MY TOP 10 LEADING MEN WORKING RIGHT NOW

Unfortunately, Dr. Jones missed THE LIST!

While there are a lot of great working actors out there, for the purposes of our list here today, we will be sticking to leading men. We are also basing this on acting ability as opposed to box office draw or popularity. Here they are (in order):

10. RUSSELL CROWE.

I kind of see Crowe as being the modern-day Bruce Willis. That is, the modern-day every man action star… only a little slower and pudgier. Though, he’s also a better actor and while his recent films have been a bit lackluster, don’t fool yourself. Crowe could easily be back at the Oscar podium in the years to come.

9. BRAD PITT.

It’s a shame his marriage and looks tend to overshadow his abilities as an actor so often because the truth is this guy’s got mad skills.

8. DENZEL WASHINGTON.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with Denzel. To me, he’s kind of himself in every role. However, “himself” happens to be one hell of a good actor. I’d go so far as to say, like most others I’m sure, that he’s up there with Poitier as one of the greatest black actors to ever grace the big screen.

7. MATT DAMON.

Matt Damon has continued to pad his resume with great films and work with a variety of talented filmmakers. I would say he’s easily next in line to be the go-to actor when the likes of Clooney, Pitt and those other vets start to watch their careers slow down a bit. I could also see him being the next Tom Hanks.

6. JOHNNY DEPP.

Depp went the hard road to achieve his A-list status. Taking quirky and artsy films to destroy his Tiger Beat image and establish himself as an actor first. An accomplishment that allows him the right to do things like the Pirates films and feel no trepidation about being a sell out.

5. TOM CRUISE.

Hugely underrated due to his off-screen life and the types of films he tends to make. Cruise is one of the most intense actors I have ever watched and should never not be in a conversation like this.

4. ROBERT DOWNEY, JR.

Simply put, RDJ is great in everything he does. It’s strange to think how much he could have done had drugs and alcohol never entered the equation. Still, we love a good comeback story and that’s what we have here. An actor who blew up to the top of Hollywood and finds a way to bring great acting, even if he’s playing a comic book character in an iron suit.

3. CHRISTIAN BALE.

Another man on this list who tends to be overshadowed by his recent more mainstream roles and offscreen antics. However, aside from #1 on this list, he’s probably the greatest chameleon in Hollywood. Just watch films like The Machinist and American Psycho and you’ll see that few have the ability to bring so much, physically and emotionally, to a role.

2. TOM HANKS.

Beloved for almost 3 decades now, Hanks has kind of become the elder statesman of Hollywood. His every guy looks and charms makes him so easy to connect with and the comedies he did early on earned him a special place in all our hearts. His work in recent years has continued to be solid and until he hangs up his cleats, he has got to be considered one of the best in the game.

1. DANIEL DAY LEWIS.

I honestly might consider DDL one of the greatest actors to ever live. I have never seen a more  intense and prepared actor in my life. Not to mention the fact that he seems like a shape-shifter, transforming himself perfectly into every role he plays. If you think you can come up with a better #1… I’m all ears!