Hollywood Nepo Babies Ranked: Who's Slaying vs. Who's Just There?

✨ Hollywood’s Nepo Baby Obsession: Who's Thriving and Who's Just…There

Nepo babies. You’ve heard the term. You’ve rolled your eyes. You’ve probably seen one trending on TikTok for saying something painfully out of touch—like being called “a self-made fashion icon” while wearing Chanel... gifted by their mom’s stylist.

In 2023, New York Magazine slapped “nepo baby” across celeb faces like it was a mugshot. And honestly? Gen Z didn’t just eat it up—we built a buffet around it.

But here’s the thing: not all nepo babies are created equal. Some are actually out here giving talent, depth, and main character energy. Others? They're floating on last names like it’s a luxury yacht and the ocean is made of privilege.

So we’re breaking it all down. The icons. The mid-tier mysteries. The cringe cases. Because in the era of receipts, aesthetic overload, and clout currency—we see everything.

👑 The Ones Who Get It, Got It, Give

These nepo babies didn’t just ride the coattails—they redesigned the jacket and walked the runway in it.

Maya Hawke

Parents: Uma Thurman & Ethan Hawke
She acts, she sings, she’s unproblematic, and she radiates quirky-cool energy. Whether she’s roasting her own privilege or delivering a monologue in Stranger Things, Maya feels real. She’s what Gen Z wants from nepo babies: self-aware, talented, and not trying too hard.

Zoë Kravitz

Parents: Lisa Bonet & Lenny Kravitz
The definition of aesthetic goals. Zoë’s vibe is editorial spreads, late-night jazz bars, and vintage Polaroids. But she’s also got acting chops—Big Little Lies, High Fidelity, and The Batman? She’s serving consistently.

Riley Keough

Parents: Lisa Marie Presley, Granddaughter of Elvis
Riley’s performance in Daisy Jones & The Six was an entire moodboard of chaotic rockstar femininity. She’s not here to post thirst traps—she’s building a serious, Emmy-worthy career. Elvis would be proud.

Timothée Chalamet

Parent: Marc Chalamet (French editor, not super A-list, but still industry-connected)
Okay, technically a soft nepo baby. But Timmy didn’t just get famous—he earned it. From Call Me By Your Name to Dune, he’s Gen Z’s indie prince. Plus, he dated Lourdes Leon (Madonna’s daughter), so like… even his love life is deep in the nepo universe.

Dakota Johnson

Parents: Don Johnson & Melanie Griffith, Granddaughter of Tippi Hedren
Our ✨chaotic interview queen✨. Dakota knows she’s a nepo baby and she leans into it with dry humor and “I don’t care” energy. She’s also built a real career post-Fifty Shades, and honestly, the way she handled Ellen? Iconic.

😬 The Ones Still Figuring It Out

Talented? Maybe. Memorable? Not always. These celebs are in their flop-or-fly era.

Lily-Rose Depp

Parents: Johnny Depp & Vanessa Paradis
The look is there. The runway presence is there. But her acting? Debatable. The Idol had her front and center—and let’s just say, Gen Z was not buying what she was selling. There's still potential, but she's got work to do beyond just giving off “I vape in Paris” energy.

Jaden Smith

Parents: Will & Jada Pinkett Smith
Once an experimental fashion icon and viral philosopher, Jaden’s music had a moment (Icon was that track). But he’s kinda faded into the background post-2018. Still cool, just not moving the needle the way he used to.

Brooklyn Beckham

Parents: Victoria & David Beckham
This man has tried more careers than some of us have had hot meals. Photographer, chef, model—he’s currently husband-ing Nicola Peltz with serious “Instagram husband” energy. The thing is, nothing sticks. But hey, he’s got time (and money).

Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin)

Parents: Stephen Baldwin
Hailey is one of the most visible nepo girls right now—front row at fashion week, skincare mogul with Rhode, and of course, the last name “Bieber” doesn’t hurt. But with every TikTok theory and Selena drama flare-up, Gen Z’s love-hate with her continues. Her PR team deserves a raise.

Maude Apatow

Parents: Judd Apatow & Leslie Mann
From Twitter fave to Euphoria’s Lexi, Maude’s rising. She’s relatable, low-key, and doesn't shove her nepo status in anyone’s face. But some Gen Zers are wondering—does she have range or just really good family direction?

Emma Roberts

Parents: Eric Roberts, Niece of Julia Roberts
Emma’s been around forever—from Unfabulous to American Horror Story. She’s got legacy status and scream queen points, but critics say she’s kinda stuck in one acting gear. Gen Z is waiting for the one role that redefines her.

🥴 The Ones Gen Z Side-Eyes on Sight

They might be on magazine covers, but they’re not in our stan hearts.

Chet Hanks

Parents: Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson
Honestly, Chet feels like he’s from a totally different planet than his wholesome parents. He went viral for fake patois and messy rants. Gen Z finds him more meme than movie star—and not in a good way.

Destry Spielberg

Parent: Steven Spielberg
She made headlines for casting only other nepo babies in her directorial debut and calling it “diverse.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. The internet gave her a collective side-eye, and she’s been mostly quiet since.

Grace Van Dien

Parent: Casper Van Dien
She made a splash in Stranger Things, but then flamed out fast after some messy Twitch drama and on-set accusations. Her Hollywood moment came and went—and Gen Z wasn’t here for the entitlement.

Lourdes Leon (Lola)

Parent: Madonna
Lola does the most while somehow doing the least. She’s a singer, a model, a dancer—but none of it feels fully formed. She has Madonna’s attitude without Madonna’s bite, and Gen Z’s like, “Girl, we’re rooting for you… but give us more than vibes.”

Ireland Baldwin

Parent: Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger
She’s been in headlines more for family drama and Twitter spats than actual work. Gen Z is just confused: do you wanna model, act, podcast, or clap back? Because right now, it’s all kinda mid.

🤔 Why Are We So Obsessed?

Because this generation grew up with hustle culture. We’ve seen our friends build entire brands from iPhones and Canva. So when someone with a last name gets handed everything and still flops? Yeah, we notice.

But when a nepo baby puts in work and doesn’t pretend they made it from scratch? That’s respect. Talent matters. Accountability matters. And humility? Always in style.

🏆 Gen Z's Final Nepo Baby Power Ranking

• SLAY QUEENS: Maya Hawke, Zoë Kravitz, Dakota Johnson, Riley Keough
• MAYBE NEXT ERA: Jaden Smith, Lily-Rose Depp, Maude Apatow, Hailey Bieber
• WE’RE SIDE-EYEING YOU: Chet Hanks, Destry Spielberg, Grace Van Dien, Lourdes Leon, Brooklyn Beckham

The verdict? Nepo babies aren’t going anywhere—but the free ride is over. Gen Z holds everyone to the same “is it giving?” standard. And if it’s not giving? We’re logging off.

Stay in the loop with more brutally honest celeb culture at Woke Waves Magazine—where Gen Z keeps it cute, but always calls it out.

#NepoBabies #GenZCulture #CelebrityPrivilege #HollywoodDrama #WokeWaves

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