Fans of the Gangster Squad star believe the 32-year-old actor will still be a popular actor later in life, with 52% of Britons questioned in a nationwide Cineworld survey of more than 21 000 film fans predicting he will have plenty of staying power.
Gosling beat off competition from Ryan Reynolds (23%) and Daniel Radcliffe (19%) to claim the title.
Johnny Depp tops nostalgia poll
Johnny Depp was named the leading man of choice in the 1980s nostalgia poll, with nearly half (43%) of Brits choosing the Pirates of the Caribbean star ahead of Top Gun actor Tom Cruise (22%).
Cineworld Head of Film, Roy Gower, said: "The 80s was a fantastic time for romantic comedy films and so many from that era still rank among our favourites.
"There is a real trend for nostalgia among the British at the moment - we've recognised that and are giving film fans and romantics nationwide the chance to see one of their best-loved 80s classics."