30 of the Greatest Modern Actors Based on Acting Range

Putting this list together and asking friends and family for advice, many of them didn't know who Mr. Weaving was - until I dropped a few titles. That, in itself, is tribute to Hugo's range and transformation abilities. He pulls you into his version of a character and never lets go until you only remember the character and not the actor. You might know of him as Agent Smith in "The Matrix" trilogy, or you could be familiar with the character V from "V for Vendetta", or as the voice of Magatron in "Transformers".

Though it can be said that Mr. Washington has a key phrase that he uses in nearly all of his cinematic appearances ("I guarantee"), this talented actor's range shows up in many films, including: "Training Day", "Malcolm X", and "Flight".

Beauty and cinematic brawn are packed into this film making veteran. Charlize's roles are always well suited to her range abilities and she showcases this without breaking a sweat in films like: "Monster", "The Legend of Bagger Vance", "The Astronaut's Wife" and "Æon Flux".

For those who have followed Mr. Hanks throughout his career, you should know his range speaks for itself. Only someone with a tremendous amount of talent and depth could win a Golden Globe 'Best Actor' award for a movie where he doesn't speak to another human being for over half the film ("Castaway"). Tom also showcases his range in other films like: "Forrest Gump", "Cloud Atlas" and "Philadelphia".

Selected for pure talent and dynamic ability spanning across films like: "Django Unchained", "Lakeview Terrace", "The Last King of Scotland" and the hit television show, "Scandal".

From the sweet semi-loner in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Don Juan" to "Edward Scissorhands" and "Pirates of the Caribbean", Johnny shows off his massive talent in a variety of genres.

Gary Oldman is the man with a million faces. His acting ability is undeniable - but did you realize that was him in films like, "Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban", "The Fifth Element" and "Léon: The Professional"? His face isn't the only thing to change. You lose yourself in Gary's ability to transform his entire self into the character he's playing.

"The Illusionist", "The Incredible Hulk", "Fight Club" and "American History X" are just a few films that showcase Edward's incredible range and talent. Just when you think you know that kinds of films he'll appear in next, he switches it up, yet still delivers a powerful performance.

After disappointing stereotypical roles, Mr. Jackson was given a new lease on his acting life with more prominent roles in films like, "Pulp Fiction", "Unbreakable" and Eve's Bayou". He's finding his niche in many areas including science fiction and fantasy.

Maybe it's bias, but Mr. Roth makes you fall in love with every role he takes on. From the early days in films like, "A World Apart" and "Reservoir Dogs" to his hit television show, "Lie To Me", Tim takes on each role and helps viewers to lose themselves in his world of fantasy.

If you aren't familiar with his work, you're missing a heck of an actor. Whitaker's talent was apparent when he played, Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland". He'd already set a pretty god foundation with films like, "Platoon", "Phenomenon", "The Crying Game", and most recently in "Lou Daniel's: The Butler".

It should be obvious why Mr. Robbins is on this list. Bursting onto the silver screen after engaging performances on TV Shows like "St. Elsewhere", Mr. Robbins kept our attention in films such as, "Jacob's Ladder", "Shawshank Redemption" and "Mystic River".

Mr. Hoffman is a true thespian. He brings his characters to life and transports you into the deep recesses of his talent pool. Films that showcase his depth and range are: "Capote", "Flawless" and "Boogie Nights".

Even as a teen, Leo jumped at the chance to show what he was made of. His stellar performances in "Basketball Diaries" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" were just precursors for what he has and will continue to have in store for movie goers. Films like, "Insidious" and "Gatsby". If you haven't seen "Wolf of Wall Street" yet, do something nice for yourself, see a great film.

Mr. Spacey was quoted as saying, "the less you know about me, the easier it is to convince you that I am that character on screen." This sentiment shows Mr. Spacey thinks of his range as an actor. He must be doing something right to deliver such powerful acting in films like: "21", "American Beauty" and "The Usual Suspects".

Angela's talent and range packs a dramatic punch. One moment, she plays cool and calm like in her role as Betty Shabazz in, "Malcolm X" and she doesn't hesitate to get feisty as Bernadine Harris in, "Waiting to Exhale". Regardless of what role she plays, she captivates her audience.

Mr. Leguizamo has a vast array of cinematic experience, as well as, a former stint as a stand up comedian. Mr. Leguizamo blew the stereotype of 'goofy jokester' out of the water with roles in films like, "The Happening", "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Carlito's Way". He didn't stray too far, though. He can still be found inciting the laughs in movies like: "Spawn".

Sean has grown tremendously since the days of "Taps" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". His performances in films like "I Am Sam" and "Mystic River" shows Mr. Penn has what it takes to maintain his space among Hollywood's best.

From the sadistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lechter in "Silence of the Lambs" to the influential, if sometimes enigmatic, film maker Alfred Hitchcock in "Hitchcock", Sir Anthony Hopkins shows his future predecessors how it should be done.

Young and talented, James shows just how serious he is about film with every role he takes on. If he says it as loudly and as often as he did in the movie "This Is The End", you'll believe it, too. But it's not just talk, Franco's range is apparent in films like, "127 Hours", "Spring Breakers" and "Tristan and Isolde".

Living as a man for nearly a month in her role as Brandon Teena in the film "Boys Don't Cry" shows just how committed Hilary is to her craft. Ms. Swanks' roles in many other films shows she can hold her own. Films like: "Million Dollar Baby" and "Iron-Jawed Angels" won her Academy Award and Oscar acclaim.

Mr. Foxx's start as a comedian made most folks think he wouldn't take 'serious' acting too far, but he surprised critics and fans with spectacular performances in films like: "Ray", "The Soloist" and recently with "Django Unchained". It's exciting to see what role he chooses next.

Bellatrix Lestrange of "Harry Potter..." would kill to be recognized on a list like this and Marla Singer in "Fight Club" would kill herself just to be recognized at all. Whichever roles she's in, Helena convinces you that though she's a little crazy, it's a different kind of crazy each and every time. In films like, "The Wings of the Dove" and "Howards End", Helena showcases complexity and depth.

Ribisi really showed his dynamic talent in films such as: "The Other Sister", "Saving Private Ryan", and "Boiler Room". He's been around for a while, though he's mostly low key, he get's the job done.

One of the great modern actors of the day, Joaquin has shown his talent in many films. Most notably are: "Walk the Line", "Reservation Road" and "Signs". If you haven't seen "Her" yet, check it out as soon as you can.

Watching Mr. Smith grow has been a pleasure. He captivated audiences with his first major role in the film, "Six Degrees of Separation" and continued to keep us reeled in throughout his action packed career with films like, "I Am Legend". Mr. Smith is the epitome of range potential.

Though Esai can usually be seen in supporting roles, he brings his theatrical experience to the fore with major roles in films like, "Rapa Nui" and most recently "Gun Hill Road".

We've watched him grow from the days of "School Ties" to his blockbuster hits the "Bourne" series. Not to mention his captivating performances in films like, "The Talented Mr. Ripley", "The Departed", and "Contagion". Just perusing his resume makes it an exciting time to watch him.

The King of Bollywood made his appearance to an audience who may not usually see Bollywood movies in the film, "My Name Is Khan". This dynamic actor, who career spans over 25 years, brought his A game for the film and showed that there's is more to him than you thought.

Young, talented and, for many, unexpected. Rosario showcases her range in films like, "Sin City", "Seven Pounds", and "This Revolution". She even showed her action hero prowess in the film, "The Rundown".