While it may be a tough job to list the greatest actors of all time, encompassing only 10 of many great ones Hollywood has ever seen, there is no denying that an impressive combination of versatility, remarkable career choices and sheer boldness results in being considered an excellent actor! These gentlemen were part of some of the most memorable films of all time. These are the 10 greatest actors ever to appear on the silver screen. This list is based on their acting skills, the success of their films and the complexity of the roles they have essayed in their careers.

Jack Nicholson

He's basically done it all. With his enormous talent and intoxicating charisma, Jack Nicholson is one of the greatest actors Hollywood has ever come across. A supremely versatile actor whose filmography boasts of uniquely challenging roles one after the other, he ruled the screen for decades, dominated by his presence especially during the 70s. A classic anti-hero, he symbolized rebellious, controversial, bold and non-conformist. He remains the undisputed screen icon till date.

Don't miss - "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest," "The Bucket List," "The Shining," "Chinatown" and "As Good As It Gets."

Tom Hanks

His career track is the stuff of legends. He is one actor who has made smart choices and refrained from being typecast. He didn't shy away from playing the hero every now and then, although these roles were usually challenging and complicated. His career soared with two successive Academy Awards for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump." The quintessential nice guy collaborated multiple times with the best directors in Hollywood. He also distinguished himself from other superstars by staying in the spotlight and out of any controversies, with a steady off-screen life.

Don't miss - "Saving Private Ryan," "Catch Me If You Can," "Philadelphia," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Forrest Gump" and "Castaway."

Marlon Brando

Brando's school of acting is considered one of the most influential of all time. His anguished howl of "I coulda been a contender" in "On the Waterfront" remains one of the most outstanding readings in cinema. Towards the later part of his career, he made some eccentric choices, but even at this point he gave one of his best performances as the mafia don, Corleone in "Godfather." The movie went on to become one of the most widely watched. His artistry in films was so immense; no one could be compared to him. He captured all hearts with his magnetism and the kind of range he possessed.

Don't miss - "The Godfather," "Viva Zapata," "Julius Caesar," "On the Waterfront," "The Wild One" and "Sayonara."

Morgan Freeman

His voice alone could win an Oscar. We all would agree. Besides taking a great role to even greater heights, Freeman infuses calmness and perfection in it, outdoing himself every time. He can be somber, he can be funny, he can be intense and he can be god like (literally in "Bruce Almighty"). There are no limits for this man. He's stunned us with his impressive range from musicals to contemporary drama to Shakespeare. If you're watching a Morgan Freeman film, there's just no way you could turn it off.

Don't miss - "The Shawshank Redemption," "Million Dollar Baby," "Se7en," "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Bucket List."

Denzel Washington

Thanks to a combination of action flicks and substantial dramas, no male film star has a better brand than Denzel Washington. Every movie he does solidifies his consistent and steady box office performance in Hollywood. Unlike virtually every other major actor today who prefers to star in franchisee-driven business-like film project, Washington has been successfully able to carve a niche for himself. He has been a part of some terrific hero-driven human-scaled action films full of gun fire, explosion and fights and still draws attention to his acting abilities.

Don't miss - "Flight," "American Gangster," "Training Day," "Crimson Tide" and "The Hurricane."

Gregory Peck

Gregory Peck made a generation of women swoon with his dapper look, wind-kissed hair and sophisticated casualness in films like "Spellbound" and "Roman Holiday." His performances embodied perfection, intelligence and class all at the same time. He was one of the most successful actors of the post-war era, working in movies of his own choosing. Always exactly bang on with his performance, not to forget the calibre of the films he chose to be in. "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Gentleman's Agreement" and other great films would not have been nearly as significant without him.

Don't miss - "To Kill A Mocking Bird," "Roman Holiday," "Gentleman's Agreement," "Duel in the Sun" and "Spellbound."

Humphrey Bogart

He made smoking look cool. He was the top box office attraction during the 40s and 50s. He created a rich and powerful screen image that is widely regarded as iconic. Whether playing ex-con, war hero, detective or more out of the ordinary characters, his combination of traits ultimately gave Bogart a massive romantic appeal. Bogart was the man!

Don't miss - "Casablanca," "The Maltese Falcon," "The Big Sleep," "The Treasure of Sierra Madre" and "The Caine Mutiny."

Al Pacino

With his brooding yet powerful personality, he remained as one of Hollywood's most charming and premier actors. In a career across several decades, he has to his credit some of the best movies made in Hollywood. He has played quite a few roles as a lawyer, a detective and a police officer, but he's more popular for his roles on the other side of the law. His portrayal of don Michael Corleone in "Godfather" and as a mobster Tony Montana in "Scarface" are of immense popularity. His are some of the most vibrant screen performances in the business.

Don't miss - "Scent of a Woman," "Scarface," "The Godfather" (I and II), "The Devil's Advocate" and "Heat."

Dustin Hoffman

He was nothing like your standard hero, yet it took him very less time to become one of the most celebrated performers in Hollywood. He frequently portrayed roles that cast him as anti-hero, troubled and even slated for a tragic ending. He was known to be difficult to work with and, at the same time, highly valued for completely engrossing himself in a role. It was the movie "The Graduate" that served as his breakthrough role. In more ways than one, Dustin Hoffman broke new ground for all other actors. And he doesn't show any signs of slowing down yet!

Don't miss - "The Graduate," "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Papillon," "Tootsie," "Rain Man" and "All The President's Men"

Robert De Niro

Considered one of the best actors of his generation, he built a strong star career out of his fearsome ability to become a character. He first gained fame for his role in "Bang the Drum Slowly." The 69-year-old actor, who is widely considered one of the best ever, hit it big playing mobsters, but froze his legacy with fearless performances in films such as "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull." Till date, he boasts of a legendary line up of films.

Don't miss - "The Godfather: Part II," "Taxi Driver," "Bang The Drum Slowly," "Raging Bull" and "The Deer Hunter."