Fans of Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Should Watch His Buddy Comedy 'The Nice Guys' Next

The actor's comedic chops and chemistry with co-star Russell Crowe shine in the 2016 cult classic.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:26am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the neo-noir and comedic tones of the film The Nice Guys.The stylish visual textures and buddy comedy chemistry of The Nice Guys make it a perfect companion piece to Ryan Gosling's recent sci-fi hit.Los Angeles Today

Audiences have fallen for Ryan Gosling's charming performance in the sci-fi hit Project Hail Mary, but many may not know that he honed his skills for that role in the 2016 buddy comedy The Nice Guys. Directed by Shane Black, the film pairs Gosling with Russell Crowe as an unlikely duo investigating a missing woman case in 1970s Los Angeles. The chemistry between the two leads and Gosling's impeccable comedic timing make The Nice Guys a must-watch for fans of the actor's work.

Why it matters

Gosling has established himself as a leading man in blockbusters, but before roles like Project Hail Mary, he wasn't often cast in overtly comedic parts. The Nice Guys showed off his talents for physical comedy, perfect line delivery, and ability to balance humor with dramatic moments - all of which shine through in his acclaimed performance as Ryland Grace.

The details

In The Nice Guys, Gosling plays Holland March, a private detective who teams up with hired enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe) to investigate the case of a missing woman. What starts as a simple job quickly spirals into a larger conspiracy. The film's success hinges on the chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, with their banter and growing friendship driving much of the comedy.

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

The players

Ryan Gosling

An acclaimed actor known for his dramatic work, but who has also proven his comedic chops in films like The Nice Guys and the recent hit Project Hail Mary.

Russell Crowe

Gosling's co-star in The Nice Guys, playing the role of the hired enforcer Jackson Healy. Crowe's performance blended his stoic reputation with goofy humor.

Shane Black

The director of The Nice Guys, known for his work on buddy comedies and neo-noir films.

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What’s next

The Nice Guys is available to stream on various platforms, making it easy for fans of Gosling's work in Project Hail Mary to seek out this earlier comedic gem.

The takeaway

Ryan Gosling's performance in The Nice Guys showcased his versatility as an actor, blending comedy and drama in a way that foreshadowed his acclaimed work in Project Hail Mary. For fans looking to dive deeper into Gosling's filmography, The Nice Guys is a must-watch that highlights his impressive range.