Ryan Gosling's 'The Nice Guys' Is a Cult Classic Buddy Comedy

The underrated 2016 film is a must-watch for fans of the actor's more low-key work.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:05pm

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While Ryan Gosling's upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary is generating a lot of buzz, one of his lesser-known movies, the 2016 buddy comedy The Nice Guys, deserves more attention. Directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys follows the mismatched pairing of private eye Holland March (Gosling) and enforcer Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe) as they team up to investigate a missing woman. Though the plot is twisty, the real appeal of the film lies in the chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, who deliver sharp, hilarious banter and physical comedy that evokes classic buddy comedies.

Why it matters

The Nice Guys has developed a passionate cult following since its modest box office performance in 2016, as it represents a type of character-driven, dialogue-heavy comedy that is increasingly rare in today's blockbuster-driven landscape. The film's nostalgic recreation of 1970s Los Angeles and its focus on the buddy dynamic between its two leads make it a standout in Gosling's filmography.

The details

In The Nice Guys, Gosling plays Holland March, a private investigator hired to find a missing woman. This investigation leads him to cross paths with Jackson Healey (Crowe), a brutal enforcer also looking for the same woman. Despite their differences, the two end up teaming up to get to the bottom of the mystery, which involves shady characters and a complex web of intrigue. While the plot provides the framework, the real heart of the film lies in the chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, who play off each other's strengths to deliver a consistently funny and entertaining buddy comedy.

  • The Nice Guys was released in theaters in May 2016.

The players

Ryan Gosling

An acclaimed actor known for his dramatic roles in films like Drive and La La Land, but who also has a talent for comedy as showcased in The Nice Guys.

Russell Crowe

An Oscar-winning actor more known for his intense dramatic work, but who proves his comedic chops alongside Gosling in The Nice Guys.

Shane Black

The writer-director of The Nice Guys, known for his work on buddy comedies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and the Lethal Weapon franchise.

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What’s next

With the success of Project Hail Mary, there may be renewed interest in revisiting Gosling's earlier work, including the cult classic The Nice Guys. Fans will likely be hoping for a potential sequel or reunion between Gosling and Crowe.

The takeaway

The Nice Guys stands out as a refreshing, character-driven buddy comedy in an era dominated by high-concept blockbusters. Its focus on the chemistry between its two leads and its nostalgic recreation of 1970s Los Angeles make it a must-watch for Ryan Gosling fans and anyone who appreciates well-written, dialogue-heavy comedies.