The Best Child Actors Right Now

Hollywood is constantly welcoming a new generation of talent and today’s young stars are delivering performances that rival those of seasoned veterans. From leading massive blockbuster franchises to stealing scenes in critically acclaimed dramas these actors are proving that age is just a number when it comes to ability. Many of them have already worked with the biggest directors in the industry and anchored hit television series that have captured audiences worldwide. This list highlights the most impressive young performers currently making waves on screen while showcasing the breadth of talent in the under-18 crowd.

Walker Scobell

This young actor quickly became a household name after starring alongside Ryan Reynolds in the sci-fi adventure ‘The Adam Project’. He demonstrated impeccable comedic timing and emotional depth that felt well beyond his years in that breakout role. Following that success he took on the massive responsibility of playing the titular demigod in the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. His portrayal of the character garnered praise for capturing the wit and bravery beloved by book fans. Scobell continues to be one of the most sought-after young talents in the industry today.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt has built an incredible resume in a short amount of time by transitioning from Disney Channel comedy to major blockbuster films. She delivered a memorable performance as the sarcastic and intelligent daughter in the global hit ‘Barbie’ while holding her own against A-list co-stars. Her role as young Ahsoka Tano in ‘Ahsoka’ showcased her ability to handle action-heavy performances within the ‘Star Wars’ universe. She also brought sharp energy to the screen in the video game adaptation ‘Borderlands’. Greenblatt consistently brings a unique edge and charisma to every project she joins.

Iain Armitage

Best known for his long-running role as the younger version of Sheldon Cooper Iain Armitage carried the hit sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’ for several seasons. He successfully navigated the challenge of playing a socially awkward genius with nuance and heart while making the character distinct from the original portrayal. Before his sitcom fame he impressed critics with his dramatic work in the series ‘Big Little Lies’. His ability to balance comedy and drama has solidified his status as a major television star. Armitage remains one of the most recognizable young faces on TV.

Christian Convery

Christian Convery captured hearts worldwide with his leading performance as the hybrid boy Gus in the fantasy series ‘Sweet Tooth’. His ability to convey innocence and resilience carried the emotional weight of the show’s post-apocalyptic narrative beautifully. He also showed his comedic range in the thriller-comedy ‘Cocaine Bear’ and proved he can handle darker material. With a natural screen presence and high energy Convery has become a go-to actor for adventurous roles. He consistently delivers engaging performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Gordon Cormier

Stepping into the role of the Avatar was a huge undertaking but Gordon Cormier embraced the challenge in the live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. He brought a sense of playful optimism and grave responsibility to the character of Aang while mastering the balance required for the beloved hero. His physical dedication to the role including martial arts training added authenticity to his performance. Cormier successfully anchored the massive production and earned attention for his faithful interpretation of the animated icon. His work suggests a promising future in action-adventure storytelling.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters first gained widespread attention for her scene-stealing performance in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ where she acted opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. Her poise and professionalism in that role earned her critical acclaim and opened doors to more prestigious projects. She later appeared in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The Fabelmans’ and further proved her dramatic capabilities. Butters possesses a maturity on screen that often surpasses her age and allows her to tackle complex dialogue with ease. She stands out as a young actress with a classic Hollywood quality.

Vivien Lyra Blair

Vivien Lyra Blair charmed audiences across the galaxy as young Princess Leia in the series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. She perfectly captured the character’s signature sass and intelligence while earning praise for her chemistry with Ewan McGregor. Beyond ‘Star Wars’ she showcased her horror chops in the Stephen King adaptation ‘The Boogeyman’. Her versatility is evident as she moves effortlessly between high-stakes sci-fi and intense dramatic thrillers. Blair is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic performer capable of commanding the screen.

Leah Sava Jeffries

As Annabeth Chase in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Leah Sava Jeffries brought strength and wisdom to one of the most popular characters in young adult literature. Her performance grounded the show’s fantasy elements with genuine emotion and sharp intellect. She previously displayed her dramatic range in the film ‘Beast’ by holding her own in intense survival situations. Jeffries has faced high expectations with grace and delivers performances that honor her characters while adding her own flair. She is a rising star with a powerful presence.

Woody Norman

Woody Norman delivered a stunning breakout performance in the black-and-white drama ‘C’mon C’mon’ while acting alongside Joaquin Phoenix. His portrayal of an eccentric and sensitive young boy earned him a BAFTA nomination and widespread critical applause. He later took on a completely different genre with the horror film ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’. Norman is known for his ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability without saying a word. His choices in roles highlight a desire to work on character-driven and artistic projects.

Jude Hill

Jude Hill made an unforgettable debut as the lead in Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film ‘Belfast’. His performance captured the innocence of childhood amidst the turmoil of political conflict and served as the emotional anchor of the movie. The role earned him numerous accolades and introduced him as a major new talent from Northern Ireland. He continued to work in mystery and drama by appearing in ‘A Haunting in Venice’. Hill brings a naturalistic and expressive quality to his acting that resonates deeply with viewers.

Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw has become a familiar face in the horror and thriller genres after starring in the viral hit ‘M3GAN’. Her performance as a grieving child who bonds with an AI doll was central to the success of the film. She also played a key role as young Yelena Belova in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’ showing her ability to handle big-budget productions. McGraw consistently delivers convincing emotional performances in high-tension scenarios. She is effectively carving out a niche as a talented dramatic actress.

Madeleine McGraw

Madeleine McGraw delivered a powerhouse performance in the horror film ‘The Black Phone’. Her portrayal of a clairvoyant sister was widely considered the heart of the movie since she provided both comic relief and emotional stakes. She also lends her voice to various animated projects which showcases her versatility as a performer. McGraw has a spirited energy that lights up the screen and makes her characters instantly likeable. Her comedic timing and dramatic instincts are equally sharp.

Cailey Fleming

Cailey Fleming is best known for her long-running role as Judith Grimes in the hit series ‘The Walking Dead’. She literally grew up on screen in the zombie apocalypse while evolving from a protected child to a capable survivor. Recently she took on a lighter and more magical role in the family film ‘IF’ directed by John Krasinski. Her ability to switch between gritty survival drama and heartwarming fantasy demonstrates her impressive range. Fleming remains a favorite among fans for her tough yet tender performances.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong

Ryan Kiera Armstrong took on the iconic role of a pyrokinetic girl in the remake of ‘Firestarter’ which was a part originally played by Drew Barrymore. She also showed her dramatic skills in the western ‘The Old Way’ acting as the daughter of a gunslinger. Her resume includes appearances in major franchises like ‘It Chapter Two’ and ‘Black Widow’. Armstrong has a knack for playing intense and somewhat serious characters with hidden depths. She continues to build a strong portfolio in genre cinema.

Alan Kim

Alan Kim stole the show in the critically acclaimed film ‘Minari’ where his portrayal of a mischievous young boy won over audiences and critics alike. His performance earned him a Critics’ Choice Award and marked him as a talent to watch. He later appeared in the comedy ‘Theater Camp’ and the family movie ‘IF’ continuing to charm viewers with his unique personality. Kim brings a delightful energy and natural humor to his roles. His infectious enthusiasm on and off screen has made him a beloved young figure in Hollywood.

Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince first stunned audiences with her incredible performance in ‘The Florida Project’ by displaying a level of naturalism rarely seen in child actors. She has since continued to work steadily by lending her voice to ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ and starring in the thriller ‘Cocaine Bear’. Her role in the series ‘Home Before Dark’ allowed her to lead a mystery drama as a young journalist. Prince possesses a raw and authentic acting style that grounds every project she acts in. She remains one of the most gifted natural talents of her generation.

Winslow Fegley

Winslow Fegley has built a reputation for playing quirky and relatable outsiders most notably in the musical comedy ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’. He also starred in the Disney original movie ‘Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made’ where he carried the film with deadpan humor. His role in the darker fantasy ‘Nightbooks’ demonstrated he could also handle scarier material. Fegley comes from a family of actors and brings a professional and polished quality to his comedic performances. He is excellent at playing characters who march to the beat of their own drum.

Abby Ryder Fortson

Abby Ryder Fortson charmed audiences as the daughter of Scott Lang in the ‘Ant-Man’ films and delivered some of the funniest lines in the franchise. She later took on the iconic title role in the adaptation of ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ receiving praise for her relatable portrayal of adolescence. Her ability to capture the awkwardness and wonder of growing up has made her a standout in coming-of-age stories. Fortson brings a genuine warmth and intelligence to her characters. She has successfully transitioned from cute kid roles to more complex pre-teen leads.

Keivonn Woodard

Keivonn Woodard made history with his role in the post-apocalyptic drama ‘The Last of Us’. As a young deaf survivor his performance was both tender and heartbreaking and earned him an Emmy nomination. He acts with a profound expressiveness that communicates volumes without spoken dialogue. His breakout success has helped champion representation for deaf actors in major television productions. Woodard’s natural talent and emotional resonance make him a truly unique performer to watch.

Ever Anderson

Ever Anderson has quickly made a name for herself in action and fantasy by playing the young version of the title character in ‘Black Widow’. She also starred as Wendy Darling in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ showcasing her ability to lead a classic adventure. As the daughter of Milla Jovovich she seems to have inherited a natural affinity for genre filmmaking. Anderson balances physical stunt work with earnest dramatic acting. She is steadily building a career in high-profile and visually spectacular films.

Raegan Revord

Raegan Revord spent years entertaining audiences as the twin sister Missy Cooper on ‘Young Sheldon’. Her sharp delivery and sarcastic wit made her a fan favorite and a perfect foil to the main character of the show. Over the seasons she was given more dramatic storylines which she handled with surprising emotional depth. Revord has grown into a confident comedic actress with impeccable timing. Her work on the sitcom has cemented her place as a talented young comedic star.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voiced the title character in the live-action remake of ‘Pinocchio’ bringing innocence and wonder to the wooden puppet. He also delivered a chilling performance in the horror series ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ proving his range goes far beyond voice work. His role in the rom-com ‘Prom Pact’ allowed him to show a more modern and relatable side. Ainsworth is a British actor who effortlessly adopts different accents and personas. He is a versatile talent capable of handling both lighthearted Disney fare and dark atmospheric drama.

Archie Yates

Archie Yates was a breakout delight in Taika Waititi’s ‘Jojo Rabbit’ playing the lovable best friend Yorki. His comedic delivery and expressive face made him an instant highlight of the film. He later took on the lead role in the reboot ‘Home Sweet Home Alone’ showcasing his ability to carry a slapstick comedy. Yates brings a unique charm and likability to every scene he is in. He stands out for his ability to be effortlessly funny and endearing.

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss entered the global spotlight playing Tuk who is the youngest member of the Sully family in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. Her performance required extensive motion capture work and emotional stamina in a high-stakes blockbuster. She also stars in the series ‘The Garcias’ showing she can handle grounded family comedy as well. Bliss is a multi-talented performer who also sings and writes music. Her involvement in the massive ‘Avatar’ franchise ensures she will be a significant presence in Hollywood for years to come.

Ravi Cabot-Conyers

Ravi Cabot-Conyers recently garnered major attention for his role in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Skeleton Crew’. Leading a group of children through a dangerous galaxy he demonstrated charisma and leadership qualities on screen. Before this massive break he did voice work in ‘Encanto’ playing one of the younger Madrigal family members. His transition to live-action leading roles marks a significant step in his career. Cabot-Conyers brings an adventurous spirit and relatable energy to his growing list of credits.

We’d love to know which of these rising stars you are most excited to watch in the future so please drop a comment below and tell us your favorites!