European actors aren’t as popular as those in Hollywood, but they’re undoubtedly more crafted. Don’t get me wrong, my goal isn’t to prove they’re better, nor would such a statement make sense.
Nevertheless, it’s known that European actors can play a wide range of roles. Moreover, they also work across various media, including film, theater, and TV.
Be as it may, let’s see the best European actors, according to my tastes.
Charlie Chaplin
Country: United Kingdom / England
Strengths: Master of physical comedy, emotional storytelling, and social satire, blending humor with profound humanity.
Crucial roles: The Great Dictator, Modern Times, The Gold Rush, City Lights, The Pilgrim, Souls for Sale, The Kid, Limelight, Monsieur Verdoux, The Circus, A King in New York
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, Venice Film Festival, Bodil Awards, BAFTAs, Photoplay Awards, Cahiers du Cinéma, National Board of Review, USA, New York Film Critics Circle Awards
What makes Charlie Chaplin special: His ability to create universally resonant stories without spoken dialogue, crafting an iconic screen persona that bridged comedy and pathos for audiences worldwide.
Mark Rylance
Country: United Kingdom / England
Strengths: Exceptional precision and emotional depth with a phenomenal stage presence.
Crucial roles: Bridge of Spies, Dunkirk, Wolf Hall, The Phantom of the Open, Bones and All
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, Tony Awards, Olivier Award, BAFTAs
What makes Mark Rylance special: As one of the older European actors, he combines classical theatre training with understated film performances.
Laurence Olivier
Country: United Kingdom / England
Strengths: Commanding voice and presence; pioneer of modern Shakespearean acting on screen and stage.
Crucial roles: Hamlet, Richard III, Rebecca, King Lear
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Berlin International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival
What makes Laurence Olivier special: Legendary influence on 20th-century acting with a transformative ability in classical roles.
Gary Oldman
Country: United Kingdom / England
Strengths: Versatile chameleon with intense character immersion.
Crucial roles: Darkest Hour, Leon: The Professional, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Slow Horses, Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, European Film Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes
What makes Gary Oldman special: Known for radical physical and vocal transformations.
Christian Bale
Country: United Kingdom / Wales / England
Strengths: Extreme physical and emotional commitment to roles.
Crucial roles: The Fighter, American Psycho, The Machinist, American Hustle, Vice, The Dark Knight
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, European Film Awards
What makes Christian Bale special: Unmatched dedication to transforming his body and psyche for each role.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Country: United Kingdom / Ireland
Strengths: Immersive method acting with unparalleled intensity.
Crucial roles: There Will Be Blood, Lincoln, My Left Foot, Phantom Thread, Gangs of New York, In the Name of the Father
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Berlin International Film Festival, European Film Awards, Golden Globes,
What makes Daniel Day-Lewis special: Regarded as one of the greatest actors for total character embodiment.
Peter O’Toole
Country: United Kingdom / Ireland
Strengths: Charismatic, theatrical, and poetic performance style.
Crucial roles: Lawrence of Arabia, The Lion in Winter, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Venus, My Favorite Year, Troy
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, David di Donatello Awards
What makes Peter O’Toole special: Magnetic presence combined with rich classical training.
Anthony Hopkins
Country: United Kingdom / Wales
Strengths: Cold precision and captivating intensity.
Crucial roles: The Silence of the Lambs, The Remains of the Day, The Father, Westworld, Hitchcock, Fracture, The World’s Fastest Indian
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, European Films Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Moscow International Film Festival
What makes Anthony Hopkins special: Ability to create unforgettable and chilling characters with subtle nuance.
Cillian Murphy
Country: Ireland
Strengths: Intensely magnetic yet quietly resonant. His piercing gaze and emotional restraint create powerful, complex characters.
Crucial roles: Peaky Blinders, Disco Pigs, Breakfast on Pluto, Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Anthropoid, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, 28 Days Later, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, European Film Awards, Golden Globes, IFTA Film & Drama Awards, National Film Awards, BIFAs
What makes Cillian Murphy special: He balances understated restraint with powerful emotional resonance. He can fully inhabit any character across genres. When it comes to fantastic yet famous European actors, he is it.
Tom Hardy
Country: United Kingdom / England
Strengths: Remarkable physical and vocal versatility paired with intense emotional presence and magnetic danger.
Crucial roles: Peaky Blinders, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception, Bronson, Locke, Legend, The Revenant, Warrior
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, European Film Awards, BIFAs, Critics Choice Awards
What makes Tom Hardy special: He masterfully transforms physically, vocally, and psychologically into a wide array of intense, complex characters.
Marcello Mastroianni
Country: Italy
Strengths: Natural charm and effortless charisma.
Crucial roles: La Dolce Vita, 8½, Divorce Italian Style, Marriage Italian Style, A Special Day, Dark Eyes
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, Cannes, César Awards, BAFTAs, European Film Awards
What makes Marcello Mastroianni special: Iconic figure of Italian cinema embodying romance and melancholy.
Toni Servillo
Country: Italy
Strengths: Quiet intensity and emotional authenticity.
Crucial roles: The Great Beauty, Il Divo, Gomorrah, The Hand of God, The Consequences of Love, Loro
Most important nominations at: European Film Awards, David di Donatello Awards, Locarno Film Festival, Venice Film Festival
What makes Toni Servillo special: Master of portraying complex, introspective Italian characters.
Stellan Skarsgård
Country: Sweden
Strengths: Versatility across European and Hollywood films.
Crucial roles: Good Will Hunting, Mamma Mia!, Chernobyl, Nymphomaniac, Amistad, The Physician, Goya’s Ghosts
Most important nominations at: European Film Awards, Berlin International Film Festival, BAFTAs, Bodil Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Guldbagge Awards
What makes Stellan Skarsgard special: Seamlessly moves between intense dramas and popular films.
Mads Mikkelsen
Country: Denmark
Strengths: Cold, enigmatic, and magnetic villainy with emotional depth.
Crucial roles: Pusher, Hannibal, The Hunt, Casino Royale, Another Round, A Royal Affair, Bleeder, The Promised Land
Most important nominations at: Cannes, European Film Awards, BAFTAs, Bodil Awards, Sarajevo Film Festival, Danish Film Awards
What makes Mads Mikkelsen special: Striking presence with a haunting, minimalistic style.
Kim Bodnia
Country: Denmark
Strengths: Gritty realism and compelling screen presence.
Crucial roles: Pusher, Bleeder, The Bridge, Killing Eve, Nightwatch, Nefarious
Most important nominations at: BAFTAs, Danish Film Awards, Bodil Awards, Zulu Awards
What makes Kim Bodnia special: Portrays flawed and complex characters with raw intensity.
Max von Sydow
Country: Sweden
Strengths: Gravitas and versatility across arthouse and mainstream films.
Crucial roles: The Seventh Seal, The Exorcist, The Emigrants, Hamsun, Flash Gordon, Robin Hood, Private Confessions, The Passion of Anna, Shame
Most important nominations at: BAFTAs, Academy Awards, Cannes, Emmys, European Film Awards, Golden Globes, Venice Film Festival
What makes Max von Sydow special: Iconic for his solemn, profound character portrayals.
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Country: France
Strengths: Charismatic rebel with a distinctive casual style.
Crucial roles: Breathless, Pierrot le Fou, That Man from Rio, Léon Morin, Priest, Le Professionnel, The Snitch, Two Women, Une Femme est une Femme
Most important nominations at: Cannes, César Awards, BAFTAs, Venice Film Festival
What makes Jean-Paul Belmondo special: Embodied French New Wave cool and anti-hero charm. Undoubtedly, one of the best European actors of all time.
Jean-Pierre Léaud
Country: France
Strengths: Icon of French New Wave with youthful spontaneity.
Crucial roles: The 400 Blows, Masculin Féminin, Antoine et Colette, I Hired a Contract Killer, Bed & Board, La maman et la putain, Day for Night, Two English Girls, Stolen Kisses, Love on the Run
Most important nominations at: Berlin International Film Festival, BAFTAs, Cannes, Cesar Awards
What makes Jean-Pierre Léaud special: Represented authentic youth and rebellion in cinema. One of the top European actors because of his authenticity.
Alain Delon
Country: France
Strengths: Striking screen presence with brooding intensity.
Crucial Roles: Le Samouraï, The Leopard, L’Éclisse, Plein Soleil, Rocco and His Brothers, Mr. Klein, Indian Summer, The Unvanquished, The Love Cage
Most important nominations at: Cannes, Berlin International Film Festival, Golden Globes, César Awards, Bambi Awards
What makes Alain Delon special: Embodied cool, elegant anti-heroes in European cinema.
Bruno Ganz
Country: Switzerland
Strengths: Deeply humane and transformative acting.
Crucial roles: Wings of Desire, Downfall, The Reader, Winter Journey, Heidi, Bread and Tulips, In the White City, Der Erfinder
Most important nominations at: European Film Awards, Swiss Film Prize, German Film Awards, Montreal World Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, Bambi Awards
What makes Bruno Ganz special: Masterful at portraying emotional vulnerability and historical figures.
Christoph Waltz
Country: Austria / Germany
Strengths: Elegant villainy combined with dark humor.
Crucial roles: Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, Carnage, Spectre, Big Eyes, Kopfstand
Most important nominations at: Cannes, Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, European Film Awards
What makes Christoph Waltz special: Distinctive multilingual talent with razor-sharp wit.
Javier Bardem
Country: Spain
Strengths: Intense performances with emotional complexity.
Crucial roles: No Country for Old Men, Biutiful, The Sea Inside, Skyfall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Good Boss, Los lunes al sol, Being the Ricardos, Goya’s Ghosts, Escobar
Most important nominations at: Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Cannes, European Film Awards
What makes Javier Bardem special: Charismatic presence that blends menace and vulnerability.
Zbigniew Zamachowski
Country: Poland
Strengths: Expressive and versatile across drama and comedy.
Crucial roles: Three Colors: White, Dekalog, Escape from the ‘Liberty’ Cinema, Zawrócony, Lightmaker, Cześć, Tereska, Przybyli ułani, Żurek, Prymas. Trzy lata z tysiąca
Most important nominations at: Polish Film Awards, European Film Awards, Polish Film Festival
What makes Zbigniew Zamachowski special: Known for nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
Jerzy Stuhr
Country: Poland
Strengths: A remarkably versatile actor, director, and educator, blending intellectual depth, comedic timing, and dramatic gravitas.
Crucial roles: Three Colors: White, Camera Buff, Dekalog, The Calm, The Third Part of the Night, Historie milosne, The Scar, Top Dog, Obywatel, Spis cudzoloznic, Kiler, Duze zwierze, Sex Mission
Most important nominations at: Chicago International Film Festival, European Film Awards, Polish Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Karlovy Vary
What makes Jerzy Stuhr special: A towering figure in Polish culture—equally respected for intellectual artistry, teaching, leadership, and the ability to move effortlessly between comedy, drama, and direction.
Slobodan Cica Perovic
Country: Yugoslavia / Serbia
Strengths: Deeply resonant voice and commanding presence.
Crucial roles: Three, The Rats Woke Up, Snowstorm, Ward Six, Muskarci, The Fourteenth Day, Wintering in Jakobsfeld, Siroti mali hrcki, Crows, Pohod, Inspektor
Most important nominations at: Pula Film Festival and praised by domestic and worldwide known critics.
What makes Slobodan Perovic special: One of the first European actors to work independently. Revered for his contribution to Yugoslav theater and film. Had an authentic acting style that no one has had before or after. He was also one of the key actors of the Yugoslav Black Wave.
Nebojsa Glogovac
Country: Serbia
Strengths: Intense emotional realism, unbelievable versatility, and an impressive wide range.
Crucial roles: The Trap, Huddersfild, The Constitution, Tomorrow Morning, Premeditated Murder, Rage, Cabaret Balkan, Normal People, Dudes, When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Kangaroo, The Woman with a Broken Nose, South Wind
Most important nominations at: Raindance Film Festival, Pula Film Festival, MIFF Awards, SOFEST, Festival del Cinema Europeo, Festróia – Tróia
What makes Nebojsa Glogovac special: Deeply respected for powerful, dramatic roles, but also for his unforgettable range and convincing acting.
Žarko Laušević
Country: Yugoslavia / Serbia / Montenegro
Strengths: Electrifying screen presence, raw emotional depth, and ability to play any role.
Crucial roles: Better Than Escape, Šmeker, Kalkanski krugovi, Braća po materi, Sivi dom, Black Sun, The Knife, The Battle of Kosovo, The Officer with a Rose, Say Why Have You Left Me, It Happened on This Very Day, Oktoberfest, Koreni, Vreme zla, Vreme smrti, Civil Servant
Most important nominations at: Pula Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, Montenegro Film Festival, FEDIS, Filmski Susreti, largely praised by critics.
What makes Zarko Lausevic special: One of those actors who can immerse themselves entirely in a role, becoming unrecognizable. An icon of the late Yugoslav era, known for his unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and intensity.
Sergej Trifunovic
Country: Serbia
Strengths: Natural charisma combined with bold emotional intensity and outspoken presence.
Crucial roles: Premeditated Murder, Cabaret Balkan, Dudes, When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Kangaroo, The Hornet, Savior, Lovers, Crni Gruja, The Border Post, The Tour, In Therapy, Ajvar
Most important nominations at: LIFFE, Filmski susreti, praised by both domestic and worldwide known critics.
What makes Sergej Trifunović special: A fearless performer who merges Balkan authenticity with raw emotional courage and political outspokenness. Arguably the most authentic person you’ll ever come across. Sergej is like an explosion, both privately and as an artist.
Mladen Sovilj
Country: Serbia
Strengths: Intense screen presence, precise emotional control, and a fearless commitment to psychologically complex roles.
Crucial roles: Shattered, The Clan, South Wind 2, The Disobedient, Europe, Man!, Offenders, Heroes, The Sky Above Us, Organisms, My Father’s Murderers, Horrible
Most important nominations at: Hollywood On The Tiber Film Awards, Filmski susreti, Golden Interpretation Award
What makes Mladen Sovilj special: He brings an unpredictable energy to every performance, blending vulnerability with unsettling charisma.
Zlatko Buric
Country: Yugoslavia / Croatia / Denmark
Strengths: Strong character actor with gritty realism.
Crucial roles: Pusher trilogy, Bleeder, Triangle of Sadness, Comic Sans, Teen Spirit, The Silence, Copenhagen Cowboy, Quit Staring at My Plate, The Reaper
Most important nominations at: European Film Awards, Sarajevo Film Festival, Bodil Awards, Guldbagge Awards
What makes Zlatko Buric special: Recognizable for his intense and authentic portrayals. A true artist who is highly charismatic.
Rade Šerbedžija
Country: Yugoslavia / Croatia
Strengths: Gravitas, charisma, and versatility in both Western and international cinema.
Crucial roles: Eyes Wide Shut, Before the Rain, Manifesto, Mission: Impossible II, Snatch, The Saint, Variola Vera, Bravo Maestro, Una, Rdece klasje, Dezerter, Life Is Beautiful, The Tragic Burlesque, Taken 2, Fugitive Pieces, The Truce
Most important nominations at: Venice Film Festival, Pula Film Festival, Rome Film Fest, Satellite Awards, Trieste Film Festival, LIFFE
What makes Rade Serbedzija special: Bridges’ European and Hollywood acting styles. He can play any role across any medium.
Goran Bogdan
Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina / Croatia
Strengths: Powerfully authentic and emotionally expressive, Goran Bogdan brings raw intensity and genuine humanity to his characters.
Crucial roles: Father, Fargo, Sonja and the Bull, Swamp, Time of Evil, Black Sun, Oasis, Faraway, Forever Hold Your Peace, 78 Days, The Silence, The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, The Last Panthers, Agape, The Uncle, Sore: Wife from the Future, Utopolis, No Way Home, I Act, I Am
Most important nominations at: European Film Awards, Sarajevo Film Festival, FEST, Festival del Cinema Europeo, Dublin International Film Festival, East-West: Golden Arch International Film Awards
What makes Goran Bogdan special: He has established himself as one of the Balkans’ most internationally recognized actors by delivering deeply human and courageous performances. His work bridges theater, regional storytelling, global TV, and film platforms. Bogdan is the first Croatian actor ever nominated for Best Actor at the European Film Awards.
Bekim Fehmiu
Country: Yugoslavia / Serbia / Kosovo
Strengths: Poetic intensity, classic leading man charisma, and spoke 9 languages.
Crucial roles: I Even Met Happy Gypsies, Odyssey, Deps, Special Education, The Enemy, Protest, Sarâb, Red and Black, Il cuore e la spada, Roj, Hot Years, Genghis Khan: The Story of a Lifetime, Disperatamente Giulia, Un bambino di nome Gesù, Sasha, Pod isto nebo, The Girl
Most important nominations at: Pula Film Festival, Filmski susreti, and praised both by domestic and worldwide known critics.
What makes Bekim Fehmiu special: One of the first Balkan actors to achieve international recognition and the first one from Eastern Europe in Hollywood, who also rejected Hollywood.
Darko Damevski
Country: Yugoslavia / Macedonia
Strengths: Charismatic actor known for his strong screen presence and ability to portray complex characters with emotional authenticity.
Crucial Roles: Black Seed, Miss Stone, Times Without War, Zedj, Stand Up Straight, Delfina, Macedonian Part of Hell, Misery, The Lead Brigade, Dorotej, Mirno leto
Most important nominations at: Pula Film Festival, national awards, and praised by domestic and international critics.
What makes Darko Damevski special: One of Macedonia’s most prominent actors, bridging local storytelling with universal human themes through compelling performances. Also, one of the most authentic European actors of his time.
Risto Siskov
Country: Yugoslavia / Macedonia
Strengths: Versatile actor in theater and film, charismatic, with natural leading man energy and stunning stage and screen presence.
Crucial Roles: Black Seed, Macedonian Blood Wedding, Republikata vo plamen, The Longest Journey, Planinata na gnevot, Tabakerata, Neli ti rekov, Do pobedata i po nea, Istrel, Kade po dozdot, The Red Horse
Most important nominations at: FFAO, national awards, and praised by domestic and international critics.
What makes Risto Siskov special: Influential in shaping modern Macedonian film, theater, and TV. One of the best, if not the best Macedonian actor of all time.
Fedja Stukan
Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina
Strengths: Remarkable emotional authenticity, the ability to convey deep inner turmoil with minimal dialogue, and a grounded, naturalistic acting style.
Crucial Roles: A Perfect Day, Basin, The Clan, Operation Sabre, As If I Am Not There, Bad Blood, In the Land of Blood and Honey, So Hot Was the Cannon, Fuse
Most important nominations at: Sarajevo Film Festival, Filmski susreti, Kraków Film Festival
What makes Feđa Štukan special: He infuses his characters with quiet intensity and lived-in realism, making every performance feel both intimate and unforgettable.
Oleg Yankovsky
Country: USSR / Kazakhstan / Russia
Strengths: Poetic and dignified acting with a strong presence.
Crucial roles: Mirror, Nostalgia, Flights in Dreams and Reality, Doktor Zhivago, Bednyy, bednyy Pavel, Lover, Anna Karenina, Filyor, Come Look at Me, Revizor, Tsar, Tsareubiytsa, Passport
Most important nominations at: People’s Artist of the USSR, Golden Eagle Awards, Russian National Movie Awards, Valladolid International Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival, Bratislava International Film Festival
What makes Oleg Yankovsky special: Revered for his nuanced and intellectual performances.
Innokenty Smoktunovsky
Country: USSR / Russia / Belarus
Strengths: Intellectual depth and emotional subtlety.
Crucial roles: Hamlet, Ubiytsa, Damskiy portnoy, Tchaikovsky, Nine Days in One Year, Letter Never Sent, Beregis avtomobilya, Crime and Punishment, Uncle Vanya
Most important nominations at: BAFTAs, People’s Artist of the USSR, Venice Film Festival, San Sebastián International Film Festival
What makes Innokenty Smoktunovsky special: Known as “the king of Soviet actors” for his classical and profound roles.
Nikolay Cherkasov
Country: USSR / Russia
Strengths: A commanding presence and resonant voice, capable of embodying heroic historical figures with theatrical dignity.
Crucial roles: Ivan Groznyy, Alexander Nevsky, Deputat Baltiki, Moussorgsky, Aleksandr Popov, Schastlivogo plavaniya, Peter the Great, Vesna, Don Quixote
Most important nominations at: People’s Artist of the USSR, State Prize of the Soviet Union, National Board of Review, USA
What makes Nikolay Cherkasov special: His intense realism with mythic scale, elevating Soviet-era cinema through performances that were ideologically resonant and profoundly human.
Anatoliy Solonitsyn
Country: USSR / Russia
Strengths: A deeply philosophical performer with stoic magnetism, capable of embodying spiritual and existential complexity.
Crucial roles: Andrei Rublev, Solaris, Mirror, Stalker, Twenty Six Days from the Life of Dostoyevsky, Trial on the Road, The Ascent, The Train Has Stopped
Most important nominations at: Berlin International Film Festival, Honored Artist of the RSFSR, praised by worldwide critics.
What makes Anatoliy Solonitsyn special: A favourite of director Andrei Tarkovsky, Solonitsyn is considered one of the most significant Eastern European actors.
Here’s a list of other fantastic European actors who also deserve praise, even though they didn’t make the list. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, they’re all from former Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom.
- Ian McKellen
- Michael Caine
- Jeremy Irons
- Ray Winstone
- David Niven
- John Gielgud
- Terence Stamp
- John Hurt
- Sean Connery
- Alec Guinness
- Ben Kingsley
- Michael Gambon
- Patrick Stewart
- Bill Nighy
- Malcolm McDowell
- Toby Jones
- Alan Rickman
- Kenneth Branagh
- Jim Broadbent
- Charles Dance
- Christopher Lee
- James McAvoy
- Daniel Craig
- Tom Wilkinson
- Colin Farrell
- Jude Law
- Colin Firth
- Idris Elba
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Ralph Fiennes
- Christopher Eccleston
- Henry Cavill
- Matt Smith
- Orlando Bloom
- Jamie Dornan
- Sean Bean
- Tom Hiddleston
- Pete Postlethwaite
- Bob Hoskins
- Ljuba Tadić
- Aleksandar Berček
- Mustafa Nadarević
- Fabijan Sovagovic
- Žarko Laušević
- Pavle Vuisic
- Bata Živojinović
- Bata Stojkovic
- Svetozar Cvetkovic
- Laza Ristovski
- Aco Jovanovski
- Petre Prlicko
- Ilija Dzuvalekovski
- Ilija Milchin
- Meto Jovanovski
- Nenad Stojanovski
- Kiril Pop Hristov
- Aleksandar Caminski
- Nikola Ristanovski
- Salaetin Bilal
- Jovica Mihajlovski
- Boris Dvornik
- Bora Todorovic
- Dragan Nikolic
- Zoran Radmilovic
- Nenad Jezdic
- Marko Nikolic
- Tasko Nacic
- Nikola Kojo
- Srdjan Todorovic
- Nikola Djuricko
- Filip Đurić
We’ve come to the end of this article, so feel free to comment whether you agree with this list. Additionally, please share the actors you think should be mentioned, since there surely are some I’ve missed, or some young European actors who deserve attention.
Also, if you want to continue reading, here’s my list of the most notable American actors, European actresses, and American actresses!
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