The Absolute Best Hispanic Actors of the Last Five Years

Hispanic male actors have significantly impacted the entertainment industry over the last five years, delivering powerful performances across various genres. These performers have fronted major franchises, led critically acclaimed independent films, and starred in groundbreaking television series. Their work has not only garnered prestigious awards but has also expanded the visibility of Hispanic and Latino identities in global media. From veteran stars to rising newcomers, the following individuals represent the pinnacle of acting talent within this period.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has achieved global stardom through his lead roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. His performance as Joel Miller earned him significant award recognition for its emotional complexity and grit. Within the last five years, he has also featured in major films like ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ and ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. Pascal’s versatility allows him to navigate between high-octane action and intimate character studies. He continues to be a central figure in the expansion of Latin representation in mainstream media.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac showcased his range by starring in the Disney+ series ‘Moon Knight’, where he portrayed a character with multiple identities. He played a pivotal role as Duke Leto Atreides in the 2021 epic ‘Dune’ and voiced Miguel O’Hara in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. His television work also includes the intense HBO drama ‘Scenes from a Marriage’ alongside Jessica Chastain. Isaac remains a sought-after actor for both high-budget franchises and prestigious independent projects. His recent career trajectory demonstrates a commitment to complex and multifaceted roles.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna reprised his role as Cassian Andor in the series ‘Andor’, which received widespread praise for its political depth and grounded storytelling. He also starred in the final seasons of ‘Narcos: Mexico’, portraying the real-life figure Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. Luna has balanced his acting career with executive producing and directing projects that highlight Latin American stories. His recent work emphasizes character-driven performances that resonate with international audiences. He remains a leading voice for Hispanic representation in both film and television.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem portrayed King Triton in the 2023 live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. He received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Desi Arnaz in the biographical drama ‘Being the Ricardos’. In 2021, he appeared as Stilgar in the science fiction blockbuster ‘Dune’ and reprised the role in its 2024 sequel. His recent work showcases a transition into legendary figures and mentor roles in high-budget productions. Bardem continues to be one of the most respected Spanish actors working in Hollywood today.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his role as Salvador Mallo in the 2019 film ‘Pain and Glory’. He voiced the titular character in the successful animated sequel ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ in 2022. Banderas also appeared in the action-adventure film ‘Uncharted’ and the final installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. His recent performances highlight a career that spans across drama, voice acting, and action. He remains a staple of international cinema with a career lasting several decades.

Tenoch Huerta Mejía

Tenoch Huerta gained international recognition for his role as Namor in the Marvel Studios film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he starred in the action-horror film ‘The Forever Purge’. He also played a significant role in the Netflix series ‘Narcos: Mexico’ as Rafael Caro Quintero. Huerta is known for his advocacy for racial representation and his work in Mexican cinema. His recent roles have solidified his status as a major talent in the global film market.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Bayard Rustin in the 2023 biographical film ‘Rustin’. He appeared in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ and the critically acclaimed independent film ‘Sing Sing’. Domingo also maintained a significant presence on television in the series ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. His recent work has been characterized by powerful, transformative performances in historically significant narratives. He is recognized as a versatile performer across theater, film, and television.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal starred in the 2023 biographical film ‘Cassandro’, portraying the real-life exótico wrestler Saúl Armendáriz. He also led the Marvel Studios special ‘Werewolf by Night’ as the titular character Jack Russell. In 2021, he appeared in the M. Night Shyamalan thriller ‘Old’ and provided voice work for various animated projects. Bernal continues to advocate for Latin American cinema while participating in high-profile English-language productions. His career over the last five years has emphasized artistic diversity and unique storytelling.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura appeared in the 2024 film ‘Civil War’ as a journalist navigating a fractured United States. He also played a prominent role in the high-budget action film ‘The Gray Man’ and voiced Death in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. In 2020, he starred as the titular diplomat in the biographical drama ‘Sergio’. Moura, originally known for his role in ‘Narcos’, has successfully transitioned into a variety of roles in major English-language films. He remains one of the most prominent Brazilian actors working in Hollywood.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 musical drama ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’, which received multiple award nominations. He starred in the film adaptation of his own Broadway musical ‘In the Heights’ and appeared in the series ‘His Dark Materials’. Miranda also contributed original songs to the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’, which became a global cultural phenomenon. His work over the last five years has primarily focused on bringing musical narratives to the screen. He is a key figure in the modernization of the film musical genre.

Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos led the cast of the 2021 musical film ‘In the Heights’ as Usnavi de la Vega. He transitioned into major action cinema with a lead role in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ in 2023. Ramos also appeared in the biographical drama ‘Dumb Money’ and the disaster film ‘Twisters’. His recent career has seen him move from the Broadway stage to becoming a prominent leading man in Hollywood. He is recognized for his energy and charisma across both musical and blockbuster roles.

Ricardo Darín

Ricardo Darín starred in the 2022 film ‘Argentina, 1985’, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. He played Julio César Strassera, the prosecutor in the Trial of the Juntas, a pivotal moment in Argentine history. Darín continues to be a central figure in Latin American cinema, frequently collaborating on projects with high political and social relevance. In 2019, he also starred in the heist comedy ‘Heroic Losers’. His recent work reinforces his reputation as one of the most influential actors in the Spanish-speaking world.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stars as Mickey Haller in the popular Netflix legal drama ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. He appeared in the 2022 film ‘A Man Called Otto’ alongside Tom Hanks and the 2021 action film ‘Sweet Girl’. Garcia-Rulfo has become a familiar face in American television and film, often playing leading or significant supporting roles. His work in the last five years has showcased his ability to lead a successful television franchise. He continues to build a steady career in both domestic and international markets.

Ismael Cruz Cordova

Ismael Cruz Córdova gained significant attention for his role as Arondir in the Amazon series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. He also appeared in the HBO miniseries ‘The Undoing’ and the action thriller film ‘Settlers’. His performance in the fantasy genre was noted for its intensity and physicality. Cruz Córdova has been vocal about the importance of diverse casting in major fantasy properties. His recent projects have positioned him as a rising star in high-profile television productions.

Xolo Mariduena

Xolo Maridueña portrayed the titular superhero in the 2023 DC Studios film ‘Blue Beetle’. He continues to star as Miguel Diaz in the hit Netflix series ‘Cobra Kai’, which has run for several successful seasons. Maridueña’s role as Jaime Reyes marked the first time a Latino superhero led a standalone film in the DC Extended Universe. His recent work has made him a prominent figure in young adult entertainment and the superhero genre. He is considered one of the leading young Hispanic actors in the industry.

Diego Calva

Diego Calva rose to international prominence after starring as Manny Torres in the 2022 film ‘Babylon’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. He also appeared in the television series ‘Narcos: Mexico’ as Arturo Beltrán Leyva. Calva has since been cast in various international projects, including the Apple TV+ series ‘Midnight Family’. His recent breakout success has established him as a significant new talent in Hollywood.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso continues to star as Mother’s Milk in the hit Amazon Prime series ‘The Boys’. He has been a core cast member throughout the show’s run, which has remained one of the most popular streaming series of the last five years. Alonso also appeared in the 2021 film ‘Wrath of Man’ directed by Guy Ritchie. His work on ‘The Boys’ is praised for its balance of action and emotional vulnerability. He remains a consistent presence in high-profile television and action-oriented cinema.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna appeared as Tommy Miller in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘The Last of Us’. He also starred in the 2019 film ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ as the antagonist Rev-9. Recently, he featured in the Netflix action-comedy series ‘FUBAR’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Luna is known for his physical roles and his ability to perform in large-scale action productions. His recent television work has brought him further recognition for his dramatic range.

Demián Bichir

Demian Bichir starred in the 2020 science fiction film ‘The Midnight Sky’ alongside George Clooney. He also appeared in the 2021 blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ and the drama ‘Land’ directed by Robin Wright. Bichir led the television series ‘Let the Right One In’, which premiered in 2022. He continues to maintain a career that balances major Hollywood studio films with more intimate television projects. His work over the last five years demonstrates his enduring presence as a leading Hispanic actor.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez played a significant role in the 2021 film ‘CODA’, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He also stars in the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Acapulco’, which he executive produces. In 2022, he appeared in the romantic comedy ‘The Valet’ and the film ‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’. Derbez has successfully transitioned from being a major star in Mexico to a recognized comedic and dramatic actor in Hollywood. His recent projects highlight his versatility beyond purely comedic roles.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña starred in the 2023 biographical film ‘A Million Miles Away’, portraying NASA astronaut José M. Hernández. He reprised his role in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ and appeared in the action film ‘Moonfall’. Peña also played a significant role in the television series ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’. His recent work includes both major franchise films and inspiring true-life dramas. He remains one of the most prolific Hispanic actors working in the United States today.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo appeared in the 2022 dark comedy ‘The Menu’ and the action-comedy ‘Violent Night’. He voiced characters in the 2021 Disney film ‘Encanto’ and starred in the television series ‘The Power’. Leguizamo has also been active in producing documentaries and television specials that focus on Latino history and culture. His recent career has seen a mix of high-concept genre films and socially conscious projects. He continues to be a prominent advocate for Hispanic representation in all areas of entertainment.

Raúl Castillo

Raul Castillo received critical acclaim for his role in the 2022 drama ‘The Inspection’. He appeared in the Zack Snyder film ‘Army of the Dead’ and the 2021 thriller ‘Night Teeth’. Castillo also featured in the television series ‘Hustle’ and ‘Class of ’09’. His recent performances have highlighted his ability to portray complex, often sensitive characters in both independent and mainstream projects. He is recognized as a rising talent with a strong dramatic presence.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale appeared in the 2022 biographical drama ‘Blonde’ and the Netflix thriller series ‘The Watcher’. He also starred in the 2023 comedy film ‘Old Dads’ and the drama ‘Ezra’. Cannavale has maintained a busy schedule across television and film, often playing charismatic or intense supporting characters. His work in the last five years showcases his range from dark drama to lighthearted comedy. He remains a highly versatile actor frequently sought out by prominent directors.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera starred as Captain Cristóbal Rios in the first two seasons of ‘Star Trek: Picard’. He also appeared in the series ‘The Flight Attendant’ and the film ‘The Godmother’. Recently, he has been part of the cast for the television drama ‘The Cleaning Lady’. Cabrera’s work in the science fiction genre has brought him a new level of visibility among international audiences. He continues to work steadily in both major American television networks and streaming platforms.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramirez appeared in the 2021 Disney film ‘Jungle Cruise’ and the Netflix action movie ‘The Last Days of American Crime’. He starred in the television series ‘Florida Man’ and the miniseries ‘Dr. Death’. Ramirez also had a significant role in the 2020 HBO thriller ‘The Undoing’. His recent roles have spanned from villainous characters in blockbusters to complex leads in television dramas. He is one of the most prominent Venezuelan actors working in the global industry.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama continues to star as Special Agent Nick Torres on the long-running series ‘NCIS’. He also provided the voice for Agustín Madrigal in the 2021 animated hit ‘Encanto’. Valderrama is currently developing a new ‘Zorro’ series for Disney, in which he is set to star. His recent work has focused on maintaining his television presence while expanding into voice acting and production. He remains a highly recognizable figure in American television.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez starred as the titular character in the reboot of ‘Magnum P.I.’, which concluded its five-season run in 2024. He also appeared in the 2019 film ‘Toy Story 4’ as the voice of Bonnie’s Dad. Hernandez has balanced his television lead role with occasional appearances in film and directing episodes of his own series. His portrayal of Thomas Magnum modernized the character for a new generation of viewers. He continues to be a prominent leading man in the television landscape.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz continued his role as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, a part he played until the series concluded in 2024. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation throughout his career. Cruz also appeared in the television series ’25 Words or Less’ and various documentary projects. His recent work on ‘Star Trek’ has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of a queer relationship in science fiction. He remains a significant figure in both the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén stars as Guillermo de la Cruz in the critically acclaimed comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He appeared in the 2023 DC film ‘Blue Beetle’ and voiced a character in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Guillén has also featured in the television series ‘Reacher’ and the film ‘Werewolves Within’. His breakout role in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ has made him a fan favorite in the comedy and horror genres. He is recognized for his unique comedic timing and physical acting.

Julio Macias

Julio Macias gained fame for his role as Oscar ‘Spooky’ Diaz in the Netflix series ‘On My Block’. He also portrayed Marcella Samora’s brother in ‘Selena: The Series’ on Netflix. Macias appeared in the film ‘The Last Boat to Alcatraz’ and has worked on various short films. His performance in ‘On My Block’ was noted for adding depth to a character that could have been a stereotype. He has quickly become a notable name in the television industry over the last five years.

Cristo Fernández

Cristo Fernández rose to international fame playing Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series ‘Ted Lasso’. His character’s catchphrase became a cultural touchstone during the show’s three-season run. He appeared in the film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in a post-credits scene and featured in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Fernández, a former professional footballer, has used his athletic background to transition into acting. His recent work is characterized by infectious energy and positive character portrayals.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro starred in the 2023 Netflix crime thriller ‘Reptile’, which he also co-wrote and executive produced. He appeared in Wes Anderson’s 2021 film ‘The French Dispatch’ as an incarcerated artist. Del Toro remains one of the most prestigious Hispanic actors, known for his intense and methodical approach to acting. His recent work shows a continued interest in complex crime dramas and stylized ensemble pieces. He is an Academy Award winner whose presence consistently elevates high-profile projects.

Andy Garcia

Andy Garcia starred in the 2022 remake of ‘Father of the Bride’, which focused on a Cuban-American family. He appeared in the action sequel ‘Expend4bles’ and the Netflix film ‘Pain Hustlers’. Garcia also had a significant role in the series ‘Rebel’ and ‘Modern Love’. His recent career has seen him embrace patriarch roles that highlight his heritage and veteran acting status. He remains an influential figure in the film industry with a career spanning over four decades.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt appeared in the 2023 series ‘Poker Face’ and the HBO Max miniseries ‘DMZ’. He also provided voice work for the series ‘Pantheon’ and appeared in the 2022 film ‘Dead for a Dollar’. Bratt has maintained a steady presence in both television and film, often playing authoritative or mysterious characters. His recent work demonstrates his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of streaming television. He continues to be a respected actor in the Hispanic community.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro starred in the television series ‘Wolf Pack’ and the historical drama ‘Boundless’. He also appeared in the 2020 film ‘Project Power’ and the television series ‘Westworld’. Santoro, a prominent Brazilian actor, has successfully navigated both South American and Hollywood productions. His recent roles have allowed him to explore a wide range of genres from science fiction to historical epics. He remains a key figure in the internationalization of acting talent.

Jaime Camil

Jaime Camil starred in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’ on Apple TV+. He also provided voice work for the animated series ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ and starred in the film ‘Kimi’. Camil is well-known for his previous work on ‘Jane the Virgin’ and has continued to build on that success in American television. His recent roles highlight his comedic timing and musical abilities. He remains a popular figure in both English and Spanish-language entertainment.

Amaury Nolasco

Amaury Nolasco appeared in the crime drama series ‘Hightown’, which premiered in 2020. He also featured in the 2022 film ‘The Valet’ and the series ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. Nolasco is best known for his earlier work on ‘Prison Break’ and continues to find success in character-driven television roles. His recent work often involves playing gritty or comedic supporting characters. He remains a consistent presence in the American television industry.

Miguel Ángel Silvestre

Miguel Angel Silvestre starred in the high-octane Netflix series ‘Sky Rojo’ and the horror series ’30 Coins’. He also appeared in the final season of ‘Money Heist’ (La Casa de Papel) and the series ‘Sense8’. Silvestre has become a major star in Spanish-language television with a growing international following. His recent performances are noted for their intensity and physical presence. He is one of the leading actors in the current wave of successful Spanish television exports.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera played a major role in the final season of the Netflix series ‘Ozark’ as Javi Elizonndro. He also starred in the film ‘Dance of the 41’ and the series ‘The Exorcist’. Herrera has transitioned from a career in Mexican pop music and telenovelas to becoming a respected dramatic actor in Hollywood. His performance in ‘Ozark’ was widely praised for its menacing and unpredictable nature. He continues to take on challenging roles in high-profile streaming series.

Jon Huertas

Jon Huertas concluded his long-running role as Miguel Rivas on the hit drama ‘This Is Us’ in 2022. He also appeared in the series ‘The Rookie’ and directed several episodes of television. Huertas has balanced his acting career with a growing interest in directing and producing. His work on ‘This Is Us’ provided him with a platform to showcase his dramatic range over six seasons. He remains a prominent figure in the Hispanic acting community in television.

David Castañeda

David Castañeda stars as Diego Hargreeves in the popular Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. He also appeared in the 2023 film ‘Poker Face’ and the series ‘Jane the Virgin’. Castañeda’s role in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ has brought him significant international recognition and a dedicated fan base. His performance is often cited as a highlight of the ensemble cast. He continues to be a rising star in the science fiction and action genres.

Iñaki Godoy

Iñaki Godoy rose to global prominence as Monkey D. Luffy in the 2023 live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece’. He also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Imperfects’ and the film ‘Go Youth!’. Godoy’s energetic and faithful portrayal of a beloved manga character earned him widespread critical acclaim. At a young age, he has already led one of the most successful streaming launches in recent years. He is considered one of the most promising young Hispanic actors today.

David Zayas

David Zayas reprised his famous role as Angel Batista in the revival series ‘Dexter: New Blood’ in 2021. He also appeared in the television series ‘FBI’ and ‘The Blacklist’. Zayas has maintained a steady career as a character actor, often playing law enforcement figures or gritty urban characters. His recent work continues to highlight his reliability and strong screen presence. He remains a respected veteran within the Hispanic acting community.

Enrique Murciano

Enrique Murciano appeared in the 2023 hit Netflix series ‘The Night Agent’ as Ben Almora. He also starred in the series ‘Tell Me Your Secrets’ and ‘Step Up: High Water’. Murciano has a long history of playing significant roles in television dramas and thrillers. His recent performance in ‘The Night Agent’ contributed to one of the most-watched series of the year. He continues to be a sought-after actor for high-stakes procedural and political dramas.

Nicholas Gonzalez

Nicholas Gonzalez starred in the science fiction series ‘La Brea’ as pilot Levi Borne. He also appeared in ‘The Good Doctor’ and provided voice work for various animated projects. Gonzalez has been a consistent presence in American television for two decades, frequently playing professional or heroic characters. His recent work on ‘La Brea’ showcased his ability to lead a high-concept genre show. He remains a prominent Hispanic voice in the broadcast television landscape.

Raymond Cruz

Raymond Cruz appeared in the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ spin-off ‘Mayans M.C.’ as El Padrino. He also starred in the horror film ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ and the series ‘Better Call Saul’. Cruz is well-known for his intense portrayals of complex characters in crime dramas. His recent work has seen him revisit iconic roles while expanding into the horror genre. He remains one of the most recognizable character actors in the industry.

Jesse Garcia

Jesse Garcia starred as Richard Montañez in the 2023 biographical film ‘Flamin’ Hot’. He also appeared in the Netflix action film ‘The Mother’ alongside Jennifer Lopez and the series ‘Narcos: Mexico’. Garcia has been working in the industry for years, but his recent lead role brought him new levels of critical attention. His performance in ‘Flamin’ Hot’ was praised for its heart and comedic timing. He continues to find success in both independent films and major streaming projects.

J. D. Pardo

J.D. Pardo starred as Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Reyes in the series ‘Mayans M.C.’, which concluded its run in 2023. He also appeared in the 2021 film ‘F9: The Fast Saga’ and the series ‘The Terminal List’. Pardo’s leading role in the biker drama established him as a major talent in the action genre. He has since transitioned into other high-profile action and thriller projects. Pardo remains a central figure in contemporary Hispanic-led television.

Clayton Cardenas

Clayton Cardenas played Angel Reyes in the television series ‘Mayans M.C.’ throughout its five-season run. He also appeared in the series ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ and the film ‘The Last Responders’. Cardenas is recognized for his intense emotional range and physical acting style. His work on ‘Mayans M.C.’ earned him a dedicated following and critical respect. He is currently developing new projects as both an actor and producer.

Tell us which of these actors’ performances was your favorite in the comments.