The Most Handsome Actors Of The 2000s

The 2000s saw a group of popular actors become the faces of huge movie franchises and award-winning films, really shaping the decade’s entertainment. Here’s a look at some of those actors—they starred in everything from serious dramas to big, fun blockbusters, and their movies are still enjoyable to watch today.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt successfully juggled critically acclaimed roles in films like ‘Babel’ and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ with big-budget action movies such as ‘Troy’ and the ‘Ocean’s’ franchise. Throughout the decade, his production company, Plan B, supported numerous award-winning projects. He consistently appeared at major film festivals and awards ceremonies, and his films continued to perform well at the box office worldwide, appealing to a wide range of audiences.

George Clooney

He starred in all three ‘Ocean’s’ movies and received praise for his roles in ‘Syriana’ and ‘Michael Clayton’. He also directed ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’, showcasing his skills as a filmmaker. This work led to many nominations for prestigious awards like the Oscars and Golden Globes. Beyond acting and directing, he remained a public figure through endorsements and his commitment to charitable causes.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Throughout the decade, he frequently worked with director Martin Scorsese on successful and critically acclaimed films like ‘Gangs of New York’, ‘The Aviator’, and ‘The Departed’. He consistently chose to appear in large-scale, dramatic movies that also performed well at the box office, earning him numerous award nominations. His films also achieved significant international recognition and popularity.

Tom Cruise

I’ve been a huge fan for years, and it’s amazing how he’s consistently delivered blockbuster after blockbuster with the ‘Mission Impossible’ films. Beyond those, I loved seeing him in movies like ‘Minority Report,’ ‘The Last Samurai,’ and ‘Collateral’ – he really showed his range. His movies always do incredibly well worldwide, consistently drawing huge crowds opening weekend. What’s even more impressive is that he’s worked with legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and Michael Mann, allowing him to explore so many different types of stories and characters. He seamlessly moves between intense action roles and more dramatic performances, which keeps things fresh and exciting.

Hugh Jackman

He first gained international fame through the ‘X-Men’ movies, and then broadened his career with roles in films like ‘The Prestige’ and ‘Australia’. He continued to perform on stage throughout his film work, often in prominent roles. He also frequently hosted large awards shows and carefully cultivated a positive public persona. He proved to be a remarkably versatile actor, successfully working in action, dramatic, and musical genres.

Keanu Reeves

He helped make the ‘Matrix’ sequels successful around the world. He then starred in action and genre films such as ‘Constantine’ and ‘Street Kings’. His movies consistently performed well on DVD and streaming. He became known for doing his own stunts and connecting with fans at events.

Orlando Bloom

He quickly became a major star thanks to his roles in blockbusters like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. He continued to appear in large-scale historical films such as ‘Kingdom of Heaven’. His movies were particularly successful internationally, and he further boosted his public image through fashion and advertising work.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp revitalized his career with the success of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ even as he continued working on films like ‘Finding Neverland’ and ‘Sweeney Todd.’ His frequent work with director Tim Burton created a unique and popular style that attracted large audiences. Throughout the decade, he received numerous Academy Award nominations, and merchandise related to his popular film roles further increased his public profile.

Christian Bale

Throughout the 2000s, he successfully revived the Batman franchise with ‘Batman Begins’ and earned praise for his roles in ‘The Machinist’ and ‘The Prestige’. He became known for his intense dedication to preparing for roles, which often received media attention. He consistently collaborated with highly respected directors and actors, and both the critical reception and commercial success of his films steadily increased.

Ryan Gosling

He first gained attention with ‘The Notebook’ and then proved his acting talent with ‘Half Nelson’. Early on, he built a reputation by starring in well-received independent films and becoming a familiar face at film festivals. These projects resonated with viewers internationally, gaining popularity through positive recommendations.

Jake Gyllenhaal

He first became known for his work in ‘Donnie Darko,’ and then starred in critically acclaimed films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Zodiac.’ He collaborated with renowned directors such as Ang Lee and David Fincher, establishing himself as a respected actor. His performances often blended emotionally complex characters with suspenseful, thrilling stories, leading to increasing awards and positive reviews.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger’s performance in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ was truly groundbreaking, and he also appeared in ‘The Dark Knight’ before the end of the 2000s. He’d previously demonstrated his versatility in films like ‘A Knight’s Tale,’ and quickly gained recognition from film festivals and critics. Even after his death, he continued to receive awards, solidifying his lasting influence on the film world.

Jude Law

He remained a popular actor, building on the success of ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ with roles in films like ‘Cold Mountain’, ‘Closer’, and ‘Alfie’. He skillfully moved between historical dramas and modern stories. In addition to film, he appeared in major fashion campaigns and showcased his range on stage in productions in both London and New York.

Ewan McGregor

As a huge movie fan, I always thought Ewan McGregor was incredibly versatile. He really grounded the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, but then he’d throw everyone with these amazing roles in films like ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Big Fish’! Those musical and fantasy parts definitely showed off his range and brought in a wider audience. He smartly balanced big studio films with smaller, independent projects, and honestly, with all those international press tours, he was everywhere – a constant, welcome presence.

Josh Hartnett

He directed blockbuster films like ‘Pearl Harbor’ and ‘Black Hawk Down,’ but later chose to work on smaller, independent projects such as ‘Lucky Number Slevin.’ He started his career in big ensemble movies and built a loyal following among younger audiences. By moving into independent films, he expanded the types of roles he took on.

Ben Affleck

I’ve been a huge fan of his work for years! He really became a leading man with those big movies like ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘Daredevil’, and ‘The Sum of All Fears’. Then, I was so impressed when he started directing, especially with ‘Gone Baby Gone’. He’s always been in the spotlight, getting recognized with awards and tons of press. And thankfully, he’s consistently worked with the major studios, so we’ve always had something new to look forward to from him.

Channing Tatum

He first gained attention with ‘Step Up’ and then continued building his career with films like ‘G.I. Joe’ and ‘Stop Loss’. His work in both dance and action movies helped him reach a wide audience. He consistently found roles in both big franchise films and smaller, independent projects, and early modeling and commercial work also contributed to his visibility.

Zac Efron

He first became well-known through the ‘High School Musical’ movies and TV shows. He then moved on to bigger films like ‘Hairspray’ and ‘17 Again,’ which consistently attracted young viewers and families. In addition to movies, his concerts and music releases helped him connect with an even wider audience.

Chris Evans

He first became well-known through films like ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Sunshine’. He established himself as a strong performer in both team-based movies and action-packed roles. Regularly attending fan conventions and events helped keep him in the public eye. Towards the end of the decade, he made career choices that ultimately led to opportunities in bigger blockbuster franchises.

Gerard Butler

He achieved international success with the film ‘300’ and continued with popular movies like ‘P.S. I Love You’ and ‘RocknRolla.’ He skillfully mixed action and romantic themes to attract a wider audience. His films consistently did well overseas, and he also expanded his work into voice acting and producing.

Matt Damon

He became known for the action-packed ‘Bourne’ films, which were popular worldwide. Alongside these blockbusters, he appeared in critically acclaimed movies like ‘The Departed’ and ‘Syriana’. His work with directors Paul Greengrass and Martin Scorsese consistently earned praise. He also stayed busy behind the scenes, co-writing and producing various projects throughout the decade.

Will Smith

He starred in popular films like ‘Men in Black II’, ‘I, Robot’, and ‘Hitch’, consistently attracting international audiences. Powerful performances in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and ‘Ali’ earned him significant award recognition. Hit songs from movie soundtracks and extensive promotional tours further boosted his popularity. He regularly released successful summer blockbusters that opened to strong numbers at the box office.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington first gained widespread praise for his role in ‘Training Day’ and continued to star in successful thrillers such as ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘Inside Man’. He also stepped behind the camera to direct ‘Antwone Fisher’. Throughout his career, his acting has consistently been recognized by awards bodies and critics, and his films have proven popular with audiences in a variety of genres.

Daniel Craig

He revitalized the James Bond franchise with films like ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’, emphasizing practical stunts and on-location filming. Beyond Bond, he took on roles in movies like ‘Layer Cake’ and ‘Defiance’ to showcase his range. His films consistently earned high box office returns worldwide, establishing him as a reliable leading man.

Tobey Maguire

He first gained recognition with roles in films like ‘The Cider House Rules’ and ‘Wonder Boys,’ establishing him as a serious actor. He then became a household name through ‘Spider-Man’ and its successful sequels, both in the US and internationally. To avoid being known for only one type of role, he balanced big-budget films with smaller, more independent projects. Consistent promotion, including marketing and fan events, helped keep the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise popular.

Paul Walker

I first really noticed him in ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ and he kept coming back for more of those movies as the franchise grew. He also popped up in some fun adventure and thriller films like ‘Into the Blue’ and ‘Running Scared.’ Over time, those movies – especially the ‘Fast & Furious’ series – really gained a following, thanks to DVDs, streaming, and constant TV airings. It was amazing to see how much people loved those car-focused stories, not just here, but all over the world!

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel became a major action star with films like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and ‘xXx’, and he also led ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’. His recognizable voice gained him early animation work that continued to help his career. Later in the 2010s, he returned to popular franchises, contributing to their box office success, and his work as a producer influenced the direction of his most famous series.

Matthew McConaughey

Throughout the 2000s, he consistently starred in popular films, including romantic comedies like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and ‘Failure to Launch,’ as well as action-adventure movies like ‘Sahara.’ This helped him attract a wide range of fans. He also stayed in the public eye through endorsements and appearances.

Colin Farrell

After gaining recognition in smaller roles, he transitioned to big-budget films like ‘Minority Report’, ‘Miami Vice’, and ‘Alexander’. He balanced these mainstream projects with smaller, independent films such as ‘In Bruges’. He became a go-to actor for directors making both modern crime thrillers and large-scale historical dramas, and frequent film festival appearances and promotional tours kept him in the public eye internationally.

Clive Owen

He first became well-known with the hit song ‘Closer’ and then starred in action movies like ‘Shoot Em Up’ and ‘Inside Man’. The critically acclaimed science fiction film ‘Children of Men’ further boosted his reputation. He often played complex, flawed characters in suspenseful thrillers, and consistent award nominations and magazine features kept him a prominent figure in the public eye.

Eric Bana

He first gained recognition in Australia before transitioning to Hollywood with films like ‘Black Hawk Down’ and ‘Hulk’. He then broadened his acting skills with historical dramas such as ‘Troy’ and intense thrillers like ‘Munich’. He frequently collaborated with well-known directors on films shot in diverse locations around the world, and international audiences significantly contributed to his overall success.

Gael García Bernal

He first gained international recognition with films like ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ and ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’. He consistently focused on stories built around compelling characters, working on projects in both Spanish and English. His work was championed by film festivals throughout Europe and the Americas, and he later expanded his role by producing and directing films aimed at fostering collaboration within Latin American cinema.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem gave powerful performances in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘The Sea Inside’. He first gained recognition for his work in Spanish films, and that success continued when he began appearing in English-language movies, earning critical acclaim. He’s known for his collaborations with acclaimed directors such as the Coen brothers and Alejandro Amenábar, and his work has been consistently recognized with awards from prestigious organizations and critics.

Ashton Kutcher

I’ve been a fan of Ashton Kutcher for years! He really hit it big with ‘That 70s Show,’ and then he proved he could do more with movies like ‘The Butterfly Effect’ and ‘What Happens in Vegas.’ But it wasn’t just acting – he was also a super successful producer with those hilarious hidden camera shows that everyone watched. And he’s always been great at connecting with fans, especially through social media. Plus, he’s consistently popped up in fun rom-coms and some really suspenseful thrillers, so he’s always been a reliable face at the box office.

Shia LaBeouf

He started his career in television before transitioning to feature films with movies like ‘Disturbia’ and ‘Eagle Eye’, eventually landing a role in ‘Transformers’. He collaborated with Steven Spielberg on several science fiction and adventure films. His movies consistently appealed to younger audiences and encouraged repeat viewings, and he stayed busy with franchise installments and sequels towards the end of the decade.

James Franco

As a movie fan, I’ve always been impressed with his versatility. He really disappeared into the role of James Dean, and then you see him in something huge like a Spider-Man movie – talk about range! But it wasn’t just blockbusters; he did some fantastic indie films like ‘Milk’ and ‘Pineapple Express,’ proving he could handle both serious drama and laugh-out-loud comedy. What’s really cool is he wasn’t just an actor – he was always experimenting with writing and directing too. Plus, he’s been involved in a lot of university programs and art projects, which I think really helped him connect with audiences on a different level.

Robert Pattinson

He first gained widespread recognition with a role in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,’ but became internationally famous with the ‘Twilight’ series when it debuted in the late 2000s. He balanced working on large blockbuster franchises with smaller, more dramatic projects to broaden his acting range. Extensive press tours and appearances at fan events further increased his visibility.

Daniel Radcliffe

Throughout the 2000s, he guided the ‘Harry Potter’ movies through several films. His work in London theater showed he was taking on more complex roles. He kept a demanding filming schedule that matched the release dates of the books. The series’ popularity was also boosted by related products and attractions at theme parks.

Idris Elba

I’ve been following this actor’s career for a while now, and it’s been fascinating to watch him grow. He really broke out with ‘The Wire,’ and then smartly moved into films like ‘American Gangster’ and ‘RocknRolla.’ What’s cool is he never got stuck in one place, constantly switching between British and American projects. And he’s a smart operator – his side hustle with music and DJing kept his name buzzing even when he wasn’t on screen. Honestly, some of the work he did later in the decade really paved the way for those bigger leading roles we’re seeing him take on now.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

After gaining recognition through early TV roles, he re-emerged with critically acclaimed films like ‘Brick’ and ‘The Lookout’. He finished the decade with the popular romantic comedy ‘500 Days of Summer’, which gained a strong following through positive reviews. He then created an online company to help fund and develop creative projects, consistently choosing stories that centered on well-developed characters and resonated with festival audiences.

Share your favorites from the 2000s in the comments and tell us who you would add to the list.

2025-11-05 08:19