Hollywood Actresses Who Are Way Better at Acting Than People Realize

Many talented performers in the entertainment industry often get pigeonholed into specific archetypes or genres that limit public perception of their true range. Audiences may associate a star with a blockbuster franchise or a romantic comedy persona without recognizing the depth of skill they bring to smaller or more challenging projects. These actresses have repeatedly demonstrated dramatic weight and comedic timing that exceed the expectations set by their most famous roles. The following list highlights fifty women who possess impressive acting chops that deserve far more credit than they typically receive.

Kristen Stewart

Critics often unfairly dismissed her abilities during the height of the vampire romance craze that launched her career. She later silenced naysayers with her powerful portrayal of Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. Her work in independent films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ demonstrates a raw and naturalistic style that few contemporaries can match. Stewart commands the screen with subtle facial expressions and an intense internal emotional life.

Dakota Johnson

While she gained massive fame leading a controversial romance trilogy, Johnson has proven to be a versatile and magnetic screen presence in other genres. She delivered an unsettling and complex performance in the horror remake ‘Suspiria’ that required immense physical and emotional dedication. Her ability to navigate dry comedy and deep drama shines in films like ‘The Lost Daughter’ and ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’. She possesses a unique quiet confidence that anchors every scene she inhabits.

Megan Fox

Mainstream audiences frequently reduced this actress to a sex symbol during her early action blockbuster days. She later displayed sharp comedic timing and self-awareness in the horror-comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’ which has since become a cult classic. Her guest arc on ‘New Girl’ showcased her ability to handle deadpan humor and blend seamlessly with an ensemble cast. Fox continues to challenge industry perceptions by taking on gritty thrillers like ‘Till Death’.

Amanda Seyfried

Seyfried often plays the romantic lead or the sweet girl next door but her range extends far beyond these tropes. She earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Marion Davies in ‘Mank’ where she matched the energy of veteran heavyweights. Her compelling performance as Elizabeth Holmes in ‘The Dropout’ required her to master a distinct voice and physical transformation. She effortlessly switches between musical comedy and intense biographical drama.

Blake Lively

Best known for her fashionable role on a teen drama series, Lively has consistently pushed her boundaries in film. She carried the survival thriller ‘The Shallows’ almost entirely on her own while acting against a CGI shark. Her performance in ‘A Simple Favor’ allowed her to explore a darker and more manipulative character with great success. Lively brings a grounded charisma to her roles that elevates even standard genre fare.

Vanessa Hudgens

Hudgens successfully transitioned from a Disney musical phenomenon to a gritty dramatic actress. She disappeared into the role of a homeless teenager in ‘Gimme Shelter’ which required a drastic physical alteration. Her performance in the live television production of ‘Grease’ garnered praise for her resilience and vocal talent during a personal tragedy. She continues to seek out diverse projects that challenge her clean-cut image.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza is famous for her deadpan delivery and sarcastic persona but she is also a formidable dramatic actress. Her starring role in ‘Emily the Criminal’ showcased a desperate intensity and moral ambiguity that captivated audiences. She brought surprising vulnerability to the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ while maintaining her signature edge. Plaza proves she can handle complex psychological narratives just as well as sketch comedy.

Rachel McAdams

Although she is an icon of the romantic comedy genre, McAdams possesses incredible range that often goes unappreciated. Her Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Spotlight’ demonstrated her ability to play grounded and serious investigative journalists. She displayed excellent comedic chops in ‘Game Night’ where she embraced physical humor and energetic line delivery. McAdams brings a sincere warmth and intelligence to every character she plays.

Mandy Moore

Moore began her career as a pop star but evolved into a powerhouse television actress. Her decades-spanning role in ‘This Is Us’ required her to play a character from young adulthood into her eighties with convincing makeup and mannerisms. She anchored the emotional core of the series and delivered consistently heartbreaking performances. Her work proves she can handle complex family dynamics and heavy dramatic material.

Lindsay Lohan

Lohan was a child prodigy who displayed remarkable talent in films like ‘The Parent Trap’ by playing two distinct characters effortlessly. Her performance in ‘Mean Girls’ showcased her ability to lead a comedy with charm and relatable energy. Despite career interruptions, she retains a natural screen presence and charisma that many trained actors struggle to emulate. Her return to acting highlights the enduring nature of her raw talent.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez is a global music superstar who sometimes overshadows her own significant accomplishments as an actress. She delivered a career-defining performance in ‘Hustlers’ that combined physical prowess with deep emotional resonance. Her turn in ‘Out of Sight’ remains a high point of crime caper chemistry and dramatic tension. Lopez commands attention in every frame and brings a fierce determination to her characters.

Constance Wu

Wu broke barriers with her lead role in a major studio romantic comedy but her skills extend to many other genres. Her performance in ‘Hustlers’ provided the emotional anchor for the film and showcased her vulnerability. She displayed excellent comedic timing and family chemistry in the sitcom ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. Wu consistently chooses roles that allow her to explore different facets of the Asian-American experience.

Awkwafina

Initially known for her viral rap videos and comedic sidekick roles, Awkwafina proved her dramatic worth in ‘The Farewell’. She delivered a subtle and poignant performance as a grieving granddaughter navigating cultural differences. Her voice work in animated films demonstrates her high energy and distinct personality. She successfully balances broad comedy with genuine dramatic pathos.

Emilia Clarke

Clarke became a household name playing a dragon-riding queen but she has much more to offer than fantasy stoicism. Her performance in ‘Me Before You’ showcased her expressive eyebrows and ability to play a bubbly romantic lead. She brought warmth and humor to the holiday film ‘Last Christmas’ while handling its more serious twists. Clarke possesses a natural charm that shines brightest when she is allowed to be vulnerable.

Sophie Turner

Growing up on the set of a massive fantasy series allowed Turner to evolve from a frightened girl to a commanding leader before the audience’s eyes. She later took on the difficult role of Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and handled the emotional duality of the character well. Her work in the limited series ‘The Staircase’ proved she can hold her own in a dense true-crime drama. Turner brings a regal yet fragile quality to her dramatic work.

Emma Watson

Watson will always be associated with a brilliant young witch but she has worked hard to diversify her filmography. Her role in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ allowed her to play a free-spirited American teenager with convincing emotion. She brought intelligence and grace to the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Watson commits fully to her characters and brings a thoughtful presence to her performances.

Lily Collins

Collins often plays fashionable protagonists in romantic comedies but she has a strong dramatic background. Her portrayal of Fantine in the television adaptation of ‘Les Misérables’ was heartbreaking and gritty. She explored the dark side of eating disorders in the film ‘To the Bone’ with unflinching honesty. Collins possesses an expressive face that conveys deep emotion without the need for dialogue.

Anna Kendrick

Kendrick is a musical theater powerhouse who also excels in serious dramatic roles. She earned an Oscar nomination for her sharp and structured performance in ‘Up in the Air’ opposite George Clooney. Her work in the thriller ‘A Simple Favor’ allowed her to deconstruct her own perky image. Kendrick brings a neurotic intelligence to her characters that makes them uniquely memorable.

Mila Kunis

Audiences know her for her voice work and sitcom roles but Kunis acts with impressive intensity in dramatic films. Her performance as a rival ballerina in ‘Black Swan’ was seductive and psychologically complex. She carried the mystery in ‘The Girliest Girl Alive’ by balancing trauma with a polished exterior. Kunis has a natural darkness and edge that serves her well in thrillers.

Cameron Diaz

Diaz retired from acting leaving behind a legacy that is often dismissed as just light comedies. Her unrecognizable transformation in ‘Being John Malkovich’ proved she was willing to abandon vanity for art. She held her own against dramatic heavyweights in ‘Gangs of New York’ and ‘Vanilla Sky’. Diaz possessed a rare combination of movie star looks and genuine clown-like physical comedy skills.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore has been acting since childhood and has an instinctive ability to connect with audiences. Her performance in ‘Grey Gardens’ as Little Edie was a stunning transformative feat that garnered critical acclaim. She brought a grounded humanity to the horror-comedy series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’. Barrymore infuses her roles with an infectious optimism and emotional accessibility.

Jennifer Aniston

Aniston created one of the most iconic television characters in history but her film work shows a darker side. She stripped down her glamour for the drama ‘Cake’ to play a woman suffering from chronic pain. Her performance in ‘The Morning Show’ allows her to explore anger and ambition in a high-stakes corporate setting. Aniston is a master of micro-expressions and navigating the line between funny and tragic.

Reese Witherspoon

Witherspoon is a mogul who produces her own material now but her acting talent remains her foundation. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’ by doing her own singing. Her work in ‘Wild’ was a physically grueling and raw depiction of grief and redemption. Witherspoon excels at playing women who are underestimated by the people around them.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Gellar defined a generation as a vampire slayer but her acting ability goes deeper than action choreography. She played a delicious villain in ‘Cruel Intentions’ with icy precision and charisma. Her return to television in ‘Wolf Pack’ reminds audiences of her ability to ground supernatural stories in human emotion. Gellar communicates volumes with her eyes and possesses immense screen command.

Kaley Cuoco

Cuoco spent years on a massive sitcom which often masked her range as a dramatic performer. She shattered expectations with her frenetic and emotional lead role in ‘The Flight Attendant’. The part required her to navigate addiction and trauma while maintaining a comedic tone. Cuoco proves she is a capable leading lady who can carry a complex mystery thriller.

Selena Gomez

Gomez transitioned from child star to a producer and actress with a very dry and distinct comedic style. Her role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ holds the show together against two comedy legends. She delivered a raw and unglamorous performance in the film ‘Spring Breakers’. Gomez acts with a stillness and subtlety that works perfectly for modern deadpan comedy.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus is primarily a music icon but she has displayed significant acting chops when she chooses to use them. Her performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too’ was a meta-commentary on pop stardom that she handled with depth. She held her own in the romance drama ‘The Last Song’ early in her career. Cyrus has a natural charisma and raspy voice that give her a unique screen presence.

Lady Gaga

Gaga conquered the music world before proving she is a serious method actress. Her performance in ‘A Star Is Born’ was vulnerable and raw enough to earn an Oscar nomination. She fully transformed into a vengeful socialite for ‘House of Gucci’ with a distinct accent and mannerisms. Gaga brings the same intensity to her film roles that she brings to her stadium tours.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Winstead is a favorite among genre fans but deserves wider recognition for her consistency. She delivered a powerhouse performance in ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ as a resourceful captive. Her role in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ required her to be cool and distant yet sympathetic. Winstead grounds fantastical scenarios with believable human reactions and strength.

Lizzy Caplan

Caplan broke out as a sarcastic goth teen but has since played a wide variety of complex women. She expertly portrayed sexual researcher Virginia Johnson in ‘Masters of Sex’ with intelligence and nuance. Her role in ‘Fleishman Is in Trouble’ required her to narrate and act with a specific melancholic tone. Caplan can switch from broad comedy to heartbreaking drama in a single scene.

Judy Greer

Greer is the ultimate character actress who often steals scenes from the main stars. She brought genuine pathos to the ‘Halloween’ reboot trilogy as a mother dealing with generational trauma. Her voice work in ‘Archer’ displays a chaotic energy that contrasts with her live-action roles. Greer elevates every project she is in regardless of screen time.

Kathryn Hahn

Hahn labored as a supporting comedic actress for years before getting her due as a leading lady. Her starring role in ‘WandaVision’ allowed her to play a campy villain and a nosy neighbor simultaneously. She delivered a beautiful dramatic performance in ‘Private Life’ about the struggles of infertility. Hahn is fearless and willing to go to bizarre places for a character.

Elizabeth Olsen

Olsen started in independent thrillers like ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ where she played a cult survivor with haunting realism. She brought emotional weight to the Marvel universe as the Scarlet Witch by exploring grief and loss. Her performance in ‘Love and Death’ showcased her ability to play a repressed housewife turned killer. Olsen consistently chooses roles that require deep psychological exploration.

Karen Gillan

Gillan is unrecognizable under blue makeup in space movies but she is a gifted physical comedian. Her role in the ‘Jumanji’ sequels allowed her to play a shy girl trapped in a warrior’s body. She delivered a sharp and intense performance in the thriller ‘Dual’ where she played two versions of herself. Gillan uses her height and physicality to create distinct silhouettes for her characters.

Zoe Saldaña

Saldana is the queen of sci-fi franchises yet her dramatic skills are often overlooked because of the CGI. She played a grieving woman in ‘The Adam Project’ with great tenderness and chemistry. Her performance in the miniseries ‘From Scratch’ was a tear-jerking exploration of love and loss. Saldana brings a dancer’s grace and intense focus to all her roles.

Margot Robbie

Robbie is a massive star who often disappears so completely into roles that people forget it is her. Her transformation into Tonya Harding for ‘I, Tonya’ was a physical and emotional tour de force. She captured the manic energy of Hollywood’s golden age in ‘Babylon’. Robbie is a fearless producer and actress who takes big swings with every character.

Zendaya

Zendaya successfully shed her Disney channel image to become the youngest two-time Emmy winner for acting. Her portrayal of a drug-addicted teenager in ‘Euphoria’ is visceral and difficult to watch. She holds the screen with a quiet intensity in the ‘Dune’ franchise despite limited dialogue. Zendaya possesses an emotional maturity that belies her age.

Hailee Steinfeld

Steinfeld earned an Oscar nomination as a child for her role in ‘True Grit’ and hasn’t slowed down since. She carries the coming-of-age classic ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ with awkwardness and wit. Her performance in ‘Dickinson’ reimagined a historical figure with modern energy and surrealism. Steinfeld is a natural talent who excels in both comedy and drama.

Florence Pugh

Pugh has quickly established herself as one of the best actresses of her generation. Her breakdown scenes in ‘Midsommar’ are terrifyingly realistic depictions of grief and panic. She brought wit and heart to the role of Amy March in ‘Little Women’ redeeming a character often disliked by fans. Pugh commands every scene with a deep and resonant voice.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Taylor-Joy has a unique look and an intense screen presence that suits period pieces and horror. She mesmerized audiences as a chess prodigy in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ using subtle facial ticks to convey genius. Her performance in ‘The Witch’ launched her career and proved she could carry a film. She brings an otherworldly quality to her roles that is impossible to teach.

Haley Lu Richardson

Richardson is an indie darling who brings immense charm and depth to her projects. Her role in ‘Columbus’ was a quiet masterpiece of conversation and subtle emotion. She stood out in ‘The White Lotus’ as a relatable and frustrated assistant. Richardson acts with a naturalism that makes her characters feel like real people you know.

Maika Monroe

Monroe became a horror icon with her performance in ‘It Follows’ where she conveyed constant dread. She displayed a different kind of intensity in the thriller ‘Watcher’. Her ability to play characters under extreme duress makes her a favorite for tension-filled movies. Monroe has a classic screen presence that fits perfectly in genre cinema.

Krysten Ritter

Ritter is best known for her sharp wit and biting sarcasm. She played a superhero with PTSD in ‘Jessica Jones’ and explored the darker sides of trauma and recovery. Her comedic turn in ‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’ remains a high point of physical comedy. Ritter excels at playing damaged characters who use humor as a defense mechanism.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is a shape-shifter who plays multiple characters within the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology. Her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’ earned her universal acclaim and awards. She brings a neurotic energy and intensity to her roles that is captivating. Paulson is a technical master who can handle the most bizarre dialogue.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood has been acting since she was a child and tackles complex and often dark material. Her performance as a sentient android in ‘Westworld’ required her to shift between robotic stillness and human emotion. She anchored the teen drama ‘Thirteen’ with a raw and shocking performance. Wood brings a fierce intelligence and steeliness to her characters.

Tatiana Maslany

Maslany pulled off one of the greatest acting feats in television history in ‘Orphan Black’. She played over a dozen distinct clones often acting opposite herself in the same frame. Her role in ‘She-Hulk’ allowed her to flex her comedic muscles and motion capture skills. Maslany is a technical wizard who creates fully realized people out of high-concept ideas.

Rose Byrne

Byrne is a dramatic actress who discovered she was a comedic genius mid-career. Her role in ‘Bridesmaids’ as a passive-aggressive rival remains a masterclass in cringe comedy. She balanced physical fitness mania and internal sadness in the series ‘Physical’. Byrne can play the straight woman or the chaotic element with equal proficiency.

Emily Blunt

Blunt acts with a versatility that allows her to jump from musicals to horror effortlessly. She carried the nearly silent film ‘A Quiet Place’ with just her facial expressions. Her performance in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ stole the movie from the lead character. Blunt brings a sharp wit and British sensibility to her diverse filmography.

Keke Palmer

Palmer is a charismatic force who has been performing since she was a child. Her role in ‘Nope’ allowed her to be the energetic heart of a tense sci-fi horror film. She displayed dramatic depth in ‘Pimp’ playing a character in a harsh and gritty environment. Palmer commands the screen with high energy and undeniable star power.

Jenna Ortega

Ortega successfully transitioned from child roles to becoming a modern scream queen. She reinvented an iconic character in ‘Wednesday’ by adding her own deadpan style and physicality. Her performance in ‘The Fallout’ was a heartbreakingly realistic portrayal of school shooting trauma. Ortega acts with a maturity and focus that suggests a long career ahead.

Tell us which actress you think is the most underrated in the comments.