19 Successful Actors Who Made Their Film Debut in the Last 10 Years
The last decade has shown us one thing loud and clear — a killer film debut can totally change someone’s life. Seriously, one strong role and boom — you’re a global star. Over the past ten years, a fresh wave of talented actors has taken over Hollywood, shaking things up with bold performances, fearless choices, and a whole new vibe. From small indie movies to billion-dollar blockbusters, these rising stars have made their mark fast.
In today’s crazy-competitive movie industry, jumping from a “who’s that?” to a household name is no walk in the park. Every year, tons of new faces hit the big screen dreaming of fame, success, and those red-carpet moments. But only a few make it big — and these 19 breakout actors are living proof.
They’ve turned their first big roles into full-blown Hollywood success stories. Whether it’s streaming hits on Netflix, Marvel superhero movies, or Oscar-worthy dramas, these stars didn’t just arrive — they owned it. Their rise is inspiring, especially for anyone chasing a dream in film, acting, or entertainment.
1. Awkwafina
Awkwafina kicked off her film career back in 2016 with Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and even though her role was small, it was the spark that lit up a pretty wild Hollywood journey. She didn’t follow the usual script to fame — and that’s exactly what makes her story so cool. With her razor-sharp humor, deep raspy voice, and that totally magnetic vibe on screen, Awkwafina went from viral rapper to one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents.
Since her debut, she’s been killing it — starring in Box Office hits, lending her voice to animated blockbusters, and proving she’s got serious range, from comedy to emotional drama. Whether it’s Crazy Rich Asians, The Farewell, or her work in big Disney and Marvel projects, Awkwafina’s career is proof that breaking the mold can actually pay off big time.
2. Auli’i Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho made her big-screen debut in 2016, lending her incredible voice to Disney’s Moana — and honestly, she crushed it. At just 14, she didn’t just sing; she owned that role. Her voice had power, emotion, and that genuine spark that made Moana feel real. It wasn’t just a movie gig — it was the start of something huge.
Her performance turned her into a true icon for Pacific Islander representation in Hollywood, showing that authentic voices and stories matter big time. Since then, Auli’i’s been leveling up her career, taking on indie films and most recently stepping into the spotlight again as Janis ‘Imi’ike in the 2024 teen musical comedy Mean Girls. She’s grown from a Disney princess to a full-on powerhouse actress with range, confidence, and major star potential.
3. Anthony Ramos
Just like Awkwafina and Auli’i Cravalho, Anthony Ramos stepped into the movie world in 2016, making his debut in the indie drama White Girl. But long before that, he was already turning heads with his breakout role in the Broadway smash Hamilton. That’s where the world first saw his raw talent — the mix of emotion, rhythm, and stage charisma that would later light up Hollywood screens.
Since then, Ramos has been on an unstoppable rise. From his heartfelt performance in A Star Is Born (2018) to leading In the Heights (2021), he’s shown he can do it all — drama, music, romance, you name it. In 2023, he leveled up again with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Dumb Money, proving he’s not just a theater kid anymore — he’s a full-blown movie star.
Ramos has that rare mix of authenticity and charm that keeps audiences hooked. Whether he’s singing, acting, or just being his unapologetic self, he brings a realness that’s hard to fake — and that’s exactly why Hollywood can’t get enough of him.
4. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II made his feature film debut in The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017). Sure, the movie didn’t exactly crush it with critics, but it introduced Hollywood to a powerhouse performer who was impossible to ignore. From the start, Yahya had that rare screen presence — confident, intense, and magnetic — the kind of energy that makes you stop and pay attention.
In just a few short years, he’s proven he’s not here to play small roles. He leveled up fast with standout performances in Aquaman (2018) and its 2023 sequel, showing he can own the superhero world. Then came the heavy hitters — The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), Candyman (2021), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021). Each role showed a different side of his talent, from emotional depth to pure action-hero power.
Yahya’s career rise is seriously impressive — the kind that makes casting directors and fans alike take notice. He’s one of those actors who can jump from blockbuster action to award-winning drama without missing a beat. Definitely one of Hollywood’s most exciting leading men right now.
5. Georgina Campbell
After earning major praise for her work on TV, Georgina Campbell made the jump to the big screen like a total pro. Her feature film debut came in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) — and while it was a small start, it was the beginning of something much bigger. Georgina has this natural screen presence that feels both grounded and powerful, which is probably why she’s been popping up in some seriously buzzy projects ever since.
Over the years, she’s proved she’s not afraid to take risks. From the chilling horror hit Barbarian (2022) to Bird Box Barcelona (2023) and The Watchers (2024), Campbell has shown off a crazy range — from terrified survivor to emotionally layered lead. She even kept audiences on edge with her intense performance in the thriller series Suspicion (2022).
Georgina’s quietly become one of those actors who can elevate any project she’s in. Whether it’s horror, fantasy, or drama, she brings something real — a mix of strength, vulnerability, and that effortless British cool that Hollywood loves right now.
6. Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer’s journey from British TV to full-blown international fame has been nothing short of amazing. She first stepped onto screens in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2017 that she made her official film debut in the British biographical drama England Is Mine. From there, her career has been on a total rocket ship.
Jodie broke out big time with the addictive series Killing Eve (2018) — her role as Villanelle didn’t just earn her awards, it made her one of the most talked-about actresses on the planet. She followed that up with blockbuster roles in Free Guy (2021) alongside Ryan Reynolds and Ridley Scott’s epic The Last Duel (2021) — proving she can own both Hollywood action and heavy drama like it’s nothing.
And she’s not slowing down. In recent years, she’s taken on more daring roles, starring in The Bikeriders (2023) and the highly anticipated 28 Years Later (2025). Jodie Comer has become the definition of range — bold, fearless, and always captivating on screen. Every role she takes feels like another step in cementing her as one of the most powerful actresses of her generation.
7. Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson made one heck of a first impression with his film debut in Beach Rats (2017) — a raw, emotional indie that instantly proved he was more than just another newcomer. Playing a conflicted Brooklyn teen struggling with identity and desire, Dickinson showed a depth and vulnerability that caught everyone’s attention. It was the kind of breakout performance that makes Hollywood sit up and take notice.
Since then, he’s been steadily building one of the most exciting résumés among young British actors. From his suave action-hero turn in The King’s Man (2019) to his sharp, darkly funny performance in the Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness (2022), Harris keeps showing just how versatile he is. He brought serious emotional weight to The Iron Claw (2023) and continues that streak with the buzzed-about Babygirl (2024).
What makes Dickinson stand out is his quiet confidence — he doesn’t chase fame, he earns it through powerful, grounded performances. He’s quickly becoming one of those rare actors who can move between indie cinema and big studio projects without losing authenticity.
8. Ariana Greenblatt
Ariana Greenblatt burst onto the Hollywood scene with her film debut in the 2017 Christmas comedy A Bad Moms Christmas, and honestly, she’s been unstoppable ever since. Even as one of the youngest talents in the industry, Ariana quickly built a reputation for delivering performances that feel way beyond her years. She’s got that mix of confidence, emotion, and pure screen magic that just makes you stop and watch.
Her breakout moment came when she played Young Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) — a short role, but unforgettable. From there, she’s been on a roll, showing insane versatility with back-to-back hits like 65 (2023), the global smash Barbie (2023), and the action-packed Borderlands (2024). Not bad for someone who’s still just getting started.
Ariana’s got that rare spark that reminds people of early-career Natalie Portman or Millie Bobby Brown — a mix of talent, maturity, and charisma that’s hard to teach. With each new role, she’s proving she’s not just a child star — she’s the future of Hollywood.
9. Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard first captured everyone’s attention as the witty, lovable kid from Netflix’s smash-hit Stranger Things, but it didn’t take long for him to make his mark on the big screen too. His feature film debut came in the 2017 horror blockbuster It, and let’s be real — he nailed it. Sharing the screen with a stacked cast, Finn proved he wasn’t just a TV kid; he had real movie-star presence.
Since then, he’s kept things interesting with a mix of roles that show off his range. From battling ghosts in the Ghostbusters movies to exploring emotional depth in When You Finish Saving the World (2022), Wolfhard’s shown he can jump between genres with ease. He’s also been busy behind the scenes — directing, making music, and carving his own creative lane in Hollywood.
What makes Finn stand out is his authenticity. He’s grown up in front of the camera, but never lost that down-to-earth, indie-artist vibe. With every new role, he’s proving that he’s not just the Stranger Things kid — he’s one of the most talented young actors shaping the future of film.
10. David Corenswet
David Corenswet first made a name for himself on television, but it was his jump to the big screen that truly kicked his Hollywood story into high gear. He made his film debut in the political drama Affairs of State (2018) — a solid start that quietly set the stage for what was coming next. While his early fame came from standout TV roles in shows like The Politician and Hollywood, David’s transition to film has been nothing short of impressive.
His first major movie break came with the disaster epic Twisters (2024), where he finally got the blockbuster spotlight he’d been building toward. But 2025 is the year that changed everything — stepping into the legendary cape as Clark Kent / Superman in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman reboot. Talk about career-defining.
Corenswet has that perfect blend of classic charm and modern energy — the kind of leading-man presence Hollywood doesn’t see often anymore. With his charisma, sharp acting chops, and now one of the biggest roles in cinematic history, David isn’t just rising — he’s officially soaring.
11. Winston Duke
Winston Duke made one of the most powerful film debuts in recent memory with his unforgettable performance as M’Baku in Marvel’s Black Panther (2018). For the Tobagonian-born actor, that first role wasn’t just an introduction — it was a statement. Before his breakout moment, Winston had only appeared on TV shows like Person of Interest and Modern Family, but once Black Panther hit theaters, everything changed.
He brought strength, humor, and depth to M’Baku, instantly becoming a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since then, Duke has continued to prove his range with an impressive lineup of roles — from the eerie and thought-provoking Us (2019) to the emotional Nine Days (2020), the action-packed Spenser Confidential (2020), and the high-octane The Fall Guy (2024).
Winston Duke has carved out a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most commanding and versatile actors. He’s not just a superhero side character anymore — he’s a full-fledged leading man with presence, heart, and a voice that demands attention.
12. Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones is one of those rare talents who makes the leap from TV to film look completely effortless. Like many of her peers, the English actress started out on the small screen — but once she made her film debut in Pond Life (2018), it was clear she was destined for bigger things. With her natural charm, emotional depth, and quiet intensity, Daisy has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars.
She stole hearts (and earned major critical love) with her breakout TV performance in Normal People (2020) — the role that made her a global name. But she didn’t stop there. On the big screen, she’s been delivering one impressive performance after another, from the mystery drama Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) to blockbuster thrillers like Twisters (2024) and the romantic drama On Swift Horses (2024).
On television, Daisy has also showcased her range with standout roles in War of the Worlds (2019–2021)_ and Under the Banner of Heaven (2022). What makes her stand out is how real and relatable she feels — whether she’s playing a vulnerable romantic lead or a fierce survivor, she brings authenticity that sticks with audiences long after the credits roll.
13. Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi might’ve quietly started his film career with the 2017 Australian comedy Swinging Safari — or even earlier with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it uncredited role in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales — but it was Netflix’s The Kissing Booth (2018) that turned him into a global heartthrob overnight. The movie blew up, and suddenly, Jacob wasn’t just another newcomer — he was the face of Netflix romance and one of the most talked-about young actors in the world.
But what’s really impressive is how quickly he’s moved past the teen-idol image to prove his acting chops. On HBO’s Euphoria, he showed a darker, more complex side that completely flipped the script on what audiences expected from him. Then came his knockout performances in Priscilla (2023) and Saltburn (2023) — both of which earned him serious critical praise. And with his chilling new take in Frankenstein (2025), Elordi is stepping fully into his next chapter as one of Hollywood’s most daring and in-demand leading men.
He’s got that rare mix of movie-star looks and indie-film intensity — the kind of balance that makes directors, critics, and fans all take notice. There’s no doubt about it: Jacob Elordi isn’t just the future of Hollywood — he’s already shaping it.
14. Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo made her big-screen debut in Widows (2018), and honestly, what a way to start a film career. That same year, she followed it up with Bad Times at the El Royale, proving right away that she wasn’t just another new face in Hollywood — she was something special. From the very beginning, Cynthia stood out for her powerhouse presence, emotional depth, and that unmistakable voice that commands attention in every scene she’s in.
Before her film debut, Erivo was already a Tony Award–winning performer, so it’s no surprise she transitioned to movies with the kind of confidence and grace most actors only dream of. What makes her different is that she doesn’t just play characters — she lives them. Whether she’s belting out a song or breaking your heart with a glance, Cynthia’s performances always hit deep.
Since her debut, she’s delivered one standout role after another in critically acclaimed films and TV projects, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile stars. With her incredible talent and fearless approach to storytelling, Cynthia Erivo isn’t just acting — she’s redefining what it means to be a modern multi-hyphenate artist.
15. Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke made her big-screen debut in the 2018 thriller Ladyworld, but it was her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) that really put her on the map. From that point on, it was clear — Maya wasn’t just “the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.” She was carving out her own lane in Hollywood, one bold performance at a time.
What’s refreshing about Maya is how effortlessly she blends indie charm with mainstream appeal. She’s got that old-school Hollywood poise but brings a modern, relatable energy that makes her stand out from the crowd. After her breakout on Stranger Things, she kept the momentum going with the Netflix hit Do Revenge (2022), where her sharp comedic timing and natural screen presence totally stole the show.
In recent years, Maya’s taken her career to new heights with roles in Asteroid City (2023), Wildcat (2023), and lending her voice to Inside Out 2 (2024). Each project proves she’s more than just a familiar last name — she’s a genuine talent with depth, range, and a growing fan base that can’t get enough of her.
16. Cailee Spaeny
Cailee Spaeny made her big-screen debut in Pacific Rim Uprising (2018) — and from the very start, she made it clear she was one to watch. Even though it was her first major role, Cailee delivered a performance that felt surprisingly grounded and emotionally mature, instantly grabbing the attention of critics and audiences alike. You could just tell she wasn’t going to be a one-hit wonder — this was the start of something big.
Fast forward a few years, and she’s proven exactly that. Cailee has built an impressive and diverse résumé that shows off her range — from her gripping performance in HBO’s Mare of Easttown (2021) to portraying a young Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s acclaimed biopic Priscilla (2023). And she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Her recent roles in Civil War (2024), Alien: Romulus (2024), and the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man (2025) prove she’s fully stepped into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.
Cailee’s got that rare ability to disappear into every role — whether she’s playing vulnerable, fierce, or mysterious, there’s always something magnetic about her. She’s not just part of the next generation of actors — she is the next generation.
17. Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal’s rise from breakout TV actor to Oscar-nominated movie star has been absolutely meteoric. The Irish actor first won hearts (and broke a few) with his raw, emotional performance in the hit series Normal People, which instantly made him one of the most talked-about new talents in entertainment. Then came his film debut in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s acclaimed directorial debut The Lost Daughter (2021) — a quiet yet powerful performance that proved Paul had the kind of subtle intensity only true stars possess.
Since then, he’s been on an unstoppable streak. His hauntingly beautiful performance in Aftersun (2022) earned him an Oscar nomination, cementing his place among Hollywood’s finest young actors. And with his highly anticipated role in Gladiator II (2025), Paul Mescal is officially stepping into blockbuster territory — a move that’s bound to take his already impressive career to the next level.
What makes Mescal so captivating is his authenticity. Whether he’s playing an emotionally complex romantic lead or a battle-hardened fighter, there’s always something deeply human in his performances. He’s not chasing fame — he’s chasing truth, and that’s what’s made him one of the most respected and in-demand actors of his generation.
18. Aaron Pierre
Aaron Pierre is one of those actors who seemed to rise almost overnight — but when you see him on screen, it’s easy to understand why. The English actor made his film debut in M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie body horror Old (2021), and even in a cast full of established names, he managed to stand out. His performance was intense, emotionally layered, and hinted at a depth that made people pay attention right away.
Since then, Aaron has been on a serious upward climb. In just a few short years, he’s landed major roles across both film and television, quickly building a reputation as one of the most magnetic and versatile rising stars in Hollywood. From thought-provoking dramas to high-stakes action and even major franchise projects, Pierre’s career has been nothing short of impressive.
What makes Aaron special is his presence — he’s got that rare mix of quiet strength and emotional vulnerability that makes every character he plays feel real. In less than five years, he’s proven that he’s not just the next big thing — he’s already here.
19. Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler made one of the most stunning film debuts in recent memory, stepping into the iconic role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). Chosen from thousands of hopefuls, Rachel’s audition tape didn’t just impress — it blew everyone away. Her powerhouse vocals, natural charisma, and emotional authenticity made her performance unforgettable, earning her a Golden Globe Award and instant global recognition.
Since that star-making debut, Zegler has kept her momentum going with one major project after another. She brought her charm and wit to Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), showed real dramatic range in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and is set to take on another legendary role in Disney’s live-action Snow White (2025).
What makes Rachel stand out is how she carries herself — confident yet grounded, talented yet humble. She’s got the kind of voice that gives you chills and the acting chops to match. In just a few years, she’s gone from high school theater kid to one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars — and honestly, it feels like she’s only getting started.
