Greatest Actors of all Time

Crazy world this cinema is. Once one becomes a part of it, it is very difficult to get out. Much like love. But that aside, rarely will you find someone who says that they don't like movies or that they don't have a favorite actor in Hollywood. Even if that is the case, people usually know about actors, even if they don't necessarily follow them. And most are intrigued by the things that an actor, converted into a para-human on screen, is capable of doing. This article is for those who are self-proclaimed fanatics of the film world and follow the works of these great actors to the boot.

Best Actors of all Time

What do movies do to us? They take us into a parallel world - the world of 'what if' and 'I wish'. And the actors? Well they are the quintessential dream, that we want to see happen to ourselves. We want to be them and have their lives. We want to be able to fight evil like they do and carry off that suave style and persona...Be all glamor and money. In short be like an actor, cause actors represent all this. We've had the fortune of watching some of the greatest actors of all time perform over the years and followed them diligently, haven't we? Perhaps, it is time to talk about the best actors of all time...gather around everyone.

P.S.- This list does not go back to the 40s and 50s.

Robert De Niro
I shall not complete this list without the mention of Robert De Niro. Again, a superlative actor who has the ability to just transform a role into reality. His films 'Raging Bull', 'Taxi Driver' and so many others are etched into our memories forever. He literally undergoes a personality change to fit and portray the character that he plays, to the hilt.

Al Pacino
Al Pacino has carved a niche for himself in the American movies. His portrayal of roles has given him that spot. No one can forget his legendary roles with coach and mentor Lee Strasberg in 'The Godfather II'. Many more were to follow like - 'The Devil's Advocate' and 'Scent of a Woman'.

Tom Hanks
Who does not love this guy? He's done them all....the funny guy in 'Big', the quintessential romantic hero in 'You've got Mail' and 'Sleeping in Seattle'. Then a shift into serious forays like 'Cast Away' and 'Forest Gump'. And every time a superlative performance. The rigorous training Tom Hanks undergoes to play the roles with conviction and comes out with one great performance after the other, is inspiring for the other actors. He's really made a slot for himself and has made sure that whenever actors are mentioned, his name is not left out.

Johnny Depp
It is amazing how this actor can just take up the role of any individual and then go about playing it as if there was no one else who could have done it better. Johnny Depp looks so stunningly convincing in all the roles that he portrays, that we tend to forget he is acting and not living the role. With his film Edward Scissor-hands in 1990, he came into the public eye and has never stopped entertaining, and more importantly awing the audience with his somewhat quirky portrayals of characters who can easily go down in history. No matter if he's the nutty Jack Sparrows in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or the somewhat weird, Willy Wonka of 'Charllie and the Chocolate Factory', it'll be a long time till we are able to forget him. Oh ya..and it does not hurt that he looks so good.

Russell Crowe
Deceiving looks 'coz you never know what he'll do next. This guy has just captured the audiences hearts with his performances in 'Gladiator', 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Cinderella Man'. Russell Crowe has this uncanny ability to pick up great scripts and then do an excellent job of executing them.

Denzel Washington
Not only does this actor have some great oomph, but he makes sure that's not all that there is to talk about him. His boisterously charming looks and great acting skills have put him on the list as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. His memorable movies include 'The Pelican Brief' and 'Philadelphia'.

1. Marlon Brando
2. Anthony Hopkins
3. Jack Nicholson
4. Harrison Ford
5. Dustin Hoffman
6. Sean Penn
7. Gene Hackman
8. Edward Norton
9. Robin Williams
10. Michael Caine
11. Samuel Jackson
12. Richard Gere
13. Morgan Freeman
14. Eddie Murphy
15. Nicolas Cage
16. Leonardo Di Caprio
17. Jim Carrey
18. Brad Pitt
19. Tom Cruise
20. Bruce Willis

Yes I'm sure I have left out quite a few actors out here and trust me, I don't doubt their credibility as great actors one bit, but this is a never ending process. So please excuse me for it