A new study has named Whoopi Goldberg in the No. 1 spot of the best-performing actors, this based on the averages of their IMDb scores of all of their respective movies. Conducted by MrQ, the study took 30 of the most iconic Hollywood actors, analyzing their IMDb scores to determine the best and worst reviewed performers in movies. And we're still scratching our heads at whose name wound up at the bottom o the list, considering the enduring legacy of Michael Caine.
These days, Goldberg is best known for co-hosting The View, so her name may not have been the first most people would have thought of. Looking into her filmography, it becomes more clear why she emerged to the top, as she had been in some rather popular and critically-praised films. This includes the Steven Spielberg classic The Color Purple, which earned Goldberg the Golden Globe for Best Actress. She later won Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards for her unforgettable role in Ghost alongside Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.
Many of Goldberg's fans also fondly remember her in the classic comedy Sister Act along with its sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. While that second film was not as well-received, it was still a hit with many of Goldberg's fans. She is actively preparing to return once again in an upcoming Sister Act sequel in development with producer Tyler Perry at Disney+.
Based on 22 movies she's starred in, Goldberg averaged an IMDb score of 7.39. Those making out the rest of the top 5 are Leonardo DiCaprio at 7.00 with 57 movies; Zendaya at 6.99 with 9 movies; Helena Bonham Carter at 6.86 with 53 movies; and Brad Pitt at 6.83 with 93 movies.
Michael Caine Is the Study's Lowest-Performing Actor
While we can all agree Michael Caine is a phenomenal actor, it's his name that's in the bottom spot, making him the lowest-performing actor based on those included in the study. He averaged an IMDb score of 5.32 for 42 movies. Taking a look at the rest of the five worst-performing actors based on IMDb averages, the names are Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at No. 2, as he scored 6.06 with 49 movies; Angelina Jolie at 6.28 with 52 movies; Margot Robbie at 6.39 with 24 movies; and Robert Downey Jr. at 6.41 with 78 movies.
Of course, it's worth noting that this list only includes 30 actors, and they are all among some of the most accomplished actors in cinematic history. Someone had to wind up at the bottom, even if it's an actor as acclaimed as Caine.
While Robbie is in the bottom five, she also gets credit as the Hollywood actor with the most improved performance, per the study. Her score has increased from 2.85 to 6.78 over the last two decades. This gives her a 68% increase in movie performance on IMDb, while Vin Diesel's performance dipped the most. For more information, you can read the full study at MrQ.com.