The Flash is more than DC’s quickest hero—his is a pop culture legend who’s moved at lightning speed through comics, cartoons, and live-action retreads for over 80 years. With every fresh generation, another actor has donned those iconic red boots, bringing his bit of magic to the Scarlet Speedster. But who’s taken lightning in a bottle? From touching TV moments to cartoonish standouts, here are the 11 greatest actors ever to portray The Flash, listed according to fan adoration, critical acclaim, and sheer speedster appeal.
1. Grant Gustin
Grant Gustin is the Flash for many fans. Playing Barry Allen on The CW’s The Flash (2014–2023), Gustin infused the character with emotional resonance, likability, and actual heroic passion. Even as the series faltered in writing or tone, his performance stayed consistent, stabilizing the Arrowverse’s longest-running show. With an affinity for his supporting cast and a talent to naturally balance both tiny emotional scenes and huge crossover episodes, Gustin’s Flash was a new generation favorite, e—and many still wish to see him back.
2. John Wesley Shipp
Well before the Arrowverse, John Wesley Shipp first brought Barry Allen to life on the small screen in the 1990 The Flash series. His adult, earthy interpretation of the character was a breath of fresh air when superhero tales were still discovering their tone. Shipp later returned to the Arrowverse in several iterations, such as Jay Garrick and even his own original Flash. His legacy status and multiverse cameos seal his position as a fan-favorite, ageless figure in Flash lore.
3. Michael Rosenbaum
As Wally West in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, Michael Rosenbaum made the Flash the smart-alecky, wisecracking center of the animated team. His take on Wally was well beyond comic relief—he was deep, charming, and full of unexpected emotional resonance. Rosenbaum’s high-energy performance helped establish the character for a generation of viewers who came up with the DCAU.
4. Christopher Gorham
In the DC Animated Movie canon, Christopher Gorham played Barry Allen in several films, such as Justice League: War and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Gorham’s Flash was intelligent, mature, and quietly charming, with a dependably solid center to the high-octane animated action. His version might not be so flashy as others, but it’s intensely consistent and lovable.
5. Charlie Schlatter
Charlie Schlatter originally provided the voice for The Flash in Superman: The Animated Series and has gone on to contribute his voice to many DC efforts. His energetic, youthful approach—mostly as Wally West—felt nostalgic but flexible, suiting itself to a range of tones and narratives. His longevity and versatility have made him a comfortable favorite amongst long-time animation buffs.
6. James Arnold Taylor
Best recognized for providing the voice of The Flash in Young Justice and the DC Lego Universe, James Arnold Taylor is a blend of fun and mentorship in the role. His Barry Allen in Young Justice is that of an older hero and benevolent uncle combined, while his Lego incarnation is pure energy. Both are balanced between wisdom and enthusiasm.
7. Neil Patrick Harris
In Justice League: The New Frontier, Neil Patrick Harris played Barry Allen with retro-style superhero flair. His take on the character had the Silver Age optimism and confidence to a tee, fitting the film’s 1950s setting. Although it was a one-off, his Flash left an impression.
8. Keiynan Lonsdale
Keiynan Lonsdale brought Wally West to the screen in The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, first as Kid Flash. His teen energy and emotional journey—particularly as he filled in for Barry temporarily—connected with fans. Lonsdale’s Wally provided representation, emotion, and a sense of legacy to the Arrowverse.
9. Kyle Gallner
In Smallville, Kyle Gallner played Bart Allen—a charming, outlaw Flash who dates back to many other 2000s live-action Flashes. His iteration, while not always comic-accurate, possessed youthful swagger and a dedicated fan base. Had he been given more time, Gallner’s Flash might have become something special.
10. Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen first appeared in Batman v Superman and came to the forefront in Justice League and The Flash (2023). Their performance was quirky, hyper, and emotionally rich, but divisive. Though Miller introduced a new cinematic Flash, uneven storytelling and off-screen drama tainted this take’s reception and prospects.
11. Notable Mentions: Rod Haase, Kenny Johnston, Josh Keaton, Jack Angel, Alan Tudyk
Rod Haase played Barry Allen in the 1979 TV special Legends of the Superheroes, a cult favorite among early fans. Kenny Johnston had a campy but sincere appearance in the 1997 TV movie Justice League of America. Flash was voiced by Josh Keaton in Crisis on Two Earths, and Jack Angel (Super Friends) and Alan Tudyk (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) provided humor and heroism to their animated interpretations.
From the earnest heroism of Grant Gustin to Michael Rosenbaum’s signature one-liners, the heritage of The Flash is founded on a multiverse of iconic performances. In live action or animation, every actor brought something special to DC’s speediest man alive—something that substantiated the argument that the correct performance can make the speed force tangible.