Ryan Gosling's Best Roles

Ryan Gosling turns 46 today! Throughout his career, the actor has starred in romantic dramas, comedies, thrillers, and sci-fi action films. Some of his characters, like the Driver from "Drive" or Ken from "Barbie", have long since become part of internet culture.

To celebrate Gosling's birthday, we decided to look back at his best roles and put together six films worth watching or revisiting.

The Notebook (2004)

One of the most famous love stories in cinema. Noah and Allie fall in love, but circumstances keep trying to tear them apart. If you're in the mood for a beautiful romance and don't mind shedding a few tears, this is a great choice.

Interestingly, things behind the scenes were far less romantic. Gosling and Rachel McAdams clashed so much during filming that the actor once even asked for his co-star to be replaced in a scene. However, the two eventually started dating in real life.

Drive (2011)

By day, the main character works as a mechanic and stunt driver. By night, he helps criminals escape from robberies. He barely speaks, but he's exceptionally good at driving and solving problems.

"Drive" left a lasting impression on audiences not only with its car chases and brutal scenes, but also with its incredible atmosphere: nighttime Los Angeles, neon lights, electronic music, and the iconic scorpion jacket. The latter became so popular that replicas are still being sold today.

The Nice Guys (2016)

If you're looking for a good laugh, this crime comedy is definitely worth checking out. Gosling plays a rather unsuccessful private detective who is forced to team up with a tough enforcer played by Russell Crowe. Together, they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman in 1970s Los Angeles.

Clumsy fights, absurd situations, great humor, and brilliant chemistry between the two leads. Probably one of Gosling's most underrated comedies.

La La Land (2016)

The story of an aspiring actress and a jazz pianist who are trying to make it in Los Angeles while keeping their relationship alive. A beautiful, musical, and at times heartbreaking film about dreams and the choices we have to make to pursue them.

To prepare for the role of Sebastian, Gosling spent three months learning to play the piano. He became so good at it that he performed all the piano scenes himself, without a double.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In a dark future, humans live alongside replicants, artificially created beings that are almost impossible to distinguish from real people. Gosling plays Officer K, who investigates a case that could change everything people believe about their world.

This is a slow-paced sci-fi film with breathtaking visuals, a soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, and thought-provoking questions that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Barbie (2023)

What could possibly surprise you about a movie based on the famous doll? Yet Gosling, playing Ken, managed to become one of the film's biggest sources of humor and one of its most talked-about characters.

Interestingly, a real-life incident partly convinced him to take the role. The actor found a Ken doll lying face down in the mud in his backyard, next to a squashed lemon. After that, he decided that the story of such an unlucky character really deserved to be told.

Gosling is also a musician!

Not everyone knows that Ryan Gosling co-founded the band Dead Man's Bones with Zach Shields. In 2009, the duo released a self-titled album featuring an unusual blend of indie rock, gothic folk, and choral vocals. And in late October 2026, the band unexpectedly returned after a 17-year break with a new single, "Lost in the Night".

Enjoy your favorite movies with Ninja Pizza!

Ryan Gosling's birthday is the perfect excuse to rewatch your favorite films starring the actor or finally catch up on the ones you've been putting off. Order your favorite pizza from Ninja Pizza and enjoy a great movie in good company!