The best child actors from the last 30 years

In this article, we will show you the most iconic child actors who have always held a special place in the world of cinema. These young talents not only played their roles, but they transformed them into unforgettable icons.

9. Jacob Tremblay

Jacob tremblay room
© Universal
  • Age During First Role: 7
  • Known For: Room

Jacob Tremblay gained critical acclaim for his emotional performance in Room, showcasing his incredible ability to convey complex feelings, making him one of the most talented young actors today. We hope to see him recreate that success again.

8. Julia Butters

Once upon a time in hollywood still julia butters
© Sony
  • Age During First Role: 4
  • Known For: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Julia Butters impressed audiences with her performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, demonstrating remarkable maturity and depth in her portrayal. Perhaps this is a name we'll be hearing more and more of in the coming years.

7. Miranda Cosgrove

Icarly
© Disney

Miranda Cosgrove has stolen the spotlight in her fantastic roles as Megan Parker in Drake and Josh and Summer Hathaway in School of Rock. She can connect with audiences of all ages, which showcases her talent at a young age.

  • Age During First Role: 7
  • Known For: iCarly

6. Miley Cyrus

Hannah Montana
© Disney

Miley Cyrus has skyrocketed to fame as a pop star Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, captivating audiences with charisma and exceptional musical talent. As Cyrus grew older, she seamlessly transitioned into more mature roles.

  • Age During First Role: 11
  • Known For: Hannah Montana

5. Millie Bobby Brown

Stranger Things
© Netflix
  • Age During First Role: 12
  • Known For: Stranger Things

Millie Bobby Brown captivated audiences as Eleven i *Stranger Things, displaying a range of emotions and depth that belies her age, earning her a reputation as a phenomenal young actress. And, easily the best of the Stranger Things kids.

4. Chloë Grace Moretz

Kick ass 2010
© Universal

Chloë Grace Moretz creates a very wide variety of characters that are understandable and realistic, including a vampire, a werewolf, and a superhero. Her confidence, charisma, and ability to take on complex characters at such a young age made her one of the most exciting young talents.

  • Age During First Role: 7
  • Known For: Kick-Ass

3. Haley Joel Osment

Haley Joel Osment
© Buena Vista Pictures

Despite being young, Haley Joel Osment fits perfectly into a lot of the roles of average-looking supporting characters. This emotional performance has nearly earned him an Oscar, setting him apart as one of the most gifted child actors of his time.

  • Age During First Role: 5
  • Known For: The Sixth Sense

2. Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning
© Paramount Pictures

Dakota Fanning started acting at a very young age and wowed audiences with her breakout role in I Am Sam. Dakota has the unique ability to convey complex emotions, making her one of the most sought-after child actors of her generation.

  • Age During First Role: 7
  • Known For: I Am Sam

1. Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin
© 20th Century Fox

Despite finding little success these days, Macaulay Culkin has delivered an unforgettable role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. His incredible performance, incredible comedic timing, charm, and ability to carry an entire film at such a young age set him apart as one of the most iconic child actors of the '90s.

  • Age During First Role: 10
  • Known For: Home Alone
Nazarii Verbitskiy

Nazarii is a writer who wears many different hats. He works on codes for EarlyGame, while also writing guides on Mobile Matters. He previously wrote for WhatIfGaming and Gfinity Esports....