Gen Alpha’s Favorite Hollywood Actors

Generation Alpha, the demographic born between the early 2010s and mid-2020s, has grown up in an era defined by the expansion of streaming services and cinematic universes. Their favorite performers often originate from major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ‘Stranger Things’, and live-action adaptations of popular animated series. These actors frequently transition between big-budget films and a significant social media presence, influencing the entertainment preferences of the youngest viewers. This list highlights male actors who have captured the attention of this tech-savvy generation through diverse roles and high-profile performances.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland gained global recognition for his portrayal of Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. He has since starred in three standalone films, culminating in the record-breaking ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. Outside of superhero roles, he took on the lead in the action-adventure film ‘Uncharted’ and voiced characters in animated films like ‘Onward’. His background in theater and dance contributed to his selection for the role of Spider-Man. Holland remains a central figure in modern blockbuster cinema.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, also known by his ring name The Rock, is a leading figure in action and family-oriented cinema. He voiced the demigod Maui in the Disney animated hit ‘Moana’ and starred in the successful ‘Jumanji’ sequels. His involvement in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as Luke Hobbs further solidified his status as a global box office draw. Johnson also portrayed the titular anti-hero in ‘Black Adam’, expanding his reach into the superhero genre. He is frequently cited for his transition from professional wrestling to a prolific acting career.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt rose to international stardom as Peter Quill in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. He furthered his presence in major franchises by playing Owen Grady in the ‘Jurassic World’ trilogy. Pratt has become a prominent voice actor, portraying the lead character Emmet in ‘The LEGO Movie’ and Mario in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. He also starred in the Disney-Pixar film ‘Onward’ alongside Tom Holland. Pratt’s career began with television roles in series like ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘Everwood’.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is widely recognized for his portrayal of the title character in the ‘Deadpool’ films, which are known for their meta-humor. He also starred in the family-friendly film ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’, where he provided the voice and motion capture for the iconic character. In ‘Free Guy’, he played a non-player character in a video game who gains self-awareness. Reynolds has also appeared in the Netflix original movies ‘Red Notice’ and ‘The Adam Project’. His comedic timing and social media presence have made him highly recognizable to younger audiences.

Jack Black

Jack Black is a versatile actor and musician who has maintained a strong presence in family entertainment for decades. He provides the voice for Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise and portrayed Bowser in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. His role in the ‘Jumanji’ reboots introduced him to a new generation of viewers as Professor Shelly Oberon. Black also starred in the 2015 adaptation of ‘Goosebumps’ as R.L. Stine. His energetic performances and YouTube channel have kept him relevant to Gen Alpha.

Walker Scobell

Walker Scobell gained immediate fame after starring as the young version of Ryan Reynolds’ character in ‘The Adam Project’. He was later cast as the lead character in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. This role brought the beloved book series to a new generation of viewers through a high-budget television format. Scobell also appeared in the 2022 film ‘Secret Headquarters’ alongside Owen Wilson. His early career is defined by his association with major streaming platforms and popular young-adult adaptations.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard is best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. The show’s massive popularity helped him transition into major film roles, including Richie Tozier in the ‘It’ film adaptations. He also starred in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and its sequel ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. Wolfhard has provided voice work for ‘The Addams Family’ and ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’. In addition to acting, he is known for his involvement in independent music and directing.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp rose to prominence through his portrayal of Will Byers in the Netflix hit ‘Stranger Things’. His character’s central role in the show’s early seasons garnered significant attention from younger audiences. Schnapp has also voiced Charlie Brown in ‘The Peanuts Movie’ and starred in the film ‘Waiting for Anya’. He maintains a very large following on social media platforms like TikTok, which directly engages Gen Alpha. His career continues to be heavily influenced by his long-standing role in one of streaming’s most successful series.

Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo is widely known for playing Dustin Henderson in ‘Stranger Things’. His character became a fan favorite due to his intelligence and comedic chemistry with other cast members. Matarazzo has also worked on Broadway, appearing in productions such as ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’. He hosted the Netflix prank show ‘Prank Encounters’ for two seasons. Matarazzo’s public advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia has also made him a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin portrays Lucas Sinclair in the global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. Before his breakout television role, he performed on Broadway as Young Simba in ‘The Lion King’. McLaughlin has transitioned into film with roles in the Netflix original ‘Concrete Cowboy’ alongside Idris Elba. He also appeared in the 2023 film ‘The Book of Clarence’. His growth from a child actor to a dramatic performer has been documented throughout the run of his hit Netflix series.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has become a household name through his leading roles in major franchise television. He portrays the title character in ‘The Mandalorian’, which is central to the modern ‘Star Wars’ universe on Disney+. Pascal also stars as Joel Miller in the adaptation of the video game ‘The Last of Us’. His film work includes playing the villain Maxwell Lord in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’. His widespread presence in popular culture has earned him a significant following across all age groups, including Gen Alpha.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet is recognized for his roles in high-profile literary and cinematic adaptations. He stars as Paul Atreides in the ‘Dune’ film franchise and portrayed the title character in the musical film ‘Wonka’. Chalamet also appeared in ‘Interstellar’ and ‘Little Women’. His fashion choices and red-carpet appearances frequently go viral, making him a prominent figure in youth culture. He is noted for choosing a mix of blockbuster hits and acclaimed independent films.

Iain Armitage

Iain Armitage is primarily known for playing the title role in ‘Young Sheldon’, a prequel to ‘The Big Bang Theory’. The show has been a consistent ratings success and is widely watched by families on streaming platforms. Armitage also voiced Chase in ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’, which is a major property for the Gen Alpha demographic. He began his career as a theater critic on YouTube before moving into professional acting. His role as the young genius Sheldon Cooper has defined much of his early career.

Gordon Cormier

Gordon Cormier is a young actor who gained significant attention for being cast as Aang in the live-action Netflix series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. The show is a remake of the highly acclaimed animated series, which remains popular with children and teens. Cormier appeared in the series ‘The Stand’ before landing his breakout role. His performance as the Avatar has introduced him to a global audience of young viewers. He is often seen engaging with fans of the franchise at conventions and on social media.

Dallas Liu

Dallas Liu portrays Prince Zuko in the live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. Prior to this role, he appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ as Ruihua. Liu also had a recurring role in the series ‘PEN15’ and appeared in ‘Cobra Kai’. His background in martial arts contributes to the physicality required for his action-heavy roles. His involvement in major streaming hits has made him a recognizable face to Gen Alpha.

Ian Ousley

Ian Ousley rose to fame playing Sokka in the Netflix live-action series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. His character provides much of the comedic relief in the show, which has been a major draw for younger audiences. Before ‘Avatar’, Ousley appeared in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Physical’. He is a competitive martial artist, holding a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. This athletic skill set is utilized in his portrayal of the boomerang-wielding Sokka.

Iñaki Godoy

Iñaki Godoy is best known for his lead role as Monkey D. Luffy in the Netflix live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece’. The series is based on the world-famous manga and anime, making it a high-profile project for Gen Alpha viewers. Before ‘One Piece’, Godoy appeared in the Netflix series ‘The Imperfects’. His energetic performance as the aspiring Pirate King received positive feedback from both critics and fans. Godoy’s career has seen a rapid rise due to the global success of the pirate-themed adventure show.

Xolo Mariduena

Xolo Maridueña stars as Miguel Diaz in the ‘Karate Kid’ sequel series ‘Cobra Kai’. The show transitioned from YouTube Red to Netflix, where it became a massive hit among all age demographics. Maridueña also portrayed the lead character Jaime Reyes in the DC Studios film ‘Blue Beetle’. This role marked the first time a Latino superhero headlined a standalone live-action film. His work in both streaming television and blockbuster cinema has secured his place as a favorite among young fans.

Mason Thames

Mason Thames gained widespread recognition for his starring role in the horror-thriller film ‘The Black Phone’. He was recently cast to play Hiccup in the upcoming live-action adaptation of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Thames has also appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘For All Mankind’. His performance in ‘The Black Phone’ was praised for its emotional depth and intensity. As he steps into a major family franchise, his popularity with Gen Alpha is expected to grow significantly.

Javon Walton

Javon Walton is a multifaceted actor and athlete who played Ashtray in the series ‘Euphoria’. He also appeared as Stan in the third season of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ on Netflix. Walton starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the superhero film ‘Samaritan’. In addition to his acting career, he is a competitive boxer and has been featured in major sports brand campaigns. His transition between gritty television roles and family-friendly action films has broadened his appeal.

Brady Noon

Brady Noon voiced the character Raphael in the 2023 animated film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’. He also played Evan Morrow in the Disney+ series ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’. Noon first gained attention for his role in the R-rated comedy ‘Good Boys’, which was a box office success. He provided the voice for Greg Heffley in the animated ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ films on Disney+. His frequent work with Disney and major animation studios makes him a staple of Gen Alpha media.

Joshua Bassett

Joshua Bassett is best known for his role as Ricky Bowen in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. The show aired on Disney+ and was a major success among pre-teens and children. Bassett is also a singer-songwriter, often performing music within his television roles and releasing independent projects. He voiced the character Marshall in ‘Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again’. His dual career in acting and music has led to a dedicated following among younger audiences.

Matt Cornett

Matt Cornett rose to prominence playing E.J. Caswell in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. He also starred in the Disney Channel original movie ‘Zombies 3’ as A-Lan, an extraterrestrial character. Cornett has made appearances in various television shows, including ‘Life in Pieces’ and ‘Game Shakers’. His frequent collaborations with the Disney Channel and Disney+ have made him a familiar face to Gen Alpha. He continues to be active in projects aimed at younger viewers.

Asher Angel

Asher Angel is recognized for his role as Billy Batson in the DC Extended Universe films ‘Shazam!’ and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’. Before his superhero breakout, he starred as Jonah Beck in the Disney Channel series ‘Andi Mack’. Angel is also a musician and has released several singles aimed at a teen audience. He recently appeared in the film ‘Darla in Space’. His history with Disney Channel and his role in major superhero movies have made him highly recognizable to kids.

Zachary Levi

Zachary Levi stars as the adult superhero version of Billy Batson in the ‘Shazam!’ franchise. He is also the voice of Flynn Rider in the Disney animated classic ‘Tangled’, a film that remains popular with Gen Alpha. Levi has a long history in television, notably starring in the series ‘Chuck’. He recently appeared in ‘Spy Kids: Armageddon’ on Netflix, a franchise specifically targeted at younger viewers. His work in both voice acting and live-action superhero films maintains his relevance in family entertainment.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth is globally famous for portraying Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has appeared in four standalone ‘Thor’ films and all ‘Avengers’ installments. Hemsworth also stars in the ‘Extraction’ action franchise on Netflix, which has seen high viewership numbers. He provided the voice for Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers One’. His involvement in some of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time ensures his popularity with all generations.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd plays Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has headlined three ‘Ant-Man’ films and played a pivotal role in ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Rudd also stars in the ‘Ghostbusters’ revival films, including ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. He is frequently noted for his comedic roles and was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2021. His presence in major family-friendly franchises has made him a favorite among younger viewers.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is the star of the ‘Creed’ franchise, where he plays the lead character Adonis Creed. He also gained massive popularity for his role as Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’. Jordan made his directorial debut with ‘Creed III’, which was a commercial success. He has voiced characters in animated series like ‘Gen:LOCK’ and appeared in ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. His influence extends into fashion and sports, making him a major figure in popular culture.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore is the voice behind Miles Morales in the ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ films. These movies are highly influential among Gen Alpha due to their unique animation style and storytelling. Moore also starred in the film ‘Dope’ and the Netflix series ‘The Get Down’. He is a singer and rapper, often incorporating his musical talents into his career. His portrayal of Miles Morales has made him a defining actor for the modern iteration of Spider-Man.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch is best known to younger audiences as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has appeared in multiple standalone films and major crossovers like ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. Cumberbatch also voiced the Grinch in the 2018 animated film ‘The Grinch’, a holiday staple for Gen Alpha. He is recognized for his role as ‘Sherlock’ Holmes in the BBC series of the same name. His work in high-fantasy and superhero genres has made him a recognizable figure in global cinema.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is the foundational actor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having played Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’. Although his character’s arc concluded in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, his influence on the franchise remains a primary interest for young fans. He recently starred in ‘Oppenheimer’, for which he won an Academy Award. Downey Jr. also appeared in ‘Dolittle’, a film specifically aimed at families and children. He continues to be one of the most respected and recognizable figures in the film industry.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans is primarily recognized for his role as Steve Rogers, or Captain America, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He voiced the title character in the Disney-Pixar film ‘Lightyear’, which explores the origin of the ‘Toy Story’ character. Evans also starred in the Netflix action film ‘The Gray Man’ and the mystery ‘Knives Out’. His transition from a superhero icon to diverse roles in streaming and animation keeps him relevant to younger viewers. He remains a prominent figure in major Hollywood productions.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler gained significant fame for his Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the title character in ‘Elvis’. Before his dramatic breakout, he appeared on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel shows like ‘Zoey 101’ and ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. Butler also played the villain Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in ‘Dune: Part Two’. His early career in teen television provided him with a lasting recognition among those who grew up watching those networks. He is now a leading actor in major cinematic events.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi rose to fame starring as Noah Flynn in ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy on Netflix. He also plays Nate Jacobs in the popular HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Recently, he portrayed Elvis Presley in the film ‘Priscilla’ and starred in the viral hit ‘Saltburn’. Elordi’s presence in high-profile streaming projects has made him a frequent subject of social media discussion. His roles range from teen romances to intense dramatic performances.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor is the breakout star of the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’, where he plays Nick Nelson. The show has a massive following among Gen Alpha and Gen Z for its representation of teen relationships. Connor has also appeared in films like ‘Rocketman’ and provided voice work for the series ‘His Dark Materials’. He began his career as a child actor in various British television productions. His role in ‘Heartstopper’ has turned him into a prominent figure in modern television.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke stars alongside Kit Connor in ‘Heartstopper’ as the character Charlie Spring. This role marked his professional acting debut and immediately propelled him to international fame. Locke has been cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Agatha All Along’ on Disney+. His quick rise from a newcomer to a lead in a major franchise is a notable career trajectory. He is often recognized for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth.

Tanner Buchanan

Tanner Buchanan plays Robby Keene in the Netflix series ‘Cobra Kai’. He also starred in the Netflix original film ‘He’s All That’, a remake of the 1999 teen comedy. Buchanan has appeared in other youth-oriented shows such as ‘Game Shakers’ and ‘Girl Meets World’. His roles often involve physical training and martial arts, similar to his ‘Cobra Kai’ character. He is a prominent figure in the Netflix ecosystem of teen-focused content.

Malachi Barton

Malachi Barton is a Disney Channel regular, best known for his role as Beast Diaz in ‘Stuck in the Middle’. He also starred in the 2021 remake of ‘Under Wraps’ and its sequel on Disney Channel. Barton appeared in the live-action film ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ as Diego. He has voiced characters in animated series like ‘The Villains of Valley View’. His consistent work with Disney has made him a staple for the Gen Alpha audience.

Christian Convery

Christian Convery is the lead actor in the Netflix fantasy series ‘Sweet Tooth’, playing a boy who is part-deer. The show’s imaginative world and his performance have been popular with families. Convery also appeared in the film ‘Cocaine Bear’ and voiced a character in ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’. He has had roles in the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ animated films as Fregley. His career is currently focused on high-concept streaming and animated projects.

Aryan Simhadri

Aryan Simhadri stars as Grover Underwood in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. He also appeared in the 2022 remake of ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ on Disney+. Simhadri has provided voice work for various animated series, including ‘Adventure Time: Distant Lands’. His role in the ‘Percy Jackson’ franchise has introduced him to a large global fanbase of young readers. He continues to be a rising star within the Disney media landscape.

Charlie Bushnell

Charlie Bushnell portrays Luke Castellan in the ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ television series. He first gained attention for his role as Bobby Cañero-Reed in the Disney+ series ‘Diary of a Future President’. Bushnell is noted for his performance in ‘Percy Jackson’, which is a central antagonist role in the first season. His work is primarily associated with major streaming platforms and teen dramas. He is becoming a recognizable face in the young adult genre.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa is widely recognized for his portrayal of Arthur Curry in the ‘Aquaman’ films. He also played Duncan Idaho in ‘Dune’ and the villain Dante Reyes in ‘Fast X’. Momoa is known for his roles in high-fantasy and action cinema, often appearing in physically demanding parts. He provided the voice for Aquaman in ‘The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part’. His charismatic public persona and involvement in massive franchises make him a favorite for many ages.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston is famous for playing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His character’s popularity led to a dedicated Disney+ series titled ‘Loki’, which ran for two seasons. Hiddleston has also appeared in ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and provided voice work for ‘Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia’. His portrayal of the God of Mischief has made him one of the most enduring characters in superhero cinema. He is frequently praised for his theatrical background and versatility.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield regained massive popularity with Gen Alpha after reprising his role as Peter Parker in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. He originally starred in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and its sequel. Garfield is also an Academy Award-nominated actor for his roles in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’. His emotional performance in the multiversal ‘Spider-Man’ crossover led to a resurgence of interest in his previous superhero films. He is recognized for his dedication to character-driven roles.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire is the original big-screen Spider-Man, starring in Sam Raimi’s trilogy starting in 2002. His return in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ introduced his version of the character to the Gen Alpha audience. Maguire has appeared in other notable films such as ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Babylon’. His legacy as the first modern cinematic web-slinger continues to influence the superhero genre. He remains an iconic figure in film history for his contribution to the Marvel brand.

Will Smith

Will Smith is a veteran actor who has maintained relevance through roles like the Genie in the live-action ‘Aladdin’. He also stars in the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise, which saw a successful fourth installment in 2024. Smith has been a staple of family cinema for decades, with credits including ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Shark Tale’. His social media content and YouTube presence have kept him visible to younger demographics. He continues to lead major box office hits across multiple genres.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a comedian and actor known for his roles in the ‘Jumanji’ sequels alongside Dwayne Johnson. He also provides the voice for Snowball the rabbit in ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ franchise. Hart starred in the Netflix film ‘Lift’ and the ‘Ride Along’ series. His high-energy comedic style is a frequent draw for family-oriented movies. He is one of the most prolific performers in modern Hollywood comedy.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu gained international fame for playing the lead role in Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. He also appeared as one of the Kens in the global phenomenon ‘Barbie’. Liu has worked as a stuntman and starred in the sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’ before his cinematic breakout. He is an active figure on social media and has written a memoir about his life and career. His presence in two of the largest films of the early 2020s has made him a household name.

Mackenyu

Mackenyu Arata, known professionally as Mackenyu, plays Roronoa Zoro in the Netflix live-action ‘One Piece’ series. He is a prominent actor in Japan who has successfully transitioned to international stardom. Mackenyu also starred in ‘Knights of the Zodiac’ as Seiya. His skill in swordplay and martial arts is a key feature of his action-oriented roles. His portrayal of the popular swordsman Zoro has earned him a massive following among fans of the franchise.

Lonnie Chavis

Lonnie Chavis is best known for his role as young Randall Pearson on the acclaimed series ‘This Is Us’. He also starred in the horror-thriller film ‘The Boy Behind the Door’ and the Disney+ film ‘Magic Camp’. Chavis has made appearances in ‘Supergirl’ and provided voice work for animated projects. He is recognized for his dramatic acting abilities at a young age. His career continues to span across major television networks and streaming platforms.

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