The 10 Breakout Stars Who Defined the 2010s

The 2010s were a vibrant decade for entertainment, with fresh faces rising to fame through powerful performances in movies and TV shows. New talent brought energy and depth to stories that captivated us, from superhero blockbusters to gritty dramas.

These breakout stars didn’t just appear—they left a lasting mark on the decade, defining trends and earning our admiration. Let’s dive into the 10 actors whose breakthrough roles made them icons of the 2010s.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel burst onto the global stage with his role as Jamal Malik in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), but it was the film’s massive success in the early 2010s that cemented his status. Playing a young man from Mumbai’s slums who wins a game show, Patel delivered a heartfelt performance that helped the movie snag eight Oscars, including Best Picture.

His charm and emotional depth carried him into diverse roles in films like ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011) and ‘Lion’ (2016), proving his versatility. Patel’s rise showcased the power of independent films to launch careers and bring fresh voices to Hollywood.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o stunned audiences as Patsey in ‘12 Years a Slave’ (2013), a historical drama about slavery in America. Her raw, heartbreaking portrayal earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, marking her as a force in the industry.

Fresh out of Yale’s drama school, Nyong’o brought depth to a challenging role, sparking conversations about representation. She later shone in films like ‘Black Panther’ (2018) and ‘Us’ (2019), blending intensity with charisma to become a defining star of the decade.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley became a household name as Rey in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015), the first film in the sequel trilogy. Her portrayal of a scrappy scavenger turned Jedi hero captured the spirit of the iconic franchise while making it her own.

With minimal prior acting experience, Ridley’s chemistry with co-stars like John Boyega electrified the screen. She continued to lead in ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017) and ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019), solidifying her place as a modern sci-fi legend.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet’s breakout came as Elio in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017), a tender coming-of-age romance. His raw, emotional performance earned him an Oscar nomination at just 22, a rare feat for a young actor.

Chalamet’s ability to convey vulnerability and depth carried him into roles in ‘Lady Bird’ (2017) and ‘Little Women’ (2019). His meteoric rise made him a go-to for complex, heartfelt characters, defining a new era of leading men.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown stole hearts as Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025), Netflix’s sci-fi horror hit. At just 12, her intense and nuanced performance as a telekinetic teen made her the show’s standout star.

Her role opened doors to films like ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ (2019) and ‘Enola Holmes’ (2020), showcasing her range. Brown’s ability to carry emotionally heavy scenes at such a young age marked her as a talent to watch.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth became a global star as Thor in ‘Thor’ (2011), Marvel’s bold take on the Norse god. His commanding presence and charm helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a cultural juggernaut.

Beyond the hammer-wielding hero, Hemsworth flexed his versatility in films like ‘Rush’ (2013) and ‘Men in Black: International’ (2019). His breakout role not only defined superhero cinema but also made him a leading man for the decade.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s sharp wit and charm shone in ‘Easy A’ (2010), a clever high school comedy where she played Olive, a teen navigating rumors and reputation. The film’s success highlighted her as a relatable yet magnetic lead.

She went on to star in hits like ‘The Help’ (2011) and won an Oscar for ‘La La Land’ (2016). Stone’s ability to blend humor and heart made her one of the most beloved actors of the 2010s.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver’s role as Adam Sackler in ‘Girls’ (2012-2017) introduced his raw intensity, but it was his turn as Kylo Ren in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015) that made him a star. His complex portrayal of the conflicted villain captivated audiences.

Driver’s range shone in films like ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018) and ‘Marriage Story’ (2019), earning him Oscar nominations. His ability to tackle diverse roles made him a standout of the decade.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence’s fierce performance as Ree Dolly in ‘Winter’s Bone’ (2010) put her on the map at age 20. The gritty drama earned her an Oscar nomination and showcased her ability to carry a film with raw determination.

She skyrocketed to fame as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012-2015), becoming a global icon. Lawrence’s blend of strength and vulnerability defined her as a leading lady of the 2010s.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie turned heads as Naomi Lapaglia in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013), holding her own alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Her bold, magnetic performance in the Martin Scorsese film launched her into the spotlight.

She went on to shine as Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016) and earned praise for ‘I, Tonya’ (2017). Robbie’s charisma and range made her one of the decade’s most dynamic breakout stars.

Which breakout star of the 2010s is your favorite, or did we miss someone who stole the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments!