Gen Z’s Favorite Actresses
Generation Z has ushered in a new era of Hollywood stardom, championing actresses who value authenticity, diversity, and bold storytelling. These performers have captured the hearts of audiences born between the late 1990s and early 2010s through viral streaming hits, blockbuster franchises, and relatable social media presences. From former Disney stars redefining their careers to breakout talents in gritty teen dramas, this generation’s favorites are reshaping the entertainment landscape. The following list highlights the actresses who have defined the cultural zeitgeist for Gen Z.
Zendaya
Zendaya effortlessly transitioned from a Disney Channel star to one of the most acclaimed actors of her generation. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her raw and heartbreaking portrayal of Rue Bennett in the HBO drama ‘Euphoria’. Her role as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy solidified her status as a global box office draw. Beyond acting, she is celebrated as a fashion icon who consistently dominates red carpet conversations with bold looks. Her ability to balance blockbuster films like ‘Dune’ with emotionally demanding television roles has earned her immense respect from critics and fans alike.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega became a global sensation with her deadpan performance as the title character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. She revitalized the ‘Scream’ franchise for a new generation, starring in the fifth and sixth installments as Tara Carpenter. Ortega began her career as a child actor in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Stuck in the Middle’, showcasing her longevity in the industry. She is known for gravitating toward dark, gothic, and horror-centric roles that resonate with modern audiences. Her distinct style and candid interviews have made her a defining figure in pop culture.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh garnered international recognition for her breakout role in the folk horror film ‘Midsommar’, where her portrayal of grief captivated viewers. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’, bringing depth to a previously divisive character. Pugh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her dry wit and action skills. She continues to take on challenging roles in films like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Her cooking videos on social media also helped endear her to a younger demographic during the pandemic.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown rose to fame at age twelve with her role as Eleven in the sci-fi phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. She expanded her filmography by starring in and producing the ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise, where she plays the witty younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. Her performance in the monster film ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ marked her debut in theatrical blockbusters. Brown launched her own beauty brand, Florence by Mills, catering specifically to the preferences of Gen Z consumers. She remains one of the youngest people ever to be included in the Time 100 list of most influential people.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney captured widespread attention for her role as Cassie Howard in the HBO teen drama ‘Euphoria’. She demonstrated her range by playing the cynical college student Olivia Mossbacher in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. Both performances earned her simultaneous Emmy nominations in 2022, highlighting her versatility. Sweeney has also produced and starred in the romantic comedy ‘Anyone but You’, which became a surprise box office hit. Her involvement in projects ranging from horror films like ‘Immaculate’ to superhero movies showcases her tireless work ethic.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy established herself as a scream queen with her debut in Robert Eggers’ ‘The Witch’. She achieved massive mainstream success with her portrayal of chess prodigy Beth Harmon in the Netflix miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her unique look and intense acting style have made her a muse for directors in films like ‘The Menu’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. Taylor-Joy consistently chooses unconventional and visually striking projects that appeal to artistic sensibilities. She is also a brand ambassador for several major fashion houses, cementing her status as a style icon.
Sadie Sink
Sadie Sink is best known for her role as Max Mayfield in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’, particularly for her standout performance in the show’s fourth season. She garnered critical acclaim for her role in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’, where she played the estranged daughter of the protagonist. Sink also starred in Taylor Swift’s short film ‘All Too Well’, which became a viral sensation upon its release. Her career began on Broadway in ‘Annie’, demonstrating her background in theatrical performance. Fans often praise her for bringing emotional depth and intensity to complex teenage characters.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in ‘Euphoria’, a role she helped write and develop alongside the show’s creator. Before acting, she was a successful fashion model, walking for high-profile designers like Dior and Miu Miu. Schafer starred as Tigris Snow in the ‘Hunger Games’ prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, introducing her to a major film franchise audience. She is a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to advocate for the transgender community. Her artistic background influences her distinct visual style and creative collaborations.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo initially gained fame as an actress in Disney Channel’s ‘Bizaardvark’ and the Disney+ series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. Her performance as Nini Salazar-Roberts showcased her songwriting talents, which later launched her massive music career. While she focuses primarily on music now, her acting roots remain a key part of her history with Gen Z fans. Her debut single ‘Drivers License’ and subsequent albums resonated deeply with young audiences dealing with heartbreak and identity. She represents the successful transition from child actor to global pop superstar.
Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld received an Academy Award nomination at age fourteen for her role in the western ‘True Grit’. She became a key figure in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise and starred in the coming-of-age classic ‘The Edge of Seventeen’. Steinfeld voices Gwen Stacy in the critically acclaimed ‘Spider-Verse’ animated films, a role that has earned her widespread praise. As Kate Bishop in the Disney+ series ‘Hawkeye’, she officially entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a legacy hero. She successfully balances a dual career in acting and pop music, maintaining relevance in both industries.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke gained immediate popularity as Robin Buckley in the third season of ‘Stranger Things’. The daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, she has carved her own path in indie films and television. She starred in the dark comedy ‘Do Revenge’ alongside Camila Mendes, which became a cult hit on streaming. Hawke is also a musician, releasing folk-rock albums that feature her introspective songwriting. Her collaborations with directors like Wes Anderson in ‘Asteroid City’ demonstrate her growing credibility in cinema.
Alexa Demie
Alexa Demie is best known for her role as Maddy Perez in ‘Euphoria’, where her character’s fashion and attitude became instantly iconic. Her bold makeup looks and outfits on the show sparked widespread trends across social media platforms like TikTok. Before her breakout role, she appeared in the A24 film ‘Mid90s’ and the drama ‘Waves’. Demie maintains a relatively mysterious public persona, rarely giving interviews, which has only increased her allure. She is also involved in fashion design and music, contributing to the creative direction of her projects.
Barbie Ferreira
Barbie Ferreira rose to prominence as Kat Hernandez in ‘Euphoria’, a role that was praised for its exploration of body positivity and online identity. She started her career as a model, advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry. Ferreira appeared in the horror film ‘Nope’ and the road trip comedy ‘Unpregnant’. She left ‘Euphoria’ after its second season to pursue other acting opportunities and broaden her range. Her outspoken nature regarding body image issues has made her a role model for many young women.
Maude Apatow
Maude Apatow plays Lexi Howard in ‘Euphoria’, a character that took center stage in the show’s second season. She is the daughter of director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann, appearing in their films ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘This Is 40’ as a child. Apatow starred in the stage production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, showcasing her theatrical abilities. Her role in the Netflix miniseries ‘Hollywood’ allowed her to explore period drama. She is known for her dry humor and relatable online presence.
Emma Myers
Emma Myers broke out as the werewolf Enid Sinclair in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’, serving as the sunny foil to the title character. Her chemistry with Jenna Ortega was a highlight of the show, earning her a massive following. She starred in the body-swap comedy ‘Family Switch’ alongside Jennifer Garner. Myers is also set to appear in the film adaptation of the video game ‘Minecraft’. K-pop fans embrace her for her vocal love of the group SEVENTEEN, further connecting her with Gen Z interests.
Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’. She made history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood for the film ‘Little’, in which she also starred. Martin has produced several projects through her production company, Genius Productions, aiming to tell diverse stories. She also voiced a character in the ‘PAW Patrol’ movie, expanding her reach to younger audiences. Her entrepreneurial spirit and acting talent have established her as a formidable force in the industry.
Storm Reid
Storm Reid captured attention with her lead role in Ava DuVernay’s fantasy film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She plays Gia Bennett, the younger sister of Rue, in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Reid starred in the thriller ‘Missing’, a film told entirely through computer and phone screens, which was a commercial success. She appeared in the hit HBO series ‘The Last of Us’ as Riley Abel, delivering an emotional performance in a standalone episode. She balances her acting career with her studies at the University of Southern California.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi starred as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ before leading her own spinoff series, ‘Grown-ish’, which followed her character’s college years. She played Tinker Bell in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Shahidi is a prominent activist, focusing on voting rights and social justice through her platform Eighteen x 18. She graduated from Harvard University, emphasizing the importance of education alongside her acting career. Her intellectual approach to fame and advocacy resonates with socially conscious Gen Z fans.
Joey King
Joey King became a streaming superstar with ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy on Netflix. She received critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her role as Gypsy Rose Blanchard in the limited series ‘The Act’. King has been acting since childhood, with early roles in ‘Ramona and Beezus’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. She starred in the action film ‘Bullet Train’ alongside Brad Pitt, proving her capability in action-oriented roles. She continues to produce and star in films, maintaining a steady output of content.
Lana Condor
Lana Condor shot to fame as Lara Jean Covey in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ film trilogy on Netflix. The series revitalized the teen rom-com genre and made her an instant household name. She played Jubilee in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’, marking her debut in a major superhero franchise. Condor starred in the supernatural comedy series ‘Boo, Bitch’, where she played a ghost trying to become popular. She is also a YouTuber and frequently shares insights into her life and travels with fans.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was selected from thousands of applicants to star as Devi Vishwakumar in Mindy Kaling’s ‘Never Have I Ever’. Her portrayal of a grief-stricken but chaotic teenager drew praise for its authenticity and humor. She voices the lead character in the animated film ‘Turning Red’, exploring themes of puberty and mother-daughter relationships. Ramakrishnan advocates for Tamil representation in Hollywood and speaks openly about her heritage. Her breakout success is often cited as a major win for South Asian representation in media.
Madelyn Cline
Madelyn Cline is best known for her role as Sarah Cameron in the hit adventure series ‘Outer Banks’. The show’s massive popularity on streaming platforms turned the cast into instant celebrities. She appeared in Rian Johnson’s ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, holding her own alongside an ensemble of veteran actors. Cline started her career with minor roles in ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Originals’. Her fashion sense and high-profile brand partnerships have elevated her status as a style influencer.
Kiernan Shipka
Kiernan Shipka grew up on screen as Sally Draper in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Mad Men’. She later starred as the titular teenage witch in the Netflix series ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. Shipka appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Totally Killer’, showcasing her ability to lead genre films. She reprised her role as Sabrina Spellman for a crossover event in ‘Riverdale’. Her career seamlessly bridges prestigious prestige TV and popular teen-oriented streaming content.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’, a role that left a lasting impact despite limited screen time. They starred in the adaptation of the novel ‘The Hate U Give’, earning praise for their portrayal of a student navigating racial injustice. Stenberg led the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’, entering one of the biggest franchises in entertainment history. They are also a musician and have contributed to the soundtracks of their films. Stenberg is a vocal advocate for intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ representation.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning has been a prominent actress since childhood, starring in films like ‘Super 8’ and ‘Maleficent’. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Catherine the Great in the satirical drama series ‘The Great’. Fanning consistently takes on diverse roles in independent films like ‘The Neon Demon’ and ’20th Century Women’. She became the youngest jury member at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Her whimsical fashion choices and red carpet appearances are frequently celebrated by fashion enthusiasts.
Camila Mendes
Camila Mendes is best known for playing Veronica Lodge in the long-running teen drama ‘Riverdale’. She starred in the Netflix film ‘Do Revenge’, a dark comedy that became a viral hit for its stylized aesthetic and witty dialogue. Mendes appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Upgraded’, further establishing her presence in the genre. She has been open about her struggles with eating disorders, using her platform to raise awareness. Her work often centers on strong, ambitious female characters.
Lili Reinhart
Lili Reinhart gained fame as Betty Cooper in the CW series ‘Riverdale’, where she played a central role for seven seasons. She starred in and produced the film ‘Chemical Hearts’, exploring darker themes of teenage romance and trauma. Reinhart appeared in the crime drama ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. She is also a published poet, releasing the book ‘Swimming Lessons’ in 2020. Reinhart frequently speaks out about mental health and body image, earning trust from her young fanbase.
Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler made a splashy film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of ‘West Side Story’, winning a Golden Globe for her performance. She starred as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, showcasing her vocal abilities. Zegler played a goddess in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’, entering the superhero genre. She is set to star as the titular character in Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’. Her active presence on social media and theater background endears her to musical theater fans.
Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey is a singer and actress who starred as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Her casting broke barriers and inspired a generation of young Black girls who saw themselves represented as a Disney princess. She also played prominent roles in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ and the TV series ‘Grown-ish’. Bailey forms one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister. Her ethereal vocal talent is a defining characteristic of both her music and acting careers.
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones captivated audiences with her role as Marianne in the Hulu adaptation of ‘Normal People’. Her chemistry with co-star Paul Mescal and her portrayal of intimacy and vulnerability drew universal acclaim. She starred in the film adaptation of the bestselling novel ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. Edgar-Jones appeared in the thriller ‘Fresh’, demonstrating her ability to handle dark and horror-tinged material. She recently led the disaster movie sequel ‘Twisters’, proving her box office appeal.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is a four-time Academy Award nominee known for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’, ‘Little Women’, and ‘Atonement’. Although slightly older than some on this list, she is a definitive icon for Gen Z due to her collaborations with Greta Gerwig. Her portrayal of coming-of-age struggles in ‘Lady Bird’ resonates deeply with young audiences. Ronan consistently chooses critically acclaimed projects and avoids social media, maintaining a focus on her craft. She is widely considered one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Taylor Russell
Taylor Russell gained critical recognition for her role in the romantic horror film ‘Bones and All’ alongside Timothée Chalamet. She starred in the intense drama ‘Waves’, earning praise for her emotional performance. Russell leads the ‘Escape Room’ franchise, which has been successful with horror audiences. She is also a Global Brand Ambassador for Loewe, known for her avant-garde fashion choices. Her work in independent cinema marks her as a rising star with artistic integrity.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri broke out as Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’, winning an Emmy for her performance. She voiced roles in ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, showcasing her background in comedy and animation. Edebiri starred in the teen comedy ‘Bottoms’, which became a cult favorite for its absurd humor and queer representation. She is a writer as well as an actress, having written for shows like ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. Her “Letterboxd” humor and internet literacy make her a favorite among online film communities.
Rachel Sennott
Rachel Sennott is a comedian and actress known for her breakout role in the indie stress-comedy ‘Shiva Baby’. She co-wrote and starred in ‘Bottoms’, a satirical teen movie that resonated with Gen Z audiences. Sennott appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’, delivering a memorable performance as a podcaster. Her work often blends sharp wit with commentary on modern youth culture. She has become a leading figure in the new wave of alternative comedy.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp gained fame playing Regina George in the Broadway musical ‘Mean Girls’ and reprised the role in the 2024 film adaptation. She starred as Leighton Murray in the HBO Max series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Rapp is also a successful pop singer, performing at major festivals like Coachella. Her candid interviews and chaotic sense of humor have made her a viral sensation on TikTok. She successfully balances a dual career in music and acting.
Lola Tung
Lola Tung stars as Belly Conklin in the hit Amazon Prime series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’. The show, based on Jenny Han’s novels, became a cultural phenomenon, sparking debates over “Team Conrad” or “Team Jeremiah”. Tung made her professional acting debut with this role while still studying at Carnegie Mellon University. She also starred in the Broadway musical ‘Hadestown’ for a limited run. Her portrayal of first love and teenage angst has solidified her as a romance genre favorite.
Bella Ramsey
Bella Ramsey captured hearts as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ when they were just a child. They received widespread acclaim for playing Ellie in the HBO adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’, earning an Emmy nomination. Ramsey starred in the medieval comedy ‘Catherine Called Birdy’, directed by Lena Dunham. They are non-binary and advocate for neurodivergent representation in the industry. Ramsey’s performances are noted for their intensity and maturity.
Iman Vellani
Iman Vellani lived out a fan’s dream by being cast as Kamala Khan in the Disney+ series ‘Ms. Marvel’. A massive Marvel fan herself, she brought genuine enthusiasm and relatability to the role. She reprised the character in the film ‘The Marvels’, starring alongside Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris. Vellani is known for her deep knowledge of comic book lore and her active engagement with fandom culture. She represents a new type of star who is as much a fan as she is a professional.
Xochitl Gomez
Xochitl Gomez joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. She previously starred in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ as Dawn Schafer. Gomez won the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, showcasing her dance background. She is an advocate for dyslexia awareness and diverse representation in media. Her energetic personality and social media presence have built her a strong following.
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Jasmin Savoy Brown plays the younger version of Taissa in the hit survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’. She starred in the ‘Scream’ franchise reboot as Mindy Meeks-Martin, a horror movie expert and queer character. Brown is also a musician and visual artist. She advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and frequently plays characters that reflect her own identity. Her roles in two major ensemble casts have made her a standout talent.
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley became a global star as Kate Sharma in the second season of the Netflix period drama ‘Bridgerton’. Her character’s slow-burn romance with Anthony Bridgerton was a massive hit with viewers. She previously appeared as Olivia Hanan in the series ‘Sex Education’. Ashley voices a character in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She is praised for bringing a strong, self-assured presence to her romantic leads.
Nicola Coughlan
Nicola Coughlan plays Penelope Featherington in ‘Bridgerton’, a character who takes the lead in the show’s third season. She gained initial fame as the “wee lesbian” Clare Devlin in the comedy series ‘Derry Girls’. Coughlan appeared in the ‘Barbie’ movie as Diplomat Barbie. She is known for her fashion sense and charming interviews. Despite playing teenagers, her skillful acting makes her convincing to audiences of all ages.
Milly Alcock
Milly Alcock garnered international attention for her role as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the HBO prequel ‘House of the Dragon’. Her unique look and rebellious portrayal of the princess made her an instant breakout star. She has been cast as Supergirl in the upcoming DC Universe film slate. Before her global fame, she starred in the Australian drama ‘Upright’. Alcock is known for her edgy style and authentic indie credibility.
Emma D’Arcy
Emma D’Arcy plays the adult Rhaenyra Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’, taking over the role mid-season. They received a Golden Globe nomination for their commanding performance as the dragon queen. D’Arcy is non-binary and has become an icon for gender-non-conforming representation in fantasy. A clip of them mentioning their favorite drink, a “Negroni Sbagliato,” went viral on TikTok. Their background in theater informs their regal and intense screen presence.
Mckenna Grace
Mckenna Grace has an extensive filmography despite her young age, often playing younger versions of main characters. She starred in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and its sequel, taking on a leading role in a major franchise. Grace played the title character in the thriller ‘The Bad Seed’ and appeared in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She is also a singer-songwriter, releasing pop-rock music that appeals to teen listeners. Her work ethic and range have made her a reliable young veteran in Hollywood.
Whitney Peak
Whitney Peak starred as Zoya Lott in the HBO Max reboot of ‘Gossip Girl’. She played Judith Blackwood in the ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ alongside Kiernan Shipka. Peak appeared in ‘Hocus Pocus 2’, the sequel to the Halloween classic. She is a brand ambassador for Chanel, highlighting her status in the fashion world. Her roles often place her at the center of modern teen dramas.
Kathryn Newton
Kathryn Newton starred as Cassie Lang in the Marvel film ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. She gained popularity with roles in ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Society’. Newton led the horror-comedy ‘Freaky’, where she played a teenager who swaps bodies with a serial killer. She recently starred in the cult film ‘Lisa Frankenstein’. She is also an avid golfer, often sharing her sports hobbies with fans.
Kaitlyn Dever
Kaitlyn Dever received critical acclaim for her role in the coming-of-age comedy ‘Booksmart’. She earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the limited series ‘Dopesick’. Dever starred in the sci-fi horror film ‘No One Will Save You’, which featured almost no dialogue. She has been cast as Abby in the second season of ‘The Last of Us’. Her career spans both comedy and intense drama, showcasing impressive range.
Isabela Merced
Isabela Merced starred as the titular character in the live-action ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. She played the lead in ‘Madame Web’ and will appear as Hawkgirl in the upcoming ‘Superman’ film. Merced also has a role in the second season of ‘The Last of Us’ as Dina. She is a singer and has released music in both English and Spanish. Her roles often involve physical action and strong, independent young women.
Ariana Greenblatt
Ariana Greenblatt played the sarcastic teenager Sasha in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’. She starred as young Ahsoka Tano in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Ahsoka’. Greenblatt appeared in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ as young Gamora. She recently played a role in the video game adaptation ‘Borderlands’. Her deadpan humor and involvement in massive franchises have made her a rising star to watch.
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