B-list celebrities often have more room to experiment and take on unique roles while avoiding the pressures of constant scrutiny that A-listers face. Nonetheless, their performances have been just as impactful — if not more so — than their famous counterparts.

In this list, we’re shining bright lights on 45 B-list celebrities who deserve far more recognition. Prepare to revisit familiar faces, discover new favorites, and celebrate the stars who prove you don’t need to be A-list to leave a lasting mark on pop culture.

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Other than his place in the DC Universe as Aquaman’s Orm Marius, Wilson tends to stick to supporting roles in the horror and thriller genres, which have earned him an award for best supporting actor in the past.

A B list celebrity, Patrick Wilson, who is wearing a dark suit and black shirt while leaning against a car with a city building reflecting in the background.

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Since his career-making roles in American History X and Fight Club, Norton has mostly chosen projects for their artistic vision, not their widespread commercial appeal.

A B list celebrity, Edward Norton, wearing a plaid brown jacket and a green shirt is standing on a city sidewalk, with a person adjusting his clothing.

Mamoa’s acting versatility, not to mention his swoon-worthy brawn, in Aquaman, Game of Thrones, a series that has received multiple Screen Actors Guild awards., Dune, See, and Sweet Girl, almost guarantee A-list status will be his within the next few years.

A B list celebrity, Jason Momoa, who is performing on stage, playing a bass guitar while wearing a sleeveless shirt and showcasing his muscular arms and tattoo.

A B list celebrity, Wes Bentley, is speaking at a Deadline event, holding a microphone and gesturing with his hand while sitting against a branded backdrop.

While his portrayal of Finn in Star Wars left spectators impressed, Boyega’s roles in Detroit and Attack the Block show that he is far more talented than his visibility would suggest.

A B list celebrity, John Boyega, is smiling at an event, wearing a gray pinstripe suit and a white shirt, standing in front of a colorful NAACP backdrop.

As Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his critically-acclaimed roles in Blade Runner 2049, Army of the Dead, and Knock at the Cabin,Bautistahas proven his versatility as an actor as well as his ability to bring crowds to the box office.

A B list celebrity, Dave Bautista, is walking outdoors, wearing a black jacket and glasses, flashing a peace sign with his fingers while surrounded by people.

As Nebula in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and her appearances in Avengers flicks, Gillan quickly gains the recognition she needs to hit the A-list.

A B list celebrity, Karen Gillan, is smiling while seated, wearing a white polka dot blouse during an indoor event, with plants visible in the background.

Cillian Murphy gained widespread recognition for his role in Inception (2010) and continued to star in major box office hits, including his portrayal of Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow in The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012), particularly in Batman Begins. He also appeared in A Quiet Place Part II (2021), Dunkirk (2017), and most recently, Oppenheimer (2023), which grossed over $900 million globally.

A B list celebrity, Cillian Murphy, is posing in a black tuxedo with a bow tie in front of vibrant pink flowers at an indoor event.

As the most persistent cast member of American Horror Story, Paulson has won multiple Emmys. All she needs is a huge blockbuster or two under her belt.

A B list celebrity, Sarah Paulson, is speaking into a microphone while seated at an event. She is wearing a black dress with a white lace collar.

After rising to national attention for appearing nearly nude in Robin Thicke’s controversial video for Blurred Lines, Ratajowski has become more well-known for her work in body positivity and feminist movements than for her acting prowess.

A B list celebrity, Emily Ratajkowski, is walking outdoors wearing sunglasses, an oversized plaid shirt, and holding a phone, with a subtle smile.

Hitting the big screen with megastars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon in Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen added box office clout to Cheadle’s already stellar record as an Oscar winner for Hotel Rwanda.

A B list celebrity, Don Cheadle, is posing against a light-colored wall, wearing a beige suit, a floral shirt, and a stylish hat, with a serious expression.

Since Game of Thrones launched the Daenerys Targaryen actress into international fame, Clarke, a classically trained British actress, has taken her time with film projects. With the exception of Solo: A Star Wars Story, Clarke’s film roles have been more low-key.

A B list celebrity, Emilia Clarke, is smiling and waving while wearing a beige coat and gray sweater, standing outdoors with security personnel nearby.

Even with notable parts in Doctor Strange and The Old Guard, Ejiofor hasn’t entirely made the jump to A-list rank despite receiving an Oscar nod for 12 Years a Slave.

A B list celebrity, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is pictured wearing a dark coat and looking thoughtfully during an indoor event, with a blurred background behind him.

Five Golden Globe nominations, nine Emmy nominations, and a Tony Award have marked a critically acclaimed career for Schrieber, but he hasn’t had a huge big-screen hit since the Scream series, where he played the role of a memorable antagonist. It doesn’t seem to be hurting his career, though — he most recently starred in The Perfect Couple opposite none other than Nicole Kidman herself.

A B list celebrity, Liev Schreiber, is pictured wearing clear-framed glasses and a light-colored suit while attending an outdoor event, with people in the background.

Bateman has been a working actor since he was a kid, and his career is thriving. His versatility is seen in the comedy series Arrested Development, contrasted with the drug drama Ozark. Choosing the quality of material over the size and scale of a project means Bateman may miss out on being on the A-list, but he definitely had a more interesting career in it.

A B list celebrity, Jason Bateman, is seated in a SiriusXM interview, holding a microphone and speaking, with a blue-lit backdrop and branded signage behind him.

Even after his impactful roles in Star Wars and A Marriage Story, Driver is still not considered an A-list actor. His big hits have been scattered among box office disappointments, like House of Gucci and Ferrari.

A B list celebrity, Adam Driver, is signing autographs for fans while wearing a black suit and tie at an outdoor evening event, surrounded by cameras and fans.

With over 20 years of Hollywood experience under his belt and roles in three of the biggest franchises in movie history, Star Wars, Spider-Man, and MCU, it is shocking that Isaac isn’t a household name.

A B list celebrity, Oscar Isaac, is seated in an interview setting, smiling while wearing a dark blazer over a light-colored shirt in a warmly lit room.

A B list celebrity, Anthony Mackie, is standing with his arms crossed, wearing a Toronto-themed baseball uniform and cap, looking down under stadium lights.

Urban is one of those actors you see everywhere but never remember his name. Lord of the Rings, The Bourne Supremacy, Star Trek, Riddick, Thor: Ragnarok, Xena: Warrior Princess, and The Boys are just a few productions he’s participated in since 1990.

A B list celebrity, Karl Urban, is speaking into a Prime Video microphone while wearing a navy blue suit and white shirt, with greenery in the background.

Even after taking home the Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody and an Emmy for Mr. Robot, Malek prefers to alternate blockbusters like No Time to Die with more lighthearted fare like Amsterdam.

A B list celebrity, Rami Malek, is posing on the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards, wearing a dark suit, bow tie, and coat, with a branded backdrop behind him.

The daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet is no stranger to stardom. Her roles in Fantastic Beasts, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Batman have helped her make her name in Hollywood. A few more juicy roles, and she will have her spot on the A-list sealed, possibly with a Golden Globe Award nomination.

A B list celebrity, Zoë Kravitz, is posing outdoors wearing black sunglasses and a black lace-trimmed top, with a cityscape in the background.

A B list celebrity, Ben Whishaw, is smiling while wearing clear-framed glasses and a black blazer at an outdoor red carpet event, with a blurred crowd in the background.

A B list celebrity, Walton Goggins, is speaking passionately while gesturing with his hand during a panel discussion. He is wearing a light gray suit and an open-collared shirt.

Despite his DCEU star turn as Shazam, Levi has yet to hit the same heights that Chris Evans and The Rock achieved after their superhero runs. With three films in the can for 2025, however, we’ll see many of them soon.

A B list celebrity, Zachary Levi, is smiling and gesturing during a public event, wearing a striped polo shirt. A colorful “Harold and the Purple Crayon” poster is in the background.

A B list celebrity, Cara Delevingne, is walking the runway in a red zip-up top and a black shiny jacket during a fashion show, with a crowd in the background.

The 90s It Girl Tyler was poised for A-list accolades after high-profile roles in huge blockbusters like Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. She has taken a long break (in Hollywood terms at least) of five years from making movies and won’t release her next flick, Captain America: Brave New World, until 2025.

A B list celebrity, Liv Tyler, is smiling softly while wearing a striped sweater over a black top, with her dark hair flowing down at an indoor event.

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How the mighty have fallen! Paltrow was the ultimate It Girl, winning an Oscar early in her career for Shakespeare in Love and appearing in iconic films like Seven, The Talented Mr. Rilpey, The Royal Tenenbaums, Emma, and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Today, she prefers to stick to an action flick like Avengers or Iron Man every so often and instead focus on her lifestyle company, Goop.

A B list celebrity, Gwyneth Paltrow, is smiling while seated at an event, wearing a white floral blouse with her blonde hair down, with a floral backdrop behind her.

This Avengers actress prefers to supplement her work in those blockbusters with smaller, more cerebral films and has received an award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

A B list celebrity, Cobie Smulders, is seated at an event, smiling softly while wearing a floral shirt, with her hands gently clasped at her chest and a water bottle nearby.

A B list celebrity, Natalie Dormer, is sitting in a vintage car, wearing a black lace dress with a plunging neckline, and smiling for the camera at an outdoor evening event.

His highly regarded roles in Frost/Nixon and Masters of Sex demonstrate Sheen’s breadth of talent, yet casual viewers still don’t fully appreciate him.

A B list celebrity, Michael Sheen, is seated at a table backstage, holding a book and gesturing with his hand while wearing a black suit. A bottle of water and a hat are placed on the table nearby.

A B list celebrity, Joel Edgerton, is standing under an “On Air” sign, wearing a blue bucket hat and matching jacket, with a neutral expression indoors.

Although Egerton is currently just outside the A-list, his captivating performances in Rocketman and Kingsman demonstrate that he is a rising star.

A B list celebrity, Taron Egerton, is speaking at a podium during a “Letters Live” event, wearing a gray hoodie, green pants, and a blue baseball cap on stage.

Fischer’s iconic character Pam in The Office will become one of television’s most iconic, but that has not translated to big screen success. Besides her role as Ms. Huron in 2024’s Mean Girls, Fischer has been under the radar for the last 5 years, missing out on a primetime Emmy award nomination.

A B list celebrity, Jenna Fischer, is seated on a couch, gesturing with her hand in a playful manner while wearing a floral blouse during an indoor event.

You may recognize her from Birds of Prey, Fargo, 10 Cloverfield Lane, or Ahsoka, but this talented actress needs a few blockbusters before being considered for A-list status.

A B list celebrity, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is seated and smiling while wearing a bright pink suit during an event, with a dark curtain backdrop behind her.

Despite being most known for his legendary performance as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, Harington deserves more significant film opportunities due to his charisma and talent, potentially leading to an award for best actor. The biggest film he’s been in for the last 5 years was 2021’s Eternals, and while Eternals Return is on its way, his other film choices have not been as lucrative.

A B list celebrity, Kit Harington, is smiling while wearing a dark pinstripe blazer and black shirt at an indoor event, with a blurred backdrop behind him.

He made a name for himself as Jaime Lannister on Game of Thrones, but these days, Coster-Waldau keeps busy with small but interesting films like The Silencing, Against the Ice, and God is a Bullet.

A B list celebrity, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is speaking into a microphone at an outdoor event, wearing a dark jacket with greenery and a bright screen in the background.

A B list celebrity, Elizabeth Olsen, is smiling and laughing while seated at an event, wearing a black dress with a white collar and long flowing hair.

Lilly is still shy of the A-list, despite her performances in The Hurt Locker, The Hobbit, Lost, and Ant-Man showcasing her acting chops.

A B list celebrity, Evangeline Lilly, is smiling while holding a small action figure of her character during a public event, wearing a black jacket with fur-trimmed sleeves and speaking into a microphone.

After a whopping 150-plus credits to her name in both film and television, Greer is the actress who has been in almost all your favorite movies. The problem is, you can never remember which one you know her from.

A B list celebrity, Judy Greer, is smiling while posing at the red carpet premiere of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” wearing a black polka dot dress with a movie-themed backdrop behind her.

Elgort’s career started with a bang, making Carrie, Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars, Billionaire Boys Club, and The Goldfinch, among others, in quick succession. Since 2022 he has stepped back from the big screen to star in and executive produce Tokyo Vice for Max.

A B list celebrity, Ansel Elgort, is standing in an art gallery, wearing a black button-up jacket and boots, with large abstract paintings in the background. He is holding a paintbrush during the event.

Moretz has had steady work in film and television since 2004, including 500 Days of Summer, Kick-Ass, Texas Killing Fields, and Carrie, but despite her lengthy career and critically acclaimed work, she has yet to snag the huge role that would launch her off the b-list.

A B list celebrity, Chloë Grace Moretz, is speaking into a microphone while wearing a black mesh shirt and an Atlanta Braves baseball cap at a sports event, raising her fist enthusiastically.

With her role in Enola Holmes, the Stranger Things star has shown much promise and is ready to go from teen sensation to big-time celebrity. She just has to finish her honeymoon with Jake Bongiovi first.

A B list celebrity, Millie Bobby Brown, is laughing while participating in a game show. She is wearing a pink cropped outfit and standing behind a quiz podium, with the words “Pop Quiz” visible on a screen in the background.

A B list celebrity, Elle Fanning, is seated in the back of a yellow taxi, wearing a patterned jacket and black skirt, looking contemplative during an outdoor scene.

The Hobbit and Hannibal brought critical acclaim to Armitage, and he spends more time on the small screen in shows like Red Eye and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. He will need a runaway hit to graduate from the B-list to the A-list.

A B list celebrity, Richard Armitage, is smiling while leaning against a colorful geometric wall, wearing a blue plaid blazer and light blue shirt during an indoor event.

Create alt text for the following image. Alt text must include the following keyword: A B list celebrity An example of well-written alt text: A one piece meme with a close-up of a lemon on a tree that has a creepy face, with decayed parts making it look like it has a mouth and eyes. The text above the image reads, “When life gives you lemon,” and below, it says, “Run.” ALT text length must be no longer than 125 characters. A good example: John Mueller in a virtual session, wearing glasses and a blue shirt, discussing SEO insights in an informal setting. Must include celebrity name.

FAQ

What is a B-list celebrity?

A B-list celebrity has achieved fame but isn’t yet a major star or a super-bankable performer.

Who are C-list actors?

What is a Z-list celebrity?

The Z-list is at the bottom of the celebrity barrel, where few receive an award nomination. Reality stars, influencers, and has-beens with failed comebacks who pop up on the occasional game show populate this dreaded lowest level of celebrity hell.

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