From indie heartbreakers to blockbuster bangers—this is your Gosling binge list, sorted.
Whether you’re riding the post-Barbie “Kenergy” wave or just rediscovered The Notebook during a late-night scroll, one thing’s clear: Ryan Gosling doesn’t miss. He has that rare ability to flip between moody loner, romantic lead, comedic genius, and existential android—sometimes all in the same decade.
So if you’re wondering what to watch next, we’ve got you covered. These are the top 10 Ryan Gosling movies—the ones fans love, critics rave about, and honestly? You need to stream right now.
1. La La Land (2016)
Genre: Musical Drama
Streaming on: Netflix / Prime Video
We’re starting with the obvious—and for good reason. In La La Land, Gosling’s jazz-obsessed pianist Sebastian falls in love with Emma Stone’s struggling actress Mia. It’s dreamy. It’s heartbreaking. It’s visually stunning. And yes, that final montage will wreck you in the most beautiful way.
Add in the fact that Gosling learned to actually play the piano for this role, and it’s clear: this performance was no casual flirtation with musical stardom. It was a full romance.
Watch for the music, stay for the heartbreak.
2. Blue Valentine (2010)
Genre: Romantic Drama
Streaming on: Peacock / Tubi
This one’s for the emotionally brave. Blue Valentine is not your typical love story—it’s a gut-punch in indie film form. Told in a non-linear structure, the movie jumps between the sweet beginnings of a relationship and its slow, painful unraveling.
Gosling and Michelle Williams are devastatingly raw here. There’s no makeup, no glam, no script polish—just two people loving, hurting, and breaking apart.
Fair warning: it’ll hurt, but in that good, artfully devastating way.
3. Drive (2011)
Genre: Neo-noir Crime Thriller
Streaming on: Hulu / Netflix
Drive is quiet, stylish, and shockingly brutal. Gosling barely says a word, but he owns every scene as “The Driver”—a Hollywood stuntman moonlighting as a getaway driver.
This movie is basically a vibes masterclass. From the retro synth soundtrack to the infamous elevator scene, everything just feels cool. Gosling’s performance is all about restraint, emotion simmering under the surface—and when it explodes, it’s unforgettable.
Come for the jacket. Stay for the chaos.
4. The Nice Guys (2016)
Genre: Action Comedy
Streaming on: Netflix / HBO Max
You want funny Gosling? This is peak comedy Gosling.
Teamed up with Russell Crowe, he plays Holland March—a bumbling private investigator in 1970s L.A. trying to solve a missing person case that spirals into wild territory. The chemistry between the leads is off-the-charts, and Gosling’s slapstick timing? Surprisingly elite.
Think Lethal Weapon, but weirder and funnier—with a surprising amount of heart.
5. The Notebook (2004)
Genre: Romance
Streaming on: Prime Video / Max
No list is complete without the role that made “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” a part of cinematic history.
Yes, it’s sappy. Yes, it’s dramatic. But it’s also deeply beloved for a reason. Gosling’s Noah and Rachel McAdams’ Allie are the blueprint for 2000s-era romance. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the 50th, it still hits.
You’ll roll your eyes… and cry. Just embrace it.
6. The Big Short (2015)
Genre: Biographical Comedy-Drama
Streaming on: Netflix / Paramount+
Gosling steals every scene as Jared Vennett, a slick Wall Street trader who breaks the fourth wall and drops financial truth bombs with hilarious delivery.
The movie dives deep into the 2008 financial collapse—but somehow makes it accessible and fun. Gosling’s charisma carries a lot of that weight. This is the film that reminds you he can be charming and educational.
Who knew mortgage-backed securities could be this fun?
7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama
Streaming on: Hulu / Apple TV
In this visually stunning follow-up to the original Blade Runner, Gosling plays Officer K, a replicant who questions his identity and place in the world.
The tone is slow and meditative—but that’s the point. It’s a haunting, introspective role, and Gosling nails the balance between stoicism and vulnerability. Plus, the cinematography? Absolutely breathtaking.
One of the most visually beautiful movies of the last decade. Period.
8. Barbie (2023)
Genre: Comedy / Fantasy
Streaming on: Max
Yes, it’s recent. Yes, it’s Barbie. But Gosling’s turn as “Ken” is a full-blown comedic triumph.
He delivers physical comedy, emotional depth, and a power ballad that’s now a gym anthem. It’s campy, hilarious, and somehow genuinely touching. If you weren’t on the Kenergy train before, this movie makes you a passenger for life.
Kenough said.
9. Half Nelson (2006)
Genre: Drama
Streaming on: Criterion / Pluto TV
Gosling plays Dan Dunne, a middle-school teacher battling drug addiction while forming a bond with a student. It’s gritty, grounded, and earned him his first Oscar nomination.
This isn’t a flashy performance—it’s raw and intimate. He shows the slow unraveling of someone trying to do good but constantly failing himself. It’s heartbreaking, yet deeply human.
Indie Gosling is a different beast—and this is one of his finest.
10. Fracture (2007)
Genre: Legal Thriller
Streaming on: Hulu / Apple TV
Want to watch Ryan Gosling play cat-and-mouse with Anthony Hopkins? Fracture is your move.
As an ambitious prosecutor trying to nail Hopkins’ smug, clearly guilty (but legally untouchable) character, Gosling brings just the right mix of slick confidence and unraveling frustration. It’s smart, sharp, and surprisingly fun.
Underrated thriller. Underrated Gosling. A total win.
Final Thoughts: Your Weekend? Booked.
Ryan Gosling isn’t just one of Hollywood’s most consistent actors—he’s also one of the most versatile. Whether you want to cry, laugh, swoon, or question the meaning of life while staring at neon cityscapes—there’s a Gosling movie for that.
So grab your popcorn, open up that streaming app, and start checking these off. And hey—don’t blame us when you end up deep-diving into every corner of his filmography.
Just call it self-care. Gosling-style.
