derp derpity Indeed, but Brando has made 8 great films and 3 good movies in the 50s.In the 70s He made 2 great films, 3 good movies and a cameo in Superman. We are too young too remember that, but still, it's true...
derp derpity I think Brando is more iconic for what he did in the 50's to be honest, so it makes sense to put him in this list. In the 70's I expect to see Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood (even though he might as well be in the 60's list), Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman.
I think this is a cool idea. Like defs Princess Diana for the 90s. Heath Ledger for the 2000s. Osama Bin Laden for the 2010s? Help us oh Khalessi with more ideas!
If anyone's ever scene James deans movie "Giant" there's a scene between him and Elizabeth Taylor where he says he likes her, his acting is phenomenal in the scene and as a straight male I can say he was a handsome dude it's a shame his life had to end that way
A year ago I would have placed James Dean at the top of this list, but I just recently saw A Streetcar Named Desire and Brando fuckin rocked it! His acting in that role was flawless, it seemed like he was reacting to the situation and not as if he was reciting lines that he had remembered. Blanche DuBois, "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers".
Montgomery Clift only made honourable mentions? He was amazing in A Place in the Sun, Suddenly Last Summer and I Confess. Deserved a place on the list in my opinion
I have a huge crush on Jimmy Dean. He was such a gorgeous man an a magnificent actor. I'm sure he would have had a brilliant career in cinema. Too sad he died so young, he was just 24! Although he only did three movies he will always be remembered for his talent and amazing performances. What an icon!
Don't miss the rest of the videos in this series, Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1920s Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1930s Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1940s Wednesday - Top 10 Actors of the 1960s Thursday - Top 10 Actors of the 1970s Friday - Top 10 Actors of the 1980s Saturday - Top 10 Actors of the 1990s Sunday - Top 10 Actors of the 2000s
Where are the actress per decade tops? You make the sexiest women per decade but not the actress? That’s wrong because there is material for actress per decade and sexiest male per decade tops.
Marlon Brando is my all time favourite ..He was so charming and handsome in his youth especially in 50's .. sometimes I wish could have been in that era..to see Marlon Brando in his youth
Um, Hey WatchMojo. Hey!!! Do you literally get all your information from Wikipedia? I noticed the other day that you made a very specific mention to Cary Grant becoming an American citizen in 1942. I found that an odd thing to say, so I looked at his Wikipedia entry and there it was, almost word for word on Wikipedia. Then I looked up some of the things you said in this video, and low-and-behold, you did the same thing with these entries. Almost word for word.
I'm pretty sure that the clips of Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin from Lust for Life are actually James Donald as Theo Van Gogh. C'mon now. Plus Heston should be #1.
James Dean was just getting started! I'm sure his best work was sure to come. Dean looked up to Brando and Brando sneaked dissed him. He knew Dean was his only real competition. That's ok...Brando got number 1 on your list, but James Dean was not just a defining actor. He's an Icon.
Totally agree with Brando being #1! However, I do think Wayne should have been higher. Though I do think Heston is the greater actor, it doesn't get much more iconic than John Wayne.
Good Catch--Obviously the editor of this video never watched the movie. Quinn was in Lust for Life but someone thinks he looks like James Donald from Bridge on the River Kwai
How could you forget about Yul Brynner? Also, I was gonna complain that Kirk Douglas was here but Spartacus wasn't mentioned but after researching, I found out that Spartacus was released on 1960.
Totally agree with Marlon Brando at number 1 but I think you missed the mark on John Wayne. What do think of when think about 1950 Hollywood? Spaghetti westerns. And no one played a better cowboy than John Wayne.
Sean connery clint eastwood jack lemmon warren beatty steve mcqueen paul newman richard burton anthony perkins peter sellers gregory peck dennis hooper 1960s
442hoeky I new what dean looked like when i was about 8 heston came much later i was born in the 90's and have seen several films which can date back to 1921s the kidd
Heston did not deserved to be on this list at all beacuse he played one of the silliest Movie characters in one of the silliest Movies of all time, otherwise Dean deserved his Place. I am wonder if he not should be number one insead of brando!
I'd argue John Wayne is what Samuel L Jackson is today. Definitely typecast, but every once and while he gets a role that breaks away from it, and you are reminded why he is one of the best.
I just have two things to say: You have Anthony Quinn on a list about the 50's and you don't mention La Strada, seriously? And I really feel that Jimmy Stewart is missing on this list.
***** definitely, Jimmy Stewart was in so many amazing movies. I love Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He was also amazing in Vertigo and The Rear Window.
Wayne might (possibly) be a more iconic person/actor overall, but Dean's role as the rebellious teen is a big part of what people remember about not only 50's cinema but the 50's decade overall. All three of those films are considered classics whether you like them or not.
Tom Waits He's mostly remembered only for his looks. No one really mentions his films today, beside Rebel Without A Cause. And that doesn't even get much attention. But I do understand your point. Still, he didn't do anything for a quarter of the amount of praise he gets, or to be above greats Like Wayne, Kelly, Sinatra, or Price. It's only because of his tragic passing. I couldn't picture him going far (Like Brando) after the 50's anyway.
NostalgiNorden hahahahaha, boy. Never heard something like this before. Maybe because it's bullshit. But, to each his own I guess. Lol. That was funny though. Thanks for the laugh. I'm sure you did too.
Bruce Marlon When? What impact? Never heard of it. Now, I did hear how attractive he was. It's the only reason he's remembered today. And that's pretty clear.
Totally agree with this list. Though i would've loved Christopher Lee in here somewhere. Still a great list. Watchmojo is really one of the best media educators i've seen in any place. Love your guys work.
That movie is dope. The Prisoner, Lavender Hill Mob(Oscar nom), Our Man in Havana, The Horse's Mouth, The Ladykillers. You got to check them out, a lot of great comedy work in there.
Very good for an honorable mention but your forgetting about the criteria. Unfortunately his movies weren't as much of a commercial success as the others on the list.
Gene Kelly in a black tight T-shirt, yum! Vincent Price! In black and white or color is a must see. James Dean, gone TOO soon Montgomery Cliff, William Holden and Peter Cushing all deserve more than honorable mentions, dang. Does anyone else want to see James Dean spliced in movies with Brad Pitt?
The 60's? His career went downhill in that decade. If Francis Ford Coppola had not casted him in "The Godfather" in 1972, he definitely would have been forgotten But he certainly defined the 50's
Am I the only person who thinks Rebel Without a Cause is an overrated piece of melodramatic crap with a bunch of annoying whiny teenagers. The only thing I liked about that movie was looking at Natalie Wood. I get it that James Dean is an icon but no way should he have been ahead of John Wayne (I would have ranked at at least no. 2 and one could argue he was in more great movies and a bigger icon than Brando). Also to the people here who claim that John Wayne always played the same type of character, well you could say that for most iconic stars. I love Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, but they are basically the same guy in every movie just to name two that come to mind. Also I'm assuming that one each actor could only be named for a single decade right?
I gotta give props to Watchmojo for even attempting this list, there are SOOOOO many great actors that defined ALL DECADES on this list, and in many different ways. This must have been a difficult list to create, great job guys!
I think I'm missing the point of this list but isn't frank sinatra, john wayme, and Marlon brando some of the most favorite actors ever? I think they're bigger than the others with more iconic movies. If you go around with those three names people know who ur talking about...but i dont think the others are popular enough for you to do that.
If only James Dean had lived longer.
It's such a pity
He's sort of like the Kurt Cobain of acting. sort of...
What happend to him?
Casey deanda He died in a fatal car crash.
He loved racing cars, probably would have ended up racing instead of acting.
I'm going to take a wild guess and say Marlon Brando... maybe John Wayne too.
won't Brando be 70s... I mean Godfather and Apocalyse now, right?
derp derpity Brando should be in both 50s and 70s.
derp derpity Indeed, but Brando has made 8 great films and 3 good movies in the 50s.In the 70s He made 2 great films, 3 good movies and a cameo in Superman. We are too young too remember that, but still, it's true...
derp derpity I think Brando is more iconic for what he did in the 50's to be honest, so it makes sense to put him in this list. In the 70's I expect to see Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood (even though he might as well be in the 60's list), Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman.
Steve27775
agree
I think that Montgomery Clift deserves to be on this list for sure!
I'm guessing Brando and Dean will be 1 and 2
I was expecting the same. They really defined the 50's although I think Kirk Douglas could have been a little higher.
1. Marlon Brando
2. James Dean
3. John Wayne
4. Kirk Douglas
5. Gene Kelly
It's a real shame Dean died so early. He could've had huger influences if he lived.
Imagine how many movies he will made if he is still alive
Quite a dark suggestion here but: decade defining deaths? Like famous deaths?
too much time in game of thrones,eh ?
I think this is a cool idea. Like defs Princess Diana for the 90s. Heath Ledger for the 2000s. Osama Bin Laden for the 2010s? Help us oh Khalessi with more ideas!
1900s - Friedrich Nietzsche.
1910s - Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
1920s - Harry Houdini.
1930s - Thomas Edison.
1940s - Adolf Hitler.
1950s - James Dean.
1960s - JFK.
1970s - Jimi Hendrix.
1980s - Challenger.
1990s - Diana, Princess of Wales.
2000s - 9/11.
2010s - Nelson Mandela.
Michael Jackson for 2000's cos Mandela didn't die In the 2000's decade
Great suggestion. Well, in the 90's I accept Diana, but can't forget Senna, that was probably more choking
You know what they say "You can't see California without Marlon Brando's eyes!"
If anyone's ever scene James deans movie "Giant" there's a scene between him and Elizabeth Taylor where he says he likes her, his acting is phenomenal in the scene and as a straight male I can say he was a handsome dude it's a shame his life had to end that way
I could smell Marlon Brando from the beginning. Kind of the obvious choice.
A year ago I would have placed James Dean at the top of this list, but I just recently saw A Streetcar Named Desire and Brando fuckin rocked it!
His acting in that role was flawless, it seemed like he was reacting to the situation and not as if he was reciting lines that he had remembered.
Blanche DuBois, "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers".
I agree, for that film alone Brando should be named as one of the greatest actors of all time. On The Waterfront is almost as good. sick!
Completely agree. He truly immerses himself in the role of Stanley Kowaski.
Montgomery Clift only made honourable mentions? He was amazing in A Place in the Sun, Suddenly Last Summer and I Confess. Deserved a place on the list in my opinion
A top 10 list of 50's actors and Clift is honorable mention? That is like having a 70's list without Al Pacino. What a joke!
+skibidido I Agreed
Completely agree! Dean & Brando both listen Clift as one of their greatest inspirations. Definitely should’ve made this list!
Calling Marlon Brando a "fine actor" would be like calling Muhammad Ali a "fine boxer". It's an UNDERSTATEMENT!!
Paul Newman?
Kinda feel like Frank Sinatra should've been higher. Underrated actor... An Oscar nom and win is pretty good for a guy known for his singing. IMHO
I have a huge crush on Jimmy Dean. He was such a gorgeous man an a magnificent actor. I'm sure he would have had a brilliant career in cinema. Too sad he died so young, he was just 24! Although he only did three movies he will always be remembered for his talent and amazing performances. What an icon!
Sara Suárez umm bitch I’m in love with him as well 😏
Monty Clift should have been on the list
He should be number 2 after Brando
James Stewart?!
he was the 40s list
Don't miss the rest of the videos in this series,
Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1920s
Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1930s
Top 10 Decade Defining Actors: 1940s
Wednesday - Top 10 Actors of the 1960s
Thursday - Top 10 Actors of the 1970s
Friday - Top 10 Actors of the 1980s
Saturday - Top 10 Actors of the 1990s
Sunday - Top 10 Actors of the 2000s
never really watched the decade 1950's
but might watch a few
Didn't Marlon Brando star in the godfather if he did y didn't u say in later years he stared in the godfather
You won't do Top 10 Decade Defining Actors of the 2010-2014, will you?
Harrison Webster they'll probably put him in the 70s list and put that on
Marlon fucking Brando. Undoubtedly the greatest actor of his generation and arguably the greatest actor of all time.
Frank Sinatra's voice is truly mesmerizing.
Where are the actress per decade tops? You make the sexiest women per decade but not the actress? That’s wrong because there is material for actress per decade and sexiest male per decade tops.
Where am I? My movies with Ed Wood are classics.
Watch the earlier vids in this series. You already made a list, Mr Lugosi (even though you'll probably be upset to hear that Karloff beat you).
Marlon Brando is my all time favourite ..He was so charming and handsome in his youth especially in 50's .. sometimes I wish could have been in that era..to see Marlon Brando in his youth
Um, Hey WatchMojo. Hey!!! Do you literally get all your information from Wikipedia? I noticed the other day that you made a very specific mention to Cary Grant becoming an American citizen in 1942. I found that an odd thing to say, so I looked at his Wikipedia entry and there it was, almost word for word on Wikipedia. Then I looked up some of the things you said in this video, and low-and-behold, you did the same thing with these entries. Almost word for word.
If only James Dean lived longer but no matter still a legend!!!
I predict Brando will top the final list as well.
James Dean I love you so much.
I'm pretty sure that the clips of Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin from Lust for Life are actually James Donald as Theo Van Gogh. C'mon now. Plus Heston should be #1.
I LOVE MARLON BRANDO! Not only was he one of the best actors ever, but he also was a social justice fighter!!
MaryamUniverse that’s just the only bad thing about him
The Duke, #4..???
You're Tearing Me Apart..!!! =))
+travis butler no one cares btw
You obviously did enough to comment
Brando at #1...never had a doubt! Rest in Peace Godfather.
James Dean is my number one. He's just a genius at acting
James Dean was just getting started! I'm sure his best work was sure to come. Dean looked up to Brando and Brando sneaked dissed him. He knew Dean was his only real competition. That's ok...Brando got number 1 on your list, but James Dean was not just a defining actor. He's an Icon.
Ahh, it's so sad that James Dean died so early. He was a promising young guy.
Rock Hudson just a mention?! r u kiddin´?
Marlon Brando could really fit in to both the 50's and the 70's...
Montgomery Clift should be on the list!
Totally agree with Brando being #1! However, I do think Wayne should have been higher. Though I do think Heston is the greater actor, it doesn't get much more iconic than John Wayne.
I knew Vincent Price was somewhere on this decade's list!
There is no shock to see that Brando took number one and James Dean took second.
If you going to list Anthony Quinn in lust for life, it would be nice if you use the clips that accually contain Anthony Quinn.
You have the wrong footage of Quinn as Gaugin. Its James Donald as Theo Van Gogh! Same movie, different role and different actor!
And you wrote "1962" when it should be "1952" at 8:33.
Who is fact-checking this stuff?!?!?!?!?
Good Catch--Obviously the editor of this video never watched the movie. Quinn was in Lust for Life but someone thinks he looks like James Donald from Bridge on the River Kwai
A bit of a cock-up in this video. During the chat about Anthony Quinn in 'Lust for Life' they accidentally show James Donald instead. Oh dearie ...
There could only be one! Brando deserves it and takes it home! Great list!
Finally you did something right. Marlon Brando number one of the 50's.
Kirk Douglas is almost hundred years old!
You got Brando right. But no Clift? Or a '40s-''50s double-decader like Mitchum?
Is there going to be top ten female actresses list?
Only male actresses
+Nico Duenaz "Male actress"??? That's kind of an oxymoron, isn't it? Actress-means FEMALE actor!
How could you forget about Yul Brynner? Also, I was gonna complain that Kirk Douglas was here but Spartacus wasn't mentioned but after researching, I found out that Spartacus was released on 1960.
Maybe he's in the list of the 60s
Ken Wong Yul Brynner was a star in the 50's
+Ken Wong Nope-Saw it already-Totally ignored
... Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird)
1962
Seriously if he's not even at least ON the list for the 1960s I'm gonna freak lol
Hated that movie/book
Darienlover999 Peck made #1 in the 60's list
RckerMom87 Why?
For me Brando was great but James Dean carried the art form even further.
Montgomery Clift as a honourable mention.... what a joke 🤦🏼♂️
11:29 Marlon Brando
Oh yes, babe
You should make decade defining actresses lists too :)
let's just all act like we know what she's talking about and reminisce about the '50s
Totally agree with Marlon Brando at number 1 but I think you missed the mark on John Wayne. What do think of when think about 1950 Hollywood? Spaghetti westerns. And no one played a better cowboy than John Wayne.
Sean connery clint eastwood jack lemmon warren beatty steve mcqueen paul newman richard burton anthony perkins peter sellers gregory peck dennis hooper 1960s
And Sidney poitier
I'm going to call it! Charlton Heston on third, Marlon Brando second and James Dean first.
Marlon Brando, John Wayne, Anthony Quinn..... All my favs are included.... Of course I agree with the list.
also some of the hottest men in history!
Well we all know what happends when Cushing doesn't get what he wants....
"You may fire when ready"
Paul Newman?
Wait for the 60s.
The Young Philadelphians?
1970s. Towering Inferno, The Sting, Butch Cassidy.
PhantomObserver 1960's. The Hustler, Hud, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
60s
Marlon Brando I get, but James Dean over Charlton Heston? I don't buy that.
I wasn't around in the 1950s... not even the 80s. But I know who james dean is and not heston. bigger impact by dean.
442hoeky I new what dean looked like when i was about 8 heston came much later i was born in the 90's and have seen several films which can date back to 1921s the kidd
442hoeky
sadly I don't remember who told me about dean.
you guys are tearing me apart
Heston did not deserved to be on this list at all beacuse he played one of the silliest Movie characters in one of the silliest Movies of all time, otherwise Dean deserved his Place. I am wonder if he not should be number one insead of brando!
That excerpt from Lust for Life was not Anthony Quinn, but James Donald.
Brando was so good he would play character wayy out his confort zone and you would barely recognize him
I'd argue John Wayne is what Samuel L Jackson is today. Definitely typecast, but every once and while he gets a role that breaks away from it, and you are reminded why he is one of the best.
I just have two things to say:
You have Anthony Quinn on a list about the 50's and you don't mention La Strada, seriously?
And I really feel that Jimmy Stewart is missing on this list.
He was number one on the 1940s list.
coolhere45
I still feel that he's missing here, some of his best movies were from the 50's.
***** Then he should have been on this one (just my opinion)
***** definitely, Jimmy Stewart was in so many amazing movies. I love Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He was also amazing in Vertigo and The Rear Window.
coolhere45 All amazing movies, but I think my favorite Jimmy Stewart movie has to be Anatomy of a Murder.
#1 John Wayne. #2 Audie Murphy #3 G Kelly #4 M Brando #5 Rock Hudson
Will he be eligible for the1970s?
Marlon brando ? no, if hes on this list, he cant be in an other.
- DatRandomDude - that's a stupid rule
Early prediction: Brando 1, john Wayne 2
Where's James Mason?
That thumbnail tho. I love James dean (:
Com'om now, who the fuck puts Dean over Wayne? He only did three movies and two are forgettable. wtf
Wayne might (possibly) be a more iconic person/actor overall, but Dean's role as the rebellious teen is a big part of what people remember about not only 50's cinema but the 50's decade overall. All three of those films are considered classics whether you like them or not.
Tom Waits He's mostly remembered only for his looks. No one really mentions his films today, beside Rebel Without A Cause. And that doesn't even get much attention. But I do understand your point. Still, he didn't do anything for a quarter of the amount of praise he gets, or to be above greats Like Wayne, Kelly, Sinatra, or Price. It's only because of his tragic passing. I couldn't picture him going far (Like Brando) after the 50's anyway.
Musicluv3R4life1997 your kiddin right?
No one mentions John Wayne. James Dean re-defied the way we look at acting and are still affected by today.
NostalgiNorden hahahahaha, boy. Never heard something like this before. Maybe because it's bullshit. But, to each his own I guess. Lol. That was funny though. Thanks for the laugh. I'm sure you did too.
Bruce Marlon When? What impact? Never heard of it. Now, I did hear how attractive he was. It's the only reason he's remembered today. And that's pretty clear.
Kirk and Michael Douglas, like father, like son
Abbey McLane what do you mean
Anthony Queen si not Mexcican-American he was born in Mexio
Kevin Spacey better be in the top 3 of the 90's..
Tom Hanks will be number 1 of the 90s , spacey will be number 3 or 4 with brad pitt and morgan freeman would be any where from 4-2
60s-esastwood
70's nicholson or pacino
80's deniro
90's hanks
00's dicaprio maybe
Channel Blaino De Niro was better in the 70s
James dean
Marlon Brando definitely is the best one!!!
Totally agree with this list. Though i would've loved Christopher Lee in here somewhere. Still a great list. Watchmojo is really one of the best media educators i've seen in any place. Love your guys work.
Alec Guinness anyone?
I only know of "the brigde at the River Kwai" being one of the best movies in that decade.
That movie is dope.
The Prisoner, Lavender Hill Mob(Oscar nom), Our Man in Havana, The Horse's Mouth, The Ladykillers.
You got to check them out, a lot of great comedy work in there.
NoRegretsForOurYouth thanks ima go check them out.
Very good for an honorable mention but your forgetting about the criteria. Unfortunately his movies weren't as much of a commercial success as the others on the list.
James Dean all the way!!! My favourite of all time!!!
Gene Kelly in a black tight T-shirt, yum!
Vincent Price! In black and white or color is a must see.
James Dean, gone TOO soon
Montgomery Cliff, William Holden and Peter Cushing all deserve more than honorable mentions, dang.
Does anyone else want to see James Dean spliced in movies with Brad Pitt?
marlon brando defined the 60's, man he defined all generation after that, thats half a century!!
The 60's? His career went downhill in that decade. If Francis Ford Coppola had not casted him in "The Godfather" in 1972, he definitely would have been forgotten
But he certainly defined the 50's
he method acting followed even today!!!
You know what kind of film would have been cool? A western directed by John Ford and starring Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. Imagine that.
What???? That's not Anthony Quinn in Lust for Life! That's James Donald!!!!
Am I the only person who thinks Rebel Without a Cause is an overrated piece of melodramatic crap with a bunch of annoying whiny teenagers. The only thing I liked about that movie was looking at Natalie Wood. I get it that James Dean is an icon but no way should he have been ahead of John Wayne (I would have ranked at at least no. 2 and one could argue he was in more great movies and a bigger icon than Brando). Also to the people here who claim that John Wayne always played the same type of character, well you could say that for most iconic stars. I love Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, but they are basically the same guy in every movie just to name two that come to mind. Also I'm assuming that one each actor could only be named for a single decade right?
James Dean
I gotta give props to Watchmojo for even attempting this list, there are SOOOOO many great actors that defined ALL DECADES on this list, and in many different ways. This must have been a difficult list to create, great job guys!
Monty should be on the list. Plus Rock Hudson should definitely be on the main list. He was to the 50s and 60s what Cary Grant was to the 30s and 40s.
I think I'm missing the point of this list but isn't frank sinatra, john wayme, and Marlon brando some of the most favorite actors ever? I think they're bigger than the others with more iconic movies. If you go around with those three names people know who ur talking about...but i dont think the others are popular enough for you to do that.
Montgomery Clift is in Honorable Mention... but i like his style and acting.. he is like Tom cruise of the 50s.
So basically no BOB HOPE on any list? This is the "Decade Defining" list, not a list of your staffs favorite actors, right?
Douglas finally passed. It’s a fucking shame
May he rest in peace.
It's cult status over talent with any WatchMojo, but you'd think the viewers would see otherwise. Guess not.
Finally a decade that I know more actors in than not. In the 20s, 30s, and 40s series I only knew a few.
I'm surprised that Christopher Lee didn't get at least an honourable mention.
You should do top ten directors and top ten lawsuits
This decade was just Marlon Brando, too bad James Dean died early.
i knew he was first because you cant see California without marlon brandos eyes