TL;DR
Ryan Gosling is having a massive cultural moment that actually serves parents surprisingly well. With the release of Project Hail Mary (movie) this month, he’s completing a pivot from "brooding indie actor" to the face of positive masculinity and science-led heroism.
Quick Recommendations:
- For the STEM-obsessed kid: Project Hail Mary (movie) (Ages 10+)
- For a family laugh: The Fall Guy (Ages 12+)
- The cultural touchstone: Barbie (Ages 8+)
- The "before they were famous" deep dive: Remember the Titans (Ages 7+)
If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the last five years, you’ve likely seen the "literally me" memes. For a long time, Ryan Gosling was the poster child for a very specific, very stoic brand of masculinity—think the silent getaway driver in Drive or the isolated replicant in Blade Runner 2049. While those are great films, they became a bit of a magnet for "sigma male" culture, which isn't exactly the vibe most of us are trying to cultivate at the dinner table.
But then, something shifted. Gosling started leaning into roles that are—dare we say—fun. Between the neon-soaked existential crisis of Ken and the high-octane charm of The Fall Guy, he’s rebranded himself as an actor who doesn't take himself too seriously.
For parents, this is a win. We’re moving away from the "brooding loner" archetype and toward characters who are vulnerable, collaborative, and, in the case of his newest film, incredibly smart.
Ask our chatbot about the "literally me" meme and its impact on teen boys
If you haven't read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, stop what you’re doing and go get it (or the audiobook—Ray Porter’s narration is legendary).
The film adaptation hitting theaters this month stars Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle-school science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory and a mission to save humanity. It’s essentially "The Martian" on steroids.
Why it matters for your kids:
- Science is the superpower: Much like The Martian, the conflict isn't resolved with a fistfight. It’s resolved with biology, physics, and math. It makes being a "science nerd" look like the coolest thing in the galaxy.
- The power of friendship: No spoilers, but the core of this story is an unlikely partnership that requires radical empathy and communication. It’s a masterclass in how to build bridges with people (or beings) who are fundamentally different from you.
- Resilience: Ryland Grace fails. A lot. Watching a hero "science the heck" out of a life-or-death mistake is a great dinner conversation starter about growth mindset.
Check out our guide to the best science-based movies for kids
Ryan Gosling’s filmography is a bit of a minefield. You don’t want to accidentally put on Blue Valentine for family movie night (trust us, that’s a "parents-only-with-a-glass-of-wine" situation). Here is how to navigate his work by age:
Ages 7-11: The Entry Points
- Remember the Titans: Did you forget he was in this? He plays Alan Bosley, the upbeat, dancing linebacker. It’s a great way to show kids that even "big stars" start in supporting roles, and the movie itself is a classic lesson in teamwork and overcoming prejudice.
- Barbie: By now, most kids have seen it, but it’s worth a re-watch through the lens of Ken’s journey. He’s a character who learns that his value isn't tied to a girlfriend or a "Mojo Dojo Casa House." It’s a healthy way to discuss self-worth.
Ages 12-15: The "Cool" Factor
- The Fall Guy: This is a love letter to stunt performers. It’s funny, the action is incredible, and Gosling’s character is a guy who is just really good at his job and trying to do the right thing. It’s PG-13 for action violence, but it lacks the "grimdark" cynicism of many modern blockbusters.
- La La Land: If you have a theater kid or a musician, this is a must. It deals with the reality of chasing dreams and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Plus, the music is genuinely great.
- First Man: A much more serious look at Neil Armstrong. It’s quiet and intense, but for a teen interested in history or space, it’s a brilliant portrayal of duty and grief.
Ages 16+: The High-School Discussions
- The Big Short: Gosling plays a pretty sleazy banker here, but the movie is an essential (and hilarious) breakdown of the 2008 financial crisis. Great for a high schooler interested in economics or social justice.
- Blade Runner 2049: It’s long, it’s slow, and it’s visually stunning. It raises huge questions about AI, what it means to be "real," and the soul. If your teen is into Cyberpunk 2077, this is their cinematic equivalent.
Ask our chatbot for more PG-13 movie recommendations
One of the most interesting things about Gosling’s recent career is how he’s handled fame. He’s famously private about his family life, but he’s also leaning into being a "girl dad" in his press tours.
When we talk about positive masculinity, we’re talking about a version of being a man that includes being funny, being supportive of women (like his constant praise for Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie), and being okay with not being the "alpha" in the room.
How to talk about it with your kids:
- The "Just Ken" Concept: Ask your kids why they think Ken felt he needed to take over Barbie’s house. Was he happier when he was trying to be a "tough guy" or when he was just being himself?
- Competence vs. Dominance: In Project Hail Mary, Ryland Grace is a hero because he’s smart and helpful, not because he’s the strongest. Ask: "What makes someone a 'hero' in the real world?"
- The "Literally Me" Trap: If you have a teen son who is into the darker Gosling movies like Drive, talk about the difference between a character being "cool" and a character being a "role model." It’s okay to like the movie, but the character’s isolation isn't something to aspire to.
While we’re fans of the "New Gosling," his back catalog is not for kids. Parents should be aware of a few "Hard No" titles for anyone under 17:
- Drive: Extreme, stylized violence (the elevator scene is... a lot).
- The Nice Guys: Hilarious, but very R-rated for language, nudity, and violence. Save this for when they’re seniors in high school.
- Only God Forgives: Just don't. It's incredibly violent and disturbing.
- Blue Valentine: A devastating look at a failing marriage. It’s brilliant, but it will ruin your week.
Ryan Gosling has managed a rare feat: he’s an A-list star who has become more relatable as he’s gotten older. By moving away from the "silent brooding guy" roles and into characters that celebrate intelligence, humor, and emotional honesty, he’s providing a much-needed alternative to the more toxic corners of internet masculinity.
Whether you’re heading to the theater to see Project Hail Mary or just having a Barbie dance party in the living room, use it as an opportunity to talk about what it means to be a "man" in 2026. Hint: It usually involves a lot more science and a lot less brooding.
- Read the book: Grab Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir for your teen (or yourself).
- Check the Wise Score: Before you stream an older Gosling flick, check its Screenwise Media Page for specific content warnings.
- Discuss: Use the "Kenergy" vs. "Ryland Grace" comparison to talk about different ways to be a leader.