Young rising talent is an exciting prospect—it means that the future is in good hands. There's a lot of very talented actors that are in their twenties and younger who are making their presence felt in the land of Hollywood and beyond. They've invested a lot of time and hard work into honing their craft, and the results of that work are starting to pay off. Some of the emerging best young actors are dynamic, versatile talents that you will certainly be seeing much more of on big and small screens in the future, and if you are a fan of movies and television, that is something that should make you very excited.
Today we'll be taking a look at the 40 best young actors that are currently making their marks in Tinseltown. Scroll down to check out our selections, and make sure to show your support and encouragement by watching their upcoming projects.
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1. Shameik Moore
Image credit: Netflix
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Age: 28
Where They're From: Atlanta, GA
Our Favorite Role: Miles Morales, Spider-Man Series
Let's start with the man of the hour—Shameik Moore. While Shameik has previously starred in movies and series such as 2015's Dope and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, it's his role as Miles Morales/Spider-Man that has propelled him into superstardom. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was an Academy Award winning success, and it would be an awful shame if Across the Spider-Verse doesn't see similar awards considering it's even better than its predecessor (but that's a different topic for a different day). The bottom line is—the future is bright for Moore. You can next catch him as Miles Morales again in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse in 2024.
2. Timothée Chalamet
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Age: 27
Where They're From: Hells Kitchen, NY
Our Favorite Role: Paul Atreides, Dune
Timothée Chalamet has an eventful rest of the year ahead of him with Dune: Part Two due out in November, and Wonka scheduled to release in December. In the past several years alone, Timothée has managed to receive various accolades such as nominations for an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and three BAFTA film awards—and he's only 27! The sequel to Dune and Wonka is sure to cause a stir as we get closer to the premiere dates, so stay tuned because it's going to be a fun fall and winter.
3. Zendaya
Image credit: Hulu
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Age: 26
Where They're From: Oakland, CA
Our Favorite Role: Rue, Euphoria
Zendaya is...Zendaya—one of the biggest brightest stars in entertainment. When she isn't captivating as Rue on Euphoria, she's dazzling in roles like MJ in Spider-Man and Marie in Malcom & Marie. Zendaya has two projects scheduled to come out in 2023, and that's the romantic sports comedy Challengers due out on September 15th, 2023, and Dune: Part Two on November 3rd, 2023.
4. Yara Shahidi
Image credit: Freeform
Age: 23
Where They're From: Minneapolis, MN
Our Favorite Role: Tinker Bell, Peter Pan and Wendy
If it seems like Yara Shahidi has been around for a long time, it's because she has. In fact, it can be easy to forget that she's still only 23-years-old because of how loaded her resume already is. We got to see Yara in a different role earlier this year when she portrayed Tinker Bell in Peter Pan and Wendy, and we're sure there's plenty more of that in the years to come.
5. Letitia Wright
Image credit: Marvel Studios
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Age: 29
Where They're From: Georgetown, Guyana
Our Favorite Role: Shuri, Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
When Letitia Wright isn't dominating as Shuri aka Black Panther, she can be seen in other projects like Death on the Nile, The Silent Twins, and Sing 2. Letitia's work has earned her notable honors such as the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2019, and a Satellite Award nomination in Steve McQueen's 2020 anthology series Small Axe. Next up for Letitia is a starring role in the western film drama directed by Anthony Mandler, Surrounded, which is set to be released digitally by MGM on June 20th.
6. Tom Holland
Image credit: Apple TV
Age: 27
Where They're From: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Our Favorite Role: Danny Sullivan, The Crowded Room
Is it still too early to say The Crowded Room is our favorite Tom Holland role to date? Seriously, if you haven't started watching the show, this is your call to action as it's incredibly intriguing. Tom showcases why he's one of the most versatile young actors in the game right now, and it's a performance you don't want to miss.
7. Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Image credit: 20th Century Studios
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Age: 28
Where They're From: New Orleans, LA
Our Favorite Role: Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George, Chevalier
Make no mistake—Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been putting that work in now for almost a decade, and the world is finally starting to notice what a talent he really is. Kelvin's latest role was as Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George in Chevalier, to which he earned major praise from critics and audiences around the world, and you can next catch him as Taka in Mufasa: The Lion King, which is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2024.
8. Noah Schnapp
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 18
Where They're From: New York, NY
Our Favorite Role: Will Byers, Stranger Things
18-year-old Noah Schnapp is one to watch as well. Best known for his role as Will Byers in Stranger Things, Noah was most recently seen in the film The Tutor, which is about a tutor becoming the obsession of one of his students. We're looking forward to seeing what else Noah has in the tank in the coming future.
9. Kiernan Shipka
Image credit: Netflix
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Age: 23
Where They're From: Chicago, IL
Our Favorite Role: Sabrina Spellman, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Kiernan Shipka's career continues to flourish with a riveting performance as Sabrina Spellman in the Netflix Series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina which garnered a lot of praise, and starring roles in films such as 2014's Flowers in the Attic, and 2019's The Silence. This past May it was announced that Kiernan has joined the cast for the upcoming epic disaster film Twisters due out July 2024, and you can also catch her in the upcoming comedy Maximum Truth, which is scheduled to be released on June 23rd, 2023.
10. Storm Reid
Image credit: Sony Pictures
Age: 19
Where They're From: Atlanta, GA
Our Favorite Role: June, Missing
Turning 20 in July, Storm Reid has been acting on the big and small screen now for over a decade, with some of her most notable roles being the films A Wrinkle In Time (2018), The Invisible Man (2020), and The Suicide Squad (2021) along with television appearances on Euphoria where she plays Gia Bennett, and The Last of Us. Storm turned a phenomenal performance in this year's Missing where she starred alongside Nia Long, and will next appear in The Nun 2 due out on September 8th, 2023.
11. Paris Jackson
Image credit: Hulu
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Age: 25
Where They're From: Los Angeles, CA
Our Favorite Role: Hailey, Swarm
Paris Jackson has proven to be an elite triple threat singer, actress, and model. When the 25-year-old artist isn't rocking out the stage/studio or modeling, you can find her acting as she has amassed quite a few credits over the past few years including her role as Maya in American Horror Stories, and most recently, her portrayal as Hailey in the Amazon Prime series Swarm. We're excited to see what's next from Paris in the acting world.
12. Tanner Buchanan
Image credit: ABC
Age: 24
Where They're From: Lima, OH
Our Favorite Role: Leo Kirkman, Designated Survivor
At just 24, Tanner Buchanan has already been able to fill up his resume with his role as Robby Keene in Cobra Kai (a role he has had since 2018), along with a main role on Designated Survivor from 2016 to 2018. Tanner has also appeared in the films He's All That (2021) and 2022's The Hyperions. There's certainly more in store from Tanner in the years to come.
13. Asante Blackk
Image credit: Netflix
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Age: 21
Where They're From: Waldorf, Maryland
Our Favorite Role: Malik Hodges, This Is Us
Asante Blackk's work has already earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination (which makes him one of the youngest in history to be nominated) for his role in the 2019 miniseries When They See Us, and a Critics' Choice Televison Award nomination for his performance as Malik Hodges in This Is Us, so it's safe to say the future is bright for this young man.
14. Auli’i Cravalho
Image credit: NBC
Age: 22
Where They're From: Kohala, Hawaii
Our Favorite Role: Moana, Moana
Auli’i Cravalho has racked up an impressive list of credits to be only 22-years-old as the actress made her debut as the titular character in Disney's 2016 film Moana, and has since appeared in the films All Together Now (2020), Crush (2022), and Darby and the Dead (2022). 2023 continues to be a busy year for Auli’i as she is currently filming Mean Girls: The Musical, and has main roles in the television series Hailey's On It! and The Power.
15. Keke Palmer
Image credit: Universal Pictures
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Age: 29
Where They're From: Harvey, IL
Our Favorite Role: Alice, Alice
From Barbershop 2: Back in Business all the way to 2022's Nope, Keke Palmer has been doing it big since her film debut in 2004, amassing dozens (and we do mean dozens) of credits to build one of the most versatile resumes in Hollywood. This past February, it was announced that Keke will next star alongside Sacha Baron Cohen in a 1970s period piece entitled Super Toys, which will be directed and produced by David O. Russell.
16. Anya Taylor-Joy
Image credit: FOCUS FEATURES
Age: 27
Where They're From: Miami, FL
Our Favorite Role: Beth Harmon, The Queen's Gambit
Anya Taylor-Joy is another young actress who's work has lauded numerous praise and accolades. She received stellar reviews for her performance as Beth Harmon in The Queen's Gambit in 2020 where she won a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award along with an Emmy nomination, and her recent credits include starring roles in the films Last Night in Soho (2021), The Northman (2022), The Menu (2022), which also nabbed her another Golden Globe nomination, and of course, the record-breaking The Super Mario Bros. Movie. She'll next be seen in the 2024 film Furiosa.
17. Jharrel Jerome
Image credit: A24
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Age: 25
Where They're From: Bronx, NY
Our Favorite Role: Korey Wise, When They See Us
Since appearing in the Oscar winning film Moonlight in 2016, Jharrel Jerome has been able to add to his resume with notable credits such as his portrayal as Korey Wise in the miniseries When They See Us, and a starring role in the upcoming Amazon Prime comedy series I'm A Virgo. Jharrel will also star in the upcoming miniseries Full Circle, and is currently filming a role in the movie Unstoppable, which is set to release in 2024. Big things are definitely ahead for Jharrel.
18. Amandla Stenberg
Image credit: A24
Age: 24
Where They're From: Los Angeles, CA
Our Favorite Role: Sophie, Bodies Bodies Bodies
Amandla Stenburg first won our hearts over as a child with performances as young Cataleya Restrepo in Colombiana, and Rue in The Hunger Games, and her trajectory to being a star to watch has only continued over the past decade with appearances in Everything, Everything (2017), The Hate You Give (2018), Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) and more. Amandla's most recent credit is voicing the role of Margo Kess/Spider-Byte in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and will next be seen in the upcoming film Wildwood.
19. Dominique Thorn
Image credit: Marvel Studios
Age: 25
Where They're From: New York, NY
Our Favorite Role: Riri Williams/Ironheart, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart
Prior to snagging the role of Riri Williams/Ironheart in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), Dominique Thorn had appeared in the films Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), and If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). We first got introduced to her Ironheart character last fall in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which is confirmed to be expanded into a six episode series on Disney+ that's a part of Phase Five of the MCU. The Ironheart TV series is set to debut in 2024.
20. Jenny Ortega
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 20
Where They're From: Palm Desert, CA
Our Favorite Role: Wednesday Addams, Wednesday
Jenny Ortega has very quickly become our new horror queen, most notably because of her role as Wednesday Addams in the hit Netlix series Wednesday. Additionally, the 20-year-old has also joined the Scream franchise with a starring role in 2022's Scream, which she is reprising later on in 2023 with Scream VI. You can also next catch her in 2024's Beetlejuice 2, and the upcoming Paramount+ crime thriller Finestkind.
21. Lucas Hedges
Image credit: Searchlight Pictures
Age: 26
Where They're From: Brooklyn Heights, NY
Our Favorite Role: Patrick Chandler, Manchester by the Sea
There's not very many people who can say that earned an Academy Award nomination as a teenager, but Lucas Hedges can. Since then, Hedges has appeared in the films Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Boy Erased (2018), Waves (2019), and more. Lucas broadened his acting horizons this year making his broadway debut in a revival of Lonergan's drama The Waverly Gallery, and a West End Theater production of Brokeback Mountain. There's more to come from Lucas for sure.
22. Lana Condor
Image credit: Syfy Media
Age: 26
Where They're From: Can Tho,Vietnam
Our Favorite Role: Sophie, Moonshot
Since debuting in X-Men: Apocalypse as Jubilee, Lana Condor has added loads of credits to her name including her breakout role Lara Jean Covey in the rom-com To All the Boys series from 2018 to 2021, and voicing the titular character in Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken which will be released on June 30th, 2023. Next up for Lana is a starring role in Coyote vs. Acme alongside Will Forte and John Cena.
23. Marcel Ruiz
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 19
Where They're From: Vjejo San Juan, San Juan Puerto Rico
Our Favorite Role: Alex Alvarez, One Day at a Time
19-year-old Marcel Ruiz is another young actor to keep an eye out for. Originally starting his career in commercials, Marcel has since had stand out roles in the TV series One Day at a Time, and the 2019 film Breakthrough. We're definitely keeping an eye on what direction Marcel goes career-wise next.
24. Florence Pugh
Image credit: Warner Bros.
Age: 27
Where They're From: Oxford, United Kingdom
Our Favorite Role: Paige, Fighting With My Family
Florence Pugh's star continues to ascend as a dynamic versatile actress, and she too has a busy rest of the year in front of her with starring roles in Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two. Florence's work has garnered nominations for an Academy Award and BAFTA award, and she was awarded the coveted Trophée Chopard at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Keep doing your thing Florence!
25. Sydney Sweeney
Image credit: Hulu
Age: 25
Where They're From: Spokane, WA
Our Favorite Role: Cassie Howard, Euphoria
At just 25-years-old Sydney Sweeney has been a part of some pivotal television series including her role as Cassie Howard in Euphoria, and Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus. She's also been in the films Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Nocturne (2020), and The Voyeurs (2021). Earlier this year Sydney starred in the HBO film Reality which received positive reviews, and the crime drama Americana, which had it's world premiere at South by Southwest in March. We're really looking forward to her upcoming role as Julia Carpenter/Spider-Woman in next year's Madame Web.
26. Halle Bailey
Image credit: Disney
Age: 23
Where They're From: Atlanta, GA
Our Favorite Role: Ariel, The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey is currently captivating our eyes (and ears) as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, which just recently crossed the $400 million mark globally in box office revenue. This is only the beginning for Ms. Halle Bailey as she will next take on the role of Young Nettie Harris in The Color Purple, due out on December 25th, 2023.
27. Victoria Pedretti
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 28
Where They're From: Philadelphia, PA
Our Favorite Role: Love Quinn, You
Victoria Pedretti has given us a little bit of everything thus far in her career from being a bit on the cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs side as Love Quinn in You, to scaring the mess out of us in The Haunting of Hill House (2018). There's plenty more of that lively acting range in the coming months as Victoria is currently filming the upcoming drama Caste.
28. Kiersey Clemons
Image credit: Amazon
Age: 29
Where They're From: Pensacola, FL
Our Favorite Role: Cassidy, Somebody That I Used to Know
Keep an eye on Kiersey Clemons as well because she is another actress that has putting that work for a long time. Lady and the Tramp (2019), Scoob! (2020), and Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) are just a few of her film credits, while she's also made appearances in the television shows Extant, Easy, and Swarm amongst others. There's a lot ahead for Kiersey, and we're super excited to see the next chapters of her career.
29. Ashton Sanders
Image credit: A24
Age: 27
Where They're From: Carson, CA
Our Favorite Role: Chiron, Moonlight
Ashton Saunders started his career with a bang portraying young Chiron in the 2016 film Moonlight, and it's been up ever since with Ashton playing RZA in Wu-Tang: An American Dream, starring alongside Denzel Washington in The Equalizer 2 (2018), and as Bobby Brown in the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2023). He's also one of the most stylish young stars in Hollywood in our opinion and is an excellent model. We can't wait to see what's next for Ashton.
30. Finn Wolfhard
Image credit: Netlix
Age: 20
Where They're From: Vancouver, CA
Our Favorite Role: Mike Wheeler, Stranger Things
Finn Wolfhard literally just entered in his into his twenties and he already has acting, directing, and writing credits, making his directorial debut with the 2020 film Night Shifts. While a good percentage of us were introduced to Finn through his role as Mike Wheeler on Stranger Things, he's also had pivotal roles in the It and Ghostbusters series. Up next for Finn is the untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel, which will be released on December 20th, 2023.
31. Jaden Smith
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 24
Where They're From: Malibu, CA
Our Favorite Role: Dre Parker, The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid, After Earth, Entergalactic—Jaden Smith's resume speaks for itself as he has turned in some phenomenal performances since his film debut in 2006's The Pursuit of Happiness. Jaden spends his time alternating between music and acting which together has brought him two NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy nomination, an MTV Movie Award, and more.
32. Sophie Turner
Image credit: HBO
Age: 27
Where They're From: Northampton, UK
Our Favorite Role: Sansa Stark, Game of Thrones
Sophie Turner had a heck of an eight-year run as Sophie Stark in Game of Thrones, and with all of her television and movie success, it's still hard to believe that she's only 27-years-old. 2022 saw Sophie in the films Every Last Secret, Do Revenge, and Storybots: Answer Time, along with the HBO miniseries The Staircase. Next up is an upcoming British television series for IVTX entitled Joan.
33. Asa Butterfield
Image credit: HBO
Age: 26
Where They're From: Islington, London, United Kingdom
Our Favorite Role: Otis Milburn, Sex Education
While Asa has been acting since childhood, it's his starring role as Otis Milburn in Netflix series Sex Education that has propelled him into stardom, and while his television work definitely keeps him busy, Asa regularly squeezes in film work too appearing in three films alone last year. Asa's next film appearance will be a starring role in All Fun and Games, which is currently in post-production.
34. Chloe Bailey
Image credit: Peacock
Age: 24
Where They're From: Atlanta, GA
Our Favorite Role: Sam, Praise This
Chloe Bailey has been acting since childhood as well, and when she isn't releasing music or performing, you can typically find her on a film/tv set. In these past few years, Chloe has appeared in the series Grown-ish and Swarm, and this year starred in the film Praise This. She can next be seen in the upcoming horror film The Georgetown Project, and has multiple other confirmed projects in the works.
35. Beanie Feldstein
Image credit: FX
Age: 29
Where They're From: Los Angeles, CA
Our Favorite Role: Monica Lewinski, American Crime Story: Impeachment
First gaining recognition for her comedic roles in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016) and Lady Bird (2017), Beanie Feldstein has since gone to show that she can do comedy, drama, and everything in between as she proving to be an incredible rising talent in the world of television and film. Since 2021, Beanie has voiced Harriet M. Welsch in Harriet the Spy, and will be seen later this year in the road trip comedy Drive-Away Dolls.
36. Billie Eilish
Image credit: Amazon Prime
Age: 21
Where They're From: Los Angeles, CA
Our Favorite Role: Eva, Swarm
We're already aware that Billie is one of the music industry's biggest stars, but if Swarm is any indication, Billie is also already a heck of an actress. We definitely can't wait to see more from her in the acting realm.
37. Jacob Latimore
Image credit: Bluhhouse Productions
Age: 26
Where They're From: Milwaukee, MI
Our Favorite Role: Dante Spivey, Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Jacob Latimore has emerged to be burgeoning young actor with credits that include Black Nativity (2013), The Maze Runner (2014), Collateral Beauty (2016), and Like a Boss (2020). The 26-year-old was last seen playing the role of Kevin in House Party, and like some of his peers, also balances a music career. We'll have to see what's next for Jacob.
38. Coco Jones
Image credit: Peacock
Age: 25
Where They're From: Columbia, SC
Our Favorite Role: Hillary Banks, Bel-Air
WME's recent signing Coco Jones is another multi-hyphenate that isn't playing around. In addition to her growing music career, Coco has been acting since she was a pre-teen, getting her start in Disney's So Random! and Let it Shine. Acting-wise, Coco can currently be seen portraying Hillary Banks in the Peacock series Bel-Air.
39. Jabari Banks
Image credit: Peacock
Age: 24
Where They're From: Riverdale, MD
Our Favorite Role: Will Smith, Bel-Air
And since we're on the topic of Bel-Air, we've got to shoutout Jabari Banks as well. He may not have as many credits as the others, but the charisma and superstardom cannot be denied.
40. HoYeon Jung
Image credit: Netflix
Age: 28
Where They're From: Seoul, South Korea
Our Favorite Role: Kang Sae-byeok, Squid Game
From top model to actress, HoYeon Jung proves that the journey to success isn't linear. The 28-year-old currently has two films in the works, The Governesses and Hope that we are actively anticipating to watch.