Let’s face it: if you’re a movie and TV fan, you’ve probably gone down an IMDb rabbit hole at some point—looking up an actor’s credits, wondering what else they’ve been in, perhaps scrolling way too far. But IMDb isn’t only for stalkers of filmographies. Their STARmeter and MOVIemeter rankings are like Hollywood’s stock market, letting us know whose names are blowing up and whose are going to be everywhere. And who did 2024 belong to on IMDb? Below are the year’s 10 most popular and breakout stars—listed from number 10, since the fun is always in the anticipation.
10. Nicholas Galitzine
Between The Idea of You and a constant string of buzzy gigs, Nicholas Galitzine officially broke into IMDb’s Top 100 for the first time. With affability to spare and an increasing fan base, he’s become one of the year’s most buzzed-about up-and-comers.
9. Anna Sawai
If you saw Shōgun, then you already know why Anna Sawai is here. Her strong performance landed her on IMDb’s Breakout list, making her one of 2024’s most compelling new faces.
8. Kelsey Asbille
Thanks to Yellowstone, Kelsey Asbille’s profile rose by leaps and bounds this year. Hitting the Top 100 for the first time is proof that the contemporary western epic is still birthing new stars.
7. Adam Brody
Yes, that Adam Brody. With Nobody Wants This, she reminded everyone of why we loved him to begin with. IMDb fans noticed, bringing him back into the spotlight as one of the year’s surprise breakout stars.
6. Michelle Keegan
With years of consistent work in Brassic, Michelle Keegan finally broke out in 2024. A STARmeter regular throughout the year, she’s long overdue for this kind of recognition.
5. Nava Mau
Netflix’s Baby Reindeer was all the buzz, and Nava Mau’s impressive performance was what everyone was talking about. IMDb hailed her as a breakout star, and it’s obvious she’s only just begun.
4. Cailee Spaeny
After being featured in Civil War, Cailee Spaeny’s ranking on IMDb soared. With her abilities and momentum, it seems it was only a matter of time before far greater roles lay in her future.
3. Emma Corrin
Between scene-stealing in Deadpool & Wolverine and demonstrating their versatility across genres, Emma Corrin caused ripples in 2024. Appearing on both IMDb’s Breakout and Most Popular lists only confirms that they’re one of the year’s breakout stars.
2. Glen Powell
Glen Powell wasn’t merely busy—he was ubiquitous. Anyone But You, Twisters, Hit Man—he made each of them a moment. IMDb had him ranked in the Top 10 all year, and though some will say he’s been a star since Top Gun: Maverick, 2024 solidified him as the industry’s go-to leading man.
1. Kani Kusruti
And right at the top? Kani Kusruti. Her turns in All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls pleased critics enough, but also gained her IMDb’s Breakout STARmeter Award. Talking about the award, she confessed: “I don’t always have such confidence, so once in a while, when you get this kind of validation, you feel like you’re doing something right.”
Her performance as Prabha in All We Imagine as Light made Cannes history—it was the first Indian film to be a contender for the Palme d’Or in 30 years, which it won with the Grand Prix. With rave reviews and a burgeoning fan base, 2024 was the year she went international.
IMDb’s graphs show that audiences adore new energy, fearless performances, and stars who shatter assumptions. Whether it is an old favorite returning to the screen or a new face lighting up the screen, 2024 was packed with rising stars—and these ten headed the list.