Hollywood has no shortage of leading men . It’s to the point where even the most casual moviegoer is already more than familiar with the likes of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the now-infamous Will Smith .
What’s interesting to note, however, is that over the past few years, we’ve begun to witness a changing of the guard. To get a better idea of what I’m talking about, have a look at these underrated male actors that everyone should be watching.
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Richard Madden
Richard is probably best known for his role as Rob Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones . He showed off some impressive acting chops in Marvel’s Eternals and seems poised to take center stage on the Hollywood red carpet.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
For Christmas lovers all over the world, Thomas Brodie-Sangster will always be the adorable little drummer boy from Love Actually . If you didn’t happen to watch Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit , then you’re probably completely unaware of just how talented Thomas truly is.
LaKeith Stanfield
Very few actors out there today are true “character actors.” The ability to disappear completely in your own skin is nothing to be taken lightly and LaKeith has that ability in spades. He’s already received one Academy Award nomination, and Oscar gold feels as if it’s well within his reach.
John Cena
I’m just going to come right out and say it — John Cena has all the potential to be bigger and better than even Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson himself. If you thought that Hugh Jackman was born to play Wolverine, just wait until you see John Cena as Peacemaker .
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel has appeared in some of the biggest films of the past five years, including Black Panther, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Jordan Peele’s modern-day horror classic, Get Out. I’ve been a fan of Daniel’s since he first broke through in the BBC’s Black Mirror series and I can’t wait to see him in Nope .
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright did an incredible job as Jim Gordon in Matt Reeves’ The Batman , but if you really want to get a taste of his acting chops — you have to watch him in Boardwalk Empire . I’m of the firm belief that this man can do anything.
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson is so much more than Edward Cullen. The man is a proverbial chameleon and has the ability to lose himself in his characters better than any other actor out there. I look forward to (hopefully) watching him portray the Dark Knight on film for many years to come.
Joseph Fiennes
The only thing that people love more than a hero is a villain — and Commander Fred Waterford is about as heinous a villain as you’re ever likely to meet. The way his voice has an almost whisper-like quality to it gives me the chills.
Cillian Murphy
The great Weezy F. Baby once said “Real G’s move in silence — like lasagna .” I can’t think of a more appropriate way of describing Peaky Blinders star, Cillian Murphy. Audiences can’t help but be drawn in by his icy-cold demeanor and outward stoicism.
Oscar Isaac
Up until recently, the only thing I’d ever seen Oscar Isaac in was the new Star Wars trilogy. But then I sat down and watched Dune and more recently Moon Knight . Suffice it to say that my opinions on this budding actor have drastically changed.
Paul Dano
Paul Dano is an amalgamation of Ryan Gosling and Daniel Day-Lewis. The young actor has been quietly stacking acting credits for the better part of the last decade and is well-positioned to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men.
John David Washington
When it comes to the acting prowess of John David Washington, let’s just say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s very clear to see that John is every bit the formidable actor that his father is.
Alan Ritchson
For anyone who might question or second-guess Alan Ritchson’s appearance on this list, I have only one word to say to you — Reacher. This dude has all the makings to become Hollywood’s next action star, and on top of his remarkable physique, he can actually act.
Pedro Pascal
I first fell in love with Pedro Pascal after he was cast as Prince Oberyn in Game of Thrones . After seeing how he wields the Dark Saber in the Star Wars spinoff series, The Mandalorian , I officially bought my tickets for the Pedro Pascal bandwagon.
Timothée Chalamet
So far to date, Timothée has been nominated for two Golden Globes, as well as an Academy Award. It’s not a matter of “if” he wins an Oscar — it’s just a matter of when. Considering that Timothée was recently cast to portray Bob Dylan on film, it may be happening sooner than we think.
