Jenna Ortega, Kit Connor, and the 5 best breakout Netflix stars of 2022

Each year, there are a handful of Netflix stars that own the year. Whether it’s the cast of Outer Banks and Bridgerton in 2020 or last year’s crop of breakout stars on Netflix, we simply can’t stop talking about the top talent that dominated the year.

This year, there have been so many incredible Netflix original series. Both new and returning shows featured new Netflix stars staking their place on the streaming service. After 2022, we’ll be looking out for these actors and actresses thanks to their stunning impact.

Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Heartstopper, and Wednesday were some of the most popular Netflix shows of 2022 to make stars out of emerging talent like Jenna Ortega, Kit Connor, and Joseph Quinn. But who else stole the show — and our hearts — in 2022?

Best breakout Netflix stars 2022

Here are the five best breakout Netflix stars of 2022, beginning below with the latest Stranger Things heartthrob we can’t get enough of!

Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things

When Stranger Things season 4 was released in May and July 2022, we never could have imagined just how big of a moment the highly anticipated season would have. The two-part season excelled viewership and storytelling expectations, and even managed to send a song from 1985 back to the top of the charts. Not every show has that kind of power.

But the season also turned Joseph Quinn, who played fan-favorite tragic hero Eddie Munson, into a star. Quinn made the world fall in love with both Eddie and himself, and it’s no wonder everyone can’t wait to see what he’ll do next (or if he’ll appear in Stranger Things season 5). One thing’s for sure, we’ll be following this breakout Netflix star far beyond 2022.

Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton

Bridgerton welcomed Simone Ashley to the cast in season 2 as Anthony’s love interest, and she shined through and through. The actress, who previously appeared in Netflix’s Sex Education, dazzled as the supremely relatable character, and she and Jonathan Bailey shared a fiery chemistry you couldn’t look away from. Here’s to more Kate in season 3 and more Simone Ashley in movies and TV shows we’ll definitely be watching.

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper

Few Netflix stars experienced quite the meteoric rise to super stardom that the Heartstopper cast did. The teen romantic comedy series premiered on Netflix in April 2022 and immediately acquired an adoring and passionate fandom. Kit Connor, who plays the lovable jock Nick Nelson, gained millions of Instagram followers and fans around the world. Thankfully, Hearstopper seasons 2 and 3 are on the way, but we’re eager to see what else is in store for the young star.

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper

Much like his on-screen boyfriend Kit Connor, Heartstopper breakout Joe Locke also became an overnight sensation thanks to the series’ success. Prior to playing Charlie Spring in the Netflix series, the 19-year-old actor hadn’t appeared in any movies or shows. Following his breakthrough role, Locke will co-star in the Disney+ WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos. It’s only the beginning for Joe Locke, and he’s got quite the bright future ahead of him.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday

You’re probably wondering what Jenna Ortega’s doing on a “breakout stars” list when she’s already a whole star. She headlined the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle for three seasons, appeared in the second season of You, and starred in the hit movies Yes Day, Scream 5, and X. But she had a true star-making moment with the release of Wednesday.

Ortega solidified her star power and proved herself as a Netflix force with her incredible performance as the iconic Wednesday Addams. The actress didn’t blink on camera, choreographed that dance sequence herself, and had covid when filming said dance sequence. There’s a reason she gained over 10 million Instagram followers after the record-breaking release of the new series, and it’s because she’s a real legend in the making.

Who were your favorite breakout Netflix stars of 2022? Share your picks in the comments!