Although the concept of a 'good performance' is almost entirely subjective, there are still several criteria that most fans can agree upon. Whether that's how the performance makes the audience feel, how well-suited the actor is to the role, or even just how memorable the character is, all these factors contribute to a so-called good performance.
Over the years, movie fans on Reddit have been extremely interested in sharing their individual lists of the best performances of all time, and there are several actors who are constantly mentioned. There are endless reasons why these performances are considered the best, despite the infinite sea of competition.
Denzel Washington in Training Day (2001)
There's a reason that Denzel Washington is considering one of the greatest actors working today, and Training Day is a perfect demonstration of all his talents in action. It's a flawless example of how Denzel is able to bring any character to life in a unique way, even when the story itself might be simple or predictable.
Reddit thereelestnerd11 argues that Washington's performance is "up there" with the greats. It's some of his subtlest and most convincing work to date, transforming his character Alonzo Harris into one of the most complex protagonists ever put to screen.
Tony Leung in In The Mood For Love (2000)
The timeless love story that Wong Kar-Wai presents in In The Mood For Love is some of the director's most impactful and affecting work to date, but it's Tony Leung who really steals the show as a man who is tormented by his own complex emotions and the injustice of the world around him.
Reddit In The Mood For Love one of the most epic love stories ever told in film.
J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)
Although it's only a ing role, most audiences can agree that J.K. Simmons' turn as Terrence Fletcher is undeniably one of the movie's strongest aspects - which is true praise when considering just how intricately-crafted and visually stunning Whiplash really is.
Reddit halomtm claims that Simmons' performance in the film "blew my mind", as he effortlessly creates one of the most detestable villains in movie history. But the level of nuance and detail that he brings to the character also makes him surprisingly understandable, in spite of his overwhelming flaws.
Toni Collette in Hereditary (2018)
There are many people who believe Toni Collette's omission from the 2019 Academy Awards was one of the biggest Oscar snubs ever, which goes to show just how beloved this performance is by most movie fans. Not only is it an incredible dedication of grief and mourning, but in the final act, she physically transforms into a terrifying creature.
Reddit thegiediprime argues that Collette "shook me to my core". She's one of the main reasons that Hereditary is as relentlessly frightening as it is, as her vulnerable performance allows the audience to immediately connect with her character and share her emotions.
Gregory Peck in To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
To Kill A Mockingbird is both one of the most famous movies and novels of all time, but Gregory Peck's work in the cinematic adaptation is often overlooked when discussing some of the medium's greatest performances. He brings Atticus Finch to life in a way that no other actor could have managed, with effortless charisma and emotional transparency.
Reddit foley471 believes that, although the question is "so subjective", Peck gets their vote for the greatest of all time. Finch is an extremely complex character to embody, but he does so with unwavering confidence and truly makes the character his own.
Forest Whitaker in The Last King Of Scotland (2006)
Forest Whitaker might not be one of the first names that comes to mind, but his outstanding outing in The Last King of Scotland proved that he truly deserves his position among the greats. He plays the real-life dictator Idi Amin to a shocking level of detail, providing a powerhouse performance that will long be ired.
Redditor areumofgangnam praises Whitaker's performance as one of the most moving and convincing they've ever seen: "The way he can make your heart beat with anxiety and fear just with one stare... I doubt even Idi Amin himself can do better."
James Stewart in It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
For many cinephiles all over the world, It's A Wonderful Life is one of the best and most unique Christmas movies of all time. It also happens to be one of the most touching and emotional, with much of its lasting impact being owed to James Stewart's career-best lead performance.
Reddit p245r5 praises Stewart for his powerful acting choices, which transform what could have been a simple protagonist into something much more compelling: "A lesser actor would have played George Bailey as a saint...what we got was one of the most complex performances ever."
Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice (1982)
There are plenty of Meryl Streep's characters that could be justifiably cited as her best, but it seems to be Sophie's Choice that most Reddit s consider to be her finest acting to date. It's one of the first roles that shot her into Hollywood superstardom and remains one of the most emotional and touching performances ever put to screen.
Sophie's Choice is an overwhelmingly devastating drama, and it owes much of its emotional impact to Streep, who laces the film with such raw humanity that it's impossible not to connect with her character. Redditor situation_odd believes that this role, alongside plenty of her others, is truly "amazing."
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight has almost become synonymous with Ledger's portrayal of the Joker, despite the actor receiving only 33 minutes of screen time. He steals every single scene in which he appears, turning the Joker into one of the best movie villains of all time with his unadulterated chaos.
Reddit ericbkillmonger described Ledger's performance as "exceptional". Despite initial hesitancy towards Ledger's casting (the role was completely different from anything the actor had ever attempted before), he completely dominated the film and is one of the main reasons that it's considered Christopher Nolan's masterpiece today.
Al Pacino in The Godfather (1972)
Playing a character as complex and troubled as Michael Corleone was never going to be easy, but Al Pacino somehow makes it seem effortless thanks to his outstanding performance throughout Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather trilogy. His performance is perfectly nuanced and detailed in all the right ways, keeping Corleone compelling despite his many flaws.
Reddit redulster believes that "Pacino as Michael Corleone" is one of the best casting choices ever made - to the extent that it's now impossible to imagine anybody else adopting that role. It's because of his acting prowess that Michael is such an interesting character, and consequently, the reason that the trilogy works so well.
