Justice Smith is the actor who somehow bridges the gap between "the guy from the Pokémon movie" and "the lead in that intense indie film your teen won't stop talking about." He has managed to avoid the typical child-star-to-adult-actor trap by being genuinely weird, incredibly selective, and consistently the best part of whatever movie he’s in. Whether he’s playing a stuttering sorcerer or a kid obsessed with a 90s supernatural TV show, Smith brings a specific kind of vulnerable, high-IQ energy that resonates with Gen Z.
TL;DR: Justice Smith is one of the most versatile actors of his generation, moving seamlessly from blockbusters like Detective Pikachu to complex dramas like I Saw the TV Glow. For parents, he’s a reliable signal of a "thinking person's" project. His upcoming role in Heated Rivalry Season 2 is set to be his next massive cultural moment, especially with the teen hockey-romance crowd.
If you haven't heard of Heated Rivalry yet, your teenager probably has. Based on the viral book series by Rachel Reid, the show has become a juggernaut in the "hockey romance" subgenre. It’s intense, emotional, and carries a massive online following.
The big news for 2026 is that Justice Smith is set to join the cast for Season 2 as Harris. Pairing him with Charlie Gillespie (who is playing Troy) is a brilliant casting move that has already set social media on fire. Based on the source material, this season will likely lean into the complex, high-stakes world of professional sports and personal identity. It’s the kind of show that moves fast and hits hard emotionally, making it a staple for older teens who are into character-driven dramas.
Most parents first clocked Justice Smith when he was running away from giant monsters. In Detective Pikachu, he played Tim Goodman, the human heart of a movie that could have easily just been a CGI cash grab. He made the relationship with a talking yellow mouse feel grounded and real, which is no small feat.
He followed that up with the Jurassic World franchise. In those films, he usually plays the "audience surrogate"—the person who is rightfully terrified that a T-Rex is trying to eat them. While those movies aren't exactly Shakespeare, Smith’s presence adds a layer of relatability. He isn't the chiseled action hero; he’s the smart, slightly panicked guy trying to survive. If your younger kids are into dinosaurs or Pokémon, these are his most accessible "gateway" roles.
Where Smith really shines is in projects that have a bit more "soul" or niche appeal.
- The Get Down: This Baz Luhrmann Netflix series about the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx was Smith’s breakout. He played Ezekiel "Books" Figuero, a poet and aspiring rapper. It’s stylish, musical, and vibrant. If your kid is into music history or theater, this is a must-watch.
- Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves: Smith played Simon the Sorcerer, and he basically stole the movie. Instead of a powerful, confident wizard, he played a guy with a massive "imposter syndrome" problem. It’s a great performance that turns a fantasy trope into a very relatable story about self-confidence.
For the older teens and the A24 crowd, I Saw the TV Glow is the Justice Smith performance that defines him. It’s a surreal, haunting film about two teens who bond over a scary TV show that might be more real than their actual lives.
This isn't a "popcorn movie." It’s a heavy, atmospheric exploration of identity, nostalgia, and the feeling of not fitting in. It’s the kind of film that sparks two-hour conversations after the credits roll. If your teen is into "elevated horror" or artistic indie films, this is likely their favorite thing he’s done.
Justice Smith doesn't do "boring." He picks roles that usually have something to say about being an outsider.
The one thing to keep an eye on is the "intensity shift." He moves between very different age brackets. You can watch Detective Pikachu with a 7-year-old, but you probably want to wait a few years before sitting them down for I Saw the TV Glow or the more mature themes in Heated Rivalry.
He’s also a very vocal advocate for queer representation in Hollywood, and many of his roles—either explicitly or through subtext—deal with the complexities of identity. It makes him a significant figure for kids looking for authentic stories that don't feel like they were written by a marketing committee.
If your kid is a fan, use his filmography to talk about range and creative choices.
- On Career Choices: "He went from a giant Pokémon movie to a tiny indie film about a 90s TV show. Why do you think an actor would make that choice?"
- On Character Types: "In Dungeons & Dragons, his character struggles with confidence. How does that change the way the 'magic' works in that world?"
- On Adaptation: Especially with Heated Rivalry coming up, you can ask, "How does seeing an actor you like change the way you pictured the character in the book?"
Q: Is Justice Smith's new show Heated Rivalry okay for younger kids?
No, Heated Rivalry is definitely aimed at the older teen and adult audience. It deals with professional sports culture, romance, and mature themes that won't land with the elementary school set.
Q: What is the best Justice Smith movie for a family movie night?
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is the winner here. It’s funny, action-packed, and has enough heart to keep everyone from 8 to 80 engaged.
Q: Why is Justice Smith so popular on TikTok and social media?
He has a very authentic, "unpolished" online presence. He doesn't post like a traditional PR-managed movie star, which makes Gen Z feel like he’s one of them. Plus, his role in I Saw the TV Glow made him an instant icon in the "indie-aesthetic" corners of the internet.
Justice Smith is a "prestige" actor who happens to be in blockbusters. He’s a great entry point for kids to start moving from standard kid-fare into more thoughtful, character-driven cinema. Whether he’s casting spells or dealing with the drama of a professional hockey locker room, he’s always worth the watch.
If your kid is diving into the Justice Smith rabbit hole, check out these curated lists to find their next favorite thing:
- Our best movies for kids list for more family-friendly blockbusters.
- The digital guide for high schoolers for the more complex dramas and indie picks.
- Get more recommendations for teen dramas
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