Male Teen Actors Who Deserve Way More Attention

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving as a new generation of talent steps into the spotlight to carry major franchises and intimate dramas alike. These young male actors have demonstrated remarkable range and professionalism that often rivals their adult counterparts in film and television. Many of these performers have already anchored blockbuster hits or critically acclaimed series while balancing their formative years. Highlighting their achievements reveals the depth of skill present in Hollywood’s younger demographic today. The following list showcases forty rising male stars who are making significant waves in the industry right now.

Walker Scobell

Walker Scobell quickly rose to fame after portraying a young version of Ryan Reynolds in ‘The Adam Project’ (2022). He proved his ability to lead a major franchise when he took on the title role in the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present). His comedic timing and emotional depth have earned him praise from both critics and audiences. Scobell manages to capture the wit and vulnerability required for high-profile action roles.

Aryan Simhadri

Aryan Simhadri has built an impressive resume with voice work and live-action performances across various networks. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Grover Underwood in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present). His portrayal brings a necessary heart and humor to the trio of main characters in the popular fantasy adaptation. Simhadri previously showcased his comedic chops in the film ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ (2022).

Gordon Cormier

Gordon Cormier carries the massive responsibility of playing Aang in the live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024–Present). He underwent extensive martial arts training to perform the complex stunts required for the element-bending role. Viewers have noted his ability to balance the playful nature of the character with the weight of saving the world. Cormier previously appeared in the miniseries ‘The Stand’ (2020) where he played a mysterious young figure.

Christian Convery

Christian Convery captivated global audiences as the hybrid child Gus in the post-apocalyptic drama ‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024). His performance required him to convey innocence and resilience amidst a dark and gritty narrative landscape. He also displayed his versatility by taking on a more intense role in the survival film ‘Cocaine Bear’ (2023). Convery continues to be one of the busiest young actors working in Canada and the United States.

Javon Walton

Javon Walton is known for his intense portrayal of Ashtray in the hit drama series ‘Euphoria’ (2019–Present). He is also a skilled boxer and gymnast which allows him to perform demanding physical scenes with ease. Walton joined the cast of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024) for its third season and added another complex character to his filmography. His work often involves mature themes that demonstrate his capability to handle serious dramatic material.

Jacob Tremblay

Jacob Tremblay has been a household name since his breakout performance in the emotional drama ‘Room’ (2015). He has transitioned seamlessly into teen roles while continuing to lend his voice to major projects like ‘Luca’ (2021). Tremblay recently voiced Flounder in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023). His lengthy career at such a young age makes him a veteran among his peers.

Roman Griffin Davis

Roman Griffin Davis delivered a stunning debut performance in the satirical war film ‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019). His portrayal of a young boy grappling with blind nationalism earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He recently starred in the dark comedy ‘Silent Night’ (2021) alongside a seasoned ensemble cast. Davis brings a unique blend of vulnerability and sharp comedic timing to every project he undertakes.

Woody Norman

Woody Norman received critical acclaim for his role opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the black-and-white drama ‘C’mon C’mon’ (2021). His ability to hold his own against an Academy Award winner showcased his immense natural talent. He later appeared in the horror film ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’ (2023) where he played a pivotal supporting role. Norman is known for his expressive eyes and subtle delivery in quiet character moments.

Jude Hill

Jude Hill captured hearts with his lead performance in Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film ‘Belfast’ (2021). He masterfully conveyed the confusion and wonder of a child growing up during a time of civil unrest. Hill reunited with Branagh for a role in the mystery thriller ‘A Haunting in Venice’ (2023). His work demonstrates a maturity and emotional intelligence that defies his age.

Mason Thames

Mason Thames anchored the supernatural horror hit ‘The Black Phone’ (2021) with a gripping performance as a kidnapped teenager. He displayed exceptional fear and resourcefulness in a role that required him to carry much of the film alone. Thames has been cast to lead the live-action adaptation of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025). He is quickly becoming a go-to actor for major studio blockbusters.

Micah Abbey

Micah Abbey provided the voice for the genius turtle Donatello in the animated hit ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ (2023). The film utilized actual recording sessions with the teen cast to capture authentic banter and chemistry. Abbey brought a relatable awkwardness and intelligence to the beloved character. He represents a new wave of voice actors who bring genuine youth to animated teen roles.

Brady Noon

Brady Noon voiced Raphael in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ (2023) and brought an aggressive yet loyal energy to the team. He previously starred in the sports dramedy series ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ (2021–2022). Noon also showed his comedic skills in the body-swap comedy ‘Family Switch’ (2023). His career seamlessly spans voice acting and live-action physical comedy.

Maxwell Jenkins

Maxwell Jenkins is best known for his role as Will Robinson in the science fiction series ‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021). He effectively portrayed the growth of his character from a timid child into a brave young explorer. Jenkins also appeared as a young Jack Reacher in the action series ‘Reacher’ (2022–Present). His performances often involve high stakes and require a strong screen presence.

Zackary Arthur

Zackary Arthur plays the lead role of Jake Wheeler in the horror television series ‘Chucky’ (2021–2024). He navigates the chaos of a killer doll while dealing with the typical angst of high school life. Arthur manages to ground the absurdity of the premise with a sincere and often emotional performance. He has become a favorite among horror fans for his resilience in the franchise.

Winslow Fegley

Winslow Fegley starred as the protagonist in the musical comedy ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’ (2022). He has a knack for playing quirky and relatable outcasts in films like ‘8-Bit Christmas’ (2021). Fegley comes from a family of actors and brings a natural ease to his performances. His work consistently highlights the awkward transitions of adolescence with humor.

Jalyn Hall

Jalyn Hall delivered a powerful performance as Emmett Till in the biographical drama ‘Till’ (2022). He is also known for his long-running role as Dillon James in the sports drama ‘All American’ (2018–Present). Hall balances the demands of a network drama with serious film roles that tackle historical injustices. His range allows him to move between contemporary teen issues and heavy dramatic period pieces.

Banks Repeta

Banks Repeta received praise for his lead role in the coming-of-age drama ‘Armageddon Time’ (2022). He played a young artist navigating complex family dynamics and social inequality in the 1980s. Repeta also appeared in the horror film ‘The Black Phone’ (2021) as a victim of the antagonist. His choices in roles suggest a preference for character-driven stories with depth.

Jaylin Webb

Jaylin Webb starred alongside Banks Repeta in ‘Armageddon Time’ (2022) and delivered a heartbreaking performance. He portrayed a student facing systemic racism and unfair treatment within the school system. Webb recently took on a role in the reboot of ‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023). He is an actor capable of conveying deep sorrow and resilience with subtle facial expressions.

Alexander Molony

Alexander Molony took flight as the titular character in the Disney+ film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023). This major role required him to reimagine a classic character for a modern audience while maintaining the original spirit. Molony handled the stunts and sword fighting sequences with impressive agility. His casting marked a significant step forward for diversity in classic fairy tale adaptations.

Bodhi Sabongui

Bodhi Sabongui played a key role as Amon Tomaz in the superhero film ‘Black Adam’ (2022). He acted as the human heart of the story and inspired the citizens of his fictional nation to rise up. Sabongui also had a recurring role in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021) series. He brings a passionate energy to roles that require inspiring others or fighting for a cause.

Ethann Isidore

Ethann Isidore made a splash as the sidekick Teddy in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023). He held his own alongside Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in a massive global adventure. Isidore brought comedic relief and youthful enthusiasm to the action-packed sequel. His performance was a nod to the classic sidekicks of the franchise’s history.

Ian Chen

Ian Chen grew up on screen playing Evan Huang in the sitcom ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (2015–2020). He voiced Eugene Choi in the superhero films ‘Shazam!’ (2019) and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023). Chen has successfully transitioned from a child star to taking on more mature teen roles. His comedic timing remains sharp and he continues to be a reliable performer.

Jeremy Maguire

Jeremy Maguire stole scenes as the youngest member of the Pritchett-Delgado clan in ‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020). Since the show ended he has taken on new challenges including a role in the ‘Turner & Hooch’ (2021) series. Maguire has retained his charisma as he grows older and explores different genres. He remains a recognizable face to millions of sitcom fans.

Lonnie Chavis

Lonnie Chavis is best known for playing the young version of Randall Pearson in the drama ‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022). He carried heavy emotional storylines that dealt with anxiety and identity at a very young age. Chavis also starred in the fantasy adventure film ‘The Water Man’ (2020). His ability to cry on cue and convey deep internal pain is remarkable.

Parker Bates

Parker Bates played the young version of Kevin Pearson in the acclaimed series ‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022). He perfectly captured the insecurities and need for attention that defined his character’s adult counterpart. Bates developed a strong chemistry with his on-screen siblings that anchored the flashback sequences. He recently appeared in the movie ‘Magic Max’ (2021).

Julian Hilliard

Julian Hilliard has become a staple in the horror and superhero genres with roles in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018) and ‘WandaVision’ (2021). He played one of Wanda Maximoff’s twin sons and showcased his magical abilities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hilliard also appeared in ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ (2021). He excels at playing innocent characters thrust into terrifying or supernatural situations.

Jett Klyne

Jett Klyne played the other twin son of Wanda Maximoff in ‘WandaVision’ (2021) and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022). His character required him to display speed and mischief consistent with his comic book origins. Klyne recently starred in the drama film ‘The Boy in the Woods’ (2023). He is building a solid resume with roles in high-profile franchises.

JD McCrary

JD McCrary voiced the young Simba in the photorealistic remake of ‘The Lion King’ (2019). His singing ability was a major asset to the production and the soundtrack’s success. He also starred in the musical adaptation ’13: The Musical’ (2022) on Netflix. McCrary continues to release his own music while pursuing acting roles.

Ethan William Childress

Ethan William Childress is known for his role as Johan Johnson in the sitcom ‘mixed-ish’ (2019–2021). He played a pragmatic and somewhat cynical child navigating a new life in the suburbs. Childress delivered lines with a dry wit that contrasted well with the other characters. He brings a grounded energy to comedy ensembles.

Dallas Dupree Young

Dallas Dupree Young joined the ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–Present) cast as Kenny Payne and underwent a dramatic physical transformation. His character evolves from a bullied victim into an aggressive martial artist over several seasons. Young demonstrated impressive athletic ability and emotional range in the role. He has become a central figure in the show’s later seasons.

Logan Kim

Logan Kim made a hilarious debut as Podcast in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021) and reprised the role in ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ (2024). His character serves as the audience surrogate who documents the supernatural events with enthusiasm. Kim’s natural improvisation skills added many funny moments to the films. He has quickly become a fan favorite in the revitalized franchise.

Keivonn Woodard

Keivonn Woodard made history with his role as Sam in the HBO series ‘The Last of Us’ (2023). He became the youngest actor ever nominated for an Emmy in the Guest Actor category. Woodard portrayed a deaf child trying to survive a zombie apocalypse with his older brother. His performance relied entirely on facial expressions and sign language to convey fear and love.

Ravi Cabot-Conyers

Ravi Cabot-Conyers voiced Antonio in the massive Disney hit ‘Encanto’ (2021). He is set to star in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Skeleton Crew’ (2024–Present) as one of the leads. This role places him at the center of a galaxy-spanning adventure aimed at a younger demographic. Cabot-Conyers is poised for a major career breakout with this Lucasfilm project.

Elliot Grihault

Elliot Grihault played Prince Lucerys Velaryon in the fantasy epic ‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present). His character’s tragic fate in the first season finale sparked a civil war within the narrative. Grihault managed to make a strong impression in a short amount of screen time. His performance garnered sympathy from viewers and raised the stakes for the entire series.

Archie Yates

Archie Yates gained instant fame as the lovable best friend Yorki in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019). He later took on the lead role in the reboot ‘Home Sweet Home Alone’ (2021). Yates possesses a distinct comedic charm and a highly expressive face. He brings a sense of innocence and joy to his characters that audiences find endearing.

Cameron Crovetti

Cameron Crovetti plays Ryan Butcher in the dark superhero satire ‘The Boys’ (2019–Present). His character is crucial to the plot as the son of the world’s most powerful and unstable supe. Crovetti navigates complex scenes involving violence and manipulation with surprising maturity. He has been upgraded to a series regular as his character’s importance grows.

Nicholas Crovetti

Nicholas Crovetti acted alongside his twin brother in the acclaimed drama ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019). He also starred in the horror remake ‘Goodnight Mommy’ (2022) with Naomi Watts. Nicholas often takes on intense dramatic roles that require him to play off his brother or seasoned adult actors. He is carving out a niche in psychological thrillers and dramas.

Billy Barratt

Billy Barratt became the youngest person to win an International Emmy for his role in ‘Responsible Child’ (2019). He stars in the science fiction series ‘Invasion’ (2021–Present) as a boy with a mysterious connection to aliens. Barratt also appeared in the Disney+ film ‘Crater’ (2023). His accolades prove he is capable of carrying difficult and emotionally taxing narratives.

Alan Kim

Alan Kim captured hearts as David in the critically acclaimed film ‘Minari’ (2020). His breakout performance earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Kim recently appeared in the fantasy comedy ‘IF’ (2024) alongside Ryan Reynolds. His natural charisma and adorable screen presence have made him a highly sought-after young talent.

Azhy Robertson

Azhy Robertson played the son caught in a divorce battle in the film ‘Marriage Story’ (2019). He delivered a quiet and observational performance that complemented the loud arguments of his on-screen parents. Robertson also starred as the lead in the horror film ‘Come Play’ (2020). He is adept at playing sensitive characters who are often the emotional anchor of the story.

Please write which of these actors you are most excited to see in future projects in the comments.