Ryan Gosling's most career defining performances: 'Blue Valentine,' 'La La Land' and more

While we have all swooned over Ryan Gosling’s character Noah in ‘The Notebook’. That’s just one character in the actor's filmography spanning over a time period of two decades. The actor who initially tasted the spotlight with Disney Channel’s ‘The All New Mickey Mouse Club’, has gone ahead and experimented with roles across genres.

From playing the devoted boyfriend Ken in the animated fantasy drama Barbie to the struggling pianist in La La Land, here are the actor’s most iconic roles.

The 2010 American romantic drama film shows the relationship trajectory of a couple from their days of courtship to their crumbling marriage. Ryan Gosling, plays Dean, the male protagonist in the movie. While Dean may appear as abusive, self obsessed and alcoholic at the first glance, he has more to it. Though he is aggressive, he stands up for the lady when she least expects it. He is also the doting father who prioritises his child’s welfare over everything else. The depiction of an ambitionless, abusive yet emotionally available father earned Ryan Gosling a Golden Globe award for Best Actor. You can watch Ryan's award winning movie at Amazon Prime.

Written by Dan Fogelman, the American comedy drama stars Ryan Gosling as Jacob Palmer. Jacob Palmer is a casanova bartender nursing a heartbreak. Jacob is the knight in shining armor for the protagonist who finds it tough to date women. The conversation that Jacob has with Cal about women, dating and relationships gives the viewers enough food for thought. Jacob’s conscious transformation from a flirtatious carefree individual to a loyal lover is worth watching. You can stream this romantic comedy on Jio Hotstar.

Directed by acclaimed actor George Clooney, the movie is an American political drama with Gosling essaying the role of Stephen Meyers. Stephen Meyers is the junior campaign secretary of the governor Morris. Throughout the screenplay, Stephen is loyal towards his masters, but with time he discovers secrets that make him question his own credibility. Stephen’s tussle between doing what feels right and his loyalty is what feels relatable in the modern day context. Eager to watch 'Ides of March'? Its available on Amazon Prime.

Based on James Sallis's novel, Drive is an American action drama film in which Ryan Gosling plays ‘The Driver’. It is through his eyes that the story is communicated to the viewers. While the driver is battling for survival by juggling odd jobs, he is not primarily driven by his instincts to survive. Though he commits murders, he is not cold-blooded. Underneath the rough exterior of the driver there is a soft-hearted man yearning for love which is very well depicted by the actor on screen. Fans of car racing based in the US, you can stream 'Drive' on Netflix.

Greta Gerwig is the brains behind the American fantasy comedy film, Barbie. The movie talks about the glamorous lives of fashion dolls by Mattel. Ryan Gosling plays the role of ‘Ken’ Barbie’s love interest. Ken is initially a lady’s man but turns towards patriarchy after being exposed to the real world. Throughout the film it is Ryan Gosling's caricature-like expressions that keeps the viewers entertained. Even though the movie deals with hard hitting themes like body positivity, acceptance, and the male gaze towards women. It is Ken and Barbie’s heartwarming conversations that make you laugh and cry both at once. Want to dive into some nostalgia? You can watch 'Barbie' on Amazon Prime.

‘La La Land’ is a 2016 American musical romantic dramedy, where Ryan Gosling plays Seb, a struggling pianist. While Seb is supportive and encouraging to his lady love’s career, he is battling insecurities of his own. Seb’s failed attempts at making it big eventually takes a toll on their relationship. Ryan Gosling playing the man trying to rescue his crumbling relationship will definitely tug at your heart strings. While the movie largely takes about work-life balance through the leads, it is Gosling’s character that delivers a larger message that some relationships break you only to help you heal better. If you wish to laugh and cry this weekend while splurging on popcorn, 'La la land' is available on Jio Hotstar.

The American biographical drama is based on the book of the same name written by Michael Lewis. It showcases how the 2008 financial crisis was triggered by the United States housing bubble. Ryan Gosling plays Jared Venett, whose character is based on the American hedge fund manager Greg Holden Lippmann. Jared is a salesman from Deutsche Bank who decides to sell Burry's credit swaps for his own profit. Jared is blessed with humor, he breaks down complex financial jargons making it easy for the audience to comprehend. His morally ambiguous and charismatic presence adds an entertaining edge to the film’s screenplay. Fans of workplace comedies, 'The Big Short' is available to watch on Netflix.

Starring Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, this biographical drama is directed by Damien Chazelle. Based on the popular book by James R. Hansen titled ‘First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong’, the movie tells us about the first man on the moon. While it keeps Armstong on the focus, it sheds light on the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969. It also shows the space astronauts triumphs, the cost he has endured enroute his journey and sheds light on his personal life as well. If you're a fan pf science fiction and Ryan Reynolds, you can watch this biographical drama on Jio Hotsar

So, which of these Ryan Gosling characters do you like?