Anna Taylor-Joy
You may better know her as the woman who made chess popular amongst the mainstream populace, but Anna Taylor-Joy is so much more than that one role. Born in 1996, the actress has been in the acting business since 2013.
She found small-time fame with roles in Split and Peaky Blinders. But her Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit, where she portrayed a fictional chess prodigy, made her a global star. However, the seasoned actress is only 27, and we’re sure she has a long way to go in her career.
Dakota Fanning
You can look at Dakota Fanning and realize you’ve seen her somewhere, either as a child or as an adult. Born in 1994, Fanning secured her first role when she was just five before she got some true recognition with her movie I Am Sam in 2006.
Her other roles include Man of Fire and The Twilight Saga. Known for her maturity and emotional depth in both child and adult roles, Fanning has seamlessly transitioned to more complex parts in films such as The Runaways and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Zendaya
Everybody loves Zendaya, the paparazzi, the people, and even the latest Spider-Man! Born in 1996, Zendaya has been in show business ever since she could talk. The 26-year-old is currently the talk of Hollywood, with roles in various ranges.
Whether she makes you laugh as a feisty MJ in the latest Spider-Man movies or tugging at your heartstrings with her portrayal of the troubled Rue in Euphoria, Zendaya’s acting prowess is well-known and knows no bounds.
Florence Pugh
The latest addition to this young actress’s ever-growing list of achievements is the global hit Oppenheimer, and that’s only just the tip of the iceberg. The 1996-born actress first shot to stardom with her role as a WWE wrestler in Fighting With My Family.
From there, she went on to do films like the horror movie Midsommar and an adaptation of the classic Little Women. She is also part of the Marvel universe as Yelena Belova.
Hailee Steinfeld
Born in 1996, Hailee Steinfeld has made her mark in the industry as an actress and a singer. She has been a part of the industry for almost 15 years and has achievements to show for it.
Her coming-of-age movie Edge of Seventeen and her entry into the Marvel universe with Hawkeye established her as a face to be remembered. At just 27, the actress truly made an impressive mark on the screen.
Joey King
When Netflix dropped The Kissing Booth, Joey King became a household name — at least in houses with teens. The actress popped onto the radar of many movie lovers, who knew they had seen her before for sure.
Born in 1999, the actress is just 25 and has a filmography that would impress even the hardened critics. From the teen dramas of The Kissing Booth series to the crime drama The Act, Joey has proved her mettle as an actress who can do it all.
Yara Shahidi
This GenZ actress has grown up on the small screen in front of people, so it’s no wonder you feel like she’s been around forever, even though she is just 24. Born in 2000, Yara Shahidi spent most of her life after she turned seven on the small screen.
She was a regular on popular sitcoms Black-ish and Grown-ish. She’s also a Harvard graduate and co-owner of a production company!
Sophie Turner
Born in 1996, Sophie Turner was just 15 when she was cast as Sansa Stark in the iconic Game of Thrones series. During the series’ 8-year run, her character experienced many ups and downs, while Turner herself experienced only a meteoric upward rise in fame.
Today, at just 28 years old, Turner has established herself as a face Hollywood will never forget. She recently divorced singer Joe Jonas, with whom she has two children.
Katherine Newton
The 1997-born Katherine Newton has done it all — from small side roles to leading an entire movie on her shoulder. She started her career with the soap opera All My Children when she was just five.
Since then, she has blossomed into an actress with a notable career, with hits like Paranormal Activity 4, Lady Bird, and Supernatural in her repertoire. And since she’s just 27, we can assume she’ll only add more amazing work to her list.
Madison Lintz
The 1999-born Madison Lintz became popular through The Walking Dead series, where she played the role of Sophia Peletier. From there on, she went on to star in the long-running Bosch and its spin-off Bosch: Legacy.
Small screen roles really seem to be where Lintz is shining high and mighty, and that too at just 25! It’s safe to assume that the actress will soon break out onto the big screen, too, with her great acting chops.
Chloe Grace Moretz
Born in 1997, Chloe Grace Moretz feels like she’s been on our screen for a long time. At just 27 years of age, she has a filmography to rival seasoned actors. Her top projects include Kick-Ass, Carrie, The 5th Wave, The Peripheral, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and many more.
With her soothing voice and amazing acting skills, Moretz has ensured that the world knows that this one is here to stay.
Zoey Deutch
Born in 1994 to legacy parents Lea Thompson and Howard Deutch, Zoey had Hollywood running in her veins. Now, at just 29, she’s proved herself to be an enormous talent who shows no sign of stopping her upward climb in Hollywood.
This 20s dynamo garnered attention with roles in Beautiful Creatures and Vampire Academy. Her talent truly soared in films like Set It Up and The Politician series.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke has a remarkable lineage, and she is indeed proving that she’s truly the daughter of her parents. Born in 1998 to Hollywood heartthrobs Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, Maya got the acting bug quite early.
Maya’s screen presence might be relatively young, but it’s nothing short of extraordinary. She’s proving her mettle as an actor with standout roles in gems like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Fear Street Part One: 1994, and the beloved Stranger Things.
Elle Fanning
Another Fanning sister who’s been around forever but is truly very young! Born in 1998, Elle Fanning embodies the essence of a new Hollywood era. She debuted in her sister’s hit movie I Am Sam, portraying Dakota’s younger self.
Since then, even though she has done big-budget movies like Super 8 and We Bought a Zoo, Elle seems more interested in working on independent projects and indie films.
Ariel Winter
The brainy Alex of Modern Family has been a fan favorite for a very long time. And it’s all thanks to the dedication and talent of actress Ariel Winter, who bagged the role in the long-running sitcom when she was only 10.
After 11 long years on the show, Winter seems okay to kick back and take it slow. Born in 1998, Winter isn’t rushing into any new projects and is being picky about what she wants to do next.
Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams is another Game of Thrones star that the viewers saw growing up right before their eyes. Born in 1997, the actress found herself in the throes of global success with her role as Arya Stark.
However, Post-Westeros, the youngest Stark sibling, has become much more significant. Not only has she been going strong with her acting career, but she also has her own social media app for budding artists and advocates for many causes.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons is a force of talent who was born in 1993. Since then, she has worked on high-profile projects like Austin & Ally, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and Dope.
In addition, Clemons has been featured in music videos like Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens to You” and DJ Snake’s “Middle”. The 29-year-old has a charismatic presence and shows signs of a promising career.
Sydney Sweeney
Blonde bombshell and acting dynamo Sydney Sweeney struck gold with her role as the enigmatic Cassie Howard in the HBO sensation Euphoria. As Cassie, she’s easily one of the biggest draws of the hit show, keeping viewers hooked and guessing at every turn.
The 1997-born actress has captured the world with her infectious charm and easygoing smile. In addition to the HBO hit, she’s been involved in big projects like The Handmaid’s Tale and The White Lotus.
Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith already has a legacy in Hollywood that has made him a face to remember since he was a young boy born in 1998. But his role as Dre in the revamped The Karate Kid made him a Hollywood star.
Since then, the young man has gone from strength to strength with fame and is now a famed rapper and an actor. His movie, alongside his father, Will Smith, is also a gem that can be treasured.
Isabela Merced
Remember the girl who took on the Dora mantle? Well, that’s Isabela – a dynamo who’s not just exploring jungles but also the vast landscapes of the entertainment world.
From ruling the halls in 100 Things to Do Before High School to lending her voice to the beloved Dora across two exciting seasons, Merced’s journey is a map dotted with success. Born in 2001, the young actress is just 23 and already a name to behold.
Thomasin Mackenzie
Starting with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, she quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Her role in the 2018 drama Leave No Trace ignited a blaze of rave reviews.
Post that, the 24-year-old actress went from Middle Earth to modern cinema with Netflix’s historical drama The King, where she shared the screen with the magnetic Timothée Chalamet as well as the whimsical Jojo Rabbit.
Lili Reinhart
Born in 1996, 28-year-old Lili Reinhart won over with her role as the ultimate girl-next-door Betty Cooper with Netflix’s Riverdale. She brought to life the bubbly-eyed character with the iconic blonde ponytail.
Reinhart once said that she almost quit acting before she managed to snag Riverdale, so it’s a grace for the fans that she didn’t. She’s even danced across the bring screen with movies like Hustlers, wherein she starred alongside bigwigs like Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu.
Eliza Scanlen
Eliza Scanlen was born in 1999 and is one of the young women to look out for in Hollywood. She quickly caught the industry’s eye by starting with a splash on the soap opera Home and Away.
The transcontinental journey led her to the chilling HBO series Sharp Objects, where she shared the screen with the incredible Amy Adams, leaving a lasting mark in viewers’ minds. She most recently appeared in the political drama The First Lady.
Harry Styles
This man has the internet in an uproar every time he steps out, whether due to his outlandish fashion or just his charming smile. Born in 1994, Harry Styles made the world believe they were indeed beautiful when he crooned with his band One Direction.
Since their disbanding, Styles’ solo career has rocketed and helped him achieve stardom. The 30-year-old has multiple Grammys and superhit movies under his belt, and it looks like he’ll stop anytime soon. Harry Styles may have left the 20s behind, but he’s worth mentioning because, come on, just look at him!
Lorde
We can never be as “Royal” as Lorde, but we can sure admire her for her chart-topping hits. The musical sensation brought the world to its knees when she was just 16 with her album.
Lorde has proven to be more than just a singer. Her signature style, an amalgamation of vintage elegance and modern mystique, is a visual extension of her artistry. The 27-year-old icon, who was born in 1996, continues to stun with her absolute brilliance.
Megan Thee Stallion
With a fierce persona and lyrics that ignite like wildfire, Megan Thee Stallion has taken the hip-hop world by storm, asserting her dominance with every beat drop. Megan’s rhymes are a unique blend of confidence, empowerment, and authenticity.
From “Savage” to “Hot Girl Summer”, her tracks aren’t just songs — anthems that celebrate self-expression and owning one’s narrative. Born in 1995, Megan’s words and unapologetic acceptance of herself have made her an icon amongst the new generation.
Post Malone
Born in 1995, Post Malone has charmed the world with his music, laid-back persona, and charm. His songs resonate with audiences worldwide, creating a uniquely his own sonic bridge between rap, pop, and rock.
From “White Iverson”, which put him on the map, to chart-topping hits like “Rockstar” and “Circles”, Post Malone has proved that musical boundaries do not confine him.
Tom Holland
This Spider-Man is swinging from success to success and is the actor who truly embodies the spirit of the friendly neighborhood superhero. The 1996-born actor has a list of superhits that would have most people quivering with delight or jealousy!
He’s not just a fantastic actor — he’s also one of Marvel’s biggest blabbermouths, so you can bet the fans love his interviews.
Doja Cat
2020 was the year of Doja Cat. Every tik tok you saw, every dance you did was to the tunes of this rapper’s songs. Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini in 1995, Doja Cat has established herself as a music powerhouse.
From “Woman” to “Kiss Me More”, her songs have proven fun and feisty — not to mention extremely dance-worthy!
Kendall Jenner
This Kar-Jen sister is still in her 20s! This might be difficult to believe since the family has been in the spotlight all their life, but Kendall, born in 1995, is just 28!
She has distinguished herself from her family by becoming one of the top models of the world, as well as a business mogul in the making. Her effortless street style and cool persona also are a bonus for her fame.
Timothee Chalamet
Whimsy and beauty combine them, and you might just touch the splendor that is Timothee Chalamet. Born in 1995, the 28-year-old has won various accolades and the hearts of people around the world.
With breakout performances in films like Call Me by Your Name and Lady Bird, Chalamet showcased his ability to capture the nuances of complex characters. His performances are like a masterclass in vulnerability, drawing audiences into the worlds he inhabits with raw emotion.
Kylie Jenner
It is hard to believe that this ultra-famous, ultra-rich business mogul is just 27! Kylie, born in 1997, is the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner siblings who ruled the reality TV world.
Since the early days of playing pranks on her family, Kylie has moved on to becoming a brand unto herself. Her daring fashion choices, beauty transformations, and glimpses into her personal life have made her an iconic figure for a new generation.
Kiernan Shipka
Kiernan Shipka became a known face in Hollywood when she was 8 years old, playing Sally Draper in the Mad Men hit series. She was born in 1999 and, at the age of 24, spearheaded her own show, too.
She played everybody’s favorite teenage witch, Sabrina, in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Finn Wolfhard
You might think this boy has been around forever because he started off in a hit TV show at a young age, but Finn Wolfhard is actually just 21 years old!
Known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix mega-hit Stranger Things, Wolfhard soon became a familiar face in Hollywood along with his rag-tag band of co-stars. These days, alongside his role as Mike, he’s also busy playing tunes with his band The Aubreys.
Asa Butterfield
You might best remember him as the loveable but a little goofy boy in Sex Education, but Asa Butterfield’s work extends beyond this show. He first shot to fame in 2008 with the drama movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Born in 1997, he’s since starred in hits like Merlin, Nanny McPhee, The Big Bang, and Hugo.
Amanda Stenberg
Amanda Stenberg is a dream actress for teenagers who love their books turned into movies. She’s been part of three massive adaptations, including The Hunger Games, The Hate You Give, and The Darkest Minds.
Her ability to convey raw emotion and depth in her performances has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond acting, she is also a voice for change and has advocated heavily for causes she believes in.
Camila Mendes
The Riverdale kids might still be playing teenagers on the small screen, but they’re actually older than that. Camila Mendes, born in 1994, brought to life the haughty but kind Veronica Lodge in the hit TV show.
Mendes’ portrayal of the character, with the signature black hair and pearls, is truly iconic. We won’t be surprised if it becomes a popular Halloween costume choice for kids worldwide.
Sabrina Carpenter
Born in 1999, Sabrina Carpenter is a well-known name in the industry at just 25. Her acting journey began with Disney’s Girl Meets World, where she captured hearts with her portrayal of Maya Hart.
But her transition into the music industry truly showcased her vocal prowess and songwriting abilities. With hits like “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please”, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the pop scene.
Alex Wolff
Born in 1997, Alex Wolff jumped onto the scene at 10 with his elder brother Nat Wolff. The duo made music under the band name The Naked Brothers Band.
Since then, he has transitioned into acting, showcasing his range in comedic and dramatic roles, leaving lasting impressions in films like Hereditary, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Pig.
Noah Centineo
Rising to fame through romantic comedies, Centineo has become a symbol of the modern romantic lead in the world of film and television. He was born in 1996 and is now a favorite amongst the younger audience.
His breakthrough role in All the Boys I’ve Loved Before catapulted him to stardom, and he quickly became a favorite among fans for his portrayal of Peter Kavinsky.
In the ever-changing landscape of fame, a few celebrities seem to have defied the passage of time. These youthful icons have graced our screens for what feels like ages, yet astonishingly, they’re still in their 20s. From their early breakthroughs to their enduring careers, these stars have become an integral part of pop culture. Here are some of the most recognizable faces who are still in their 20s.