Young Actors Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant transition in Hollywood as a new generation of male actors rose to prominence across film and television. From the explosion of young adult franchises to the dominance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these performers became ubiquitous faces in the entertainment landscape. This decade saw the birth of “internet boyfriends” and the transformation of former child stars into serious dramatic leads. Whether they were leading massive blockbusters or starring in prestige indie hits, these fifty actors defined the visual culture of the era.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson achieved international fame early in the decade with his leading role in the superhero comedy ‘Kick-Ass’ (2010). He further established his presence in major franchises by portraying Quicksilver in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) and starring in the 2014 reboot of ‘Godzilla’. The actor also earned critical acclaim for his transformative performance in the thriller ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016). His versatility allowed him to navigate between high-budget action films and intense dramatic features throughout the 2010s. This mix of commercial success and critical respect made him a ubiquitous face in cinema.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver first gained widespread recognition for his role as Adam Sackler on the HBO series ‘Girls’ (2012–2017). His career reached new heights when he was cast as the primary antagonist, Kylo Ren, in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy starting in 2015. Alongside his blockbuster success, Driver became a favorite of acclaimed directors, starring in films like ‘Paterson’ (2016) and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018). He concluded the decade with an Academy Award-nominated performance in the drama ‘Marriage Story’ (2019). His meteoric rise was one of the most significant actor breakthroughs of the entire decade.

Alexander Ludwig

Alexander Ludwig became a household name after playing the formidable antagonist Cato in ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012). Following this blockbuster success, he secured a leading role as Bjorn Ironside in the historical drama series ‘Vikings’ (2014–2020). Ludwig also appeared in the war film ‘Lone Survivor’ (2013) and the comedy-horror ‘The Final Girls’ (2015). Throughout the decade, he maintained a consistent presence in both high-action television and mainstream cinema. His transition from a young franchise star to a seasoned television lead was a notable part of his 2010s career.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield began the decade with a standout performance in the biographical drama ‘The Social Network’ (2010). He reached global stardom shortly after when he was cast as Peter Parker in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012) and its 2014 sequel. Beyond superhero roles, Garfield showcased his dramatic range in Mel Gibson’s war film ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016) and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ (2016). His presence was felt across both the box office and the awards circuit during this prolific ten-year span. He finished the decade as one of the most respected leading men of his generation.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort became a central figure in the young adult movie craze after starring in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ (2014). He simultaneously appeared in the ‘Divergent’ series as Caleb Prior, further cementing his status as a teen idol. Elgort transitioned to leading man status in action-heavy roles with the critical and commercial hit ‘Baby Driver’ (2017). His career in the 2010s was characterized by a rapid rise from supporting parts to headlining major studio productions. He also pursued a parallel career in music, adding to his public visibility.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler spent much of the early 2010s as a frequent face on teen television series such as ‘Life Unexpected’ and ‘Switched at Birth’. He secured a lead role in ‘The Carrie Diaries’ (2013–2014) and later starred in the fantasy series ‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017). Butler successfully moved into high-profile film projects toward the end of the decade with a role in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019). His trajectory during these years laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into major biographical leading roles. This period of his career was defined by a steady climb through the ranks of young Hollywood.

Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan emerged as a significant talent in the latter half of the 2010s with a series of unsettling and powerful performances. He gained international attention for his roles in the historical thriller ‘Dunkirk’ (2017) and the psychological horror film ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017). The actor continued to build a reputation for portraying complex characters in projects like ‘American Animals’ (2018). By the end of the decade, Keoghan was recognized as one of the most distinctive young actors working in independent cinema. His ability to command the screen with minimal dialogue became a hallmark of his 2010s work.

Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgård reached a new level of fame with his terrifying portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in ‘It’ (2017) and its 2019 sequel. Before this breakout, he appeared in the ‘Divergent’ franchise film ‘Allegiant’ (2016) and the thriller ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017). Skarsgård also maintained a strong presence on television by starring in the supernatural series ‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015). His work in the 2010s established him as a versatile performer capable of leading major horror and science fiction projects. He ended the decade as one of the most sought-after actors for genre-defining roles.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum was one of the most prolific actors of the 2010s, successfully balancing action, comedy, and drama. He starred in the sleeper hit ‘Magic Mike’ (2012) and found comedic success in ’21 Jump Street’ (2012) and its sequel. Tatum also showcased his dramatic abilities in ‘Foxcatcher’ (2014), earning praise for his portrayal of an Olympic wrestler. His ubiquitous presence during this period made him one of the most recognizable and bankable stars in Hollywood. He consistently headlined major studio releases throughout the entire ten-year span.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans became synonymous with the role of Steve Rogers in the ‘Captain America’ and ‘Avengers’ films throughout the 2010s. His portrayal of the iconic superhero made him a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for nearly a decade. Outside of Marvel, he appeared in the science fiction film ‘Snowpiercer’ (2013) and the mystery hit ‘Knives Out’ (2019). Evans managed to successfully navigate the demands of a major franchise while pursuing diverse roles in independent and ensemble projects. His retirement from the Marvel role at the end of the decade marked the end of an era.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth rose from relative obscurity to international stardom when he was cast as the lead in ‘Thor’ (2011). He reprised the role in multiple sequels and ‘Avengers’ installments, becoming a central figure in 2010s pop culture. Hemsworth also branched out into other genres with films like the racing drama ‘Rush’ (2013) and the action-thriller ‘Ghostbusters’ (2016). His blend of physical presence and comedic timing helped him maintain a consistent presence on the big screen throughout the decade. He remains one of the most visible faces to emerge from the 2010s blockbuster boom.

Cole Sprouse

Cole Sprouse returned to acting in the late 2010s with a starring role as Jughead Jones on the hit series ‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023). The show became a major cultural touchstone for younger audiences and revitalized his career after a hiatus from the screen. He also ventured back into film with the romantic drama ‘Five Feet Apart’ (2019). Sprouse’s transition from a child star to a teen television icon was a prominent part of late-2010s entertainment media. His popularity during this time was amplified by a massive social media presence and his work in professional photography.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe spent the beginning of the 2010s concluding his iconic tenure in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. He then spent the rest of the decade actively seeking diverse and challenging roles to distance himself from his childhood character. His projects included the horror film ‘The Woman in Black’ (2012), the indie hit ‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016), and the action-comedy ‘Guns Akimbo’ (2019). Radcliffe’s commitment to varied and often eccentric projects made him a frequent and interesting presence in 2010s cinema. He also received praise for his work on Broadway and in West End theatrical productions.

Dave Franco

Dave Franco became a familiar face in 2010s cinema by appearing in a string of successful comedies and dramas. He had notable roles in ’21 Jump Street’ (2012), ‘Now You See Me’ (2013), and the ‘Neighbors’ franchise. Franco also starred alongside his brother James in the critically acclaimed film ‘The Disaster Artist’ (2017). His high energy and comedic timing made him a go-to choice for ensemble casts throughout the decade. He transitioned into directing toward the end of the decade, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Dane DeHaan

Dane DeHaan broke through with his intense performance in the found-footage superhero film ‘Chronicle’ (2012). He quickly became a frequent presence in both independent films and major blockbusters, including his role as Harry Osborn in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014). DeHaan also starred in the period drama ‘Kill Your Darlings’ (2013) and the science fiction epic ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ (2017). His distinctive look and brooding acting style made him a standout talent during the middle of the decade. He was often cited as one of the most promising dramatic actors of the 2010s.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel followed his initial success with a series of acclaimed performances throughout the 2010s. He starred in the popular ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011) and its sequel, bringing him back to the mainstream. His career reached a new milestone with his performance in ‘Lion’ (2016), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Patel also took on the lead role in the thriller ‘Hotel Mumbai’ (2018) and the comedy-drama ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ (2019). His growth from a breakout teen star to a seasoned leading man was a key narrative of the decade.

Douglas Booth

Douglas Booth gained international recognition after starring as Pip in the BBC adaptation of ‘Great Expectations’ (2011). He continued to appear in prominent films throughout the decade, including the historical epic ‘Noah’ (2014) and the science fiction thriller ‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015). Booth also portrayed Nikki Sixx in the Motley Crue biopic ‘The Dirt’ (2019). His presence in high-profile period dramas and major studio releases made him a familiar face in the 2010s. He was frequently highlighted by fashion and lifestyle media as a leading young talent.

Dylan Minnette

Dylan Minnette became a major teen idol after starring as Clay Jensen in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020). Before this breakout, he appeared in films like ‘Prisoners’ (2013) and the family comedy ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’ (2014). He also had a leading role in the horror-comedy ‘Goosebumps’ (2015) and the thriller ‘Don’t Breathe’ (2016). Minnette’s frequent appearances in high-profile television and film projects made him a staple of late-2010s youth culture. Additionally, his work as the lead singer of the band Wallows further increased his visibility during this time.

Dylan O’Brien

Dylan O’Brien rose to fame as Stiles Stilinski on the MTV series ‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017), where he became a fan favorite. He successfully transitioned to film as the lead of the ‘Maze Runner’ trilogy, which began in 2014. O’Brien also starred in the action-thriller ‘American Assassin’ (2017) and provided the voice for the title character in ‘Bumblebee’ (2018). His popularity on social media and his consistent work in both television and film solidified his status as a key 2010s star. He remained a prominent figure despite a serious injury on set that temporarily halted his career.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne experienced a massive surge in popularity during the 2010s, starting with his role in ‘Les Misérables’ (2012). He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in ‘The Theory of Everything’ (2014). Redmayne then took on the lead role of Newt Scamander in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise, which launched in 2016. His frequent presence in award-winning dramas and major fantasy blockbusters made him a constant in 2010s cinema. He was one of the most recognizable British actors working on a global stage throughout the decade.

Evan Peters

Evan Peters became a household name due to his multi-character run on the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’ (2011–present). He also gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Quicksilver in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014) and its sequels. Peters balanced these high-profile roles with work in independent films like ‘American Animals’ (2018). His ability to disappear into diverse characters made him one of the most visible actors on television during the decade. He was a cornerstone of the 2010s surge in prestige horror television.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller first garnered critical attention for their performance in the psychological drama ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011). They gained further popularity with a starring role in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012). Miller later joined two major franchises, playing Credence Barebone in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ (2016) and Barry Allen in ‘Justice League’ (2017). Their presence in both prestigious indies and massive blockbusters made them a prominent figure throughout the decade. They also became a significant figure in fashion and red carpet media during this period.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard became an overnight sensation as Mike Wheeler on the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–present). He quickly translated this television success to the big screen with a starring role in the horror hit ‘It’ (2017) and its sequel. Wolfhard also lent his voice to ‘The Addams Family’ (2019) and appeared in the drama ‘The Goldfinch’ (2019). As one of the most recognizable young actors of the late 2010s, he was a central part of the decade’s nostalgia-driven media. His involvement in music with the band Calpurnia also added to his cultural presence.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi rose to international prominence after starring in the Netflix romantic comedy ‘The Kissing Booth’ (2018). He quickly followed this success with a lead role as Nate Jacobs in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’ (2019–present). The dual popularity of a streaming hit and a critically acclaimed prestige drama made him a breakout star at the end of the decade. Elordi’s rapid ascent made him a frequent subject of fashion and entertainment media during the late 2010s. He finished the decade as one of the most high-profile young stars in television.

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan became a global celebrity when he was cast as Christian Grey in the ‘Fifty Shades’ film trilogy (2015–2018). During the same period, he received critical acclaim for his role as a serial killer in the crime series ‘The Fall’ (2013–2016). Dornan also appeared in the war drama ‘Anthropoid’ (2016) and the biographical film ‘A Private War’ (2018). His work across these high-profile and varied projects ensured he was a constant presence in 2010s entertainment. He successfully transitioned from a high-fashion model to one of the decade’s most visible leading men.

Jeremy Irvine

Jeremy Irvine made a massive impact in the early 2010s with his debut lead role in Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’ (2011). He continued to secure major roles in films such as the 2012 adaptation of ‘Great Expectations’ and the survival drama ‘Beyond the Reach’ (2014). Irvine also starred in ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ (2018) as the younger version of Sam Carmichael. His career throughout the decade was marked by leading roles in major studio features and high-profile historical dramas. He was a frequent presence in both British and international cinema during this ten-year span.

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg began the decade with an Academy Award-nominated performance as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network’ (2010). He maintained a high profile by starring in the successful heist film ‘Now You See Me’ (2013) and its 2016 sequel. Eisenberg also entered the superhero genre as Lex Luthor in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016). His intellectual and often neurotically charged performances were a defining feature of many notable 2010s films. He also established himself as a playwright and author during this prolific decade.

Joe Keery

Joe Keery became a fan favorite through his role as Steve Harrington on ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–present). His character’s evolution from a typical high school antagonist to a beloved mentor made him a standout star of the series. Keery also appeared in independent films like ‘Molly’s Game’ (2017) and ‘Slice’ (2018) during this time. His presence was particularly strong in the late 2010s as the show became a global cultural phenomenon. His distinctive hairstyle and charm became iconic elements of the decade’s television landscape.

John Boyega

John Boyega gained international fame when he was cast as Finn in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy starting with ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015). Prior to his journey to a galaxy far, far away, he starred in the cult favorite ‘Attack the Block’ (2011). Boyega also led the science fiction sequel ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ (2018) and appeared in the historical drama ‘Detroit’ (2017). His career in the 2010s was defined by leading major blockbusters while advocating for better representation in the industry. He became a prominent voice for change within Hollywood throughout his rise to stardom.

Josh Hutcherson

Josh Hutcherson was a ubiquitous face in the early to mid-2010s as Peeta Mellark in ‘The Hunger Games’ film series. The massive success of the franchise made him one of the most recognizable young actors of the era. He also starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘The Kids Are All Right’ (2010) and led the action-adventure ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ (2012). Hutcherson’s work in one of the decade’s biggest franchises solidified his place in 2010s pop culture. He concluded the decade with a starring role in the science fiction comedy series ‘Future Man’.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington became a worldwide star through his portrayal of Jon Snow on the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019). His character was central to the show’s narrative, making Harington a constant fixture in television discussions for nearly a decade. During the show’s run, he also starred in films like ‘Pompeii’ (2014) and ‘Testament of Youth’ (2014). Harington’s presence was a cornerstone of the 2010s fantasy television boom. He remained one of the most recognizable faces of the prestige TV era throughout the 2010s.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth rose to prominence after starring in the romantic drama ‘The Last Song’ (2010) alongside Miley Cyrus. He reached a massive global audience as Gale Hawthorne in ‘The Hunger Games’ series (2012–2015). Hemsworth also appeared in action films like ‘The Expendables 2’ (2012) and the science fiction sequel ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ (2016). His frequent roles in major franchises and high-profile romances made him a staple of 2010s celebrity media. He ended the decade as a well-established leading man in both action and romance genres.

Logan Lerman

Logan Lerman led the ‘Percy Jackson’ film series as the title character, with installments released in 2010 and 2013. He received critical praise for his performance in the coming-of-age drama ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012). Lerman also appeared in the epic ‘Noah’ (2014) and the World War II film ‘Fury’ (2014) alongside Brad Pitt. His career in the 2010s was marked by a successful balance of teen-oriented franchises and serious dramatic work. He was often highlighted as one of the most talented actors of the young adult movie wave.

Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges became one of the most sought-after young actors for dramatic roles in the latter half of the decade. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his breakout performance in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016). Hedges continued to appear in critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Lady Bird’ (2017), ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (2017), and ‘Boy Erased’ (2018). His consistent presence in awards-contending films made him a defining face of 2010s prestige cinema. He was known for portraying emotionally complex young men in some of the decade’s most significant dramas.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan underwent a meteoric rise in the 2010s, starting with his powerful lead role in ‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013). He successfully revitalized the ‘Rocky’ franchise with ‘Creed’ (2015) and its 2018 sequel. Jordan reached a new level of global stardom as the antagonist Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ (2018). His work throughout the decade established him as both a critical darling and a major box office draw. He also founded his own production company during this time to create more opportunities for diverse storytelling.

Miles Teller

Miles Teller appeared in a variety of high-profile projects throughout the 2010s, ranging from indie hits to blockbusters. He delivered a breakout performance in ‘Whiplash’ (2014) and starred in the ‘Divergent’ series as Peter Hayes. Teller also headlined the 2015 ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot and the biographical drama ‘War Dogs’ (2016). His frequent presence in diverse genres made him one of the most visible young leading men of the decade. He finished the 2010s having worked with some of the industry’s most respected filmmakers.

Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult transitioned from child actor to adult star with his role as Beast in ‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011) and its sequels. He also starred in the zombie romance ‘Warm Bodies’ (2013) and the high-octane ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015). Hoult showcased his range in period pieces like ‘The Favourite’ (2018) and ‘Tolkien’ (2019). His ability to work across big-budget action and smaller character-driven films kept him consistently in the spotlight. He remained a frequent presence in both television and film throughout the entire ten-year period.

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas successfully transitioned from a teen music star to a frequent presence on screen in the 2010s. He starred in the gritty drama series ‘Kingdom’ (2014–2017) and appeared in the horror-comedy show ‘Scream Queens’ (2015). Jonas achieved major box office success with his role in ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017) and its 2019 sequel. His move into acting was a prominent part of his career evolution during this decade. He also appeared as a coach on ‘The Voice’, further increasing his overall media ubiquity.

Noah Centineo

Noah Centineo became the face of a Netflix rom-com revival in the late 2010s. His leading role in ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018) made him an instant internet sensation and teen idol. He followed this with other streaming hits like ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ (2018) and ‘The Perfect Date’ (2019). Centineo’s rapid rise to fame through digital platforms was a hallmark of late-decade stardom. He was frequently featured on social media and in youth-oriented magazines during this peak.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek gained widespread recognition for his lead role as Elliot Alderson on the series ‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019). His career reached a pinnacle when he portrayed Freddie Mercury in the biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018), for which he won an Academy Award. Before these major hits, he had a recurring role in the ‘Night at the Museum’ franchise and appeared in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’ (2012). Malek’s unique screen presence made him a standout figure in both television and film. He ended the decade as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and recognizable performers.

Richard Madden

Richard Madden rose to fame as Robb Stark on ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2013), becoming a key figure in the show’s early years. He later starred as the Prince in Disney’s live-action ‘Cinderella’ (2015) and led the hit series ‘Bodyguard’ (2018). Madden also appeared in the Elton John biopic ‘Rocketman’ (2019) and the war film ‘1917’ (2019). His work across major TV hits and high-profile films made him a familiar face throughout the decade. He was a frequent presence on red carpets and in international film media during this time.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson spent the early 2010s completing the ‘Twilight’ phenomenon, which made him one of the world’s most famous actors. He then spent the rest of the decade focused on challenging independent films to reinvent his image. Standout projects included ‘The Lost City of Z’ (2016), ‘Good Time’ (2017), and ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019). Pattinson’s transition from a teen idol to a respected character actor was one of the most notable career arcs of the 2010s. By the end of the decade, he was cast as the lead in ‘The Batman’.

Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint concluded his decade-long role as Ron Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ series in 2011. He then explored a variety of film and television projects, including the war film ‘Into the White’ (2012) and the dark comedy series ‘Sick Note’ (2017–2018). Grint also starred in and executive produced the TV adaptation of ‘Snatch’ (2017–2018). His post-Potter career involved a mix of independent film and leading roles in character-driven television series. He remained a beloved and consistently working figure throughout the decade.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling was a dominant force in 2010s cinema, starring in several of the decade’s most influential films. He led the cult hit ‘Drive’ (2011) and the romantic comedy ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (2011) in a single year. Gosling achieved further acclaim for his roles in the musical ‘La La Land’ (2016) and the science fiction sequel ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017). His presence as a modern leading man was a constant throughout the entire ten-year period. He also made his directorial debut with the film ‘Lost River’ (2014).

Sam Claflin

Sam Claflin became a frequent presence in blockbuster cinema after his role as Finnick Odair in ‘The Hunger Games’ sequels. He also starred in the romantic hit ‘Me Before You’ (2016) and the historical drama ‘My Cousin Rachel’ (2017). Claflin earlier appeared in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ (2011) and ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ (2012). His consistent casting in major franchise roles and romantic leads made him a staple of 2010s media. He concluded the decade with a recurring role in the series ‘Peaky Blinders’.

Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton achieved sudden stardom as Eggsy in the action-comedy ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014) and its 2017 sequel. He showcased his versatility by playing the lead in ‘Eddie the Eagle’ (2016) and voicing a character in ‘Sing’ (2016). Egerton’s career peaked in the late 2010s with his portrayal of Elton John in the biopic ‘Rocketman’ (2019). His high-energy performances and vocal talent made him a prominent young star during the decade’s second half. He earned a Golden Globe Award for his performance as the iconic musician.

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner was an inescapable figure in the early 2010s due to his role as Jacob Black in the ‘Twilight’ series. His fame during this period was immense, making him one of the highest-paid young actors in the industry. He also headlined the action-thriller ‘Abduction’ (2011) and appeared in the comedy ‘Grown Ups 2’ (2013). Though he stepped back from major film roles later in the decade, his impact on the 2010s teen landscape was significant. He remained a frequent topic of conversation in celebrity news and youth culture magazines.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet became a major cultural phenomenon in the late 2010s after his breakout role in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017). He quickly followed this with standout performances in ‘Lady Bird’ (2017), ‘Beautiful Boy’ (2018), and ‘Little Women’ (2019). Chalamet’s rapid rise to fame and his status as a fashion icon made him one of the most talked-about actors of the late decade. His presence in high-quality independent and prestige films defined the end of the 2010s. He ended the decade as the face of a new generation of dramatic actors.

Will Poulter

Will Poulter broke into the mainstream with his comedic role in ‘We’re the Millers’ (2013), for which he won a BAFTA Rising Star Award. He continued to build a diverse filmography with roles in ‘The Maze Runner’ (2014), ‘The Revenant’ (2015), and the interactive film ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ (2018). Poulter also delivered a chilling performance in the period drama ‘Detroit’ (2017). His ability to balance intense drama with sharp comedy made him a consistent presence in 2010s cinema. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented British actors of his cohort.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron successfully moved past his teen idol roots in the 2010s by starring in a wide range of films. He found success in romantic dramas like ‘The Lucky One’ (2012) and comedic hits like ‘Neighbors’ (2014) and ‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016). Efron also appeared in the musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017) and played Ted Bundy in the biographical drama ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ (2019). His consistent work and physical transformations kept him at the forefront of the industry throughout the decade. He remained one of the most consistently bankable stars of his generation.

Please share your favorite performance from these 2010s stars in the comments.