25 Best Actors in Their 20s: Hollywood's Rising Stars (2024)

Watching movies and television is as fun as ever, and it’s because of the stars.

2024 has given us some incredible entertainment to feast our eyes upon. From fantastical spectacles like Alien: Romulus and Dune 2, to more comedic fare like The Fall Guy and Piece by Piece, this was a great year to get back into moviegoing. But it’s not just the movies that are eating up the limelight; there’s some stellar material on the small screen as well. The hilarious hit drama Fallout gave us GOATed talent while the frenetic The Bear presented us with stars that have become serious style inspo. The actors are acting, y’all.

But who are the best Hollywood stars in their 20s right now? Compiling such a list was tough, but we considered the following criteria when ranking this list: 1. their talent and on-screen aura; 2. their box-office drawing power; 3. the quality of their upcoming projects; 4. their pop culture relevance (through appearances and references in other mediums like games and music); and 5. a forecasting of the longevity of their star power.

So, without further ado, here’s our ranking of the top 25 Hollywood stars in the 20s. Did your favorite make the list?

25.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Project: Moonlight

Upcoming Project: Invasion Season 3

Ashton Sanders might be a relatively low-key entry on the list, but make no mistake: He’s done some things while getting ready for some things.

Let me explain.

Sanders’ first two major roles were as kids: some teenager on a bus in F. Gary Gray’s 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton and a younger Chiron in Barry Jenkins’ 2016 coming-of-age drama Moonlight. It was these two roles that put his name on the map, landing him in 2018’s action-thriller The Equalizer 2, 2019’s dramas Native Son and Wu-Tang: An American Saga (as RZA), 2020’s drama All Day and a Night, and 2021’s crime drama Judas and the Black Messiah, among others. And it makes sense why he was tapped for all of these projects: He’s got that aura.

His appearance—tall and angular with an almost triangle-like head shape and piercing hooded eyes—gives him a dramatic look. His voice, deep and guttural like he’s getting over a week-old cold, was made for dramatic readings. His demeanor, calm and nonchalant, is perfect to mold into a powerhouse talent in the world of drama. And his acting, polished and shining, make him someone to watch for.

And watch you will. While Sanders doesn’t appear to have any films lined up at the moment, he was cast in season three of David Weil and Simon Kinberg’s sci-fi drama Invasion , which is currently in production for Apple TV+. We don’t know much about his role in the project yet. However, if he brings that same aura from his previous roles to Invasion, then I’ve no doubt he’ll be a shining star in the cast. — Levi Winslow

24.

Age: 24

Most Recognizable Project: Grown-ish

Upcoming Project: Paint Me a Road Out of Here (executive producer)

Shahidi is honestly the definition of young, Black, and gifted. Best known for her role as Zoey Johnson in black-ish and its spin-off grown-ish, she’s given us a hilarious yet relatable glimpse into our wild college days. But Yara is so much more than just a talented actress; she's a fierce advocate for social justice, education, and representation, especially in Hollywood.

In 2023, she made history as the first Black woman to play Tinkerbell in Disney’s live-action remake of Peter Pan & Wendy, showcasing her ability to break barriers and redefine iconic roles. Additionally, she founded her own production company, 7th Sun Productions, showing her commitment to creating diverse content that truly reflects our world with projects like the upcoming documentary Paint Me a Road Out of Here. Shahidi continues to remind us that she’s that girl, both on and off the screen. With her incredible achievements and passion for change, she is undoubtedly one of the top Hollywood stars to watch. — Unique Chapman

23.

Age: 26

Most Recognizable Projects: My Neighbor Totoro, Astro Boy, Super 8

Upcoming Projects: A Complete Unknown, Sentimental Value, Rosebush Pruning

Fanning won me over as a fan for life in 2011’s Super 8, JJ Abrams’ underrated sci-fi and filmmaking love letter/blatant rip of Spielberg’s ’80s. For once, rather than spectacle, Abrams focuses on an intimate scene between a star and her director as they discuss a role in a homemade film. She’s playing the elusive object of desire for a crew of goofy and largely forgettable middle school boys, but has to figure out how to portray a zombie in white face with her cheekbones and eye sockets blacked. Fanning expertly mimics zombie gestures in a sexy pantomime of eating a victim’s brains, and seduces her would-be director, nailing the movie magic of the scene and announcing to the world she’d be more than Dakota’s little sister. For me, it’s the best scene of Abrams’ career ,

I’ve been chasing that high since 2011 and never really found it again with Fanning. She’s a clear case of how all the talent in the world can’t make it happen for you if the material you choose isn’t there. Her big swings like Maleficent don’t land, nor do the attempts at prestige projects that sound like money in the bag on paper like Twixt, Live By Night, The Neon Demon, Trumbo, The Beguiled, Galveston, A Rainy Day in New York…I could go on. But she has these transcendent moments, like in 20th Century Women, that won’t let you give up on that undeniable talent. Here’s to hoping her upcoming role in A Complete Unknown doesn’t suck. — Abe Beame

22.

Age: 23

Most Recognizable Project: Stranger Things

Upcoming Project: TBA

Another Stranger Things alum on this list, McLaughlin got his start on Broadway, playing Young Simba in the long-running and much-loved The Lion King from 2012 to 2014. His starring role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things won him Outstanding Performance by a Youth at the NAACP Image Awards, and in December 2020 he made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

The features that he’s appeared in so far have been met with mixed reception, but he continues to appear in films that champion Black talent and Black histories: for example, Concrete Cowboy, a literary adaptation that explores the urban African-American horse riding culture of Philadelphia; biblical satire The Book of Clarence; and Lee Daniels’ recent supernatural horror The Deliverance.

A publicity stunt earlier in the year from rapper 21 Savage had fans thinking McLaughlin and Donald Glover were set to star in a 21 biopic, but the trailer was just an elaborate album teaser. Perhaps the project will come to fruition eventually. McLaughlin’s career is on the rise and stranger things have happened. — Blake Simons

21.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Project: The Crown

Upcoming Project: Nosferatu

Immediate acting royalty, Corrin rose to fame with their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of Netflix's The Crown. Since then, the nonbinary actor has forged a career in period dramas with a twist. They played the title role in the 2022 Netflix adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover and the conflicted spouse in the Harry Styles-starring gay drama My Policeman.

More recently, they’ve been seen in genre spaces: as Professor X’s bald, psychic twin sister in Deadpool & Wolverine, and in the lead role of acclaimed FX miniseries A Murder at the End of the World as a pink-haired amateur detective. They’ve also been exploring their gender on stage, taking on the role of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Next, they can be found this holiday season in the shadowy castles of Robert Eggers’ hotly anticipated Nosferatu. — Blake Simons

20.

Age: 27

Most Recognizable Projects: Moonlight, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Upcoming Project: Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse

James has an immaculate pedigree: The Bronx native, of Haitian and Dominican descent, is a Laguardia High School grad who got early breaks with Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and Ava DuVernay (When They See Us). He has stardom written all over him, with soft features and kind, thoughtful eyes, which is how he credibly played a sweet, soulful 13-foot-tall kid in Boots Riley’s Amazon miniseries I’m a Virgo in 2023.

He’s arguably been too heavy on the straight-to-streaming market in a handful of forgettable Netflix and Amazon films and series, but as a result has rubbed shoulders with absolute titans like Idris Elba, Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, and Don Cheadle (who has an energy and a a career that you can imagine Jerome aspiring to). He recently landed what feels like will be a pivotal voice-acting role in the Spider-verse sequel, and perhaps these brushes with Hollywood power players will lead to bigger and better projects in his 30s. — Abe Beame

19.

Age: 23

Most Recognizable Project: West Side Story

Upcoming Projects: Y2K, Snow White

Cast in 2021’s West Side Story at the age of 16 and winning a Golden Globe for the role at the age of 20, Zegler was the first actress of Colombian descent to receive the award.

Over the past year, she’s become a multiplex staple, starring as the lead in Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and as a gold-clad bright spot in the Shazam! sequel Fury of the Gods.

Currently on Broadway in a Jack Antonoff-scored musical of Romeo + Juliet, she’ll next be seen this December in A24 disaster comedy Y2K, the directorial debut of SNL’s Kyle Mooney. Zegler will also exercise her impressive vocal chords on screen in Disney’s Snow White and Netflix’s animated musical Spellbound.

This makes the 23-year-old creative a true double-threat: she can act and she can sing, and she can do both extremely well. Combine this with her rather distinctive look—sharp eyebrows and striking eyes made for serving glances in tense dramas—and Hollywood has a rising star whose light is destined to shine bright. — Blake Simons

18.

Age: 26

Most Recognizable Project: The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give, Bodies Bodies Bodies

Upcoming Project: Wildwood

Stenberg is an example of how difficult Hollywood can be to navigate for any young actor of color. It’s tragic to have to open with that because few actors on this list have as much right to be here as they do, a natural talent who looks like they were designed by Pixar and jumps off the screen, equally tremendous in social-issue pictures and Star Wars streamers .

But weird shit follows them. First the Bodies Bodies Bodies star responded to what they felt was an odd review of the film by New York Times critic Lena Wilson, who posted their exchange, which spiraled into a cringey controversy about sexuality, objectification, and nepotism that overshadowed the film and made the writer look like shit. And then of course this year there was The Acolyte, Stenberg's well-reviewed, diversely cast Star Wars spinoff series, over which the always level-headed, normal, and enlightened super fans of the franchise attacked Stenberg with what the actor described as “hyper-conservative bigotry and vitriol, prejudiced hatred and hateful language.” The series was canceled. But the obviously talented and magnetic actor stays booked and busy. Here’s to hoping the next time I get to write about them the focus is on the talent, not the bulls**t. — Abe Beame

17.

Age: 29

Most Recognizable Project: Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

Upcoming Project: Holland, Michigan

I have to admit, I’m unfortunately addicted to Rachel Sennot’s TikTok feed , which I reference in relation to her stardom because it’s such an integral part of what has made her one of the fastest rising stars on this list. She’s a fully formed and relatable figure: America’s funny, cigarette-smoking, somehow-not-Jewish-but-spiritually-Jewish, very hot best friend/crush who seemingly climbed out of Charli XCX’s subconsciousness.

She’s the only actor on this list whose fame seems to have been justified by her filmography, rather than vice-versa. It’s a social-media-tail-wagging of Hollywood stardom that is becoming increasingly common, but what’s rare is for it to be attached to a genuine talent. Sennott isn’t just doing snotty cameos capitalizing on her recognizability; she’s starring in claustrophobic, panic attack-inducing, coming-of-age dramas that demand real chops; taking center stage in a chaotic lesbian high school comedy she wrote (which also stars her similarly exploding peer on this list, Ayo Edibiri) that conjures memories of Adam Sandler’s seminal ’90s blockbusters; and is about to go full-Dunham with her own written and produced comedy on HBO. But she still makes time for me and her 450,000 admirers on TikTok—because she’s smart and clearly understands her audience. — Abe Beame

16.

Age: 29

Most Recognizable Project: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Detective Pikachu, I Saw the TV Glow

Upcoming Project: Now You See Me 3

Smith’s career has been anything but predictable, and in 2024, he’s continuing to explore fresh, innovative projects.

Having already left a lasting impression as Ezekiel in The Get Down, a series that fused music and drama in a unique way, Smith quickly transitioned to the big screen with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Detective Pikachu. These roles showcased his ability to shine in massive franchises, but Smith’s passion for more offbeat, thought-provoking material is evident in films like I Saw The TV Glow and The American Society of Magical Negroes. He’s an actor who’s always looking to push himself creatively, and his choices reflect a desire to explore new narratives and genres. From blockbuster adventure to surreal social commentary, Smith continues to surprise and impress, proving that he’s one of the most dynamic young actors in the industry. — Jacob Kramer

15.

Age: 25

Most Recognizable Projects: Euphoria

Upcoming Projects: Mother Mary, OD

Schafer was one of several breakout stars from HBO's Euphoria, debuting as trans teen Jules at a time when on-screen representation was scarce.

One of the most prominent trans women of our present moment, Schafer now seeks out roles that define her identity beyond that fact. Lately, she's been involved in all manner of weird and wonderful projects. This year, she had a brief turn in Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness, starred in Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and led Tilman Singer's offbeat thriller Cuckoo. A recognizable face, she'll soon hit our screens in motion-capture form in gaming auteur Hideo Kojima's mysterious new project O.D. — Blake Simons

14.

Age: 26

Most Recognizable Projects: Normal People, Twisters

Upcoming Project: Voyagers

Edgar-Jones shares her breakthrough performance with another member of this list, Paul Mescal, as the female lead Marianne in the steamy and heart-wrenching series Normal People.

The British actress has taken Hollywood by storm—literally—since she starred in the fun blockbuster Twisters alongside the new-era movie star Glen Powell. Daisy has enjoyed critical success in the films Where the Crawdads Sing and Fresh (on Hulu), and notably on shows like Under the Banner of Heaven. At just 26, Daisy is quickly becoming an it-girl, showing off her acting chops in performances ranging from serious dramatic roles to sardonic comedies. While we all wait to see if she reunites with Mescal again, I can’t wait to see how her reported project with Andrew Garfield, a biopic on Carl Sagen, comes out. — Viviane Feldman

13.

Age: 26

Most Recognizable Projects: Civil War, Priscilla, Alien: Romulus, On the Basis of Sex

Upcoming Projects: Beef Season 2, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Spaeny’s star power has been on the rise for a while, but 2024 marks a pivotal year in her career, as she’s slowly evolving into one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young actors.

She’s unafraid to tackle challenging material, whether it’s the intimate storytelling of an A24 film or the high-octane demands of a blockbuster franchise. Working with Alex Garland for Civil War showed she’s willing to take on dramatic, dense roles, and she effortlessly shined on screen in the iconic Alien franchise.

Stepping into the legendary world of Alien is no small feat, yet Spaeny’s portrayal breathed new life into the series, adding a fresh and dynamic presence to a storied sci-fi universe. It’s also refreshing to know that she is a legit cinephile . Her admiration for the craft is truly inspiring for a creative who’s so young. In 2025, she will appear in the latest iterations of Beef and Knives Out. In a few short years, she’s gone from promising newcomer to a bona fide star, and her roles in 2024 alone mark the beginning of what looks to be a long and successful career. — Jacob Kramer

12.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Yellowjackets, Fallout

Upcoming Project: The Scurry

Don’t let Purnell’s stunning eyes distract you too much from her powerhouse performances on series like Sweetbitter, Yellowjackets, and Fallout. She’s been around the set quite a bit.

The British actress, once a young teen in musical theater, has retained a sweet and innocent look that packs a punch in more complicated roles, including her most recent as Rhiannon in Sweetpea, a critically acclaimed Starz series about a murderous, vengeful wallflower. We’re most excited to see her reprise the role of Lucy on Amazon’s hit show Fallout, since she’ll undoubtedly be getting tougher, smarter, and a lot more violent in season two. — Viviane Feldman

11.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Normal People

Upcoming Projects: Gladiator II, Hamnet

It’s been only a short four years since Paul Mescal began his rise to stardom.

Starting with a huge splash depicting the forlorn and romantic Connell in the Hulu series Normal People (adapted from Sally Rooney’s best-selling book), the Irish actor has since led the short-shorts-on-men trend and become an indie girl’s heartthrob. He’s also been the leading man in several critically acclaimed films, including Aftersun and the heartbreaking All of Us Strangers.

Mescal has a special knack for intimate, sad portrayals of masculine characters. It’s why we’re excited to see him in the upcoming Gladiator II, in which he will surely thrive under the poetic and violent stylings of Ridley Scott’s direction. Mescal is also working on a Shakespeare biopic directed by Chloé Zhao called Hamnet, so if you don’t know him by now, you’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of him. — Viviane Feldman

10.

Age: 27

Most Recognizable Projects: Euphoria, Saltburn

Upcoming Projects: Frankenstein

The Australian Elordi might be the most famous-looking actor who popped up in Hollywood since Brad Pitt. He’s quite simply the hottest man on Earth, as evidenced by the awards and mentions of him being named as such. But it’s not just his looks that make him such a Hollywood star; the Gen Z heartthrob has some serious acting chops.

He’s been appropriately cast in this light, as royalty of one station or another: a gravitational high school quarterback , a swinging-dick old money scion , Elvis f*king Presley . He’s got real screen presence.

In a real sick and unfair twist, he also has great taste, following the young actor’s prestige playbook to a T and using his Netflix and HBO soap roots as a springboard to working with in-demand, quintessentially cool directors like Sofia Coppola and Emerald Fennell, as well as legends like Paul Schrader and Guillermo del Toro. But stay tuned—Elordi’s next role, with the aforementioned del Toro, is a role he certainly has the height for: the iconic monster in Frankenstein. We’d imagine del Toro will have to ugly up Elordi at least a little in the film, and we can’t see it. — Abe Beame

9.

Age: 20

Most Recognizable Projects: Stranger Things, Enola Holmes, Damsel

Upcoming Projects: The Electric State

Brown’s career is one of the biggest success stories of its kind since the Harry Potter films took the world by storm. The first season of sci-fi hit Stranger Things crash landed on Netflix in 2016, and the then-12-year-old Bobby Brown became an overnight sensation for her performance as Eleven, a mysterious girl with psychic powers that the series’ young protagonists encounter and later befriend. Heading into its fifth and final season, the stars of Stranger Things are now household names.

Brown found further success on Netflix in the titular role of Enola Holmes, which she also produced. But she can’t seem to stay away from sci-fi for long. She was on the ground in Godzilla: King of the Monsters and its follow-up Godzilla vs. Kong, and can next be found in the Russo Brothers’ upcoming Netflix sci-fi feature The Electric State. — Blake Simons

8.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Peaky Blinders, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Queen’s Gambit

Upcoming Projects: The Gorge

This might be too on the nose, but Anya Taylor-Joy is a joy whenever she’s on the screen.

The Florida-born, UK-raised actress had been toiling away in obscurity for a few years, getting small television roles until 2015 with her theatrical breakout in director Robert Eggers’ folk horror film The Witch. As the teenage Thomasin, her tense and unsettling performance put her on the map, earning her more roles in films like 2016’s Split and 2017’s Thoroughbreds. However, it was really her performance as Gina Gray in the episodic period drama Peaky Blinders that gave her a brighter spotlight.

With her newfound star-power, Taylor-Joy would lead Netflix’s excellent 2020 coming-of-age miniseries The Queen's Gambit, voice Princess Peach in 2023’s animated adventure comedy The Super Mario Bros. Movie, make an appearance in 2024’s sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two, and play the title role of 2024’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. To say she’s had a phenomenal career thus far would be an understatement, and her star will only continue to rise as she takes on more projects.

Taylor-Joy’s upcoming Apple TV+ film, the survival action drama The Gorge, by director Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Doctor Strange), is the latest example of her versatility. Though horror appears to be her forte, she isn’t constrained to one acting method or film genre. She gives a range in her performances, bringing her characters to life in a full, nuanced way. Even with a largely voiceless person like Furiosa, she manages to give the character an intensity with just her eyes and physicality alone. She says so much while saying so little. — Levi Winslow

7.

Age: 29

Most Recognizable Projects: The Bear, Bottoms, Inside Out 2, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, Theater Camp

Upcoming Projects: The Bear Season 4, Big Mouth Season 8

Edebiri’s meteoric rise is no surprise to anyone paying attention to 2024’s entertainment landscape. She’s become an award show regular with her performance in FX’s The Bear as Sydney Adamu, a young chef finding her way in a high-pressure kitchen. She’s also starred in several comedies like Theater Camp and the oh-so-hilarious Bottoms. In addition to her live-action roles, Edebiri has also made waves in animation, voicing Missy on Netflix’s Big Mouth, April O’Neil in TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, and Envy in the billion-dollar Pixar film Inside Out 2.

Her rapid ascent speaks to a versatility that’s rare, with each role revealing new layers of her talent. What’s even more impressive is she’s not only commanding attention on screen, but also shaping the stories that audiences are flocking to.

Beyond acting, Edebiri is also a skilled writer and comedian, contributing to shows like What We Do in the Shadows and Dickinson. Hell, she even directed a season three episode of The Bear . What can’t she do? Her career is marked by a sharp wit and a deep understanding of character, and she’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after voices in entertainment. Ayo Edebiri is a force, and her accomplishments make her an absolute standout on this list and in Hollywood at large. — Jacob Kramer

6.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Midsommar, Oppenheimer, Dune: Part Two, Don’t Worry Darling, Little Women

Upcoming Projects: We Live in Time, Thunderbolts*

How can you not love Florence Pugh? She can pull off literally everything, from a Park Chan-Wook adaptation of le Carré to a credible Russian accent in a Marvel property . She’s smart, she’s funny, and she’s electric on the red carpet and in pressers (when she decides to participate). Other than once dating Zach Braff , she is pitching a perfect game, now a decade into her career.

Pugh might have the most coherent iMDB on this list , give or take a Zendaya. Her ability to pick winners, from a slam dunk Oscar nom in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women to less obvious heaters like 2019’s Fighting with My Family , elevates her profile. But even when she ends up in an extinction-level event like Don’t Worry Darling , she comes out smelling like roses, a LeBron-like dynamic where even when the team fails, it’s never on her. She’ll win that Oscar soon, just you wait. — Abe Beame

5.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Spider-Man franchise, The Crowded Room, Uncharted, Cherry

Upcoming Projects: Spider-Man 4, Uncharted 2

Holland has been steadily swinging through Hollywood for years.

Best known for his role as the beloved Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Holland solidified himself as a cornerstone of the comic book movie world. But don’t let the Spidey suit fool you—he’s more than just a superhero.

After years of dominating the box office in the MCU, Holland has diversified his resume and taken on challenging new roles that have allowed him to flex his acting muscles. His work in The Crowded Room showcased his range, diving into the psychological complexities of his character with a performance that had critics buzzing. And let’s not forget his role in Uncharted, where he stepped into the shoes of an iconic video game character and showed off his non-Spidey action-star chops.

Though Holland’s been around for years, he’s shown he’s adept at balancing the demands of being a high-profile celebrity (and boyfriend) with his grounded, relatable charm. With Spider-Man 4 around the corner, Holland’s not slowing down in the superhero world, and his career is continuing to branch out in exciting ways. — Jacob Kramer

4.

Age: 27

Most Recognizable Projects: Euphoria, Anyone But You, The White Lotus, Immaculate, Madame Web

Upcoming Projects: Euphoria Season 3, Christy Martin biopic

Sweeney has quickly become one of the most versatile and in-demand actors under 30, and 2024 only solidifies her place near the top.

She took Hollywood by storm with her breakout roles in HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, and she entered this year hot off her hit rom-com Anyone But You with Glen Powell, which was a massive box-office hit, grossing over $200 million off a $25 million budget. Sweeney has proven that she’s more than just a scene-stealer (and thirst trap)—she’s a multi-hyphenate creative.

Her production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, is a bold step for an actor under 30, proving that she’s not content with simply being in front of the camera. She’s taking control of her narrative, choosing projects that not only challenge her—like the untitled sports biopic about the boxer Christy Martin—but also expand the boundaries of what young women in Hollywood can achieve. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every performance, but it’s her drive to shape the industry from within that truly sets her apart. — Jacob Kramer

3.

Age: 22

Most Recognizable Projects: Wednesday, X, Scream franchise, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Upcoming Projects: Wednesday Season 2, Death of a Unicorn, Klara and the Sun

At just 22, Ortega has already become a standout figure in Hollywood. Her breakout role as the titular Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series catapulted her into a new level of stardom, as it became Netflix’s #1 most-watched English-language series of all time . This role also kickstarted her friendship with Burton, which led to her starring role in this year’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, where Ortega brought her signature edge to refresh yet another iconic IP.

Before establishing herself as Hollywood’s go-to star for quirky, darkly comic roles, Ortega cut her teeth as a child actor with shows on CW and Disney. Up next is Wednesday season 2 and A24’s Death of a Unicorn, so we can expect to see a lot of the new Scream Queen in the coming years. — Jacob Kramer

2.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Dune franchise, Wonka, Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All

Upcoming Projects: A Complete Unknown, Marty Supreme

Chalamet has already racked up an Oscar nomination, headlined a billion-dollar sci-fi franchise, and taken on the daunting task of reimagining Willy Wonka. His star power is undeniable at this point, and by March of 2024, Chalamet had passed a billion dollars at the global box office by himself with Wonka and the Dune sequel.

Dune: Part Two solidified his place as one of the most in-demand actors in the world, proving he can carry an epic saga on his shoulders; meanwhile, Wonka highlighted his penchant for tackling beloved roles with a fresh twist. Chalamet is not averse to taking artistic risks, either, portraying music legend Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and tabletop tennis pro Martin “Marty” Reisman in Marty Supreme. And let’s not forget the roles he had when he was younger, Interstellar among them.

He’s been fearless in his choices, opting for projects that blend commercial appeal with creative depth, which is a rarity in young stars today. Collaborating with directors like Denis Villeneuve and Luca Guadagnino, he’s also gaining a reputation as a director’s actor, someone whose name alone can greenlight a film. At 28, Chalamet isn’t just a rising star—he’s already one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and respected talents, destined for an enduring legacy. — Jacob Kramer

1.

Age: 28

Most Recognizable Projects: Euphoria, Dune franchise, Spider-Man franchise, Challengers

Upcoming Project: Spider-Man 4

Zendaya is no stranger to the spotlight. But in 2024, she’s taken her career to new heights, cementing herself as a cultural icon, a fashion powerhouse, and a bona fide movie star. She’s confidently figured out how to excel in, well, basically everything she tries. Whether it’s her Emmy-winning performance in Euphoria, her role in Denis Villenueve’s Dune franchise, or any of the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man films, Zendaya has demonstrated that she can shine on any given screen.

2024 also saw her take the leading role in a more “grown-up role” with Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, which ultimately marks the next phase of her acting career. She’s constantly redefining what it means to be a leading lady in both TV and film, balancing vulnerability and strength with ease. And we haven’t even touched on her fashion endeavors, for which she was recognized as a CFDA Fashion Icon and became a regular collaborator with luxury brands like BVLGARI and Valentino (shout-out Law Roach). Her career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, and her presence on the small, the big, and real-life screens makes her the most exciting talent under 30 today. — Jacob Kramer