Top Ten Male Teen Actors 2021
There are 6 criteria used to qualify actors for this list:
1 - They had to have been a lead (or co-lead) actor in at least 25% of the movies/TV Series they starred in (and be the lead in at least one movie).
2 - They have to rank in the Top 5,000 on IMDB.
3 - They had to have been nominated for multiple awards and to have won at least 20% of the nominations.
4 - They had to have been cast in new productions in the pipeline (or starring in a series that is continuing) as at 31 December, 2021.
5 - They had to have at least 100,000 Instagram Followers.
6 - They had to be over 12 and under 20 as at 31 December, 2021 - their age in the description is as of that date.
The rare exceptions to these rules are detailed.
1 - They had to have been a lead (or co-lead) actor in at least 25% of the movies/TV Series they starred in (and be the lead in at least one movie).
2 - They have to rank in the Top 5,000 on IMDB.
3 - They had to have been nominated for multiple awards and to have won at least 20% of the nominations.
4 - They had to have been cast in new productions in the pipeline (or starring in a series that is continuing) as at 31 December, 2021.
5 - They had to have at least 100,000 Instagram Followers.
6 - They had to be over 12 and under 20 as at 31 December, 2021 - their age in the description is as of that date.
The rare exceptions to these rules are detailed.
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- Actor
- Soundtrack
Noah can be seen in a central role on season 2 of the Award-winning Netflix series "Stranger Things" where he portrays Will Byers opposite Winona Ryder. The series was nominated for various awards in 2016 and 2017, including a Golden Globe for Best Drama Television Series, a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (winner) and an MTV Movie & TV Award for Show of the Year (winner). He is also an honoree of Variety's Youth Impact Award.
Noah will next be seen as the lead of "Abe", an indie drama that tells the story of Abraham, a 12 year old boy with a passion for cooking who has never known a family dinner without arguments. Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade, the film is in production in New York.
Schnapp's additional film credits include Steven Spielberg's Oscar winning Cold War thriller, "Bridge of Spies", as well as the indie feature "We Only Know So Much", based on the Elizabeth Crane novel. In addition, Noah also participated in the Sundance Director's Lab, where he shot the lead role of 'Henry' in director Brent Green's feature, "First Night on Earth." Most notably, Noah voiced the role of the one and only 'Charlie Brown' in the Fox feature film "Peanuts", director Steve Martino's new take on Charles Schulz's classic series.16 year old Noah has been a lead/co-lead in 4 out of 12 credits (33%), the most notable being Netflix's Stranger Things (2016 - ), movies Waiting for Anya 2020, Abe 2019 and the voice of Charlie Brown in the 2015 cartoon movie of the same name. He has won 6 of the 8 awards he was nominated for (75%), the highest percentage of the list and he has a massive 20 million Instagram Followers.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, actor Finn Wolfhard stars as Mike Wheeler in the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series Stranger Things (2016). The hit series has received various accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series; two MTV Movie & TV Awards for Show of the Year; an AFI award for TV Program of the Year; and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Television Series. To date, the world-famous series has received 30 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series.
His first role was in the 2013 independent film Aftermath. After appearing in more independent films such as The Resurrection, Wolfhard moved into roles on television shows The 100 (2014) and Supernatural.
In September 2017, Wolfhard moved to the silver screen, playing the lead role of Ritchie Tozier in the film adaptation of the Stephen King acclaimed novel It (2017). Fans of the novel will remember Wolfhard's role as Trashmouth, part of the Losers Club. The film premiered to critical acclaim, breaking opening weekend box office records in its debut and going on to become the highest grossing horror movie ever. Wolfhard, along with his cast, received the Best On-Screen Team award for "IT" at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Wolfhard also starred in Dog Days (2018) alongside Vanessa Hudgens and Nina Dobrev. He can also be heard in the Netflix animated series "Carmen Sandiego," which released its second season in October 2019. Wolfhard reprises his role of Richie Tozier in New Line's blockbuster sequel It Chapter Two (2019).
In May 2019, Wolfhard became the new face of Yves Saint Laurent's Fall/Winter 2019 Campaign. Wolfhard starred as Miles in Amblin's haunted house horror film The Turning (2020) opposite Mackenzie Davis and Brooklynn Prince. Wolfhard will star alongside Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon and McKenna Grace in Sony Pictures' highly anticipated Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), a new chapter in the "Ghostbusters" universe, from director Jason Reitman. Wolfhard stars alongside Oscar winning actress Julianne Moore in the comedy-drama feature When You Finish Saving the World (2022), written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg and produced by Emma Stone. The mother-son story is inspired by Eisenberg's upcoming Audible Original of the same name, which is debuting in 2020. Wolfhard is also set to star as a lead voice over in the upcoming animated series, "NEW-GEN," based on the comic series distributed by Marvel and created by Chris Matonti, J.D. Matonti, and Julia Coppola.
He co-starred in Warner Bros & Amazon Studios' "The Goldfinch," an adaptation of Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize winning & New York Times best-selling novel. Wolfhard played the role of Young Boris alongside an all-star cast including Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Paulson and Jeffrey Wright. Lastly, he voiced the character Pugsley Addams in MGM's The Addams Family (2019) animated film. He can also be heard in Netflix's animated series "Carmen Sandiego," which released its second season in October 2019.
In addition to acting, Wolfhard has a passion for music and formed a garage-rock band called Calpurnia. Calpurnia recorded their debut EP which was released in June 2018. The band's first single "City Boy" debuted at No. 23 on Billboard's Alternative Digital Song Chart and hit No. 1 on Spotify's Global Viral 50 playlist. During the bands three-year run, Calpurnia toured across North America and Europe.
In the Fall of 2019, Wolfhard and drummer Malcolm Craig formed The Aubreys. In March 2020, The Aubreys released their first official EP entitled "Soda & Pie." Wolfhard also used his growing platform to host an event and raise funds for Sweet Relief, an organization that helps musicians in need.19 year old Finn from Vancouver, Canada has been a lead/co-lead in 7 out of 29 credits (31%), the most notable being in It 2007, Ghostbusters:Afterlife 2021, Stranger Things (2016 - ) and Rules for Werewolves 2020. He has won 8 out of 17 awards he has been nominated for (47%) and he too has a massive 21 million Instagram Followers (the highest of the list).- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Jack Dylan Grazer was born in Los Angeles, California, to parents Angela LaFever and Gavin Grazer.
With his disarming charm, undeniable talent, and infectious energy, Jack Dylan Grazer has emerged as one of the most exciting young actors working today. Grazer's rise to fame began with his memorable portrayal of the hypochondriacal Eddie Kaspbrak in the supernatural horror phenomenon "It" (2017) and its sequel "It: Chapter Two" (2019). These performances, based on the iconic Stephen King novel, showcased Grazer's ability to seamlessly blend comedic timing with genuine vulnerability, endearing him to audiences worldwide.
His role as Freddy Freeman in the DC Extended Universe blockbuster "Shazam!" (2019) further demonstrated Grazer's versatility. He brought heart and humor to the character, a foster child who becomes bestowed with the powers of a superhero. Grazer's undeniable chemistry with his castmates added an extra layer of joy and authenticity to this beloved comic book adaptation.
Grazer's talents extend beyond the big screen. In 2020, he starred in Luca Guadagnino's acclaimed HBO coming-of-age drama series "We Are Who We Are." Grazer's nuanced portrayal of Fraser Wilson, a troubled teenager exploring his identity while living on a US Army base in Italy, earned him critical recognition, highlighting his exceptional dramatic range.
Grazer's work ethic and commitment to character development are evident in every project he takes on. He is not an actor who rests on his success; he actively seeks out challenges that push him creatively. The thriller "Don't Tell a Soul" (2020) saw Grazer in a more sinister light, showcasing his ability to portray a broader range of complex emotions.
Beyond acting, Grazer is a passionate advocate for anti-bullying causes, serving as a global ambassador for the non-profit organization Stomp Out Bullying. He is also an avid skateboarder, aspiring filmmaker, and talented scriptwriter, demonstrating a diverse set of interests that complement his creative pursuits.
Grazer's passion for entertainment extends to roles behind the camera. He enjoys producing and directing his short films, demonstrating an ambition and creative curiosity that hints at his future potential within the industry. In 2023, we can see Grazer reprising his star-making role as Freddy Freeman in the highly anticipated sequel "Shazam! Fury of the Gods."
His upcoming roles further cement his status as an actor with incredible range. Grazer is set to voice Barney in the iconic animated reboot of "Barney & Friends" and star opposite Rachel Zegler in "The Shave" (anticipated release in 2024). This period drama based on real-life events is sure to offer Grazer another opportunity to showcase his depth and ability to embody multifaceted characters.
Still in his youth, Grazer has already achieved a level of success that many actors take decades to reach. With his infectious personality, undeniable talent, and willingness to take on challenging projects, Jack Dylan Grazer continues to captivate audiences and critics alike. His dedication to his craft, combined with a natural screen presence, suggest that his brightest days are still ahead of him.18 year old Jack has been lead/co-lead in 9 out of 17 credits (53%), the most notable being in It 2007, Shazam 2019 and cast in Shazam: Fury of the Gods sequel, TV series We Are Who We Are 2020, a lead voice in Luca 2021 and It Chapter Two 2021. He has won 4 of the 7 awards he has been nominated for (57%) and he has a sizable 4.2 million Followers on Instagram.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Jacob Tremblay is a Canadian actor. He made his film debut as Blue in the live action animated film The Smurfs 2 (2013). His breakout performance was in the dark drama Room (2015), for which he received critical acclaim. In 2016, Tremblay played a supporting role in the comedy film Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie (2016), and in 2017, he co-starred with Jaeden Martell, playing brothers, in the drama The Book of Henry (2017), with Naomi Watts as their mother.
He has also starred as children in jeopardy in the horror films Before I Wake (2016), Shut In (2016), and the bigger-budget The Predator (2018), played in the drama Burn Your Maps (2016) with Vera Farmiga, and headlined the blockbuster novel adaptation Wonder (2017), as Auggie Pullman.15 year old Jacob is the youngest on the list and has an impressive number of credits (38) and he has been lead/co-lead in 15 (39%), most notably Room 2015, Wonder 2017, Before I Wake 2016, The Book of Henry 2017, a lead voice in Luca 2021 and cast in the The Little Mermaid remake. He has won a very impressive 22 awards out of 40 nominations (55%) and he has a sizable number of Followers on Instagram - 1.2 million. He is also Canadian.- Jaeden Martell is an American actor known for his compelling performances in both film and television. He first gained recognition for his role as Bill Denbrough in the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King's novel It (2017) and reprised this character in the 2019 sequel It Chapter Two (2019) . His other notable work includes a role in the mystery film Knives Out (2019) (2019) and starring in the miniseries Defending Jacob (2020). Born on January 4, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jaeden is the son of Wes Lieberher, a Los Angeles-based executive chef, and Angela Teresa Martell. He has Korean heritage through his maternal grandmother, Chisun Martell. Initially growing up in South Philadelphia, he moved to Los Angeles at the age of eight in 2011. For the first six years of his career, he was credited under his family name, Lieberher, but in 2019, he adopted his mother's maiden name, Martell.
Jaeden's acting career began with a commercial for Hot Wheels and expanded to include various other advertisements for brands such as Google, Moneysupermarket.com, Liberty Mutual, Hyundai (for the 2013 Super Bowl), Verizon Fios, and General Electric. His first significant film role was in St. Vincent (2014) (2014), where he starred alongside Bill Murray. Murray later recommended Martell to Cameron Crowe, which led to his role in the 2015 film Aloha (2015) . He played the title character in The Book of Henry (2017) , further cementing his position as a talented young actor.
In addition to his early successes, Martell joined the cast of the Apple miniseries Defending Jacob (2020-2020) in March 2019, based on the novel by William Landay. He also confirmed his participation in the film Tunnels (????) as Grayson Mitchell during an Instagram Live interview with Teen Vogue on April 30, 2020; however, this film has yet to be released. In September 2021, he portrayed Morty Smith in promotional interstitials for the two-part fifth season finale of Rick and Morty (2013-) . In October 2021, he was cast as Craig in the Netflix film Men (2022) , directed by John Lee Hancock and based on the novella from Stephen King's Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022) .
Continuing to expand his filmography, Jaeden Martell appeared in Y2K (2024) and Arcadian (2024) in 2024. Both films showcase his versatility and commitment to developing complex characters. Through these roles and his consistent presence in both independent and major studio projects, Martell continues to establish himself as one of the most promising actors of his generation.19 year old Jaeden has been lead/co-lead in 7 out of 22 credits (31%), most notably St Vincent 2014, It 2017, Knives Out 2017, Midnight Special 2016 and the Apple TV series Defending Jacob 2020. He has won 5 out of 7 awards he was nominated for (71%), the highest of the list and he has an impressive 3.4 million Followers on Instagram. - Levi Miller is an Australian actor and model. He is known for playing Peter Pan in Pan (2015), Luke in Better Watch Out (2016), and Calvin in A Wrinkle in Time (2018). Miller was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. At the age of 5 or 6 he entered and won a drama competition with a Peter Pan monologue. He appeared in several Australian television commercials. Miller appeared in the film A Heartbeat Away (2011) and in short films such as Akiva (2010) and Great Adventures (2012). He was selected by the film's director Joe Wright for the role of Peter Pan in Pan. He appeared in Red Dog: True Blue (2016), where he played Mick. In 2015, he was named ambassador for Polo, the Ralph Lauren kids' fall campaign. In 2016, Miller starred as Luke in the psychological horror Christmas-themed film Better Watch Out where the young Australian actor's performance was highly regarded by film critics. He played Charlie Bucktin in the film adaptation of Australian novel Jasper Jones (2017). He played Calvin O'Keefe in the American fantasy adventure A Wrinkle in Time (2018).19 year old Levi from Brisbane, Australia has been lead/co-lead in 7 out of 13 credits (54%), the highest on the list, notably Pan 2015, Red Dog:True Blue 2016, Better Watch Out 2016, Jasper Jones 2017, A Wrinkle in Time 2018 and Streamline 2021. He has won 2 of the 3 awards he has been nominated for (67%). He has a more modest number of Followers on Instagram - 400,000.
- Noah Jupe is a burgeoning British actor with an impressive filmography and remarkable talent. He gained recognition for his roles in the acclaimed television series "The Night Manager" (2016), George Clooney's dark comedy "Suburbicon" (2017), and the heartwarming drama "Wonder" (2017). Jupe's talent truly shone through in the horror film "A Quiet Place" (2018) and its sequel "A Quiet Place Part II" (2021).
His compelling performance in "Honey Boy" (2019) earned him a well-deserved Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male. Jupe continued to impress audiences with his role in the critically praised sports drama "Ford v Ferrari" (2019) and the suspenseful miniseries "The Undoing" (2020).
Born into a family with a background in entertainment, Noah Jupe embarked on his acting journey in 2015 with appearances in "Penny Dreadful" and "Downton Abbey." He continued to secure significant roles in shows like the spy thriller series "The Night Manager" and "Houdini & Doyle" in 2016. The following year marked Jupe's foray into cinema with his first major role in the World War II drama, "The Man with the Iron Heart."
Jupe's ability to effortlessly shift between genres solidified his reputation as a versatile young actor. His nuanced performances in films like the British film "That Good Night" (2017) and Stephen King's short film adaptation "My Pretty Pony" (2017) further demonstrated his range. 2018 proved to be a pivotal year, as John Krasinski, writer and director of "A Quiet Place," cast Jupe based on a recommendation from George Clooney.
In 2019, Jupe's remarkable portrayal of young Otis in the critically acclaimed "Honey Boy" garnered widespread recognition, leading to his Independent Spirit Award nomination. He maintained his momentum with a noteworthy performance in "Ford v Ferrari." In 2020, Jupe continued to make his mark with a role in the well-received miniseries "The Undoing."
The esteemed British Vogue even featured Jupe as one of "The 12 Young Creatives" in their March 2021 issue. He later reprised his role in "A Quiet Place Part II" to great acclaim. Jupe's upcoming projects include lending his voice to the animated film "The Magician's Elephant" and starring in the highly-anticipated remake of the cult classic "The Lost Boys."
In 2022, Jupe further expanded his repertoire with a role in the biographical drama "Dreamin' Wild," which follows the story of visionary mountaineer Chris Bonington. He also joined the cast of the Apple TV+ animated series "Franklin," voicing the titular character, a young turtle embarking on adventures in his neighborhood.
With his remarkable talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft, Noah Jupe is undoubtedly a rising star in the entertainment industry. His ability to captivate audiences with his performances across diverse genres makes him an actor to watch in the years to come.16 year old Noah is from London, England and has been lead/co-lead in 8 out of 23 credits (30%), notably Honey Boy 2019, Ford v Ferrari 2019, A Quiet Place 2018 and The Undoing 2020. He has won 6 awards from 20 nominations (20%) and he has 800,000 Followers on Instagram. - Actor
- Music Artist
Aidan is #2 on IMDB's "Top 10 Breakout Stars of 2020" and #7 on IMDB's "Top 10 Stars of 2020." He recently completed filming of Season 4 of Netflix's The Umbrella Academy, starring as fan favorite character Number Five. Aidan's performance has been widely acclaimed as "...one of the show's main delights." -David Betancourt, The Washington Post
In August 2018, Aidan made Variety's Power of Young Hollywood Ones to Watch list being named as one of the top actors under the age of 25.
Aidan was twice Nominated Favorite Male TV Star for the Kids Choice Awards for his performance on his Emmy Award winning series "Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn." Aidan also hosted The Kids Choice Sports Awards.
An up-and-coming singer-songwriter musician, Aidan was selected for the prestigious Big Break Accelerator Program Showcase for 2020 SXSW, making him the youngest ever singer solo artist to be selected to perform at SXSW.
While his Blue Neon Tour was placed on hold due to the Covid19 Pandemic, Gallagher's self-produced music singles were recognized in two prestigious competitions with several Honorable Mentions and a People's Choice Winner Award for his song '4th of July'. As an independent artist his music videos for his 6 debut singles garnered over 30 million combined views on his YouTube channel.
In June 2018, Aidan made history becoming the youngest United Nations Ambassador in their history. Aidan has represented the youth of the world on behalf of the United Nations for several climate action initiatives including speaking at the 2019 Global Climate Action Summit and hosting the Illegal Wildlife Trade Summit on invitation of the UK Government, introducing the Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) to the stage.
Aidan is an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitar & piano player, and composer/ producer - his first passion is a love of the ocean and working to save the environment.18 year old Aiden has been a lead/co-lead in 4 out of 8 credits (50%), notably The Umbrella Academy (2019 - ), Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn (2014 - 2018), Jacked Up 2013 and Modern Family (2009 - 2020). Whilst he has not won an award from the 4 he was nominated for he has a very large 7.1 million Followers on Instagram.- Maxwell Jenkins is an American actor renowned for his dynamic roles in both television and film. Known widely for portraying Will Robinson in the Netflix series Lost in Space (2018) over its three seasons, Jenkins has also appeared as young Jack Reacher in the Amazon series Reacher (2022). His early career included roles in projects such as Sense8 (2015), created by the Wachowski siblings, Betrayal (2013), Chicago Fire (2012), Chicago Med (2015), and the comedy film Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016).
In 2020, he starred alongside Mark Wahlberg and Connie Britton in the film Joe Bell (2020), directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. In 2023, Jenkins took on a leading role in the Apple TV+ series Dear Edward (2023), created by Jason Katims and Fisher Stevens, which was released in February of that year. He also completed filming Sand and Stones, a feature film where he stars opposite Nicolas Cage under the direction of Ben Brewer, with a planned release in late 2023.
Adding to his filmography, in 2024, Maxwell Jenkins appeared in the film Arcadian (2024). This role continues to build on his growing reputation for taking on complex characters in both independent and major studio projects.
Jenkins was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the "30 top actors under 30" in 2019, highlighting his emerging talent in the industry. He has earned three Saturn Award nominations for his performance in each season of Lost in Space and has also been honored with the Community Leadership Award by the Young Artists Academy.
From a young age, Jenkins has been immersed in the performing arts, making his debut at three years old with his family's theatrical circus company, Midnight Circus. He continues to perform as an acrobat with the company each summer. Outside of his acting commitments, he is musically inclined, playing guitar and mandolin with various bands in Chicago. Despite his demanding schedule, Maxwell remains dedicated to his education as a Chicago Public School student and maintains his involvement with the ASPCA as a committed partner.16 year old Max has been lead/co-lead in 3 out of 11 credits (27%), notably Lost in Space (2018 - 2021), Joe Bell 2020, A Definitely or Maybe 2016, and cast in Reacher and Dear Edward. He has won 1 of the 3 awards he has been nominated for (33%) and he has 179,000 Followers on Instagram. - Oakes Fegley was born on 11 November 2004. He is an actor, known for Pete's Dragon (2016), The Goldfinch (2019) and Wonderstruck (2017).17 year old Oakes has been a lead/co-lead in 6 of 17 credits (35%), notably Pete's Dragon 2016, Wonderstruck 2017, The Goldfinch 2019 and The War With Grandpa 2020. Whilst he did not win an award from 4 nominations, he has been cast for Stephen Spielberg's semi autobiographical The Fablemans 2022 along with other up and coming teen actors hand selected by Spielberg. He has 117,000 Followers on Instagram.