Pop Culture

Ranking the celebrity lookalike contests going viral online from worst to best

Celebrity lookalike contests are popping up everywhere.

Photo of Angela Andaloro

Angela Andaloro

Jeremy Allen White Look a like(l) Timothee Chalamet look a like(c) Zayn Malik(r)

What celebrity do you look like? If someone comes to mind, keep an eye out for one of the local contests that are going viral online lately.

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Celebrity lookalike contests seemed to be one of those one-off random stunts—like the man eating cheese balls in Union Square—who went quickly viral for his antics. Quickly, however, the practice has become a source of entertainment and joy for several fandoms.

You might not know it, but celebrity lookalike contests are now happening everywhere. Some of them definitely have straight doppelgangers, while others are full of contestants who are reaching. From needs work to iconic execution, here’s a ranking of the celebrity lookalike contests.

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8. Zayn Malik’s lookalike contest

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@stupid.spicy/TikTok

The Zayn Malik lookalike contest went down in Bushwick, Brooklyn, on Nov. 17 and caused some controversy online. While a lot of people argued that none of the contestants bore a strong resemblance to the former One Directioner, there were definitely some similar features between Malik and the winner.

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Why did this rank #8? It’s tough to compete with actual Zayn Malik.

Watch this TikTok to see more of what the vibe was like.

7. Jeremy Allen White’s lookalike contest

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@alejandraroman555/TikTok

On Nov. 16, people gathered to find Chicago’s closest Jeremy Allen White lookalike. Some critics of this competition noted that the contestants were supposed to aim to look like White—not his character, Carmy Berzatto, from The Bear. As for the winner, he definitely could be a cousin of or a stunt double for the actor.

Why #7? Chef aprons and cigarettes.

Watch this TikTok to see more of the JAW contestants in Chicago.

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6. Clairo’s lookalike contest

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@.internet_explorer_/TikTok
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Clairo‘s lookalike contest marked the first known time that a female celebrity was the subject of one of these events. It took place in Richmond, Virginia, on Nov. 17. Here’s the winner!

Why #6? No shade, but it’s not the most impressive contest on the list.

Watch this TikTok to see more of the Clairo clones.

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5. Zendaya’s lookalike contest

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@averagediana/TikTok

Zendaya‘s lookalike contest took place on Nov. 20 in Oakland, Calif. There were a wide range of contestants who were all gorgeous, including the winner.

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Why #5? Because the competition was fierce.

Watch this TikTok to see more of the Zendaya contest.

4. Paul Mescal’s lookalike contest

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@todayfm/TikTok

There was a Paul Mescal lookalike contest held in Dublin on Nov. 7. There was a good turnout, with a winner who recited lines from Normal People to clinch the win.

Why’d this rank #4? Because Paul’s lookalikes donned the short shorts he’s been known to sport.

Watch this TikTok to see more of Paul’s lookalikes.

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3. Dev Patel’s lookalike contest

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@kombuchabaee/TikTok
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San Francisco brought out all the Dev Patel lookalikes on Nov. 10th, and they did not disappoint. The winner was well-deserving.

Why did this rank #3? Dev Patel lookalikes, that’s why. 🤩

Watch this TikTok to see more of the Dev Patel contestants.

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2. Harry Styles’s lookalike contest

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@hypebae/TikTok

The Harry Styles lookalike contest brought the crowds out on Nov. 9 in London’s Soho Square.

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Why second place? The commitment to Harry’s look was on point.

Watch this TikTok to see more of the Harry fits.

1. Timothée Chalamet’s lookalike contest

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@pranjjain/TikTok

The Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest was actually brought to you by the aforementioned cheese ball guy, YouTuber Anthony Po, on Oct. 27. It’s the only one of these contests to date to have the subject themselves visit.

Why #1? When it comes to the best, you’ve got to give it to the OGs.

Watch this TikTok to see more of the worthy contestants.

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Contests to come

Believe it or not, a lot more people are looking to get in on this craze. Here are some other contests that are allegedly in the works. Keep an eye out for more!

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Miles Teller

Jungkook

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Paul Rudd

Rachel Sennott

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