Why: FX viewers have been enjoying Hunnam’s strong performance as conflicted SAMCRO President Jax Teller on biker drama Sons of Anarchy since 2008, but the actor finally broke into the big time this year with a starring role in Guillermo del Toro’s monsters-versus-robots extravaganza Pacific Rim.
Lending protagonist Raleigh Becket a surprisingly relatable humanity in spite of Pacific Rim‘s hard sci-fi center, Hunnam commanded the big screen and gave del Toro’s blockbuster a huge, pulsating heart to rival its massive battle sequences.
What’s Next: Hunnam dropped out of the high-profile erotica adaptation Fifty Shades of Grey in order to remain committed to Sons of Anarchy, but he’ll next be seen on the silver screen in another del Toro production: 2015 horror film Crimson Peak. The actor is also set to star in John Hillcoat’s upcoming thriller, Triple Nine, about a group of corrupt cops who plot a bank heist.
[h2]Sam Claflin – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire[/h2]
Why: The British actor, previously known for minor roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White & the Huntsman, stole adoring fans from stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth when he joined The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as charming, deadly tribute Finnick Odair. Wielding a trident and a dazzling smile, Claflin broke out in a big way, winning over his many critics with an involving, appealing take on the fan favorite character. He’s currently enjoying his newfound status as Hollywood heartthrob.
What’s Next: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 & 2, of course! Claflin has also been racking up leading roles in smaller films. In 2014, he’ll appear in romantic comedy Love, Rosie, horror film The Quiet Ones and dramatic thriller Posh, acting alongside actors such as Lily Collins, Jared Harris, Natalie Dormer, Douglas Booth and Max Irons.