Actors Who Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant era in cinema, defined by the expansion of shared cinematic universes and the rise of prestige television stars crossing over into film. This decade saw a specific group of leading men become nearly ubiquitous across blockbuster franchises and award-winning independent features. These performers often balanced high-octane action roles with demanding dramatic performances, solidifying their status as global icons. From the rise of the various ‘Chris’ figures to the “McConaissance,” these actors shaped the visual and cultural landscape of the decade.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. became the central figure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the 2010s, appearing as Tony Stark in ten different films. His tenure began with ‘Iron Man 2’ and concluded with the record-breaking ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019. Outside of his superhero duties, he found commercial success in the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ sequel and the legal drama ‘The Judge’. His presence was instrumental in the unprecedented financial growth of the modern blockbuster. He consistently remained one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood throughout this entire period.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans transitioned from a teen star to a global icon by portraying Steve Rogers in the ‘Captain America’ and ‘The Avengers’ franchises. Beyond his work with Marvel, he sought out diverse roles in films like the dystopian thriller ‘Snowpiercer’ and the emotional drama ‘Gifted’. In 2019, he displayed his range by playing a villainous character in the whodunit hit ‘Knives Out’. His decade was defined by his ability to balance heroic archetypes with more grounded, character-driven performances. Evans effectively concluded his long-running superhero arc at the end of the decade.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth rose to international fame after being cast as the titular God of Thunder in ‘Thor’. He reprised this role across numerous sequels and ‘The Avengers’ installments, becoming a cornerstone of the decade’s biggest franchise. Hemsworth also branched out into action and drama with roles in ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and the Formula One biopic ‘Rush’. He showcased his comedic timing in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, which revitalized his primary character. By the end of the 2010s, he had established himself as a versatile leading man in both action and comedy.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt underwent a major career transformation in the 2010s, moving from a supporting role on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’ to a top-tier action star. He headlined two massive franchises starting in 2014 and 2015 with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Jurassic World’. His voice work also hit the top of the box office in ‘The Lego Movie’. Pratt became a reliable lead for big-budget spectacles that required a mix of humor and physicality. His rapid ascent made him one of the most recognizable faces in global cinema within a few short years.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy became one of the most respected and busy actors of the decade by taking on physically demanding and transformative roles. He collaborated frequently with director Christopher Nolan in ‘Inception’, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, and ‘Dunkirk’. Hardy also took over the iconic role of Max Rockatansky in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, which received widespread critical acclaim. He ended the decade by launching a new franchise as the lead in the Marvel-based film ‘Venom’. His ability to disappear into characters with varied accents and physicalities made him a standout performer.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch achieved global stardom early in the decade with the success of the television series ‘Sherlock’. This fame translated to major film roles, including the villainous Khan in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ and an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘The Imitation Game’. He eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the lead in ‘Doctor Strange’, appearing in several subsequent crossover films. Cumberbatch also provided voice and motion-capture work for the dragon Smaug in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. His decade was marked by a constant presence in both intellectual dramas and massive genre films.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling solidified his status as a leading man during the 2010s by alternating between stylish indies and major studio projects. He earned critical praise for his minimalist performance in ‘Drive’ and his comedic turn in ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’. In 2016, he starred in the modern musical ‘La La Land’, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also took on the legacy of a sci-fi classic in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and portrayed Neil Armstrong in ‘First Man’. Gosling remained a frequent subject of critical discussion and a mainstay of the award season circuit.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper leveraged the success of ‘The Hangover’ to become a powerhouse actor and producer throughout the 2010s. He earned consecutive Oscar nominations for his work in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘American Sniper’. Cooper also voiced the popular character Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. His decade culminated in his directorial debut with ‘A Star Is Born’, which became a massive critical and commercial hit. He successfully transitioned from a comedic actor to one of the industry’s most respected dramatic talents.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, became arguably the biggest box office draw in the world during the 2010s. He joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise in ‘Fast Five’, which helped propel the series to new heights. Johnson headlined a string of successful films including ‘San Andreas’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Moana’. He also revitalized the ‘Jumanji’ brand with ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ and its sequel. His work ethic and massive social media following made him a constant presence in the entertainment industry.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan rose to prominence with a breakout performance in the 2013 independent drama ‘Fruitvale Station’. He then successfully rebooted a classic sports franchise as the lead in ‘Creed’ and its 2018 sequel. Jordan reached a new level of global fame playing the antagonist Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’. He also starred in ‘Chronicle’ and the legal drama ‘Just Mercy’ toward the end of the decade. His trajectory in the 2010s established him as a premier talent capable of leading both blockbusters and prestigious biopics.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston became a fan favorite early in the decade for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While he appeared in multiple ‘Thor’ and ‘Avengers’ films, he also pursued diverse projects such as the period piece ‘Crimson Peak’. He earned critical acclaim for his role in the miniseries ‘The Night Manager’ and the survival film ‘Kong: Skull Island’. Hiddleston worked with prestigious directors like Woody Allen in ‘Midnight in Paris’ and Jim Jarmusch in ‘Only Lovers Left Alive’. His sophisticated screen presence made him a staple of both blockbuster and indie cinema.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum proved his versatility in the 2010s by moving beyond his roots as a dancer and romantic lead. He found massive success in comedy with ’21 Jump Street’ and its sequel, alongside his role in the ‘Magic Mike’ series. Tatum also earned dramatic credentials for his performance in the psychological drama ‘Foxcatcher’. He collaborated with the Coen brothers in ‘Hail, Caesar!’ and Quentin Tarantino in ‘The Hateful Eight’. His ability to jump between action, comedy, and drama kept him constantly employed throughout the decade.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill successfully transitioned from a teen comedy star to a two-time Academy Award nominee during this decade. He earned his first nomination for the sports drama ‘Moneyball’ and his second for his role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. Simultaneously, he maintained his comedic roots with the hit ’21 Jump Street’ films and ‘This Is the End’. Hill also lent his voice to the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise throughout the 2010s. He ended the decade by making his directorial debut with the coming-of-age film ‘Mid90s’.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac became a ubiquitous presence in the mid-2010s after his breakout role in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. He quickly moved into major franchise territory by playing Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy starting with ‘The Force Awakens’. Isaac also delivered acclaimed performances in sci-fi films like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. He portrayed the villain in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ and starred in the historical drama ‘A Most Violent Year’. His range across different genres made him one of the most sought-after actors of the period.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver rose to fame on the television series ‘Girls’ before becoming a major film star in the middle of the decade. He achieved international recognition for his role as Kylo Ren in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. Driver balanced these blockbusters with collaborations with legendary directors, appearing in ‘Silence’, ‘Paterson’, and ‘BlacKkKlansman’. He earned significant awards recognition for his performance in ‘Marriage Story’ at the end of the decade. His unique screen presence and intensity made him a favorite for both experimental and mainstream projects.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba remained a constant figure in film and television throughout the 2010s. He continued his lead role in the series ‘Luther’ while appearing in major films like ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘Prometheus’. Elba also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Heimdall and played the villain in ‘Star Trek Beyond’. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. Additionally, he voiced characters in ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘Finding Dory’, and ‘Zootopia’.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart dominated the film comedy landscape in the 2010s, starring in a long list of box office hits. He led the ‘Ride Along’ franchise and shared the screen with Dwayne Johnson in ‘Central Intelligence’ and the ‘Jumanji’ sequels. Hart also starred in ‘The Wedding Ringer’, ‘Get Hard’, and the dramatic comedy ‘The Upside’. His stand-up comedy films also received wide theatrical releases during this time. His high energy and frequent collaborations made him one of the most visible comedians in the world.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen continued to be a driving force in Hollywood comedy as both an actor and a producer during the 2010s. He starred in popular comedies like ‘Neighbors’, ‘This Is the End’, and ‘The Interview’. Rogen also took on a rare dramatic role as Steve Wozniak in the biopic ‘Steve Jobs’. He continued his voice work in ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ and ‘The Lion King’ remake. Through his production company, he was responsible for many of the decade’s most talked-about comedic projects.

James Franco

James Franco was incredibly prolific during the 2010s, appearing in dozens of films across various genres. He earned an Oscar nomination early in the decade for ‘127 Hours’ and starred in the blockbuster ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’. Franco frequently collaborated with Seth Rogen in comedies like ‘The Interview’ and ‘Sausage Party’. He also directed and starred in ‘The Disaster Artist’, which earned him a Golden Globe Award. His work spanned from mainstream blockbusters to experimental indie films and television.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal spent the 2010s reinventing himself as a versatile and often intense character actor. He delivered haunting performances in films like ‘Prisoners’, ‘Nightcrawler’, and ‘Nocturnal Animals’. He also starred in the sci-fi thriller ‘Source Code’ and the boxing drama ‘Southpaw’. Gyllenhaal eventually entered the superhero genre as the villain Mysterio in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. His dedication to physical transformations and complex roles made him a critical darling throughout the decade.

Matthew McConaughey

The 2010s saw the “McConaissance,” a period where Matthew McConaughey moved from romantic comedies to heavy dramatic roles. He won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and starred in the acclaimed first season of ‘True Detective’. McConaughey also led Christopher Nolan’s epic ‘Interstellar’ and appeared in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. He voiced the lead character in the animated hit ‘Sing’ and starred in ‘The Gentlemen’ at the decade’s end. This period completely redefined his career trajectory and public perception.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne became a prominent figure in prestige cinema during the 2010s. He gained notice in ‘Les Misérables’ before winning an Academy Award for playing Stephen Hawking in ‘The Theory of Everything’. Redmayne followed this with another nomination for ‘The Danish Girl’. He also became the face of a new franchise as Newt Scamander in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series. His success in both award-contending dramas and blockbusters made him a constant presence in the industry.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt transitioned from a child star to a major leading man with a busy schedule in the early 2010s. He appeared in the high-concept hits ‘Inception’ and ‘Looper’, and played a key role in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. He also starred in the acclaimed comedy-drama ’50/50′ and the biopic ‘Snowden’. In 2013, he made his feature directorial debut with ‘Don Jon’. While his output slowed slightly toward the end of the decade, he remained a highly recognizable and respected talent.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender was one of the most prolific actors of the decade, appearing in multiple films nearly every year. He played the younger version of Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ prequel series, starting with ‘X-Men: First Class’. Fassbender earned Oscar nominations for ’12 years a Slave’ and ‘Steve Jobs’. He also starred in Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant’. His ability to lead big franchises while maintaining a presence in gritty, auteur-driven films was a hallmark of his decade.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale concluded his iconic run as Batman in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ in 2012. He continued to be a major force in cinema with Oscar-winning and nominated roles in ‘The Fighter’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘The Big Short’. Bale underwent significant physical changes for ‘Vice’, where he portrayed Dick Cheney. He ended the decade with the racing drama ‘Ford v Ferrari’. His reputation for extreme Method acting and transformative performances remained unmatched throughout the period.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio remained one of the few actors who could guarantee a box office hit based on his name alone during the 2010s. He starred in ‘Inception’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘The Great Gatsby’ early in the decade. He finally won his first Academy Award for his role in the grueling survival drama ‘The Revenant’. In 2019, he starred in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. DiCaprio was highly selective with his projects, yet each of his films became a major cultural event.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo became a household name globally when he took over the role of Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, in ‘The Avengers’. He appeared in several Marvel sequels while maintaining a strong presence in dramatic cinema. Ruffalo earned Oscar nominations for his roles in ‘The Kids Are All Right’, ‘Foxcatcher’, and ‘Spotlight’. He also starred in the legal thriller ‘Dark Waters’ at the end of the decade. His ability to balance blockbuster fame with socially conscious dramas defined his career in this era.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner was a constant presence in action cinema throughout the 2010s. He played Clint Barton, or Hawkeye, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and joined the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise in ‘Ghost Protocol’. Renner also led the ‘Bourne’ spin-off ‘The Bourne Legacy’ and starred in the hit ‘Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters’. He earned critical praise for his work in ‘Arrival’ and the neo-western ‘Wind River’. His decade was characterized by high-profile supporting roles in major ensembles and leading turns in action thrillers.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield started the decade with a breakout role in ‘The Social Network’. He then took on the role of Peter Parker in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and its 2014 sequel. After his superhero stint, he focused on dramatic work, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. He also collaborated with Martin Scorsese in the historical drama ‘Silence’. Garfield maintained a strong balance between high-profile Hollywood films and challenging stage work during this period.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland entered the spotlight in 2012 with ‘The Impossible’ before becoming a global superstar as the third live-action Spider-Man. He made his Marvel debut in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and starred in two solo films before the decade closed. Holland also appeared in ‘The Lost City of Z’ and ‘The Current War’. He became a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new generation of heroes. By the end of 2019, he was one of the most recognizable young actors in the world.

Miles Teller

Miles Teller became a prominent young lead following his breakout performance in ‘The Spectacular Now’. He gained massive critical acclaim for his role as a jazz drummer in the Oscar-winning ‘Whiplash’. Teller starred in the ‘Divergent’ series and the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot, though the latter was poorly received. He also headlined ‘War Dogs’ and the firefighter drama ‘Only the Brave’. His presence was consistent across both young adult franchises and gritty independent dramas.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort rose to fame quickly in 2014 with back-to-back roles in ‘Divergent’ and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. These films established him as a major star for the young adult audience. He later gained wider critical and commercial success as the titular character in the stylized action film ‘Baby Driver’. Elgort also appeared in ‘The Goldfinch’ toward the end of the decade. His career in the 2010s was marked by his transition from teen idol to a versatile leading man.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron successfully shed his ‘High School Musical’ image during the 2010s by leaning into adult comedies. He starred in the ‘Neighbors’ franchise, ‘Dirty Grandpa’, and the film version of ‘Baywatch’. Efron also displayed his musical talents again in the massive hit ‘The Greatest Showman’. At the end of the decade, he took on a darker role as Ted Bundy in ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’. His decade was a calculated and successful effort to reinvent his public persona.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth became a regular on the big screen primarily through his role as Gale Hawthorne in ‘The Hunger Games’ series. He also starred in the romantic drama ‘The Last Song’ and the action sequel ‘The Expendables 2’. Hemsworth took on a leading role in the blockbuster sequel ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. He finished the decade with roles in the satirical comedy ‘Isn’t It Romantic’ and the crime thriller ‘Killerman’. His career was largely defined by his participation in some of the decade’s biggest young adult and action franchises.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman became a symbol of cultural significance in the 2010s through his portrayals of historical icons. He starred as Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. His fame reached a global peak when he was cast as T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He led ‘Black Panther’ to a historic box office performance and a Best Picture nomination. Boseman’s presence was vital to the decade’s shift toward more diverse representation in blockbuster cinema.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa gained initial fame in the 2010s as Khal Drogo in the first season of ‘Game of Thrones’. He then took on the mantle of ‘Conan the Barbarian’ in the 2011 reboot. His career reached new heights when he was cast as Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, in the DC Extended Universe. After appearing in ‘Justice League’, he starred in the solo ‘Aquaman’ film, which became a billion-dollar success. Momoa’s rugged screen presence made him a staple of action and fantasy media throughout the decade.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek’s decade was defined by his transition from a supporting actor to an Academy Award winner. He gained massive popularity as the lead in the television series ‘Mr. Robot’, which began in 2015. Malek then portrayed Freddie Mercury in the biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. He also appeared in the ‘Night at the Museum’ sequels and the ‘Twilight’ franchise. By the end of the 2010s, he had become one of the most prominent names in the industry.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali experienced a meteoric rise in the latter half of the 2010s. He became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar for his role in ‘Moonlight’. He won a second Academy Award just two years later for his performance in ‘Green Book’. Ali also had significant roles in ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. He finished the decade by taking on the lead role in the third season of ‘True Detective’ and being announced as the new Blade for the MCU.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston capitalized on his ‘Breaking Bad’ success to become a frequent presence in film during the 2010s. He appeared in the Oscar-winning ‘Argo’ and the blockbuster ‘Godzilla’. Cranston earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Dalton Trumbo in the biopic ‘Trumbo’. He also lent his voice to ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ and ‘Isle of Dogs’. His decade showed his ability to seamlessly transition from being a television icon to a respected film lead and character actor.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell successfully moved away from his ‘The Office’ persona to become a versatile dramatic actor in the 2010s. He earned an Oscar nomination for his transformative role in the psychological drama ‘Foxcatcher’. Carell also starred in major ensemble pieces like ‘The Big Short’ and ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Simultaneously, he remained a box office draw for families by voicing Gru in the ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’ franchise. His range allowed him to remain a constant figure in both summer blockbusters and awards-season contenders.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd maintained his status as a beloved comedic lead before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2015. He starred as the titular hero in ‘Ant-Man’ and its sequel, as well as several crossover films. Outside of Marvel, he appeared in comedies such as ‘This Is 40’ and ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’. Rudd also took on more dramatic and indie roles in films like ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’. His seemingly ageless appearance and consistent charm made him a decade-long favorite.

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg started the decade with an Oscar-nominated performance as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network’. He then starred in the surprise hit ‘Now You See Me’ and its 2016 sequel. Eisenberg also joined the DC Extended Universe as the villain Lex Luthor in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. He continued to work in independent films like ‘The Double’ and returned to the ‘Zombieland’ franchise. His distinct screen persona made him a frequent choice for intellectual and neurotic characters.

Will Smith

Will Smith remained one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood throughout the 2010s. He returned to his popular franchise in ‘Men in Black 3’ and played Deadshot in the hit ‘Suicide Squad’. Smith also starred in the Netflix original ‘Bright’ and the live-action ‘Aladdin’, which grossed over a billion dollars. He explored more dramatic territory in ‘Concussion’ and ‘Collateral Beauty’. Despite the changing industry, Smith’s star power continued to draw massive audiences.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf had a turbulent but highly visible decade in the 2010s. He began the period starring in the third ‘Transformers’ film and ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’. He then transitioned into more experimental and indie projects like ‘Nymphomaniac’ and ‘American Honey’. LaBeouf earned critical acclaim later in the decade for his roles in ‘Borg vs McEnroe’ and ‘Honey Boy’, the latter of which he also wrote. His career shift toward arthouse cinema made him a frequent subject of media attention.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill became a global icon when he was cast as Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ in 2013. He reprised the role in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and ‘Justice League’. Cavill also showcased his action skills in ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and as the antagonist in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’. He ended the decade by transitioning to television as the lead in ‘The Witcher’. His physical presence and classic leading-man looks made him a staple of the decade’s action genre.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer gained significant attention early in the decade by playing both Winklevoss twins in ‘The Social Network’. He then starred in big-budget films like ‘J. Edgar’, ‘The Lone Ranger’, and ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’. Hammer received widespread critical praise for his role in the 2017 romantic drama ‘Call Me by Your Name’. He also appeared in the satirical ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and the biopic ‘On the Basis of Sex’. For much of the decade, he was viewed as a rising star who could handle both blockbusters and indies.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington became one of the most famous faces on television as Jon Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’. This fame translated to several film roles throughout the 2010s, including the lead in the disaster film ‘Pompeii’. He also provided voice work for ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ and starred in the period drama ‘Testament of Youth’. Harington appeared in the suspense thriller ‘Brimstone’ and the drama ‘The Death & Life of John F. Donovan’. His decade was largely defined by the global phenomenon of his television series and his subsequent film opportunities.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage achieved worldwide recognition in the 2010s for his role as Tyrion Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’. This success led to frequent film roles, including a major part in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. He also starred in the sci-fi comedy ‘Pixels’ and had a memorable role in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’. Dinklage made a surprise appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. He remained one of the most recognizable and respected character actors throughout the decade.

Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult transitioned from a child actor to a major adult star during the 2010s. He played Beast in the ‘X-Men’ prequel trilogy and starred in the zombie romance ‘Warm Bodies’. Hoult also delivered a standout performance as Nux in the acclaimed ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. He appeared in prestigious period pieces like ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Tolkien’ toward the end of the decade. His ability to work across action, romance, and prestige drama kept him highly visible.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds began the decade with the poorly received ‘Green Lantern’, but he eventually achieved a massive career resurgence. He starred in the action thriller ‘Safe House’ and provided voice work for ‘The Croods’ and ‘Turbo’. His career reached a new peak with the 2016 release of ‘Deadpool’, which he spent years developing. The film and its sequel were massive hits, cementing him as a top-tier star. He ended the decade starring in ‘Detective Pikachu’ and ‘6 Underground’.

Tell us which of these stars defined your movie-going experience during the 2010s in the comments.