15 Great Drama Actors

It’s tough to narrow down the field to 15 great drama actors. But the best of the best make you feel something, be it good or bad.

Meryl Streep

A lot of her life has been bound up in drama, at least on screen. It’s kind of tough to figure out which is her best though, since many people have their own idea.

Clint Eastwood

It might feel a little odd to see him on this list. But drama has followed his acting in every role, no matter how hardened he appears.

Leonardo DiCaprio

He became a heartthrob for a reason, and his looks and ability to make people feel something for his characters are a big part of that. But he’s a pretty good actor too.

Robert De Niro

His dramatic chops have been well-established for years. But as he’s shared more of his opinions with the fans it’s been established that he kind of just brings his own personality to his acting.

Robin Williams

Out of the many people who can switch from comedic to dramatic, he was one of the best. But when he turned on the charm, it was even better.

Sissy Spacek

She’s been a mainstay in Hollywood for a long time as one of the great dramatic actors. There’s something about her that makes it nearly impossible to forget her.

Marlon Brando

If The Godfather wasn’t convincing enough then I’m not sure what else would convince a person. This man was great in so many ways that it tended to outshine his other character traits.

Anjelica Huston

She can make people hate or love her in equal measure given the right role. That’s the mark of the greatest dramatic actors.

Dustin Hoffman

He’s been great when it comes to dramatic acting, as well as comedy. To this day he’s still one of the more respected actors in Hollywood.

Vincent D’Onofrio

It feels as though he’s been underrated for too many years. What he brings to a movie or TV show is great enough that it’d be easily noticed if he were absent.

Matthew Modine

This is another underrated actor who’s had a hand in many great movies. From his younger years until recently he’s been one of the more solid actors in Hollywood.

Robert Duvall

Stemming from decades before, Duvall has taken part in several great movies that have allowed him to show his range. Sometimes you hate his character, sometimes you love them, that’s why he’s so great.

Emma Thompson

This woman is versatile in a way that defies easy explanation. She’s taken on roles that show her natural talent and beauty and then taken on roles that make her look like another person.

Ian McKellen

He’s played in several movies that have stretched his acting abilities and met the challenge every time. Not only that but he’s been in enough movies to make it clear that he’s one of the greatest drama actors of all time.

Tom Hanks

Forrest Gump, that’s all I’ll say. Okay, I’ll add more with Captain Phillips, News of the World, etc. The guy does dramatic like few others.