The Scarlet Speedster has been running through audiences' hearts for decades now, and over the years, many actors portray DC’s fastest hero. The Flash has saved lives both in animation and live-action, leaving room for countless wonderful actors to step in and lend their abilities to the role.
The character has brought some of the best out of its performers and graced audiences with performances that would and continue to stick with them. Whether they’re in the animatedJustice Leagueseries or the CW’s live-action interpretation, the actors of the Flash are not to be trifled with. Still, while every actor puts their spin on the role, some are undoubtedly better than others.The best actors to play The Flash nail the character’s unique humor and physicality, embodying the Scarlet Speedster entirely and becoming synonymous with the role.
10Ezra Miller
Flash Tenure: 2016-2023
‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’
‘Justice League’
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’
‘The Flash’
The world quickly grew to knowEzra Milleras the Flash on the big screen. They made their first appearance in the DCEU in a speedy cameo inBatman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, later going on to play the character in 2017’sJustice Leagueand 2023’sThe Flash. In the meantime, Miller appeared in 2021’s long-awaitedZack Snyder’s Justice League.
Miller handed audiences a version of the character that hadn’t been seen for quite a while. Their Barry Allen was a very eccentric and jittery character as if always running on caffeine. With the Flash of the DCEU being only 25 when the League fought Steppenwolf, he’s very much like a kid, and Miller brings that energy with every scene. Unfortunately,the DCEU’s hectic, unclear nature prevented Miller from fully exploring the role. Their solo film became collateral of the franchise’s pivot underJames Gunn, seemingly ending Miller’s tenure with a fizzle rather than a bang.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justiceis available on Max.
Watch on Max
9Kyle Gallner
Flash Tenure: 2004-2010
‘Smallville’ Seasons 4, 6, 8, 10
2004, 2007, 2009, 2010
Smallvilledid many wonderful things not only for television but specifically for the superhero genre, showing audiences and networks all that could be done visually with superheroes;Kyle Gallner’s Flash is one of the best examples.SmallvilleSeason 4, Episode 5, “Run” brought the Flash to television for the first time, and with grace.
Gallner played Bart Allen, also known as Impulse, the younger more rebellious character in the Flash family and was portrayed as a small-time “character-of-the-week” thief in his first appearance. Being set on the right path after his first encounter with Clark, Bart would return a few times, becoming a fan-favorite as he grew in importance.Kyle Gallner is a wonderful actor, and his take on Bart is brilliant; he is cheeky and slightly annoying yet wholesome and always welcome; if he had received more screen time, he could’ve easily become one of the all-time best Flashes.
Smallville
A young Clark Kent struggles to find his place in the world as he learns to harness his alien powers for good and deals with the typical troubles of teenage life in Smallville, Kansas.
Watch on Hulu
8Keiynan Lonsdale
Flash Tenure: 2015-2023
‘The Flash’ Seasons 2-6, 9
2015-2020, 2023
‘Supergirl’ Season 3
‘DC Legends of Tomorrow’ Season 3
Keiynan Lonsdalejoined the cast of CW’sThe Flashin its second season to play the long-lost son of Joe West, Wally West.Lonsdale added a youthful spirit toThe Flashthat had only been found here and therein the character Cisco. But Lonsdale would eventually step into his own suit when he became Kid Flash. When Barry got lost in the Speed Force and was thought to be gone for good, Wally stepped into the Flash suit and became the Flash for a short period.
Though only getting to play the actual mantle of the Flash shortly, Lonsdale’s performance as Wally was spectacular. Fans begged for his return to the show every season after his eventual departure, with Lonsdale returning for the show’s final season. Like other Arrowverse characters, Lonsdale’s Wally appeared in other shows, includingSupergirlandDC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
The Flashis available on Netflix.
Watch on Netflix
7Neil Patrick Harris
Flash Tenure: 2008
‘Justice League: The New Frontier’
WithJustice League: The New Frontiertaking place in the 1950s,Neil Patrick Harrisbrought a perfect Golden Age sound to the character of Barry Allen. Bringing together a Justice League from the 50s was a tough job, especially on the casting side of production, but the entire cast was very well put together, and Harris is no exception.
Harris brings a confident, seasoned and yet optimistic performance to Barry Allen. The actor is well-known for his enthusiastic, boyish voice, ideal to play a character like The Flash. Amongthe manyJustice Leagueanimated movies,The New Frontierstands out because of its inspired casting choices, including the always-reliable Harris.
6James Arnold Taylor
Flash Tenure: 2010-2018
‘Young Justice’ Seasons 1-3
‘Batman: Be-Leaguered’
‘Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League’
‘Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Attack of the Legion of Doom’
‘Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash’
‘Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash’
Industry titanJames Arnold Taylorhas played numerous crucial roles in any kid’s childhood, but many don’t know that he’s played the Flash multiple times. He’s mainly known for playing the Flash in the DC Lego universe, but fans most often note his performance as Barry Allen inYoung Justice.
In the DC Lego universe, Taylor brings an energetic performance that suits Lego’s younger demographic almost perfectly.In the incredibleYoung Justice, Taylor portrays a veteran Flash who serves as a wonderful mentor to his sidekick, Kid Flash. In both projects, Taylor shows his dominance over the role, showcasing Barry’s different facets while staying true to the character’s essence.
Young Justiceis available on Max.
5Charlie Schlatter
Flash Tenure: 1997-2018
‘Superman: The Animated Series’ Season 2
‘The Batman’ Season 5
‘Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes’
‘Lego Batman: The Movie’
‘Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham’
‘Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts’
‘Lego Dimensions’
‘Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants’
‘Justice League Action’
Charlie Schlatterbegan his career as the Flash inSuperman: The Animated Series. What followed was a large and impressive career voicing the Scarlett Speedster across numerous media, including movies, shorts, shows and even video games.
Schlatter has been running all over the DC Universe for quite some time, and fans have loved his performances. Every time he pops into a project, fans rejoice, as his voice is instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained into The Flash’s mainstream persona. Shlatter’s long track record of returns to the character is proof of his timelessness in the role.
4John Wesley Shipp
Flash Tenure: 1990-2023
‘Arrow’ Season 7
‘Supergirl’ Season 4
‘Stargirl’ Seasons 2-3
1990 was a great year for moviesand shows, bringing about the first Flash live-action animated television series starringJohn Wesley Shipp, and fans instantly fell in love. Shipp has grown so popular in the fandom that he’s even come back and become a recurring guest star on CW’sThe Flashas Barry’s father, then Jay Garrick and finally as his version of the Flash from the 90s in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Shipp is the actor who has played the most live-action iterations of the Flash, and for good reason. The actor doesn’t just get brought back for nostalgia; he’s also great at what he does and brings a wonderful performance with every role he touches. Shipp brings a sense of maturity and weariness into his performance, delivering the most experienced out of all the iterations of The Flash.
The Flashis available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Rent on Amazon Prime
3Christopher Gorham
Flash Tenure: 2014-2020
‘Justice League: War’
‘Justice League: Throne of Atlantis’
‘Justice League vs. Teen Titans’
‘The Death of Superman’
‘Reign of the Supermen’
‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’
Christopher Gorhamhas become a staple among the DC fandom. TheUgly Bettyactor is known for playing the Flash in the DC animated film universe, beginning withJustice League: Warup until the universe’s finale,Justice League Dark: Apokolips War,
Gorham has gone on recorddiscussing how much he enjoyed superheroes in his youth and expressed his excitement about playing the role of the Flash.Gorham’s enthusiasm for Barry Allen is incredibly present in his portrayal of the character. The DC animated film universe brought audiences a Barry in his prime who is mature yet breathes an optimistic nature within it.
Justice League: Waris available on Max.
2Michael Rosenbaum
Flash Tenure: 2000-2012
‘Static Shock’ Season 3
‘Justice League Unlimited’
‘Justice League: Doom’
One of the most iconic and well-known iterations of the Flash is the character found within thewell-renowned and incredibly binge-able showsJustice LeagueandJustice League Unlimited. Wally West brought a whole new dynamic to the League with his witty charm, slight immaturity and quippy nature.
Michael Rosenbaum played a huge part in making The Flash one of the best characters on both shows. Flash’s charm was perfectly captured within Rosenbaum’s performance and resulted in fans falling in love with the Scarlet Speedster. But through his jokey essence, Rosenbaum still presented a sweet sincerity whenever Flash needed to sit down and get serious.
Justice Leagueis available on Max.
1Grant Gustin
Flash Tenure: 2013-2023
‘Arrow’ Seasons 2-8
‘Supergirl’ Seasons 1-5
‘DC Legends of Tomorrow’ Season 2,3,5
2016,2017,2020
‘Batwoman’ Season 1
Initially spawning as a spin-off of Arrow,The Flashbrought a unique and delightful cast of characters to the CW DC universe.The Flashran for nine seasons, and with it came nine years of wonderful acting from starGrant Gustin.
Gustin is by far the most popular Flash casting among the fan base. With his long tenure as the character, Gustin was able to give some downright beautiful performances as the character and audiences and critics alike fell in love with him. When the show hit its very low points critically, Gustin was still praised for his acting, shining through the mud and keeping fans invested.
