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The Greatest British Actors of All Time

Ranker Community

Updated May 3, 2024 473.8K views 219 items

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409.7K votes

28.1K voters

78 reranks

Voting Rules

Male actors born in Great Britain. Vote based on their entire body of work in film.

Discover the allure and talent of the best British male actors in this fan-ranked list. Celebrated for their captivating accents and strong screen presence, these British actors have earned their spot in the limelight, appealing to both TV and movie enthusiasts worldwide. From the United Kingdom, encompassing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this list features famous British actors who have made significant contributions to cinema and television.

Among these celebrated talents are well-known names like Daniel Day-Lewis, Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, and Gary Oldman. These actors from Britain not only have a global fan base but also boast of an impressive array of awards and recognitions for their work. This collection is not just a list; it's a reflection of public opinion, shaped and ranked by fans who appreciate the remarkable skills of these English actors.

Your votes play a crucial role in this crowd-sourced ranking, elevating your favorite British male actors and helping them secure their rightful place among the best. Participate in this celebration of British talent and see where your top picks stand among the finest actors Britain has to offer.

Most divisive: Richard Armitage

Over 28.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest British Actors of All Time

1
Anthony Hopkins
Margam, Port Talbot, Wales
7,816 votes
Anthony Hopkins, fearlessly delving into the chilling character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, haunts the realm of acting with an unparalleled intensity. Alongside his eerie intellect, he has graced the industry with roles that bear intricate emotional depth, cementing his position as a truly legendary British actor.
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2
Gary Oldman
New Cross, London, England
7,627 votes
Gary Oldman, hailed for his chameleonic prowess, has portrayed a wide array of characters from Dracula to Winston Churchill, earning him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. With his masterful screen performances, Oldman has firmly established himself as both a versatile and charismatic British actor.
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3
Alan Rickman
England, London
9,008 votes
Alan Rickman, a beloved British actor with an unmistakable voice, won hearts for his roles as complex villains with a hidden humane quality, such as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. Tragically departed in 2016, he leaves behind a lasting impact on the acting world, having dazzled audiences with his distinctive talent.
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4
Michael Caine
Rotherhithe, London, England
6,482 votes
Michael Caine's illustrious career boasts of iconic characters from the stylish spy Harry Palmer to the loyal butler Alfred in The Dark Knight trilogy. Undeniably talented, Caine has earned two Academy Awards while charming the world with his Cockney accent and captivating on-screen presence.
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5
Ian McKellen
Burnley, Lancashire, England
6,988 votes
Ian McKellen, renowned for his Shakespearean credentials, magnificently transformed into well-loved characters like Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and Magneto in the X-Men series. His mesmerising talent for portraying immortal figures has etched his name in the pantheon of great British actors.
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6
Benedict Cumberbatch
London, England, UK
7,273 votes
Benedict Cumberbatch's chiseled features and velvet voice have thrust him into the limelight, brilliantly portraying the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes and the complex mathematician Alan Turing. As a popular British actor, Cumberbatch continues to captivate audiences with his strong screen presence and unmistakable charisma.
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7
Patrick Stewart
Mirfield, Yorkshire, England
5,212 votes
Patrick Stewart, a distinguished British actor, found fame with his steadfast portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and as the wise Professor X in the X-Men series. With his stately presence and sonorous voice, he commands the respect and admiration of legions of fans.
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8
Daniel Day-Lewis
England, London
5,551 votes
Daniel Day-Lewis, a chameleon of the acting realm, continues to astound and captivate with his transformative roles, from the tragic Christy Brown to the sublime Abraham Lincoln, earning him a well-deserved, record-breaking three Best Actor Academy Awards. His adeptness at submerging himself into diverse characters has earned him a hallowed status among British actors.
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9
Christopher Lee
Belgravia, London, England
4,665 votes
Christopher Lee's imposing figure and deep voice led to memorable roles as Count Dracula and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The knighted actor's unparalleled ability to embody the epitome of evil made him one of the most beloved and respected British actors in history.
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10
John Hurt
Shirebrook, Derbyshire, England
4,165 votes
John Hurt's career spanned over six decades, with his haunting portrayal of a tormented man in The Elephant Man and a chilling performance as Ollivander in the Harry Potter series. The late actor's incredible talent for embodying the vulnerability in his characters solidified his legacy as an extraordinary British actor.
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11
Alec Guinness
England, London
4,424 votes
Alec Guinness, an actor of utmost distinction, graced the silver screen with unforgettable roles, most notably as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars series. Possessing an incomparable screen presence, he is remembered as one of the most versatile and cherished British actors of all time.
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12
Ralph Fiennes
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
5,211 votes
Ralph Fiennes, a consummate actor, has effortlessly portrayed unforgettable roles like the menacing Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and the brooding spy in The Constant Gardener. His incredible ability to oscillate between menacing villains and sympathetic protagonists has etched his name in the annals of accomplished British actors.
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13
Sean Connery
United Kingdom
5,556 votes
Sean Connery, the original screen James Bond, defined an era in the '60s with his magnetic charm and polished acting skills. This dashing Scotsman garnered acclaim for his role in The Untouchables and continues to be hailed as one of the finest and most iconic British actors.
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14
Christian Bale
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
5,348 votes
Christian Bale, a chameleon of the acting world, has enthralled audiences with his phenomenal roles such as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho and the brooding Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight trilogy. Completing his transformative performances with sheer dedication, Bale has solidified his elite position among the greatest British actors.
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15
Liam Neeson
Ballymena, Northern Ireland, UK
5,464 votes
Liam Neeson, flaunting his brooding good looks and striking stature, found fame in his role as Oskar Schindler and subsequently starred in numerous action films. Possessing a commanding presence, he has emblazoned his name among the pantheon of well-regarded British actors.
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16
Ewan McGregor
Scotland, Perth
4,317 votes
Ewan McGregor, the charming and versatile performer, has infatuated the acting world with his memorable roles as Mark Renton in Trainspotting, and as the romantic lead in Moulin Rouge! Continuing to enthrall audiences, this Scottish heartthrob has become an enduring presence among beloved British actors.
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17
Tom Hardy
Hammersmith, London, England
4,298 votes
Tom Hardy, a fearless and powerful performer, has swiftly risen to fame with his nuanced portrayals in Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Revenant. With a penchant for bold and captivating roles, Hardy is undoubtedly carving his own legacy among the celebrated British actors.
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18
Tom Hiddleston
Westminster, London, England
5,008 votes
Tom Hiddleston, a rising star with undeniable charisma and impeccable acting chops, shone in his role as the enigmatic Loki in the Thor and Avengers franchises. Unafraid of tackling diverse roles and showcasing his spellbinding talent, this Shakespearean-trained actor is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with among British actors.
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19
David Tennant
Bathgate, Scotland, UK
3,741 votes
David Tennant, a dynamic and versatile actor, exudes an unparalleled enthusiasm in his portrayal of the unforgettable Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who and the enigmatic Kilgrave in Jessica Jones. His distinct on-screen presence and infectious energy have etched him firmly in the hearts of fans and positioned him as a beloved British actor.
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20
Charlie Chaplin
England
3,967 votes
Charlie Chaplin, a pioneer of British acting, gave the world the enduring symbol of the Tramp character through his memorable silent films. Chaplin's unparalleled comedic genius and physical dexterity immortalised him in the pantheon of revered British actors, his extraordinary legacy continuing to inspire generations of performers.
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21
Ben Kingsley
Scarborough, Yorkshire, England
3,917 votes
Ben Kingsley, a distinguished British actor, bestowed his extraordinary talent upon the world with his transformative portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the eponymous film. With an enduring presence in the entertainment industry, Kingsley continues to astound with his iconic characters and unwavering passion for the craft of acting.
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22
James McAvoy
Port Glasgow, Scotland, UK
4,575 votes
James McAvoy, a consistently engaging actor, has captured the hearts of fans with his magnetic performance as the affable Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia and the versatile Kevin in Split. As his accolades and reputation continue to grow, McAvoy emerges as a prominent figure among contemporary British actors.
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23
Sean Bean
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
3,740 votes
Sean Bean, the chiseled Yorkshireman, has made a lasting impression on audiences with his poignant portrayal of Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and the troubled Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Through his exceptional talent for embodying complex characters, Bean has established himself as a respected and captivating British actor.
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24
Richard Harris
Limerick, Republic of Ireland
3,459 votes
Richard Harris, a celebrated British actor, charmed movie-goers in his role as the benevolent Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. His larger-than-life presence and timeless talent etched his name in the annals of legendary British actors.
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25
Tim Curry
Grappenhall, Cheshire, England
2,310 votes
Tim Curry, a master of sinister seduction, stole the limelight with his sensual performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the nefarious Pennywise in It. With his commanding presence and uncanny ability to terrify and seduce, Curry earns his title as an unconventional and unforgettable British actor.
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26
Rowan Atkinson
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, UK
3,683 votes
Rowan Atkinson, the brilliantly silly comedian, instantly illuminated the world with his lovable character Mr. Bean while demonstrating his deft comedic timing as the foolish Edmund Blackadder. With his quintessentially British wit and rubber-faced expressions, Atkinson has endeared himself to audiences worldwide as an adored British actor.
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27
Peter O'Toole
Connemara, Galway, Ireland
3,496 votes
Peter O'Toole, a legendary British actor, captivated audiences with his arresting portrayal of the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence in the classic Lawrence of Arabia. With his hauntingly beautiful blue eyes and exceptional range, O'Toole etched his name in the annals of history as one of the most talented British actors to grace the silver screen.
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28
Hugh Laurie
Oxford, England, UK
3,551 votes
Hugh Laurie, both a versatile actor and accomplished musician, made his mark on the acting world with his comical Dr. House in the eponymous television series. Famed for his dry wit and mastery of the American accent, Laurie has risen to prominence as one of Britain's most beloved and multifaceted talents.
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29
Idris Elba
Hackney, England, UK
3,400 votes
Idris Elba, a magnetic British actor, effortlessly exudes a commanding presence whether portraying the complex Luther in the eponymous series or the charismatic drug trafficker Stringer Bell in The Wire. As Elba's star continues to rise, he secures his standing as one of the most sought-after and highly accomplished British actors.
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30
Eddie Redmayne
London, England, UK
3,081 votes
Eddie Redmayne, an actor with astonishing range, earned accolades for his intuitive portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and the lovable Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series. With his boyish charm and unwavering dedication, Redmayne has charmed his way into the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
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