The Absolute Best American Actors of the Last Five Years

The landscape of American cinema and television has been defined by a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents over the past five years. From transformative performances in historical biopics to lead roles in prestigious streaming dramas, these actors have shaped the cultural conversation. The period between 2020 and 2025 has seen a significant shift toward character-driven narratives and the continued expansion of the superhero genre. This list highlights the individuals who have consistently delivered high-quality work and garnered critical acclaim during this timeframe.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix solidified his status as a premiere talent with his Academy Award-winning performance in ‘Joker’, which concluded its cultural peak in early 2020. He followed this success with the intimate drama ‘C’mon C’mon’, playing a radio journalist connecting with his young nephew. In 2023, he portrayed the lead in the surrealist horror-comedy ‘Beau Is Afraid’ before taking on the role of the French emperor in ‘Napoleon’. Phoenix returned to his most famous role in 2024 for the musical sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’.

Robert Downey Jr.

After a decade-long stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. transitioned back to prestige drama with a career-defining turn in ‘Oppenheimer’. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2024. He further showcased his versatility by playing multiple roles in the limited series ‘The Sympathizer’, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This period marked a significant creative pivot for the actor away from blockbuster franchises.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler rose to international prominence with his portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll in the 2022 biopic ‘Elvis’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, as well as an Academy Award nomination. He continued his streak of high-profile projects by playing the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the 2024 science fiction epic ‘Dune: Part Two’. Butler also starred in the drama ‘The Bikeriders’ and the historical miniseries ‘Masters of the Air’.

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti enjoyed a resurgence of critical acclaim for his lead role in the 2023 film ‘The Holdovers’, where he played a curmudgeonly prep school teacher. This performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and his second career Academy Award nomination. He also continued his work on the hit television series ‘Billions’, which concluded its seven-season run in 2023. Giamatti remains one of the most respected character actors in the industry, known for his ability to balance humor and pathos.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright received widespread praise and an Oscar nomination for his leading role in the 2023 satirical comedy ‘American Fiction’. In the film, he portrays a frustrated novelist who writes a stereotypical “Black” book as a joke, only for it to become a massive success. Beyond this role, he appeared as Commissioner James Gordon in ‘The Batman’ (2022) and voiced The Watcher in the animated series ‘What If…?’. Wright’s work over the last five years has spanned major blockbusters and poignant independent cinema.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo became a major awards contender with his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the 2023 film ‘Rustin’. This role earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also delivered a powerful performance in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as Mister. On television, he continued his Emmy-winning work on ‘Euphoria’ and appeared in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Domingo has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after dramatic performers.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver has maintained a prolific schedule, working with several of the industry’s most renowned directors. He starred in Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’ and ‘House of Gucci’ in 2021, showcasing a wide range of period-specific characters. In 2022, he headlined Noah Baumbach’s ‘White Noise’, followed by the high-concept sci-fi film ’65’ in 2023. Driver concluded this five-year period with a lead role in Francis Ford Coppola’s long-gestating passion project ‘Megalopolis’.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio continued his collaboration with Martin Scorsese in the 2023 historical drama ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. His portrayal of Ernest Burkhart was praised for its moral complexity and vulnerability. Prior to this, he starred in the 2021 satirical comedy ‘Don’t Look Up’, which became one of the most-watched films on streaming platforms. DiCaprio remains selective with his projects, focusing on high-prestige films that address social and historical themes.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper spent several years developing, directing, and starring in the 2023 Leonard Bernstein biopic ‘Maestro’. The film received multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Cooper’s transformative performance. He also voiced Rocket Raccoon in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023), providing an emotional anchor for the franchise’s finale. Cooper has successfully transitioned into a multi-hyphenate creator who commands respect both in front of and behind the camera.

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong became a household name for his portrayal of Kendall Roy in the HBO drama ‘Succession’, which concluded in 2023. His commitment to the role earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe during the show’s peak years. Outside of television, he appeared in the 2020 legal drama ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ as Jerry Rubin. In 2024, he portrayed Roy Cohn in the biographical drama ‘The Apprentice’, further demonstrating his affinity for intense character work.

Jeremy Allen White

Jeremy Allen White transitioned from a long run on ‘Shameless’ to lead the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’ starting in 2022. His performance as Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto earned him consecutive Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. In 2023, he starred alongside Zac Efron in the biographical wrestling drama ‘The Iron Claw’. White has emerged as a symbol of the “new leading man” in Hollywood, characterized by raw emotionality and physical intensity.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser experienced a significant career comeback, often referred to as the “Brenaissance,” following his role in ‘The Whale’ (2022). His portrayal of a reclusive English teacher won him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023. Following this success, he appeared in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ as a boisterous lawyer. Fraser also maintained a presence on television with his role as Robotman in the DC series ‘Doom Patrol’.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has become one of the most bankable young stars in Hollywood over the last five years. He led the massive science fiction franchise ‘Dune’ (2021) and its sequel ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) as Paul Atreides. In 2023, he showcased his musical and comedic range in the origin story ‘Wonka’, which became a significant box-office hit. Chalamet also starred in the cannibal romance ‘Bones and All’ and portrayed Bob Dylan in the biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown continued his acclaimed run on ‘This Is Us’ until the series finale in 2022, cementing his legacy in television history. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘American Fiction’ (2023), where he played the lead character’s brother. Brown also lent his voice to several animated projects and starred in the science fiction drama ‘Biosphere’. His versatility allows him to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, and genre fiction.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan expanded his repertoire by making his directorial debut with ‘Creed III’ in 2023 while reprising his role as Adonis Creed. He also returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a cameo in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). Jordan starred in the action thriller ‘Without Remorse’ (2021), based on the Tom Clancy novel. His production company, Outlier Society, has also been instrumental in pushing for more diverse storytelling in major studio releases.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac showcased his range by starring in the 2021 prestige drama ‘The Card Counter’ directed by Paul Schrader. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022 as the lead in the Disney+ series ‘Moon Knight’, playing multiple distinct personalities. Isaac also appeared in the 2021 blockbuster ‘Dune’ as Duke Leto Atreides and starred in the miniseries ‘Scenes from a Marriage’. His ability to balance massive franchises with intimate character studies remains a hallmark of his career.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield had a standout year in 2021, beginning with his Academy Award-nominated performance in the musical ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’. He also reprised his role as Peter Parker in the global phenomenon ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, a moment that was widely celebrated by fans. In 2022, he starred in the true-crime miniseries ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’, earning an Emmy nomination. Garfield’s work over the last five years has been defined by high-energy performances and a deep commitment to his roles.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke has remained a prolific force in both independent and mainstream cinema during this period. He played the villainous Arthur Harrow in ‘Moon Knight’ (2022) and starred in the horror hit ‘The Black Phone’ the same year. In 2023, he appeared in ‘Leave the World Behind’ and directed the biographical drama ‘Wildcat’. Hawke also contributed to the ‘Knives Out’ franchise with a cameo in ‘Glass Onion’ and starred in the Western ‘The Last Stop in Yuma County’.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe reprised one of his most iconic roles as Norman Osborn in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021), bringing a menacing energy to the multiverse story. He also starred in the 2023 experimental film ‘Poor Things’ as the eccentric scientist Godwin Baxter. Dafoe delivered a physically demanding performance in the 2023 thriller ‘Inside’, playing an art thief trapped in a high-tech penthouse. His career continues to be marked by a willingness to take on unconventional and challenging projects.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage underwent a critical re-evaluation following his performance in the 2021 drama ‘Pig’, which many cited as some of his best work. He played a fictionalized version of himself in the 2022 action-comedy ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. In 2023, he realized a lifelong dream by playing Count Dracula in the horror-comedy ‘Renfield’. Cage also starred in the acclaimed surrealist comedy ‘Dream Scenario’, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role as a man who suddenly appears in everyone’s dreams.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in ‘Poor Things’ (2023). He also continued his role as Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in the series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. In 2020, he won an Emmy Award for playing twin brothers in the limited series ‘I Know This Much Is True’. Ruffalo remains a prominent figure in both high-concept blockbusters and intense, character-driven television projects.

Kieran Culkin

Kieran Culkin reached new heights of fame with his role as Roman Roy in ‘Succession’, a performance that earned him an Emmy Award in 2024. His portrayal of the youngest Roy sibling was noted for its blend of sharp wit and hidden trauma. Culkin also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and appeared in the 2022 film ‘No Sudden Move’. Following the conclusion of ‘Succession’, he starred in the 2024 dramedy ‘A Real Pain’ alongside Jesse Eisenberg.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal became one of the most visible actors in the world by leading two major franchises: ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. His portrayal of Joel Miller in the latter earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. In 2022, he starred alongside Nicolas Cage in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. Pascal also appeared in the 2024 sequel ‘Gladiator II’, directed by Ridley Scott. His presence has become a staple of modern “event” television and cinema.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun became the first Asian American actor to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Minari’ (2020). He followed this success with a lead role in Jordan Peele’s 2022 science fiction horror film ‘Nope’. In 2023, he starred in the Netflix limited series ‘Beef’, for which he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Yeun also lent his voice to the lead character in the popular animated superhero series ‘Invincible’.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He continued his work on the genre-bending series ‘Atlanta’, which aired its final two seasons in 2022. Stanfield starred in the 2021 Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the 2023 Disney film ‘Haunted Mansion’. In 2024, he took on the lead role in the biblical epic ‘The Book of Clarence’, showcasing his ability to lead diverse genres.

Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons earned his first Academy Award nomination for his role in Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021). He continued to work with top-tier directors, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023). In 2024, he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his work in ‘Kinds of Kindness’. Plemons also appeared in the limited series ‘Love & Death’ and the 2024 dystopian action film ‘Civil War’.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron delivered what many critics called the best performance of his career in the 2023 wrestling drama ‘The Iron Claw’. He portrayed Kevin Von Erich, undergoing a significant physical transformation for the role. Prior to this, he starred in the 2022 film ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ and the survival thriller ‘Gold’. Efron also continued his travel series ‘Down to Earth’, which focuses on sustainability and healthy living. This period has seen him successfully transition into more mature and demanding dramatic roles.

Miles Teller

Miles Teller starred in the 2022 blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, playing Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw. The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time and revitalized Teller’s status as a leading man. He also led the 2022 miniseries ‘The Offer’, which chronicled the chaotic production of ‘The Godfather’. In 2022, he appeared in the Netflix science fiction film ‘Spiderhead’. Teller’s recent work has successfully balanced large-scale commercial appeal with prestige television projects.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks continued to be a pillar of the American film industry, starring in the 2022 biopic ‘Elvis’ as Colonel Tom Parker. He also led the 2022 dramedy ‘A Man Called Otto’, which proved to be a significant box-office success for an adult-targeted drama. Hanks starred in Robert Zemeckis’s ‘Pinocchio’ and had a role in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’ in 2023. In 2024, he reunited with Zemeckis for the experimental drama ‘Here’, which uses de-aging technology to span decades.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington received his tenth Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the 2021 film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. He returned to the action genre in 2023 with ‘The Equalizer 3’, which concluded the successful trilogy. Washington also directed the 2021 drama ‘A Journal for Jordan’ starring Michael B. Jordan. In 2024, he took on a significant role in the historical epic ‘Gladiator II’. Washington remains one of the few actors whose name alone can guarantee both critical interest and commercial viability.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon starred in and co-wrote the 2021 historical drama ‘The Last Duel’, which reunited him with Ben Affleck. In 2023, he played Sonny Vaccaro in ‘Air’, a film that chronicled the creation of the Air Jordan brand. He also had a prominent role as Leslie Groves in the 2023 biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’. Damon returned to the action-comedy genre in 2024 with ‘The Instigators’. His career continues to thrive through a mix of high-concept blockbusters and smart, adult-oriented dramas.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck directed and starred in the 2023 film ‘Air’, which received widespread critical acclaim and was a strong performer on streaming. He reprised his role as Bruce Wayne in ‘The Flash’ (2023), marking his final appearances in the current iteration of the DC cinematic universe. Affleck also delivered a praised supporting performance in ‘The Tender Bar’ (2021), directed by George Clooney. In 2023, he starred in the action thriller ‘Hypnotic’. His recent work reflects a successful focus on both directing and nuanced supporting roles.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal starred in the 2021 thriller ‘The Guilty’, a film set almost entirely within a 911 dispatch center. In 2022, he headlined Michael Bay’s action-packed ‘Ambulance’, playing a charismatic bank robber. He received critical praise for his role in Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Covenant’ in 2023, where he played a soldier returning to Afghanistan. Gyllenhaal also led the 2024 remake of ‘Road House’, which became a massive hit for Amazon MGM Studios.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski wrote, directed, and made a cameo in the 2020 sequel ‘A Quiet Place Part II’, which was a major box-office success during the pandemic era. He continued his lead role in the ‘Jack Ryan’ television series, which concluded its four-season run in 2023. Krasinski also made a surprise appearance as Reed Richards in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022). In 2024, he released ‘IF’, a live-action/animated fantasy film that he wrote, directed, and starred in.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans moved beyond his role as Captain America by playing the villainous Lloyd Hansen in the 2022 action film ‘The Gray Man’. He voiced the title character in the 2022 Pixar film ‘Lightyear’, an origin story for the iconic ‘Toy Story’ astronaut. Evans also starred in the 2023 action-adventure ‘Ghosted’ and the drama ‘Pain Hustlers’. In 2024, he starred alongside Dwayne Johnson in the holiday-themed action movie ‘Red One’.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie officially took over the mantle of Captain America in the 2021 Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. This role solidified his position as a lead in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, heading toward his own solo film. Beyond Marvel, he starred in the 2021 sci-fi film ‘Outside the Wire’ and the 2023 action-comedy series ‘Twisted Metal’. Mackie also appeared in the 2023 film ‘We Have a Ghost’. He has successfully transitioned from a reliable supporting actor to a major franchise lead.

Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan received critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Tommy Lee in the 2022 limited series ‘Pam & Tommy’. He continued his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021). In 2022, he starred in the psychological thriller ‘Fresh’ and the 2023 thriller ‘Sharper’. Stan delivered a notable performance as Donald Trump in the 2024 biographical drama ‘The Apprentice’, further demonstrating his range in biographical roles.

Bill Hader

Bill Hader concluded his critically acclaimed series ‘Barry’ in 2023, for which he served as star, writer, and director. His work on the show earned him multiple Emmy Awards and nominations during this five-year period. Hader also appeared in the 2019 horror sequel ‘It Chapter Two’, with the film’s impact carrying into 2020. He has become a respected figure for his ability to blend pitch-black comedy with genuine psychological horror. Hader’s transition from sketch comedy to prestige drama has been one of the most successful in recent history.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover returned to his award-winning series ‘Atlanta’ for its final two seasons in 2022, serving as the creative force behind the show. In 2024, he co-created and starred in the series adaptation of ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ for Prime Video. He also appeared in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023) in a live-action cameo. Glover continues to balance his film and television work with a highly successful music career as Childish Gambino. He remains one of the most versatile and influential creators in American entertainment.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek played the primary antagonist Lyutsifer Safin in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. He followed this with a role in David O. Russell’s 2022 ensemble mystery ‘Amsterdam’. In 2023, he appeared in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ as the physicist David Hill. Malek also starred in the 2021 thriller ‘The Little Things’ alongside Denzel Washington and Jared Leto. His work during this period has focused on high-profile studio films and collaborations with major directors.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali voiced the character of Uncle Aaron in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023), reprising his role from the previous film. He starred in the 2021 science fiction drama ‘Swan Song’, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his dual performance. Ali also appeared in the 2023 Netflix thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’ alongside Julia Roberts. He continues to prepare for his upcoming lead role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Blade’ reboot. Ali’s presence remains synonymous with thoughtful, high-caliber dramatic acting.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise dominated the global box office with the 2022 release of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, a film credited with helping revitalize the cinema industry. He followed this success with ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ in 2023, continuing his reputation for performing dangerous stunts. Cruise has maintained his status as the last traditional movie star, focusing on massive theatrical experiences. His work over the past five years has been defined by high-stakes action and a commitment to practical filmmaking.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in early 2020 for his role in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. He continued his success with the 2022 action-comedy ‘Bullet Train’, which was a significant commercial hit. Pitt also starred in the 2022 epic ‘Babylon’ and made a memorable cameo in the action-adventure ‘The Lost City’. In 2024, he starred in the thriller ‘Wolfs’ alongside George Clooney. Pitt remains a central figure in Hollywood, alternating between blockbuster entertainment and artistic collaborations.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford experienced a major career resurgence on television, starring in the ‘Yellowstone’ prequel ‘1923’ (2022) and the comedy series ‘Shrinking’ (2023). He returned to his most iconic role for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ in 2023, providing a final chapter for the character. Ford also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, appearing in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. His move into streaming television has been met with significant critical praise.

Jason Segel

Jason Segel received critical acclaim for his lead role in the Apple TV+ series ‘Shrinking’ (2023), which he also co-created. He delivered a powerful dramatic performance in the 2022 film ‘Windfall’, playing a man who breaks into a billionaire’s vacation home. Segel also starred in the HBO series ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ as coach Paul Westhead. This period has seen Segel move away from purely comedic roles into more complex, dramatic territory.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Ebon Moss-Bachrach became a breakout star for his role as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich in the series ‘The Bear’ (2022). His performance earned him an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2024. He also appeared in the 2022 series ‘Andor’, part of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, and the 2023 film ‘No Hard Feelings’. Moss-Bachrach was recently cast as Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, in the upcoming ‘Fantastic Four’ film. His rise in the last five years has been characterized by intense, high-energy performances.

Alan Ritchson

Alan Ritchson achieved significant fame as the lead in the Prime Video series ‘Reacher’ (2022), based on the novels by Lee Child. His physical presence and stoic performance made the show one of the most-watched series on the platform. He also joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise in ‘Fast X’ (2023) as Aimes. In 2024, he starred in the action-drama ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ directed by Guy Ritchie. Ritchson has quickly become a prominent figure in the action genre.

Evan Peters

Evan Peters delivered a chilling, award-winning performance in the 2022 limited series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. He won a Golden Globe for the role, which was noted for its disturbing intensity. Peters also starred in the 2021 HBO limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’, for which he won an Emmy Award. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘Wish’ as a voice actor and continued his long-standing work in the ‘American Horror Story’ franchise. His recent work has cemented his reputation as one of the best character actors of his generation.

Wyatt Russell

Wyatt Russell gained widespread attention for his role as John Walker in the 2021 series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. He followed this with a lead role in the 2022 true-crime miniseries ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’. In 2023, he starred alongside his father, Kurt Russell, in the monster franchise series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. He also led the 2024 horror film ‘Night Swim’. Russell has successfully carved out a niche playing complex, often morally ambiguous characters.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors rose to prominence with his role in the 2020 series ‘Lovecraft Country’, earning an Emmy nomination. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kang the Conqueror, appearing in ‘Loki’ (2021) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023). Majors also starred in the 2023 boxing drama ‘Creed III’ as the antagonist Damian Anderson. He delivered a praised performance in the 2022 war drama ‘Devotion’. Despite legal controversies late in this period, his work between 2020 and 2023 was among the most discussed in the industry.

Share your thoughts on who you believe has delivered the most impactful performance of the last five years in the comments.