The 50 Most Stylish Actors of All Time

As objectively as we could, here are The 50 Most Stylish Actors of All Time, ranked in an order based on their cultural influence and general aesthetics.

Image via Complex Original

50. Seu Jorge

Notable Roles: City of God (2002); The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); The Door in the Floor (2004); Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010)

Brazilian musician Seu Jorge released his first album before appearing in the critically acclaimed film City of God. Later, he beautifully complemented the world of Wes Anderson in The Life Aquatic. At 42 years old, Seu encapsulates a certain vein of style that can't be taught reading websites and blogs. He emanates a deep calm that helps translate a simple piece of clothing you put on into something significant.

49. John Travolta

Notable Roles: Pulp Fiction (1994); Face/Off (1997); Grease (1978); Saturday Night Fever (1977)

His film career has had its ups and downs, but throughout his career John Travolta's roles helped drastically alter male attire. Personal life aside, John Travolta's style defined the mid to late 1970s with Saturday Night Fever, made a ponytail look good in Pulp Fiction, and forever cemented the '50s biker style as cool in Grease.

48. Tetsuya Watari

Notable Roles: Daitokai - Tatakai No Hibi (1976); Tokyo Drifter (1966) Yukai (1997) Yakuza No Hakaba: Kuchinashi No Hana (1976)

The Japanese stage, film, and television actor Tetsuya Watari does not get enough credit on lists similar to this. His role in Tokyo Drifter was highly stylized and helped produce a truly transnational film that drew inspiration from fellow contemporaries who were mainly creating yakuza films and westerns. Tetsuya Watari possessed a level of cool is too rarely acknowledged in the West.

47. Eddie Murphy

Notable Roles: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Trading Places (1983); Coming to America (1988); 48 Hrs. (1982)

A man who is not afraid to make people laugh can be commendable, especially in the case of Eddie Murphy, a comedy great and film styling icon. He warmed the hearts of audience everywhere, creating a new superstar and a new style icon. From the grey suit he wore in his first film, 48 Hrs., to the bombastic costuming in certain parts of Coming to America in 1988, Eddie Murphy had guys across the country laughing and taking notes on style.

46. Terence Stamp

Notable Roles: Billy Budd (1962); Superman (1978) Star Wars Episode I:The Phantom Menace (1999) The Limey (1999) Yes Man (2008)

The naturally sinister Stamp saw success early in his career, becoming a style icon of the 1960s with his slick bohemian look. He famously dated Jean Shrimpton until she left him and he went on a 10 year sabbatical in India. Known for his charisma and smooth voice, he has since played minor but colorful roles including some written specifically for him.

45. Joaquin Phoenix

Notable Roles: Gladiator (2000); Walk the Line (2005); The Master (2012); Signs (2002)

River's younger brother got his start in TV commercials around the same time of River's success, and emerged from his brother's shadow to become a critics' darling in the mid-90's shortly after his brother's death. Known for his husky voice and ability to overcome his imperfections, Kate Winslet called Joaquin the best actor of his generation.

44. Isaach De Bankolé

Notable Roles: Casino Royale (2006); Manderlay (2005); The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007); The Limits of Control (2009)

Discovered on the streets of Paris while studying to be an airline pilot, De Bankolé has worked mostly with director Jim Jarmush, often playing admirable but mysterious characters. His personality is instantly recognizable and unusually, but not uncomfortably, charming; a reflection of his personal and professional sartorial wardrobes.

43. Vincent Cassel

Notable Roles: Black Swan (2010); Shrek (2001); La Haine (1995); Irreversible (2002); Mesrine (2008)

From his breakthrough role in La Haine, Vincent Cassel continues to pursue a wide variety of roles that show true lessons in style. The multilingual actor remains smartly dressed on and off the screen, with a calm, dignified air that captivates audiences all over the world.

42. Burt Lancaster

Notable Roles: From Here to Eternity (1953); Judgment at Nuremberg (1961); Atlantic City (1980); Airport (1970); The Leopard (1963)

A native New Yorker, Lancaster had a naturally rough edge and competitive nature. He was a self-taught actor who got his start in the army during World War II. An athiest and liberal activist, he polarized critics and his choice to focus on art films and riskier productions such as Luchino Visconti's The Leopard are what cast him out of the limelight. He was more comfortable out of the focus of the media, though his work and style were admired by many of his contemporaries.

41. Samuel L. Jackson

Notable Roles: Pulp Fiction (1994); The Incredibles (2004); Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005); Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)

Some films in his career have clearly shown his mastery of interrogation, but all of Samuel L. Jackson's roles have been known for one thing besides the sheer talent: his precise and definite style choices. Prone to augment any project he takes, the Jackson defies any doubts you in your mind about his personal style even before you have the chance to say anything.

40. Malcolm McDowell

Notable Roles: A Clockwork Orange (1971); if... (1968) The Artist (2011)

Trained under the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Malcolm McDowell wowed critiques with his brilliant depiction of restless youth in classic such as If... and A Clockwork Orange. After taking his mother's maiden name McDowell because there was another British actor with his name, Malcolm embodied the spirit of rebel juvenility that have affected wardrobes everywhere.

39. Dustin Hoffman

Notable Roles: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Tootsie (1982); Rain Man (1988); The Graduate (1967)

After gaining a Drama Desk Award for his work in the play Eh?, Dustin Hoffman went on to star in the breakthrough role in The Graduate. His expert ability to portray earnest vulnerability helped develop a new candor in the populous, allowing unfamiliar influence on the everyman's wardrobe.

38. Bruce Lee

Notable Roles: Enter the Dragon (1973); The Way of the Dragon (1972); The Chinese Connection (1972); Fists of Fury (1971)

Almost a myth in his own right, Bruce Lee has been often credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films. A physical titan in martial arts garb with his own level of class off camera, his focus helped transcend his work into the practice of an icon and introduced the world to an honorable, personal philosophy that still maintains today.

37. Martin Sheen

Notable Roles: Apocalypse Now (1979); The Departed (2006); Da (1988); Badlands (1973)

A highly experienced and versatile actor, Sheen gained wide recognition after the epic Apocalypse Now. And though his star didn't rise as high as several of that film's co-stars, he's always had a style that is equal part badass and slick. His high, gravelly voice secured his role in some of the most stylish works of all time from Badlands to a starring place in TV's The West Wing.

36. Mickey Rourke

Notable Roles: The Wrestler (2008); Diner (1982); Rumblefish (1983); Angel Heart (1987)

The retired boxer Mickey Rourke gained attention in the 80's for films such as Diner and Rumble Fish, solidifying strong masculine archetypes for cinema. With a resurgence in later years, Mickey Rourke's certainty shines through his personal attire and roles, leading by example to try more unabashed style choices.

35. Alec Baldwin

Notable Roles: Beetlejuice (1988); The Departed (2006); The Hunt for Red October (1990); Married to the Mob (1988)

An actor that refuses to be pinned down to one specific genre, Alec Baldwin can be forgotten when discussing classic film style. Known for his long striking monologues, raspy voices and devilish looks, Alec Baldwin maintains a level of class that he brings to every role he enters.

34. Fernando Rey

Notable Roles: The French Connection (1971); The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972); That Obscure Object of Desire (1977); French Connection II (1975)

Over half a century, Rey appeared in more than 150 films but only became an international star after the age of 50, when he appeared in William Friedkin's The French Connection. Fluent in Spanish and French, Rey was most notable for his roles as older gentlemen with an inner perversity hidden beneath a distinguished facade. He was the first Spanish actor to receive international fame and was as popular in Spain, where he continued to make films even after his success, as he was around the world; a testament to the value of staying true to your roots.

33. Dennis Hopper

Notable Roles: Speed (1994); Apocalypse Now (1979); Easy Rider (1969); True Romance (1993)

Dennis Hopper has always been known to be an unconventional and versatile actor, leading an amazing film career that spans five decades with true style gems. His high-powered performances propelled his work forward from project to project, helping to define countercultural symbols throughout film history.

32. John Barrymore

Notable Roles: Grand Hotel (1932); Twentieth Century (1934); Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920); Dinner at Eight (1933)

Handsome and roguish, Barrymore was the most acclaimed and stylish star of the most famous generation of the most famous theatrical family in America. Handsome as he was, he often buried his face in makeup and distortion in order to create memorable characters of degradation or horror.

31. Bill Murray

Notable Roles: Groundhog Day (1993); Lost in Translation (2003); Ghostbusters (1984); Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Strangely mesmerizing, Murray is a one of a kind actor who many would argue has improved with age. In his earlier works he played loud and sarcastic anti-heroes, but in recent years he's taken to a more toned down role, often depressed or morose with the style to match. Murray has grown as a cult icon throughout his career due to his quirky style and detached, hilarious nature.

30. Jack Nicholson

Notable Roles: The Shining (1980); The Departed (2006); One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Chinatown (1974); Five Easy Pieces (1975)

Thanks to his first big break with Easy Rider and a career defining role in the Five Easy Pieces, the world was introduced to the ball of wit, charisma, and vigor that is Jack Nicholson. The most nominated male actor of all time elevated his roles into dynamic and stylish characters that will stand the test of time.

29. Fred Astaire

Notable Roles: Top Hat (1935); Swing Time (1936); Funny Face (1957); Royal Wedding (1951)

Often named one of the best-dressed men in history, the dancing great Fred Astaire worked from an early age and developed a personal style that appeared deliberate, polished and refined. There was a grace that cannot be removed from this saunter and left millions of minds, eyes, and ears spellbound.

28. Alain Delon

Notable Roles: Rocco and His Brothers (1960); Le Samouraï (1967); L'Eclisse (1962); Le Cercle Rouge (1970)

Delon was the product of a broken home and quickly rose to become France's answer to America's James Dean. Handsome in his youth, like Dean he played brooding characters who often said little while defining French coolness.

27. Michael Caine

Notable Roles: The Dark Knight (2008); Batman Begins (2005); Get Carter (1971); A Bridge Too Far (1977)

He is regarded as the most stylish "average man" to hit the silver screen. Michael Caine's image opposed his peers; the tall man with the distinctive Cockney accent flourished on film and brought forth a new breed of actor and a new breed of everyman who isn't afraid of sharp, daily life looks.

26. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Notable Roles: Rheingold Theatre (1953); Little Caesar (1931); Hollywood Uncensored (1987); George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey (1984)

"Noblesse oblige," a debonair thespian, handsome, distinguished, extremely bright, and gifted at sports, it would seem Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was of renaissance man of a bygone era. And this of course extended to style. Fairbanks was an early archetype of how a leading man should conduct himself on and off the screen, and his legacy can still be felt in today's Hollywood.

25. Tadanobu Asano

Notable Roles: Ichi the Killer (2001); Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007); Last Life in the Universe (2003)

Being described as a cross between Johnny Depp and Toshirô Mifune is a good start for Tadanobu. One of the best and most important Japanese actors today, he is also one of the coolest, being both an artist and an occasional model for Jun Takahashi's Undercover line. Check him out in Last Life in the Universe.

24. Richard Roundtree

Notable Roles: Se7en (1995); Shaft (1971); Brick (2005); Inchon (1981)

Donning doubled-vented suits, leather, and turtlenecks, Richard Roundtree made a name for myself in the seminal role as Shaft, instantly emerging as a cultural icon. His effortless cool and form fitted looks demand attention as he helped pave a way for a new genre in film and showed men that you can look good while serving justice.

23. Daniel Day-Lewis

Notable Roles: There Will Be Blood (2007); Lincoln (2012); Gangs of New York (2002); The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Arguably one of the best living actors of our time, Daniel Day Lewis creates characters that last with an unwavering focus. Known for his in-depth and exhaustive preparations for roles, he establishes a high standard of acting that seems unmatched while having a distinct personal style often including jewelry that isn't the easiest to pull off.

22. Robert DeNiro

Notable Roles: Goodfellas (1990); The Godfather: Part II (1974); Raging Bull (1980); Taxi Driver (1976)

One of the greatest actors of his time, known for his true to life portrayals of violently angry yet severely depressed men. De Niro is a classic New York actor who has starred in some of the greatest films involving the city. His style transforms from role to role, but his bravado carries any character's look and he is equally at home in the lush suiting of The Godfather: Part II as he is in the vintage military garb of Taxi Driver.

21. James Dean

Notable Roles: Rebel Without a Cause (1955); East of Eden (1955); Giant (1956)

The broody cult favorite, America's rebel fondness for speed is likely what ended his life so early into his career. Dean was able to gain his iconic status in a few short years after starring in just three films. Outfitted in a red jacket, white t-shirt and blue jeans in Rebel Without a Cause, he made his mark in history and influenced generations to come, including Michael Bastian's spring 2012 collection.

20. Humphrey Bogart

Notable Roles: Casablanca (1942); The Maltese Falcon (1941); The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948); The African Queen (1951)

A classic New Englander, Bogart was a well-read navy man with a penchant for bow ties. His most notable roles were typically those of courageous and virtuous, albeit, stern men in corrupt circumstances whose true colors would ultimately reveal themselves.

19. James Stewart

Notable Roles: Rear Window (1954); It's a Wonderful Life (1946); Vertigo (1958); Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

James Stewart's roles embody the everyman's plight while looking better than you on even his worst day. "The Original Hero" fought without complaint, working with Frank Capra to create seminal films in cinema history and established an honest precedent in men's personal style.

18. River Phoenix

Notable Roles: Stand By Me (1986); Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); My Own Private Idaho (1991); The Mosquito Coast (1986)

One of the best and gone all too soon, River's was a passionate story that ended abruptly. A talented musician, animal rights activist, and environmentalist, acting just ended up being what River is best known for. His style in My Own Private Idaho is emblematic of the early '90s and so influential that it also inspired one of renowned Japanese designer Takahiro Miyashita's collections for his number (n)ine line.

17. Robert Redford

Notable Roles: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); The Sting (1973); The Horse Whisperer (1998); Spy Game (2001)

Robert Redford is the quintessential all-American boy whose roles have influenced American sportswear since its early beginnings. A dashing, prolific actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Robert Redford continues to shape the way men dress to this day, defining the image of the sharp 'good guy.'

16. Sean Connery

Notable Roles: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); The Rock (1996); Goldfinger (1964); The Hunt for Red October (1990)

Born into a working class family, Connery held several different jobs to support himself, including enlistment in the Royal Navy, before deciding to pursue his career in acting. Since then he went on to play the original and fan-favorite James Bond, and countless other successful roles well into old age. His long-standing career is attributed to his enduring spirit along with his trademark deep voice and Scottish accent.

15. Errol Flynn

Notable Roles: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938); Captain Blood (1935); The Sea Hawk (1940); Objective, Burma! (1945)

Flynn held a number of odd jobs trying to find his place in the world until his debut film in 1933, but it was in film acting where he left his mark on generations to come. As passionate on screen as he was off it, he is known for his roles as a zealous rebel and man of action who won the hearts of damsels (on screen and off). It's his unabashed charisma that lives on in many young actors today.

14. Harrison Ford

Notable Roles: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Blade Runner (1982)

Known for his charming sarcasm and for using brains over brawn, Ford has often played the unwilling but quick-witted hero. His soft nature and capacity for enduring pain made him all the more convincing as the savior in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series.

13. Benicio Del Toro

Notable Roles: Snatch (2000); The Usual Suspects (1995); Traffic (2000); Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Likened to a more respectable Puerto Rican Brad Pitt, Del Toro has that inherent panache of his predecessors that seems so rare these days. He's made smart choices in the roles he's charismatically played and is possibly the closest thing the film industry has in it's arsenal to a real modern man.

12. Gregory Peck

Notable Roles: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962); Roman Holiday (1953); The Omen (1976); The Guns of Navarone (1961)

Gregory Peck's roles helped shape the very idea of a hero and always carried a cultivated demeanor that he kept even when the cameras weren't rolling. While maintaining a popular film career between the 1940s to the 1970s, he developed standards of life and dress that have been upheld by many generations since Peck's era.

11. Clint Eastwood

Notable Roles: Million Dollar Baby (2004); A Fistful of Dollars (1964); Rawhide (1959); Dirty Harry (1971); The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

One of the original tough guys, Eastwood made his first lasting impact as the Man With No Name in the Spaghetti Westerns he starred in in the '60s. His rugged charm was solidified through his his raspy authoritative voice, narrow eyes, use of trademark expressions, and the occasional unexpected smile. If you're doubting his style, then you may just cross the line and make his day, punk.

10. Tony Leung

Notable Roles: Hero (2002); 2046 (2004); Infernal Affairs (2002); In the Mood for Love (2000); Chungking Express (1994)

Even though Tony Leung initially struggled to gain respect as actor, his undeniable talent allows him to stand tall with the other great men of film style. From Chungking Express to In The Mood for Love, Tony continues to new standards for men, new standards for Chinese cinema and new standards on how to look good in just a smart suit and curiosity. If your demeanor and practice keeps getting you compared to old Hollywood, then you must be doing something right.

9. Jean-Paul Belmondo

Notable Roles: Breathless (1960); Pierrot le Fou (1965); The Professional (1981); Two Women (1960)

One of the staple actors of the French New Wave movement, Belmondo performed all of his own stunts and starred in some of the era's most dramatic roles, charming audiences with his inimitable smile and unique blend of action and comedy.

8. Buster Keaton

Notable Roles: The General (1926); Sherlock Jr. (1924); Cops (1922); Neighbors (1920)

Getting his start in vaudeville, Buster had an unrivaled poker face. Seamlessly taking his charisma from the stage to the movie studio is what made him such a success back then, though we love him now for his flawless execution of interwar suiting-vests and peak lapels abound and nary a pocket without a square puffing out.

7. Steve McQueen

Notable Roles: The Great Escape (1963); Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958); Papillon (1973); Bullitt (1968)

The undisputed King of Cool, McQueen was a role model for men and boys alike of his generation and his adventurous spirit made him one of the most popular actors of his time. Nearly every role he played strengthened his status as a style icon; from the classic WWII hero to a bounty hunter of the Wild West to a maverick detective, he made every role he played that much cooler.

6. Sidney Poitier

Notable Roles: In the Heat of the Night (1967); The Jackal (1997); Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967); Lilies of the Field (1963)

The man knew how to wear a suit and tie with an experienced ease. Sidney Poitier's artistic triumphs were always cleverly draped from his solid, slim suits to his post-modern, ragged look in the 1963 picture, Lilies in the Field. A true beacon of his craft, Sidney Poitier's dedication to his work helped mold a staple for himself in the heroes of relaxed, yet sharp style.

5. Toshiro Mifune

Notable Roles: Seven Samurai (1954); Rashomon (1950); Yojimbo (1961); Throne of Blood (1957)

Born and raised in China, it was unlikely that Mifune would become one of the most recognizable faces in Japan. On a whim, he went for an audition while in the Japanese army and ended up befriending reknowned director Akira Kurosawa. Mifune became a symbol of Japanese prowess, looking as at home in ancient samurai armor as he did in mid-century business attire.

4. Paul Newman

Notable Roles: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); The Sting (1973); Road to Perdition (2002); Slap Shot (1977)

An all-American blue-eyed screen legend, Newman was also a legendary philanthropist. One of the most famous actors of his generation, his style was unparalleled. He was known as a caring and supremely generous man, and is the founder of Newman's Own food company.

3. Marcello Mastroianni

Notable Roles: 8½ (1963); La Dolce Vita (1960); Divorce Italian Style (1961); La Notte (1961)

Growing up in Turin and Rome must have given Mastroianni an eye for well-tailored clothing and an Italian sensibility. With his quiet confidence, he could give a classic suit a breath of ease and appear relaxed even in the most stressing situations.

2. Cary Grant

Notable Roles: North by Northwest (1959); Notorious (1946); Charade (1963); His Girl Friday (1940)

One of the true gentlemen actors of his era, prone to improvising edits to his scripts to better fit his moral and social beliefs, Grant brought something of himself to every film he was in. He was a gentleman not only in how he dressed and conducted himself in the presence of others, but also in his virtues and the way he lived his life. Though he was blessed with good looks and naturally charming demeanor, it wouldn't stop him from feeling he wasn't quite right for a role, which is why he would often turn them down or slightly alter scripts to suit him better.

1. Marlon Brando

Notable Roles: The Godfather (1972); Apocalypse Now (1979); Superman (1978); On the Waterfront (1954); The Wild One (1953)

Marlon Brando's imprint on the everyman's wardrobe is profound, creating one of the first classic images of "the noteworthy man," an image that transformed with every film that he appeared. As he switched genres in film, a new barometer of masculinity was born, stimulating the reflection left by his on-screen personas.