgeDowney is the most famous actor in the most successful film series of the decade.most successful film seriesof the decade.

He did not appear in Spider-Man: Far from Home.Spider-Man: Far from HomeIron Man became a cultural icon over the last 10 years. Robert Downey Jr. gave him that status.

Leonardo DiCaprio has a famous name. Every time DiCaprio appears in a movie, it becomes an event. He picks his roles carefully. DiCaprio appeared in eight films in the last 10 years; each film was a big deal. His stardom lasts because he stays committed and choosy, matching his peers.

His 2010 film showed his range and box-office power. It mixed the surreal, horror-inflected genre.Shutter IslandChristopher Nolan's summer trip filmInceptionDiCaprio's presence helped Inception make money at the box office. After that, he took on a major literary figure in The Great Gatsby.The Great Gatsbyand two charismatic but bad villains in Django Unchained.Django UnchainedandThe Wolf of Wall StreetDiCaprio won an Oscar in 2015 for The Revenant after years of strong work.The Revenant.

After winning that award, DiCaprio took a long break from acting. He returned in 2019 with Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.Once Upon a Time... in HollywoodThe film's success shows DiCaprio picked up where he left off. He took the top spot in his game and the game itself.hisgame,

WhenGame of ThronesPeter Dinklage was recognizable in Game of Thrones starting in 2011. This Hollywood veteran had been active since the 1990s. No one predicted Dinklage would become a fan favorite and a critical favorite on the show. This gave him fame beyond his earlier roles.

Dinklage worked outside Westeros, taking roles in Avengers: Infinity War.Avengers: Infinity WarandX-Men: Days of Future Past, plus prestigious work like Oscar Best Picture nominee Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.By the time the record-breaking HBO series finished, Dinklage won four Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmys for playing Tyrion Lannister, everyone's favorite wise drunkard. His impact on the culture is clear; he remains thePeter Dinklage is the most beloved character.He appears on the biggest show of the decade.

Tom Hardy started the decade by starring in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending action filmInception.but another Nolan movie thrust Hardy into big stardom. In 2012'sThe Dark Knight Rises., Hardy played Bane, and his odd voice for the character became an internet hit. Since then, Hardy has become one of our most unpredictable A-listers, a franchise movie star who happily takes on a season or two of TV.

Known for his physical effort, eccentricity, and range, Hardy brought his presence to modern classics likeMad Max: Fury Road.andDunkirk.He nearly single-handedly madeVenom.a hit, and through his varied action roles, he made room for more serious parts in projects likeLocke, The Drop., andTinker Tailor Soldier Spy.. He also earned an Oscar nomination forThe Revenant.Not bad, Mr. Hardy.

Talk about big late-career success. By the timeBreaking Bad.its first season aired, Bryan Cranston was in his early 50s and was famous for playing the dad on the Fox sitcomMalcolm in the Middle.. By the timeBreaking Bad.its final season aired in 2013, and Walter White died. Cranston was one of Hollywood's most wanted actors and had four Best Actor Emmys.

The man works... a lot, in acclaimed dramas likeDrive.andArgo., big-budget shows likeGodzilla.andPower Rangers., or TV roles fromCurb Your Enthusiasm.toRobot Chicken.. However, Cranston owes his busiest decade to the role that defined him and also perfectly showed the antihero in an age full of morally gray characters.

When you look at Matthew McConaughey's career, do you think about the 2000s, where he starred in films likeFailure to Launch, Fool's Gold.andGhosts of Girlfriend's Past.? No, think about theMcConaissance., kid! After starring in many disappointing movies, McConaughey came back strong to own the first half of the 2010s. Starting with 2011'sThe Lincoln Lawyer., the actor starred in exciting projects one after another, shifting from "rom-com actor wasting his talent" to "one of the best working actors in the business."

The list is impressive:Killer Joe, Mud, Magic Mike, Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf of Wall Street, True Detective, Interstellar.... there is no weak link. Recent years were not as good as the first five of the decade—less talk aboutThe Dark Tower.andSerenity.Matthew McConaughey surprised everyone in the 2010s with his strong output. He finished the decade on a high note with an acclaimed performance in Harmony Korine's "The Beach Bum".The Beach BumThe McConaissance still has life.

Bradley Cooper began the 2010s dealing with fame after the success of 2009's "The Hangover".The HangoverCooper starred in films like "Valentine's Day", "The A-Team", and "".Valentine's Day, The A-Team, "and "LimitlessCooper started his career in 2012 with roles in "The Place Beyond the Pines".The Place Beyond the Pinesand "Silver Linings Playbook.

Cooper balanced serious work during the decade with projects like "American Sniper".American Sniperand "American Hustlemore playful fare like the Netflix comedy seriesNetflix comedy series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Campand many roles as Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cooper directed the 2018 smash hit remake "A Star is Born" behind the camera for the first time.A Star is Born, where he starred and earned his fourth acting nomination at the Academy Awards.

Joaquin Phoenix got major press due to the wild success of 2019's "Joker".Jokerand the controversy surrounding it- Focusing only on that film sells Phoenix short. He started the 2010s with an odd mockumentary.I'm Still Here, starred in Paul Thomas Anderson's classic "The Master".The MasterIn 2012, he starred in acclaimed films likeHer, Inherent Vice,andYou Were Never Really Here.

Phoenix takes his craft seriously and avoids major, big-budget pictures that draw massive press. This makes his role in "Joker" puzzling, yet the film could not possibly work or break box-office records without him.JokerThe role is the capstone for a decade where Phoenix went from a respected actor to an all-timer.broke box-office recordsThe role is the capstone for a decade where Phoenix went from a respected actor to an all-timer.

Jennifer Lawrence hit the ground running in 2010 with a star-making turn in "Winter's Bone".Jennifer Lawrence started the 2010s strong with a star turn inand never looked back. Few Hollywood actors balance two blockbuster franchises and appear in critically praised dramas. Lawrence will likely be remembered for the 2010s as the face of the "The Hunger Games" franchise and a central part of the star-studded "X-Men" series.she never looked back. Few Hollywood actors balance two blockbuster franchises and rack up appearances in well-liked dramas. Lawrence will likely be remembered for the 2010s as the face ofX-Menseries.And as those movies made billions, Lawrence added to her legacy elsewhere.series. As those movies earned billions, Lawrence added to her legacy elsewhere.

Few contemporaries proved as bankable. Her performances in "Silver Linings Playbook", "American Hustle", and Darren Aronofsky's divisive "mother!" earned her many awards.Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle,and Darren Aronofsky's splitmother!These films earned Lawrence many awards.andJennifer Lawrence has the cultural cachet of an A-list star. The end of the decade offers Lawrence new freedom, escaping the scheduling demands of starring in eight films across two IPs. Her existing body of work shows her career will not need franchise boosts.

Emma Stone moved from being the up-and-comer from SuperbadandZombieland to a full-fledged A-lister. Tracking her rise from the decade's start to its end shows a neat career path. In 2010, she took her last high school role in the hit Easy AEmma Stone established herself as a leading lady, graduating into adult fare, including the Oscar Best Picture nominee.The Helpand the popular romantic comedyCrazy, Stupid, Love.

Starring opposite Peter Parker himself in two Amazing Spider-Man movies opened her to a new global audience. Such franchise work did not stop her from conquering other Hollywood spots—from Birdmanthe quasi-surreal, darkly comic panic attack of a movie that earned Best Picture honors at the Oscars, to the Billie Jean King biopicBattle of the Sexes to the sad musical La La Land to the comic period piece The Favourite. She showed a wide range of characters and genres in the Netflix sci-fi series Maniac which brought her back with Superbadco-star Jonah Hill.

With Stone's name already loaded with risks and successes, her staying one of the most widely beloved actresses shows true movie star status. This likability gave her the space to take on the tricky, cruel Cruella de Vil for her next decade of work.

Jake Gyllenhaal picks roles that truly appeal to him. He puts serious effort into his work; even if movies fail, Gyllenhaal gets noticed. From Source CodetoPrisoners, fromEnd of WatchtoNightcrawler, fromSouthpawtoStronger, the actor shows great care for every project. It is clear.

Even in something simple like the popcorn fun of Spider-Man: Far from Home, Gyllenhaal gave a stellar performance as the revenge-seeking oddball Mysterio. His MCU appearances are an exception that proves the rule. Gyllenhaal handles his recent career like a classic movie star, picking roles (mostly dramas for adults) and filmmakers like Joaquin Phoenix and Leonardo DiCaprio. If he can throw a memorable franchise villain in, his next acclaimed drama gets more attention.

Charlize Theron makes the list of Most Influential Actors Of 2010s. She is one of the biggest names in Hollywood.Theron works in small films like Dark Places.Theron also works in Young Adult.Theron also works in Young Adult.Theron continues work in major tentpoles like The Fate of the Furious.Theron continues work in The Fate of the Furious.Theron continues work in The Fate of the Furious and the Huntsman series.Theron continues work in the Huntsman series.Theron continues work in the Huntsman series.

Theron was awesome as Imperator Furiosa in 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road.Theron was awesome as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road.Theron took the spotlight from the title character in the franchise. She moves easily from hard action films like Fury Road to a rom-com like Long Shot.Theron moves from Fury Road to Atomic Blonde.Theron moves from Fury Road to Atomic Blonde.Theron moves from Atomic Blonde to Long Shot.Theron moves from Atomic Blonde to Long Shot.This range maintains her star status and boosts it. At the end of her third decade as a Hollywood star, she has more cinephile street cred than ever.This range maintains her star status and boosts it. At the end of her third decade as a Hollywood star, she has more cinephile street cred than ever.

Do you recall the show Game of Thrones?The show Game of Thrones was omnipresent for a time. It became a massive HBO hit, making many unknown actors household names. Emilia Clarke was one of them; she had only three acting credits when cast as Daenerys Targaryen.Emilia Clarke became widespread. The show hit HBO and became a huge success, making minor actors famous. Emilia Clarke got her first role as the fan favorite Daenerys Targaryen with only three acting credits. Clarke appeared in the show from 2011 to 2019.From 2011-2019, Clarke appeared on Sunday night television screens as the Mother of Dragons, becoming a star right before viewers' eyes.Clarke appeared on Sunday night television screens as the Mother of Dragons, becoming a star right before viewers' eyes.

Clarke carved out a film career despite the time needed for Thrones.Clarke carved out a film career despite the time needed for Thrones.Clarke played opposite Jude Law in Dom Hemingway.Clarke played opposite Jude Law in Dom Hemingway.Clarke landed two major franchise roles: Solo: A Star Wars Story and Terminator Genisys.Clarke landed two major franchise roles: Solo: A Star Wars Story and Terminator Genisys.Clarke landed two major franchise roles: Solo: A Star Wars Story and Terminator Genisys.Clarke landed two major franchise roles: Solo: A Star Wars Story and Terminator Genisys.Clarke scratched the romantic comedy itch with 2019's Last Christmas.Clarke scratched the romantic comedy itch with 2019's Last Christmas.Clarke's cultural impact and large role in pop culture for a decade have no secret. Clarke was the face of a franchise among the massive ensemble cast in Game of Thrones.Clarke was the face of a franchise among the massive ensemble cast in Game of Thrones.Clarke was the face of a franchise among the massive ensemble cast in Game of Thrones.

Michael B. Jordan started the 2010s acting in network shows like Friday Night Lights and Parenthood.Michael B. Jordan started the 2010s acting in network shows like Friday Night Lights.Michael B. Jordan started the 2010s acting in network shows like Parenthood.Michael B. Jordan started the 2010s acting in network shows like Parenthood.Michael B. Jordan used his magnetism quickly. He moved from small screen roles to the multiplex. Jordan started in 2012 starring in the WWII drama.An actor with Jordan's magnetism did not stay on the small screen long. He moved to the multiplex in 2012 starring in the WWII drama Red Tails.Jordan also starred in the cult superhero film Chronicle.Jordan also starred in the cult superhero film Chronicle.Jordan began switching to movie star status in 2013 with the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station.Jordan began switching to movie star status in 2013 with the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station. Jordan began switching to movie star status in 2013 with the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station.Jordan began switching to movie star status in 2013 with the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station.

Jordan's name grew with the 2015 punch of Creed and 2018's Black Panther.Jordan's name grew with the 2015 punch of Creed and 2018's Black Panther.Jordan's name grew with the 2015 punch of Creed and 2018's Black Panther.Jordan's name grew with the 2015 punch of Creed and 2018's Black Panther.In Creed, Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, a boxer struggling to live up to his father Apollo Creed's legacy, the famed rival of Rocky Balboa.In Creed, Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, a boxer struggling to live up to his father Apollo Creed's legacy, the famed rival of Rocky Balboa.In Creed, Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, a boxer struggling to live up to his father Apollo Creed's legacy, the famed rival of Rocky Balboa.With Black Panther, Jordan played Erik Killmonger, arguably the greatest villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far.With Black Panther, Jordan played Erik Killmonger, arguably the greatest villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far.

Melissa McCarthy worked in supporting roles on TV shows like Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who?Melissa McCarthy worked in supporting roles on TV shows like Gilmore Girls.Melissa McCarthy worked in supporting roles on TV shows like Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who?Melissa McCarthy worked in supporting roles on TV shows like Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who?At the turn of the last decade, Melissa McCarthy got a starring role on the hit CBS sitcom.Melissa McCarthy appeared in Mike and Molly and gave an unforgettable performance in 2011.Melissa McCarthy put in an unforgettable performance in 2011's Mike and Molly.Melissa McCarthy starred in Bridesmaids.McCarthy hit the big time with Bridesmaids.

The Bridesmaids roleBridesmaidsMcCarthy earned an Academy nomination for the Bridesmaids role, defying odds against mainstream comedies. This secured her a spot among actors whose presence guarantees a big opening weekend and brought a steady stream of comedy hits, including Spy, The Heat and Identity Thief. McCarthy uses these roles to mix oddball characters with physical comedy, creating memorable screen moments.Spy, The HeatSpy, The Heat and Identity ThiefIdentity ThiefMcCarthy uses these roles to combine her flair for oddball characters and physical comedy, giving the big screen truly memorable moments.

McCarthy also showed a more dramatic side in movies like St. Vincent.St. VincentIn St. Vincent, McCarthy plays a struggling, adoptive mother, and in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, she was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.Can You Ever Forgive Me?McCarthy was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Adam Driver began gaining acclaim as a relative unknown, starting with his supporting role in the HBO comedy series Girls.GirlsGirls, which ran from 2012-2017. Driver used this recognition for bigger film roles, such as the Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis and Noah Baumbach's While We're Young.Inside Llewyn DavisInside Llewyn Davis and Noah Baumbach's While We're YoungWhile We're YoungDriver took on bigger roles, but his big break came when he played the villain Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, starting with the 2015 mega-blockbuster The Force Awakens.bigKylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, beginning with the 2015 mega-blockbuster The Force Awakens.Star Warssequel trilogy, beginning with the 2015 mega-blockbusterThe Force Awakens.This role made the actor a household name and earned him an SNL hosting gig.SNLhosting gig.

The Force AwakensThe Force Awakens went to gross more than $2 billion worldwide, giving Driver huge exposure. He continued working in the Star Wars franchise and added impressive projects and directors to his resume. Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, for which he earned his first Oscar nomination, is scattered across his filmography. Steven Soderbergh's Logan Lucky, Baumbach's Marriage Story, and Martin Scorsese's Silence are also included.more than $2 billion worldwideThis exposure is rare for actors. Driver kept working in the Star Wars franchise and added more projects and directors to his resume.Star WarsSpike Lee's filmography includes BlacKkKlansman.BlacKkKlansmanSteven Soderbergh's film (for which he earned his first Oscar nomination) is included.Logan LuckyLogan Lucky, Baumbach's Marriage Story, and Martin Scorsese's SilenceMarriage Story, and Martin Scorsese's film is also listed.Silence.During a Tribeca tribute in 2019, Scorsese placed Driver in rare company, stating he is "one of the finest, if not the finest, actor of his generation."In 2019, Scorsese put Adam Driver in rare company, stating he is "one of the finestactor

Mahershala Ali went from a low-profile character actor to a star in a few years, putting himself in historical company. His breakout role as Remy Danton on Netflix's House of Cards, starting in 2013, set up his rise. Within three years, he starred in competing Oscar Best Picture nominees: Hidden Figures and Moonlight. Moonlight earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. That same year, he played the villain Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in the superhero series Luke Cage.House of CardsAdam Driver began in 2013, setting the stage for his major success. Within three years, he starred in competing Oscar Best Picture nominees.Hidden FiguresandMoonlightMoonlight, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.That same year, Adam Driver played the villain Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in the superhero seriesLuke Cage..

In 2018, Ali won his second Oscar for Green Book. He also played Uncle Aaron in the animated classic Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and impressed HBO audiences in the lead role of True Detective.Green Book- while giving a key emotional core as Uncle Aaron in the animated classicSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseand wowing HBO audiences in the lead role ofTrue DetectiveHis third season arrives. In 2019, they announced he would take the title role.He takes the title role in Marvel's upcoming Blade.Mahershala Ali appears in Marvel's upcoming project.Blade reboot.The Blade reboot echoes his rise from supporting player to leading man, shifting from supervillain to superhero.

Viola Davis started working since the mid-'90s. This decade saw her move from character actor to a real star. She starred in the 2011 hit.The Help.Viola Davis earned a best actress nomination at the Academy Awards for her work in The Help.She landed the starring role in the series How to Get Away with Murder.The plaudits followed. In 2016, she won the Oscar for Denzel Washington's Fences.Fences..

These dramas, on any screen, earned her awards. She proved she can handle any role, any genre. Big-budget superhero film? She has Suicide Squad on her resume.Suicide Squad.Crime drama? She commanded the screen in Widows.Widows. Prisoners.Prisoners.Blackhat.Prestige period piece? The James Brown biopic Get On Up.Get On Up.YA fantasy and sci-fi? She handles that too, with Ender's Game.Ender's Game.and Beautiful Creatures.Beautiful Creatures.In ten years, she went from a side player to a lead star competing for awards.

When 2011 started, Jessica Chastain was unknown. By the end of 2011, she became a household name. This happens when you get roles in many feature films in one year: box-office hits, art house classics, and award contenders.Between The Tree of Life, The Help.and Take Shelter.Take Shelter.Chastain got A-list status and became a key leading actress of her generation.

Chastain cemented her stardom playing a CIA analyst in Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty.Zero Dark Thirty.Hits and critical favorites kept coming. Between Interstellar, The Martian, A Most Violent Year, Molly's Game, Crimson Peak,Interstellar, The Martian, A Most Violent Year, Molly's Game, Crimson Peak.and It Chapter Two.It Chapter Two.Chastain built a strong body of work in just a few years.

Early in her career, Elisabeth Moss played the president's daughter on NBC drama The West Wing.The West Wing.Moss moved to a new role portraying Peggy Olson on Mad Men.Mad Men.She played Peggy Olson from 2007-2015. Moss's role as the secretary-turned-copywriter earned her five Emmy nominations for best supporting actress.

Moss dominated the decade through her role on Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale.The Handmaid's TaleThe Margaret Atwood adaptation shows a dystopian America after a second Civil War. Fertile women become child-bearing slaves. Moss plays Offred, a role that brought her more success and another Emmy. She also became a big-screen favorite in films like Her Smell, Queen of Earth, The One I Love, and Us.Elisabeth Moss appears in 'Her Smell', 'Queen of Earth', 'The One I Love', and 'Us'.andHigh-Rise..

Kerry Washington started acting in the mid-'90s. Her fame grew in the 2010s because of the huge success of Scandal.Kerry Washington stars in 'Scandal'.Shonda Rhimes directs major television hits. She led shows like Grey's Anatomy, and Scandal.Kerry Washington stars in 'Grey's Anatomy'., andKerry Washington stars in 'Scandal'.Rhimes hit gold again with Scandal.Kerry Washington stars in 'Scandal'.Scandal became a top TV show. Kerry Washington starred as Olivia Pope, the icon at its center.

Kerry Washington stars in 'Scandal'.Kerry Washington was a social media phenomenon.Kerry Washington became a social media phenomenon.Viewers tweeted about Pope and the crazy twists. Washington continued starring in big projects, including Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, and Pixar's Cars 3.Kerry Washington starred in 'Django Unchained'.and Pixar's Cars 3Kerry Washington appeared in 'Cars 3'.but her seven seasons on Scandal mean she stays linked to Olivia Pope, a defining decade character.Kerry Washington starred in 'Scandal'.This makes her synonymous with Olivia Pope, one of the decade's main characters.

Some actors stay in their lane; others make their own. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one such multi-hyphenate. She gained acclaim for her on-camera persona and her writing genius. Leaving aside the spy thriller Killing Eve, and her role as Lando Calrissian’s droid L3-37 in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the actor/writer/ukulelist made a big splash with two excellent seasons of the BBC/Amazon series Fleabag.Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars in 'Killing Eve'.Phoebe Waller-Bridge created and wrote 'Killing Eve' and played Lando Calrissian’s brassy droid L3-37.FleabagThe actor, writer, and ukulele player made Phoebe Waller-Bridge a major cultural force with two perfect seasons of the BBC/Amazon series.Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars in 'Fleabag'..

Waller-Bridge wrote a character for herself: merciless, quick-witted, emotionally tangled, guilt-ridden, charming hot mess. This connection is personal. What makes her work stick is how she pulls audiences into her mind. This is more than breaking the fourth wall; it lets the character create closeness with us that she blocks off from everyone else.

Waller-Bridge shows perfect comic timing and an odd sense for awkward moments. Her acting shows the character’s messy conflicts and raw injuries. This kind of role builds an actor’s reputation, and hers certainly did. Winning the BAFTA and three Emmys proves this.Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars in 'Fleabag'.The 12-episode story of 'Fleabag' gave us one of the decade's most memorable protagonists, one we felt familiar with.