⚡ Who is the Best Flash Actor of All Time? DC Fans Have Spoken!
Few superheroes embody the essence of speed, charisma, and heroism quite like The Flash. Over the years, numerous actors have stepped into the red suit, each bringing their unique style to the character. But who truly stands out as the definitive Scarlet Speedster?
After thousands of DC fans voiced their opinions, we’re ranking the top 11 actors who have played The Flash—from worst to best!
Let’s race through the rankings and see who claims the title of the ultimate Flash!
11. Rod Haase (1979 – ‘Legends of the Superheroes’)
🟥 Why He’s Ranked Last:
- Portrayed The Flash in the infamous live-action TV special Legends of the Superheroes (1979).
- The show had a low budget, campy humor, and cringeworthy production values.
- Haase’s Flash felt flat and uninspired, lacking the personality that fans love.
📌 Verdict: While he holds the honor of being the first live-action Flash, Haase’s portrayal is more of a footnote in DC history than a defining moment.
10. Kenny Johnston (1992 – ‘Superboy’)
🟨 Why He’s Ranked Low:
- Played Flash (Bart Allen) in a single episode of Superboy (1992).
- Had limited screen time and little impact on the legacy of the character.
- The show’s version of Flash was underdeveloped and barely explored.
📌 Verdict: Johnston’s Flash was a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo, failing to leave a lasting impression on fans.
9. Josh Keaton (2010 – ‘Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths’)
🟦 Why He’s in the Bottom Half:
- Voiced Wally West in the animated film Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.
- A talented voice actor, but his portrayal lacked the depth and comedic charm of other animated Flash versions.
- His Flash was overshadowed by stronger voice actors in the film.
📌 Verdict: A solid performance, but not memorable enough to rank higher.
These 5 Justice League Heros Were Created by Accident – And It Changed Everything!
8. Kyle Gallner (2004-2009 – ‘Smallville’)
🟠 Why He’s a Fan Favorite:
- Played Bart Allen (Impulse) in Smallville, introducing The Flash to the show’s mythos.
- Had great chemistry with Tom Welling’s Clark Kent.
- His portrayal was a precursor to the modern live-action speedsters.
📌 Verdict: A cool version of Bart Allen, but not quite the definitive Flash.
7. Jack Angel (1980s-1990s – Various Animated Series)
🟢 Why He’s a Classic:
- Voiced The Flash (Barry Allen) in Super Friends (1980s).
- One of the first iconic voices of Flash, bringing energy and authority.
- His version was somewhat one-dimensional compared to modern animated Flash versions.
📌 Verdict: A legend in DC animation, but later versions of Flash’s voice acting improved upon his work.
6. Charlie Schlatter (1997 – ‘Superman: The Animated Series’)
🔵 Why He Stands Out:
- Voiced Wally West in Superman: The Animated Series (1997).
- Brought a lighthearted, wise-cracking attitude that set the tone for future animated Flashes.
- Though overshadowed by later voice actors, he laid the groundwork for Flash’s modern personality.
📌 Verdict: A fun, classic voice performance, but not the most definitive.
What If Superman Was Raised By Lex Luthor Instead of The Kents?
5. Ezra Miller (2017-Present – DCEU Films)
🟣 Why They’re Controversial:
- Starred as Barry Allen in Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and The Flash (2023).
- Their version of Flash is polarizing, mixing awkwardness with high-speed action.
- The slow-motion speed force sequences were visually stunning, but some fans disliked their portrayal of Barry’s personality.
📌 Verdict: A divisive but ambitious take on Flash, earning a mid-tier ranking.
4. Alan Tudyk (2013 – ‘Young Justice’)
🟡 Why He’s a Fan Favorite:
- Voiced Barry Allen in Young Justice (2013).
- Brought a calm, mentor-like presence, perfectly fitting the show’s dynamic.
- His performance was subtle yet powerful, making Barry a respected leader.
📌 Verdict: A top-tier animated Flash, but overshadowed by another legend…
3. Michael Rosenbaum (2001-2006 – ‘Justice League’ & ‘Justice League Unlimited’)
🔴 Why He’s a Legend:
- Voiced Wally West, making him the most beloved animated Flash.
- Balanced comedy, heart, and heroism, creating a version that fans cherish.
- His comedic timing was flawless, making his Flash one of the most fun to watch.
📌 Verdict: If we were ranking Wally West alone, he might be #1!
2. John Wesley Shipp (1990-1991, 2014-2023 – ‘The Flash’ TV Series)
🟠 Why He’s Almost the Best:
- The original live-action Barry Allen in The Flash (1990s TV show).
- Played multiple roles in The Flash (2014), including Jay Garrick & Barry’s father.
- A beloved mentor figure, connecting generations of DC fans.
📌 Verdict: The ultimate nostalgic Flash, but one actor reigns supreme…
1. Grant Gustin (2014-2023 – ‘The Flash’ CW Series)
🏆 The Undisputed Champion:
- Starred as Barry Allen in CW’s The Flash for 9 seasons.
- Perfectly captured Barry’s heart, intelligence, and struggles.
- Had an incredible character arc, earning fan love worldwide.
- Many fans wished he had been the DCEU’s Flash instead of Ezra Miller.
📌 Verdict: The definitive live-action Flash, hands down! Gustin has gathered quite a large fan base over the years, and many have revealed that they would love to see him reprise his role in the DC movies.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Your Favorite Flash?
The Flash has been brought to life by many talented actors, each adding their unique spin to the character.
While Grant Gustin reigns supreme, every version has left its mark on DC history.
Who’s YOUR favorite Flash? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Joker Without Batman: Would He Still Be the JOKER Without Batman?
Did Zack Snyder Just Return to the DCU? The Truth Behind the Viral Photo!