We’ll always love George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, and Jennifer Lawrence, but there’s something extra special about watching young talent on the silver screen. Not only do these rising stars bring new energy and versatility to their work, but they also have millions of fans who pay attention to everything they do.
From breakout roles to critically acclaimed performances, these young actors are making waves and garnering attention year in and year out. So, why not celebrate the top 10 actors under 30 leaving their mark on film and television?!
Honorable Mention/Star on the Rise: Ayo Edebiri
Though her career is just getting started, there’s no doubt Ayo Edebiri has a very bright future ahead of her, which is why she deserves an honorable mention on this list.
While she’s best known for her television work as Sydney on The Bear, she did just star in the teen comedy Bottoms last year, proving she’s a movie star in the making. At just 28 years old, there’s a solid chance she could crack the top 10 before she turns the big 3-0.
10. Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega may only be 21 years old, but she’s definitely a rising star. She’s probably best known for her work in Netflix’s Wednesday, which was one of the biggest TV shows of 2022, but her work in the Scream franchise proves she can do great work on the silver screen too!
And, with upcoming roles in the new Beetlejuice film and Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, she’s only just getting started!
Related: WATCH the Top Stars Under 30
9. Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal’s big break came when he starred in Hulu’s TV adaption of the best-selling novel Normal People, but his star has only risen since.
He earned an Oscar nomination for his work in Aftersun and he’s about to star in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2. Yes, a sequel to Gladiator! What makes Paul truly a great actor is his ability to do TV, indie films, and major blockbusters.
8. Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy’s magnetic presence and undeniable talent have made her a standout performer in both film and television.
From her breakout role in The Witch to her starring turn in the hit Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, Anya has showcased her versatility and range as an actress. And, with her movie Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga coming out later this year, there’s no doubt she’s only going to become an even bigger star!
Related: WATCH the Top Stars Under 30
7. Sydney Sweeney
There’s no doubt Sydney Sweeney is the It-Girl of the moment. Just like Jacob Eloridi and Zendaya, Sydney got her big break on HBO’s Euphoria, but she’s starred in several other projects since.
Her work in Season 1 of White Lotus earned her an Emmy nomination, but it was her starring role in the recent romantic comedy Anyone But You that proves she can carry a film.
6. Jacob Elordi
Breaking onto the scene thanks to his portrayal of Nate in HBO’s Euphoria, Jacob Eloridi has managed to transition his acting career from the small screen to the silver screen.
In fact, he’s worked with some very notable directors on some fantastic projects in the last handful of months, from Sophia Coppola’s Priscilla to Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. He’s definitely on the rise to becoming a massive star and at just 26 years old he has a lot of time in front of him.
5. Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan has ascended to the ranks of the biggest movie stars through her remarkable talent, captivating presence, and impressive body of work. With a career that began at a young age, Saoirse has consistently delivered standout performances that showcase her depth and versatility as an actress.
From her breakout role in Atonement to her acclaimed performances in films like Lady Bird, Brooklyn, and Little Women, Ronan has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Award nominations.
4. Florence Pugh
Related: WATCH the Top Stars Under 30
With her captivating presence and remarkable range, Florence Pugh has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. From her breakout role in Lady Macbeth to her powerhouse performance in Little Women (for which she was Oscar-nominated!), Florence continues to impress with each new project.
Not to mention, she starred in the standalone Black Widow film and she’s appearing in Dune 2. Her ability to embody complex characters with depth and nuance has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
3. Tom Holland
There’s absolutely no question that Tom Holland has solidified himself as one of the biggest movie stars of his generation. Bursting onto the scene as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his fantastic portrayal of the iconic superhero. Having the ability to put his own spin on the character shows just how talented he really is!
And, beyond his web-slinging adventures, Tom has demonstrated his range thanks to performances in films like The Impossible, Cherry, and Uncharted. Though he hasn’t been in quite as many critically acclaimed films as he probably would like (outside of Spider-Man, of course), he still has a long career ahead of him!
2. Timothee Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet’s meteoric rise to fame is a testament to his exceptional talent and versatility as an actor. With standout performances in films like Call Me by Your Name, Beautiful Boy, Little Women, and Dune, Timothée has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
His ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability on screen has earned him numerous accolades and cemented his status as a leading young actor. And, his recent starring role in Wonka shows his incredible range. The guy can truly do it all!
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1. Zendaya
From Disney Channel star to Emmy-winning actress, Zendaya has captivated audiences with her unbelievable talent and true star-making charisma. With standout performances in HBO’s Euphoria, the Spider-Man franchise, Dune, and countless other projects, Zendaya has proven she can do both major franchises, TV, and smaller indies.
In fact, her ability to inhabit complex characters with depth and empathy has earned her widespread acclaim and admiration. There’s no question she is going to be one of the biggest movie stars in the world for many, many more years to come!
