Proof that age ain’t nothing but a number.

1. Caleb McLaughlin, 2. Gaten Matarazzo, 3. Finn Wolfhard, 4. Millie Bobby Brown

No new show dominated the cultural zeitgeist in 2016 quite like Stranger Things. We analyzed the endless homages in Netflix’s nostalgia-tinged drama, dressed as the characters for Halloween, and spent most of Christmas screaming “Will!!!!” at lights like we were Winona Ryder.

But the show's biggest gift was its core four: Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven). These young actors — ages 15, 14, 14, and 12 respectively — became the Goonies for a new generation in the process.

And if their onscreen contributions weren't enough, the accompanying press tour proved them to be quick-witted, endlessly charming, and even more talented than we'd suspected. We must protect them at all costs.

Netflix

5. Bella Ramsey

Given the endless collection of characters that populate HBO's Game of Thrones, it takes a lot to stand out as a supporting character — but for Bella Ramsey, who's just 12, it was like taking candy from a baby. While she only appeared in three episodes of Season 6 as Lyanna Mormont — a headstrong leader with an iron conviction — the actor blew through Westeros like a boss and the internet quickly fell at her feet.

HBO

6. Auli’i Cravalho

Auli'i Cravalho is the voice behind Disney's sublime Moana, but — more importantly — the Hawaii native supplies the movie with a grounded confidence, a gorgeously zealous range, and the big, beating heart that fuels every turn of Moana's boat. And considering this is the 16-year-old's film debut, there's no telling how far she'll go in the years to come.

Christopher Polk / Getty Images

7. Lonnie Chavis, 8. Mackenzie Hancsicsak, 9. Parker Bates

No show has made our tear ducts flow in 2016 quite like NBC's breakout hit This Is Us. But one of the most unexpected sources of those feels has been the trio of actors who play the younger versions of the Pearson Big Three.

Lonnie Chavis (Randall), Mackenzie Hancsicsak (Kate), and Parker Bates (Kevin), all nine years old, have each done a dynamic job of laying the emotional groundwork that Sterling K. Brown (Randall), Chrissy Metz (Kate), and Justin Hartley (Kevin) beautifully mine week in and week out with their adult incarnations.

Nbc / Ron Batzdorff / NBC

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