Some of the greatest working actors today seem perpetually overlooked. In their careers, some actors have consistently given critically acclaimed performances, but have received little award recognition or always seem shunted into small supporting roles in big blockbusters don’t do justice to their talent.
Here are the 10 most underrated actors in Hollywood. Hopefully all of them are on their way to wider recognition
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell has become one of the most diverse, underrated actors in Hollywood. After his entry into Hollywood as the bad boy action star with Phone Booth and SWAT, he has proved on multiple occasions to demonstrate what a fine actor he is. He is considered to be a seasoned performer who can take both indie projects and commercial big-budget commercial entertainment. Critics have acclaimed Farrell for his performance in The Lobster, In Bruges, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
James McAvoy
James Mcavoy is one of the most talented and criminally underrated actors in the industry. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he starred in Joe Wright’s romantic war film Atonement alongside Keira Knightley. McAvoy is always exploring different and versatile roles from Wanted to Split. He’s also known for his amazing portrayal of Professor X in X-Men which included an ensemble cast. The Scottish man is now working on a project based on The Sandman comic book series and has a lot more to offer.
Paul Dano
Paul Dano has been nominated for his fair share of awards but hasn’t had the luck to win many. He’s one of the most interesting and engaging actors to work today in the industry. His compelling and vibrant aura on the screen even while playing antagonistic characters says something of him as an actor. He is an actor with a great range from his role in Little Miss Sunshine, Okja to Prisoners and 12 years a slave. In a very undetected way, Paul Dano has blossomed into one of Hollywood’s most interesting young actors. I mean how can you successfully square off with Daniel Day-Lewis and not become the next big thing? Well, Paul Dano did exactly that and drank his own milkshake.
Michael Peña
It is safe to say that Michael Peña deserves more recognition in Hollywood. He’s never failed to prove his versatility as an actor time and again from roles in dramas like End of Watch and American Hustle to comedies like Ant-Man. He’s made a great career of playing strong supporting characters (often stereotypical Hispanic roles), but he’s never quite landed that starring role.
Mark Ruffalo
He’s been a successful actor for many years now, but he’s never quite reached the level of A-list. Even though he’s Oscar-nominated, and has worked with some of the best actors and directors in the business, he’s just never quite made it to that leading man level. One of his most acclaimed roles was playing the slacker dad perfectly in The Kids are Alright, while his most commercial role up to date is probably his turn as “The Hulk” in The Avengers or starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Shutter Island.
Sam Rockwell
Sam Rockwell is without a doubt one of the most underrated actors in the game today. His performances in films such as Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Moon, and Choke, and his supporting turns in Matchstick Men and Conviction, are evidence of how great his talent is. His recent Oscar wins for his supporting role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri may finally gain him some long-overdue recognition in Hollywood.
Carey Mulligan
The sweet and highly talented actress has an impeccable range from being the girl in Drive, the stupid lover in An Education to the troubled sister in Shame. She’s a master at channeling subtle emotions through acting. When she cries, so do you.
Naomi Watts
When people talk about actresses in Hollywood, very rarely do they talk about the great Naomi Watts. Watts, whose best work can be found in David Lynch’s Mullholland Drive is one of the best working actresses nobody seems to be interested in talking about. Her notable performances include 21 Grams, Birdman, The Impossible, and Funny Games.
John C. Reilly
There’s no doubt about John C.Reilly’s talent as an actor but he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s managed to manufacture a niche for himself as the ‘go to-sidekick’- of the starting as the comedic stooge or the hapless schmuck which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some notable performances of his include: Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Gangs of New York as well as The Thin Red Line and Hard Eight.
Maggie Gyllenhaal
It must be hard having a younger sibling in the industry who gets all the praise while you remain underrated every year. Maggie Gyllenhaal started acting a few years after her little brother, Jake, but while his career has been elevated throughout the years, hers has remained stagnant. Even after her awe-inspiring performance in Crazy Heart and Frank, she’s still underused and under-appreciated.