Top 49 Most Popular Young Actors In 2025

Timothée Chalamet, known for his charismatic presence, made his debut in the legal drama series Law & Order. Today, he stands among the most celebrated young actors in the entertainment industry.

Raised in New York City, Chalamet has earned widespread recognition for his bold and captivating performances, collecting numerous awards and nominations in his rising career.

His portrayal of Elio in Call Me by Your Name garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at just 22 years old, catapulting him into the spotlight.

Chalamet has received critical acclaim for his roles in acclaimed films such as The French Dispatch, Beautiful Boy, Little Women, and Bones and All.

In 2018, he was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He took on the iconic title role in the musical film Wonka, which premiered at the end of 2023.

Looking ahead, Chalamet is set to reprise his role as Paul Atreides in the highly anticipated sequel to Dune.

Austin Butler has captivated audiences worldwide with his outstanding portrayal of Elvis Presley in the biographical musical drama "Elvis." His exceptional performance has firmly established him as one of the most talented young actors featured in our list.

Witnessing Butler bring the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ to life is truly one of the most electrifying theatrical experiences in recent years. His ability to channel the legendary musician has left a remarkable impression on viewers and critics alike.

Butler flawlessly embodies everything that made Elvis an icon, delivering his role with spectacular authenticity and passion.

Beyond his acclaimed film work, Butler also boasts credits in well-known television series such as The Shannara Chronicles, Switched at Birth, Ruby & the Rockits, and The Carrie Diaries.

With undeniable charisma and noteworthy talent, we eagerly anticipate what Austin Butler will deliver next in his already impressive career.

Tom Holland soared to new heights with the phenomenal success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which became one of the highest-grossing films both in the United States and worldwide.

His captivating portrayal of the iconic superhero impressed audiences everywhere. Beyond blockbusters, Holland has demonstrated his dramatic range in intense films such as The Devil All the Time.

He also earned critical praise for his nuanced performance in the Apple TV+ miniseries The Crowded Room, showcasing his ability to handle complex characters.

In addition to acting, Holland has explored directing with the short film Tweet and has lent his voice to various computer-animated movies.

Having started dance lessons at just nine years old, he went on to star in Uncharted, a film that received mixed reviews but highlighted his willingness to tackle diverse roles.

Recently, Tom has taken some time off to recover after his demanding work on The Crowded Room, reflecting his commitment to his craft.

Jharrel Jerome is an acclaimed American actor and rapper who captured attention with his memorable debut in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.

Following his successful start in cinema, Jerome has become especially recognized for his standout performances in digital and streaming projects, setting himself apart from many of his peers on this list.

He rose to even greater prominence with his portrayal of Korey Wise in the acclaimed miniseries When They See Us. Jerome has since continued to impress with roles in projects like Mr. Mercedes and Concrete Cowboy, further establishing his reputation as a talented and versatile performer.

Jacob Tremblay stands out as one of the most dynamic and promising young actors in the film industry today. He first gained widespread recognition for his remarkable portrayal of Jack Newsome in the critically acclaimed drama "Room."

His outstanding performance earned him a Critics' Choice Award and a Canadian Screen Award, as well as making him the youngest nominee ever for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.

Tremblay's talent continued to shine in the 2017 film "Wonder," where he delivered a heartfelt performance alongside Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

In addition to these notable roles, Jacob Tremblay has also appeared in popular films such as "Good Boys," "Before I Wake," and "Shut In," further establishing his reputation as a rising star.

Ashton Durrand Sanders gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Chiron, a troubled teenager, in the Academy Award-winning film "Moonlight." His compelling performance earned him critical acclaim and put him in the spotlight as a talented emerging actor.

Sanders began his career with his screen debut in Chris Eska's film "The Retrieval." Since then, he has steadily built his filmography, showing his range and dedication to his craft.

In addition to these roles, Ashton Sanders appeared in a supporting part in the hit movie "Straight Outta Compton." He also made a guest appearance on an episode of the Refinery29 web series "The Skinny."

John Boyega skyrocketed to international fame with his standout role in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, captivating audiences worldwide with his performance.

He reportedly secured the coveted role after impressing director J.J. Abrams with a remarkable performance in the British science-fiction comedy, Attack the Block.

Boyega's talent has been widely recognized; in 2016, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award and received the Trophée Chopard at the Cannes Film Festival.

Further solidifying his influence, New African magazine named him one of the Top 100 most influential Africans in 2020.

Lucas Hedges, the son of filmmaker Peter Hedges, began his acting career with supporting roles in films like Dan in Real Life, Moonrise Kingdom, and Kill the Messenger.

He gained widespread recognition in 2016 for his standout performance in the drama Manchester by the Sea. His compelling portrayal of a sardonic teenager earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

At the time, this achievement made Hedges the eighth-youngest nominee ever in that category. He has also delivered memorable supporting performances in acclaimed dramas including Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. first stepped into the spotlight with supporting roles in films like Ender's Game and 12 Years a Slave. However, his breakout moment came with his critically acclaimed performance in It Comes at Night, which set the stage for his rise in Hollywood.

He continued to earn recognition through impressive roles in movies such as Luce and Waves. While he may still be on the path to superstar status, Kelvin has already garnered significant industry attention and respect.

His talent has been acknowledged with a Screen Actors Guild Award win, as well as nominations for the British Academy Film Award, Gotham Award, and Independent Spirit Award, highlighting his growing influence in film.

Barry Keoghan is an exceptionally talented Irish actor who first rose to prominence with his standout performances in films like Dunkirk and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.

His portrayal in the latter earned him the Irish Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.

Keoghan also received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in Calm with Horses.

Ranked number 27 on The Irish Times' list of Ireland's greatest film actors, he later secured the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his compelling role in The Banshees of Inisherin.

His talents extend to acclaimed television projects and films such as Love/Hate, The Green Knight, and Eternals, among several others.

In 2023, he continued to impress both audiences and critics with his powerful performance in Saltburn, which had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival.

Stranger Things has launched more young stars than almost any other recent television series.

Among its talented cast, Finn Wolfhard stands out as one of the most exceptional young actors to break into the mainstream.

His standout performance in Stranger Things also earned him a role in the hugely successful 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King's It.

Although he is still early in his career, it’s clear that we can expect to see much more from this promising actor in the years ahead.

Freddie Highmore stands out as one of the most accomplished young actors on our list. He has achieved remarkable success, accomplishing feats many thought impossible just a few years ago.

Highmore captivated audiences with his nuanced portrayal of Norman Bates in the critically acclaimed series Bates Motel, bringing depth and complexity to the character originally envisioned by legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock in the horror classic Psycho.

Continuing to showcase his impressive acting range, Freddie also delivered a breakout performance in the hit medical drama The Good Doctor.

It comes as no surprise to see the vibrant and talented Jaden Smith included on this list of young actors.

Not only has he participated in several notable film and television projects, but he also comes from a renowned Hollywood family; both his parents are celebrated screen stars.

Jaden first appeared on the television show All of Us before making his feature film debut in The Pursuit of Happyness. In this moving drama, he starred alongside his real-life father, Will Smith, and the pair shared remarkable on-screen chemistry.

Beyond his acclaimed performances in popular remakes such as The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Karate Kid, Jaden has also explored a music career, showcasing his versatility and creative energy.

Alex R. Hibbert captured audiences with his powerful portrayal of young Chiron in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight. His nuanced performance left a lasting impression, seamlessly blending with the film's talented ensemble cast.

While he hasn't taken on another major film role since, Hibbert's talent remains undeniable. He has also appeared in popular projects such as The Chi and Black Panther, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.

We look forward to seeing more of Alex R. Hibbert's work in the coming years, as his early achievements hint at a promising future in the industry.

Tye Kayle Sheridan entered the world of cinema with his debut in the 2011 film The Tree of Life, sharing the screen with acclaimed stars Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain.

Remarkably, Sheridan was just 10 years old when he stood out among more than 10,000 aspiring young actors to secure this role.

This impressive achievement set the stage for a thriving career, with Sheridan going on to appear in a variety of notable projects.

His filmography includes memorable performances in popular films such as X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, Deadpool 2, and Ready Player One, among others.

Cole Mitchell Sprouse, reportedly named after the legendary jazz singer Nat King Cole, began his acting career as an infant.

He gained widespread recognition as a star of Disney’s hit series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, as well as its successful spin-off.

After the series ended, Sprouse took a hiatus from acting to focus on his education, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth.

He later returned to the spotlight with a prominent role in Riverdale. Despite the show featuring many well-known actors, Sprouse stood out and made a memorable impression.

Ansel Elgort made his screen debut in 2013 with the horror film Carrie. However, true recognition came his way after his memorable performance in The Fault in Our Stars, which earned him widespread acclaim.

He also appeared in The Divergent Series and went on to gain even greater prominence by starring as Baby in the critically acclaimed film Baby Driver.

For his role in Baby Driver, Elgort earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy).

Additionally, he portrayed Tony in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story, further establishing his place among prominent young actors.

Noah Cameron Schnapp rose to fame as Will Byers in the hit series Stranger Things. His breakout role demonstrated his acting potential, but he also drew attention with his performance in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed spy drama, Bridge of Spies.

Regarded as one of the standout young talents in Stranger Things, Schnapp captivated audiences in the show's second season, delivering a compelling portrayal of a boy abducted by a mysterious monster.

Abraham Nii Attah captivated audiences and critics alike with his outstanding performance in the film Beasts of No Nation.

He has also appeared in well-known productions like Spider-Man: Homecoming and various television specials. Despite not having a traditional acting background, Abraham's natural talent has propelled him into the spotlight.

Widely regarded as "the next big actor" in Hollywood, many eagerly anticipate seeing more of his work on the big screen in the coming years.

Asa Butterfield rose to prominence through his standout role in the critically acclaimed drama film "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."

A nominee for the London Film Critics Circle Award, Butterfield is widely regarded as one of the most refined and talented male actors under 30.

While audiences first noticed him for his performance in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," it is his role in the hit television series "Sex Education" that has truly cemented his reputation as a leading young actor.

Shameik Alti Moore had to make it to our story not only because he can act but also because he can dance, sing, and rap with equal enthusiasm.

Best known for voicing Miles Morales/Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its sequel, he surprised many by his performances in projects such as Dope and Cut Throat City.

In addition, Moore has also been seen on shows such as House of Payne, Reed Between the Lines, Joyful Noise, and Incredible Crew.

Stephan James is a Canadian film actor who shot to fame after having won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor for his convincing portrayal of track and field sprinter Jesse Owens in the 2016 movie Race.

The actor has been a part of the industry for more than a decade now and has gone on to appear in projects such as Degrassi: The Next Generation and My Babysitter's a Vampire.

He's also made his presence felt in titles such as If Beale Street Could Talk and Selma.

That said, James managed to earn his first Golden Globe nomination for playing a soldier with PTSD in the psychological thriller Homecoming.

Jack Dylan Grazer made his screen debut playing a minor role on the television show The Greatest Event in Television History. He is now a well-recognized personality at Warner Bros.

The actor has been a part of successful motion pictures such as It and Shazam!.

Of late, he was seen participating in the series We Are Who We Are, and has done quite well in the show.

Noah Gregory Centineo was first seen in the feature film The Gold Retrievers in 2009. He burst onto the mainstream after having starred in two Netflix movies, namely To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.

Since he was playing a charming and lovable guy in both the features, his performances fetched him a great deal of youth attention.

Noah is also known for portraying Jesus Adams Foster in the final three seasons of the television show The Fosters. He has appeared in projects such as How to Build a Better Boy and Swiped as well.

Will Poulter has got to be one of the most competent and, yet, an underrated screen performer.

Best known for his ability to perfect different accents, he is a versatile actor who has been seen in popular features such as We're the Millers, Detroit, Glassland, Midsommar, and the The Maze Runner franchise.

That said, the actor rose to prominence after having played Eustace Scrubb in the fantasy adventure film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Mizero Ncuti Gatwa is shot to fame after playing a significant role on the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education.

He was so good in the show that his performance ended up earning him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and two BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.

However, aside from the aforementioned series, Gatwa has also been a part of other shows such as Stonemouth and The Last Letter from Your Lover.

Also, his introduction as a Scottish celebrity went on to make headlines back in the day.

Jaeden Martell was first seen in the acclaimed 2014 drama film St. Vincet. This promising young talent has been a part of some important television and film projects ever since.

Some of his well-known credits are Defending Jacob, Knives Out, and It.

Martell participated in several commercials at the beginning of his career.

Jace Lee Norman made his professional acting debut on the show Jessie in 2012. He made a name for himself after having portrayed Henry Hart in the Nickelodeon television series Henry Danger. 

Even though he was involved with the aforementioned show for over six years, he also made an appearance on shows such as The Thunder and Danger Force.

While he already does have a decent amount of experience at such a young age, what is most admirable about Jace is the fact that he is an inspiring individual who has dared to open up about his experience as a person with dyslexia.

The nice and talented Noah Jupe may not have been around for a long time, but he has already been a part of some well-known television and film projects.

His most popular television and film credits so far are The Night Manager, The Undoing, Suburbicon, Wonder, A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II, and Ford v Ferrari.

For his performance in the drama film Honey Boy, Noah was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.

Anthony Ramos Martinez is known for having originated the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Broadway musical Hamilton.

He has been a part of motion pictures such as In the Heights and A Star Is Born.

The actor received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance in the stage recording of Hamilton in 2020.

Charlie Faulkner Plummer is one of the most talented young guys to make it to our piece today.

He gave his career a kick-start as a child actor before appearing in television dramas such as Granite Flats and Boardwalk Empire.

The actor has been seen in titles such as Not Fade Away, King Jack, and Lean on Pete, among others.

His character projection in the lattermost project even earned him the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actor at the 74th Venice Film Festival.

This talented child actor is best known for his starring role as Sheldon Cooper in the hit series Young Sheldon.

He has also appeared in other popular television shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Big Little Lies.

Iain Armitage, who has voiced young Shaggy Rogers in 'Scoob!', has been a recipient of the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Leading Young Actor) for his role play of Sheldon Cooper.

Gaten Matarazzo is popular for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix science-fiction-horror drama series Stranger Things.

The young host of the Netflix show Prank Encounters has also appeared on Verizon FIOS commercials.

He also serves as the executive producer on the show.

In addition to the aforementioned credits, we would like to add that the young actor is a competent Broadway performer and has made his presence felt in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Miserables.

Joel Courtney made his debut and is perhaps best known for his role in the 2011 feature film Super 8. He truly is one of the emerging talents within the industry.

The actor is also popular for his starring role in The Kissing Booth series of films.

In addition, he has been a part of projects such as Mercy, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, The Empty Man, and Dear Eleanor, to name a few.

That said, Courtney has also appeared on television shows such as Agents of S. H. I. E. L. D, APB, Double Dare, The Messengers, and Group Chat with Annie & Jayden.

Julian Bailey Dennison debuted in the 2013 feature film Shopping. He ended up winning the English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for the same.

However, he delivered his finest performance in director Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The project went on to become the highest-grossing New Zealand film in history.

What perhaps made him connect to the viewers who liked the film was that the young performer could get both funny and endearing at the same time.

He has also starred in popular feature films such as Deadpool 2, Godzilla vs. Kong, and The Christmas Chronicles 2.

Callan McAuliffe is another fine young talent to make it to our story. He was one of the central protagonists in the period drama film The Great Gatsby.

When it comes to television shows, the actor has made an appearance in the famous zombie-thriller series The Walking Dead.

Even though the Australian celebrity does not have an enormous following on social media, he is multi-talented, to say the least.

We say so because McAuliffe has also written a best-selling book, called 'The Hill Ghost.'

Asher Dov Angel began his career as a child actor in the 2008 film Jolene. He is perhaps best known for his role as Jonah Beck in the Disney Channel series Andi Mack

The year 2019 saw him play the role of Billy Batson in the DC Extended Universe film Shazam!. He was also a part of its much-awaited sequel.

That said, Asher has been involved with music and has also recorded a song with Wiz Khalifa.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin is an actor, model, and producer who is known for starring as Hardin Scott in the After series of feature films.

He was also a part of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

In addition to his aforementioned credits, Hero has also featured in projects such as The Silencing, Safe, and Private Peaceful, among others.

Kofi Siriboe hails from Los Angeles, California and is an actor and model who has gone on to make his presence felt in major shows such as Queen Sugar and Girls Trip.

While he has not been seen in a lot many feature films since he appeared in the aforementioned shows, he is rumored to be working in independent movies of late.

That said, the actor reportedly shifts his focus to fashion projects when he is not acting. Needless to say, he has collaborated with several popular fashion brands till now.

Dacre Montgomery is best known for his work on the popular show Stranger Things. He has also featured in the reboot of the Power Rangers film franchise.

Even though he is mostly known for his work on television, one cannot help but acknowledge that he may continue to make his presence felt in the entertainment industry.

Having said that, our readers would like to know that the actor even released his podcast in 2019, titled DKMH; mostly featuring his poetic work.

Charlie Ross Heaton, who is relatively new to the scene, is so far best known for playing the role of Jonathan Byers in the popular Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things.

Also a musician, he shifted to London at the age of 16 to join a noise-rock band named Comanechi as their drummer. The actor toured with them for over a year.

Before making his acting debut on the television series DCI Banks, Charlie played a role in the short film Life Needs Courage in 2014.

Max Joseph Charles was first seen on the television show True Blood in 2010. He is considered to be one of the most refreshing talents under the age of 30 by critics and viewers alike.

The young actor has made his presence felt in feature films such as The Three Stooges and The Amazing Spider-Man.

In addition, he has appeared on shows like The Strain and the comedy science fiction series The Neighbors.

That said, we'd like to inform our readers that Max is also equally adept at singing and songwriting.

Ezra Miller was first seen on the television show Cakey! The Cake from Outer Space and made his feature film debut with Afterschool.

He went on to stun the viewers with his mind-numbing portrayal of Kevin in the hard-hitting drama film We Need to Talk About Kevin.

The controversial actor has appeared in the coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Stanford Prison Experiment, and the comedy flick Trainwreck as well.

He is perhaps best known for portraying 'The Flash' in the DCEU.

Ty Keegan Simpkins may still be very young but he started appearing on television right from the year in which he was born.

The actor made his feature film debut in filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds, and has been a part of well-known titles such as Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, Jurassic World, Iron Man 3, and Avengers: Endgame.

It isn't such a small feat to be a part of blockbusters like the ones mentioned above at such a young age. Needless to say, Ty has been doing well for himself.

Bryshere Yazuan Gray, popularly known as Yazz or Yazz the Greatest, shot to fame after playing the part of Hakeem Lyon in the popular musical drama television series Empire.

His confident performance in the show ended up getting him nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Breakout Star.

Also known for his portrayal of Michael Bivins in the miniseries The New Edition Story, he soon began to work as an independent actor.

Having said that, our readers should know that aside from being an actor, he is also a rapper.

David Alvarez is a dancer and actor who is known for having appeared in director Steven Spielberg's 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story.

Our viewers would be surprised to know that he is one of the youngest winners of the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.

Also, he is a classically trained ballet dancer. That said, his outstanding portrayal of Billy Elliot in Billy Elliot the Musical was highly praised by the critics and earned him their trust.

Tanner Buchanan made his debut as a child actor on the hit television series Modern Family. He has also featured in other award-winning TV shows.

Even though he is best known for appearing in projects such as Designated Survivor and Cobra Kai, the young one also managed to make his presence felt in critically acclaimed shows such as Game Shakers, Grey's Anatomy, and The Fosters.

Indeed, his resume already seems to be full of some much-liked shows and the actor is only in his 20s.

Khylin Rhambo is an actor and writer who is known for having appeared on shows such as Reed Between the Lines, The First Family, and MTV’s Teen Wolf.

However, these are not the only shows the actor is known for. He has played a supporting role in programs such as Ironside and Criminal Minds as well.

That said, Khylin has played a part in feature films such as 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and Ender's Game, among others.

Nicholas William Hamilton is perhaps best known for portraying Rellian in Captain Fantastic. However, he rose to fame after having featured in the It series of films.

The Endless actor has also been a part of a few short films at the beginning of his career.

Aside from the aforementioned features, he was also seen in titles such as Strangerland and The Dark Tower. He marked his presence in the second season of Hulu's Love, Victor as well.