The Absolute Best Latino Actors of the Past Five Years

The landscape of modern entertainment has been significantly shaped by the contributions of Latino male actors who have taken on lead roles in major franchises, independent films, and prestige television. Over the past five years, these performers have garnered critical acclaim, major awards, and significant box-office success. From the expansion of the Marvel and Star Wars universes to the rise of streaming platforms, their presence has become a cornerstone of the industry. This list highlights the diverse talent originating from various Latin American backgrounds and the diaspora, showcasing their most impactful work since 2019.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has become one of the most recognizable faces in television through his leading roles in major franchises. He portrays the title character in the Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian’ and stars as Joel Miller in the adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. His film work during this period includes the action-comedy ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ and the blockbuster ‘Wonder Woman 1984’. These performances have earned him multiple award nominations and widespread critical acclaim.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac has showcased his range by appearing in both high-budget blockbusters and intimate character studies. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the lead in the series ‘Moon Knight’, portraying characters with dissociative identity disorder. Isaac also starred in the science fiction epic ‘Dune’ as Duke Leto Atreides and the HBO miniseries ‘Scenes from a Marriage’. His voice work as Miguel O’Hara in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ further cemented his influence in popular culture.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna returned to the Star Wars universe to headline the critically acclaimed series ‘Andor’, reprising his role from ‘Rogue One’. He also completed his run as Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo in the Netflix series ‘Narcos: Mexico’, a performance that earned him significant praise. In addition to television, he starred in the film ‘Wander Darkly’ alongside Sienna Miller. Luna continues to be a prominent figure in both English and Spanish-language productions.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Desi Arnaz in the biographical drama ‘Being the Ricardos’. He also played the role of Stilgar in the ‘Dune’ franchise, appearing in both the 2021 film and its 2024 sequel. Bardem showcased his comedic and dramatic range in the Spanish film ‘The Good Boss’, which swept the Goya Awards. His recent work confirms his status as one of the most versatile international actors in Hollywood.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo, who is of Belizean and Guatemalan descent, has had a prolific five-year run capped by an Oscar nomination for ‘Rustin’. He delivered a powerful performance as Mister in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. On television, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role as Ali in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo also continued his long-running role as Victor Strand in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro starred in the Wes Anderson film ‘The French Dispatch’ as the incarcerated artist Moses Rosenthaler. He also headlined and co-wrote the Netflix crime thriller ‘Reptile’, where he played a hardened detective investigating a complex murder. His presence in the industry remains strong as he balances character-driven independent projects with mainstream thrillers. Del Toro’s performances continue to be noted for their intensity and nuanced delivery.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal starred in the M. Night Shyamalan thriller ‘Old’ and the Marvel Special Presentation ‘Werewolf by Night’. He received significant praise for his portrayal of the real-life amateur wrestler Saúl Armendáriz in the biographical film ‘Cassandro’. Bernal also appeared in the post-apocalyptic miniseries ‘Station Eleven’ on HBO Max. His work remains internationally focused, bridging the gap between Latin American cinema and Hollywood.

Edgar Ramírez

Édgar Ramírez starred in the Netflix series ‘Florida Man’, where he played a struggling ex-cop caught in a web of crime. He also appeared in the family comedy ‘Yes Day’ and the action thriller ‘The 355’ during this period. On television, he took on the lead role of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini in the second season of ‘Dr. Death’. Ramírez continues to be a frequent lead in both streaming series and theatrical releases.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura transitioned from his famous role in ‘Narcos’ to diverse projects like the 2024 film ‘Civil War’, where he played a war correspondent. He starred alongside Elisabeth Moss in the Apple TV+ thriller series ‘Shining Girls’. Moura also provided the voice for the character of Death in the animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. His recent career choices demonstrate a move toward complex, high-stakes dramatic roles in English-language media.

Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos rose to leading man status with his role as Usnavi in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’. He continued his success by starring in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ and the 2024 disaster film ‘Twisters’. Ramos also appeared in the HBO series ‘In Treatment’ and provided voice work for ‘The Bad Guys’. His background in theater has translated into a dynamic presence in modern cinema.

Tenoch Huerta Mejía

Tenoch Huerta gained international fame for his portrayal of Namor in the Marvel Studios film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Before his entry into the MCU, he starred in the horror-action film ‘The Forever Purge’. He also maintained a strong presence in Mexican television with his work in ‘Narcos: Mexico’. Huerta is frequently recognized for using his platform to advocate for social issues and representation in the arts.

Xolo Mariduena

Xolo Maridueña stars as Miguel Diaz in the popular Netflix series ‘Cobra Kai’, a role he has played since 2018. He made his big-screen superhero debut as Jamie Reyes in the DC Studios film ‘Blue Beetle’. This role marked the first time a Latino superhero headlined a major standalone film in the DC Extended Universe. Maridueña is considered one of the leading young Latino actors of his generation.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo leads the Netflix legal drama series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ as defense attorney Mickey Haller. He appeared in the action thriller ‘6 Underground’ and starred alongside Tom Hanks in ‘A Man Called Otto’. His work has also included roles in films like ‘Sweet Girl’ and ‘Greyhound’. Garcia-Rulfo has successfully transitioned from supporting roles to becoming a reliable leading actor in major streaming productions.

Diego Calva

Diego Calva had a breakout performance as Manny Torres in the 2022 Damien Chazelle film ‘Babylon’. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established him as a rising star in Hollywood. He also appeared in the third season of ‘Narcos: Mexico’ as Arturo Beltrán Leyva. Calva has since been involved in various international projects, including the Apple TV+ series ‘Midnight Family’.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna played the Rev-9 Terminator in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ at the start of this five-year window. He gained further acclaim for portraying Tommy Miller in the HBO series ‘The Last of Us’. Additionally, he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Netflix action-comedy series ‘FUBAR’. Luna’s recent work has solidified his reputation as a capable actor in the action and science fiction genres.

Danny Ramirez

Danny Ramirez appeared as pilot Mickey ‘Fanboy’ Garcia in the box-office sensation ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. He also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Joaquin Torres in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. His filmography in the last five years includes the thriller ‘No Exit’ and an episode of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’. Ramirez is set to take on a larger role in the upcoming ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.

Ismael Cruz Cordova

Ismael Cruz Córdova made history by portraying the elf Arondir in the Amazon series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. He also appeared in the HBO miniseries ‘The Undoing’ as Fernando Alves. His film work during this time includes the historical drama ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ and the action thriller ‘Settlers’. Córdova has been vocal about the importance of diverse casting in the fantasy genre.

David Castañeda

David Castañeda is best known for his role as Diego Hargreeves in the Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’, which concluded in 2024. He also appeared in the Rian Johnson mystery series ‘Poker Face’ on Peacock. His film work includes roles in ‘The Tax Collector’ and ‘We Die Young’. Castañeda has become a fan favorite due to his physical performance and comedic timing in high-concept television.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has received critical praise for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He voiced the character Perrito in the Academy Award-nominated animated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Guillén also appeared in the DC film ‘Blue Beetle’ and had a guest role in ‘Reacher’. His work spans across comedy, voice acting, and major superhero franchises.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera joined the final season of the Netflix series ‘Ozark’ as the formidable character Javi Elizonndro. He also starred in the Zack Snyder science-fiction epic ‘Rebel Moon’ on Netflix. In Mexican cinema, he received acclaim for his lead role in the film ‘Dance of the 41’. Herrera has successfully navigated the transition from Latin American telenovelas to high-profile American prestige dramas.

Miguel Ángel Silvestre

Miguel Ángel Silvestre starred in the high-octane Netflix series ‘Sky Rojo’ from the creators of ‘Money Heist’. He also played a lead role in the HBO horror-mystery series ’30 Coins’ directed by Álex de la Iglesia. Silvestre appeared in the final season of ‘Money Heist’ as René, the former love interest of Tokyo. His work continues to be prominent in global Spanish-language content that attracts international audiences.

Ricardo Darín

Ricardo Darín starred in ‘Argentina, 1985’, a film that won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film and received an Oscar nomination. He is widely considered one of the greatest living actors in Latin American cinema. In the past five years, he also appeared in the heist comedy ‘Heroic Losers’. Darín’s performance in ‘Argentina, 1985’ as prosecutor Julio César Strassera was lauded for its gravitas and emotional depth.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro continued his role as Hector Escaton in the later seasons of the HBO series ‘Westworld’. He starred in the Spanish historical miniseries ‘Boundless’ as Ferdinand Magellan. Santoro also took a lead role in the Paramount+ series ‘Wolf Pack’ alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar. His career continues to span major productions in both his native Brazil and Hollywood.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez played a pivotal role as the music teacher Bernardo Villalobos in the Academy Award-winning film ‘CODA’. He also stars in and executive produces the Apple TV+ series ‘Acapulco’. In 2022, he headlined the romantic comedy ‘The Valet’ and appeared in the film ‘Radical’. Derbez has successfully evolved from a legendary Mexican comedian into a respected dramatic actor and producer in the United States.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir starred in the Showtime series ‘Let the Right One In’ as a father protecting his vampire daughter. He also appeared in the blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ and the Robin Wright-directed drama ‘Land’. His work in the past five years includes the Netflix film ‘The Midnight Sky’ alongside George Clooney. Bichir remains one of the most consistently employed Latino actors in high-budget American cinema.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera starred as Cristóbal Rios in the first two seasons of the series ‘Star Trek: Picard’. He also appeared in the second season of the HBO Max series ‘The Flight Attendant’. His film work during this period includes a role in ‘Godmothered’. Cabrera’s ability to perform in English, Spanish, and French has made him a versatile asset for international streaming platforms.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso stars as Mother’s Milk in the hit Amazon Prime Video series ‘The Boys’. During the last five years, he has been a central figure in the show’s exploration of corporate superheroes and vigilante justice. He also appeared in the film ‘Wrath of Man’ directed by Guy Ritchie. Alonso’s role in ‘The Boys’ has made him a prominent figure in the modern television landscape.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale starred in the Netflix series ‘The Watcher’ and the miniseries ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. He appeared in the 2023 comedy film ‘Old Dads’ and had a role in the Martin Scorsese film ‘The Irishman’. His prolific output in the last five years covers a wide range of genres from intense drama to dark comedy. Cannavale’s distinctive screen presence continues to make him a sought-after talent for ensemble casts.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama continues to star as Special Agent Nick Torres on the long-running CBS series ‘NCIS’. He provided the voice of Agustín Madrigal in the Disney animated phenomenon ‘Encanto’. Valderrama also reprised his role as Fez in a guest capacity for ‘That ’90s Show’. His recent career has balanced high-volume network television with significant voice roles in major animated features.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez headlined the reboot of ‘Magnum P.I.’, which concluded its five-season run in early 2024. As the title character Thomas Magnum, he carried the action-drama series through its transition from CBS to NBC. During this period, he also provided voice work and appeared in various media events representing the show. Hernandez remains a visible leading man in the procedural television genre.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña starred in the fourth and final season of ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ as Domingo Chavez. He played the lead role of astronaut José Hernández in the biographical film ‘A Million Miles Away’. His other film credits in the last five years include the science fiction movie ‘Moonfall’ and the horror film ‘Fantasy Island’. Peña is recognized for his ability to handle both comedic relief and earnest dramatic portrayals.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo appeared as a washed-up movie star in the satirical thriller ‘The Menu’. He also played a lead role in the holiday action film ‘Violent Night’ and the Prime Video series ‘The Power’. Leguizamo has remained active in the theater world and as a vocal advocate for Latino representation in Hollywood. His recent work has been characterized by a blend of character-actor roles and leadership in social commentary.

Andy Garcia

Andy Garcia starred in the 2022 remake of ‘Father of the Bride’, which focused on a Cuban-American family. He also appeared in the action sequel ‘Expend4bles’ and the Netflix drama ‘Pain Hustlers’. Garcia played a recurring role in the series ‘Rebel’ and provided voice work for several projects. His career remains robust as he continues to represent the elder statesmen of Latino actors in Hollywood.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt played the recurring antagonist Cliff LeGrand in the acclaimed series ‘Poker Face’. He also starred in the HBO Max miniseries ‘DMZ’ as Parco Delgado. Bratt’s recent film work includes ‘Dead for a Dollar’ alongside Christoph Waltz. His career in the past five years has focused on high-concept television and prestige streaming projects.

Tony Dalton

Tony Dalton gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the charismatic villain Lalo Salamanca in ‘Better Call Saul’. He followed this success by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jack Duquesne in the ‘Hawkeye’ series. Dalton’s performance in ‘Better Call Saul’ is often cited as one of the best television portrayals of a villain in recent years. His work has successfully bridged the gap between Mexican cinema and major American franchises.

J. D. Pardo

JD Pardo starred as Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Reyes in the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ spin-off ‘Mayans M.C.’, which ended in 2023. He also appeared in the action thriller ‘The Terminal List’ on Amazon Prime Video. Pardo’s film roles include ‘F9: The Fast Saga’ where he played a younger version of Jack Toretto. He has become a staple of action-heavy television dramas in the last several years.

Clayton Cardenas

Clayton Cardenas played Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ throughout its five-season run. Following the conclusion of the series, he joined the cast of the Netflix show ‘The Brothers Sun’. He also appeared in the independent film ‘The Long Game’ in 2023. Cardenas has established himself as a powerful dramatic performer in narratives focused on family and crime.

Nicholas Gonzalez

Nicholas Gonzalez stars as Levi Delgado in the NBC science fiction series ‘La Brea’. He previously had a long-running role in ‘The Good Doctor’ and appeared in the film ‘Borrego’. Gonzalez has been a consistent presence on network television for the past decade. His work in ‘La Brea’ has kept him at the forefront of prime-time genre programming.

Jon Huertas

Jon Huertas concluded his long-running role as Miguel Rivas on the NBC drama ‘This Is Us’ in 2022. During the show’s final years, he also stepped behind the camera to direct multiple episodes. Huertas has since focused on directing and producing, as well as appearing in independent projects. His portrayal of Miguel was noted for its steady emotional presence in a complex family narrative.

Adam Rodriguez

Adam Rodriguez returned to his role as Luke Alvez in ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ on Paramount+. He also appeared in the film ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’ in 2023, reprising his role as Tito. Rodriguez has balanced his acting career with directing episodes for various television series. He remains a prominent figure in the procedural drama and ensemble comedy spaces.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Diaz appeared in the ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ series as Sergeant Bill Brewster. He is also known for his recurring roles and guest appearances in various high-profile dramas since the end of ‘Scandal’. Diaz has continued to be an active voice in the LGBTQ+ community within the entertainment industry. His recent work emphasizes his capability in grit-heavy, urban dramatic roles.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz played Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, a series that concluded its run in 2024. His performance has been lauded for providing significant LGBTQ+ representation within the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. Cruz also appeared in the animated series ‘The Casagrandes’ and has been active in theater. He remains a prominent advocate for civil rights alongside his acting career.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin returned to acting with a prominent role in the 2024 Apple TV+ series ‘Palm Royale’. He portrays Robert, a character deeply involved in the social circles of 1960s high society. Martin also appeared in the holiday film ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ as the voice of Don Juan Diego. His move back into television acting has been met with positive critical reception.

Bad Bunny

Benito Martínez Ocasio, known globally as Bad Bunny, made his major film debut in ‘Bullet Train’ as The Wolf. He also delivered a praised performance in the biographical film ‘Cassandro’ as the character Felipe. His acting career has rapidly expanded alongside his musical success, including a role in ‘Narcos: Mexico’. Ocasio has quickly become a notable presence in both action and dramatic cinema.

Alejandro Speitzer

Alejandro Speitzer starred in the popular Netflix series ‘Dark Desire’, which became a global hit for the platform. He also took a lead role in the miniseries ‘Someone Has to Die’ created by Manolo Caro. Speitzer has become one of the most visible young Mexican actors on the international streaming circuit. His work often explores complex romantic and psychological themes.

Manuel Masalva

Manuel Masalva portrayed Ramón Arellano Félix in ‘Narcos: Mexico’, appearing throughout the series’ three-season run. He also starred in the Disney+ Latin American series ‘The Roar of the Butterflies’. Masalva’s work is characterized by intense portrayals of historical and fictional figures. He is considered part of a new wave of Mexican actors achieving success on global platforms.

Iñaki Godoy

Iñaki Godoy rose to international stardom as Monkey D. Luffy in the Netflix live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece’. Before this breakout role, he starred in the Netflix series ‘The Imperfects’. Godoy has been praised for his energy and ability to bring iconic manga characters to life. He is currently one of the most high-profile young Latino actors working in the fantasy genre.

Julio Cesar Cedillo

Julio Cesar Cedillo appeared in the 2023 film ‘The Black Demon’ and had a significant role in ‘Narcos: Mexico’. He has been a veteran character actor for years, but the last five years have seen him in more prominent, high-budget roles. He also appeared in the film ‘The Harder They Fall’ on Netflix. Cedillo’s presence adds a layer of authenticity to the Western and crime genres.

Luis Gerardo Méndez

Luis Gerardo Méndez starred in the Peacock series ‘The Resort’ and the third season of ‘Narcos: Mexico’. He also appeared in the comedy ‘Murder Mystery’ alongside Adam Sandler on Netflix. Méndez has successfully transitioned from being one of Mexico’s top comedy stars to taking on serious dramatic roles in the U.S. His production company, Cine Vaquero, also aims to create more opportunities for Latino talent.

Cristo Fernández

Cristo Fernández became a breakout star as Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’. His catchphrase and optimistic performance made him a fan favorite throughout the show’s three seasons. He also provided the voice for Wheeljack in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Fernández has used his background as a former professional footballer to bring authenticity to his most famous role.

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