5 best breakout Netflix stars of 2021

While 2021 wasn’t a great year in the grand scheme of things, it was a great year for the Netflix shows and movies we love and the best breakout Netflix stars we couldn’t stop talking about.

In the past few years, popular Netflix shows like Outer Banks, Locke & Key, Bridgerton, and many more have launched many newcomers into stardom, and 2021 was no different.

With the premieres of new original shows such as Shadow and Bone and Squid Game, as well as the releases of new seasons of Netflix’s biggest hits, lots of new stars were born in 2021 thanks to undeniable breakthroughs we can’t wait to keep watching into 2022.

Best breakout Netflix stars 2021

There are so many performers and personalities who had their moment as Netflix stars in 2021, but these five had quite the year and the best is yet to come.

Ben Barnes

You might have known Ben Barnes from The Chronicles of Narnia film series, Westworld, The Punisher, or his various other roles over the years. But the 40-year-old actor and singer had a breakout moment with the 2021 premiere of the Netflix original series Shadow and Bone.

Whether he was adorably reading thirst tweets, releasing new music, or just being an all-around lovable guy, we couldn’t get enough of Ben Barnes in 2021. Obviously, we can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for him and Shadow and Bone season 2.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Technically, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan had a huge breakout moment in 2020 with the premiere of the hit Netflix original teen comedy series Never Have I Ever. But 2021 was great to the raising talent with the release of season 2 and the announcement of a forthcoming movie.

On top of Never Have I Ever returning for season 3, Ramakrishnan also landed her first leading film role with Netflix’s The Netherfield Girls, a contemporary retelling of Pride & Prejudice. If we’re talking about stars who should have a Netflix movie deal, look no further.

Lee Jung-jae

To not have heard anything about Squid Game in 2021 means you’re either very good at avoiding pop culture or you favor another streaming service to Netflix. The series became an instant phenomenon and a record-breaking fan-favorite.

Lee Jung-jae, who plays Seong Gi-hun or 456 in Squid Game, was one of the biggest breakout stars from the series. So far, he’s landed a Critics’ Choice Award and a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. There’s no doubt we’re going to see a lot more of him soon!

Kate Siegel

If you’re a fan of Mike Flanagan’s work, you’re familiar with Kate Siegel. First of all, she’s married to the popular filmmaker, but she has also lent her talents to a number of his shows and movies, including the Netflix titles Gerald’s Game, The Haunting anthology, and Midnight Mass.

While Midnight Mass was a huge horror release for both Netflix and Siegel, the actress had a breakout moment as the lead of the Netflix original horror movie Hypnotic. She’ll next be seen in HBO’s The Time Traveler’s Wife series and Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.

Dylan Arnold

Although Dylan Arnold has been picking up roles in television and movies since 2012, he started to land bigger roles in the After and Halloween film franchises. But in 2021, Arnold definitely had one of the biggest breakout moments as a Netflix star in the hit series You.

Dylan Arnold also appeared in Halloween Kills, but it’s his role as Theo in You season 3 that made him blow up. (And those dating rumors with co-star Victoria Pedretti certainly didn’t hurt either.) We can’t wait to see what’s next for Dylan Arnold whether it’s in You or his next big role.

Who were your favorite breakout Netflix stars of 2021? Share your picks in the comments!