Gen Alpha’s Favorite Hollywood Actresses

The landscape of Hollywood is rapidly shifting as a new generation of viewers, known as Gen Alpha, begins to dictate cultural trends and box office success. Born from 2010 onwards, these young audiences engage with cinema through diverse platforms, ranging from traditional theaters to streaming services and viral social media moments. The actresses capturing their attention often lead massive franchises, voice iconic animated characters, or star in coming-of-age stories that resonate with modern digital culture. This list highlights fifty influential actresses currently resonating with the Gen Alpha demographic through their work in major films and television series.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega achieved global recognition for her portrayal of the title character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Her career began with roles in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and the Disney Channel sitcom ‘Stuck in the Middle’. She has since transitioned into major film roles, appearing in the ‘Scream’ franchise and ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. Her performance style and fashion choices have made her a central figure in contemporary youth culture.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown rose to fame as Eleven in the science fiction series ‘Stranger Things’. She has successfully expanded her filmography by starring as the title character in the ‘Enola Holmes’ film series on Netflix. Additionally, she took on a lead role in the fantasy film ‘Damsel’ and appeared in the ‘Godzilla’ franchise. Her status as a young entrepreneur and actress has solidified her influence among Gen Alpha viewers.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from Disney Channel stardom in ‘Shake It Up’ to becoming a major cinematic presence. She portrays MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy and Chani in the ‘Dune’ film series. Her performance in ‘Challengers’ and her role as a fashion icon have maintained her relevance across multiple demographics. She is widely recognized for her versatility in both blockbuster films and critically acclaimed dramas.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt is a prominent young actress who gained early notice in the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’. She played the role of Sasha in the ‘Barbie’ movie, which became a significant cultural event for younger audiences. Her filmography also includes roles in ‘Ahsoka’, ‘Borderlands’, and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ as young Gamora. She is frequently cited as one of the most prolific young talents in modern Hollywood.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey earned international acclaim for her portrayal of Ariel in the live-action reimagining of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She first gained fame as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle before transitioning into major acting roles. Bailey also appeared in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ and the television series ‘Grown-ish’. Her performance in ‘The Little Mermaid’ made her a significant figure for a generation seeking diverse representation in classic stories.

McKenna Grace

McKenna Grace is known for her prolific career as a child and teen actress in both film and television. She starred as Phoebe Spengler in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and its sequel ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. Her work spans various genres, including a role in ‘Gifted’ and portraying a young Sabrina Spellman in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. Grace is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, which further connects her with her young fan base.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink gained widespread popularity for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit series ‘Stranger Things’. Her performance in the fourth season of the show led to significant viral attention on social media platforms. Beyond television, she starred in the ‘Fear Street’ trilogy and received critical praise for her role in ‘The Whale’. She is often recognized for her ability to portray complex and emotionally resonant characters.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie became a defining figure for Gen Alpha through her starring role in ‘Barbie’. While she has a long history of roles in films like ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, her portrayal of the iconic doll reached a massive audience of children and parents. She also serves as a producer through her company LuckyChap Entertainment. Her work has made her one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the modern film industry.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Her portrayal of a superhero with the power to travel between dimensions resonated with younger fans of the franchise. She also starred in the first season of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ on Netflix as Dawn Schafer. Gomez further increased her public profile by winning the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan in the Marvel Studios series ‘Ms. Marvel’ and the film ‘The Marvels’. As a self-professed fan of Marvel comics in real life, her casting was widely celebrated for its authenticity. Her character represents the first Muslim superhero to lead a Marvel project, making her an important figure for representation. Vellani’s energetic performance has earned her a dedicated following among young superhero fans.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler made her film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ after being selected from an open casting call. She starred as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, a prequel that revitalized the franchise for a new generation. Zegler is also set to portray the title character in the live-action ‘Snow White’ film. Her background in musical theater contributes to her success in high-profile musical adaptations.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey gained international fame for her role as Ellie in the television adaptation of the video game ‘The Last of Us’. They first became known to audiences for playing Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. Ramsey also starred in the title role of the film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ and voiced characters in ‘Hilda’. Their performance in ‘The Last of Us’ has been highly praised for its emotional depth and loyalty to the source material.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid first broke through with her lead role as Meg Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She is well known to younger audiences for her role as Gia Bennett in ‘Euphoria’ and Riley Abel in ‘The Last of Us’. Reid also starred in the screen-life thriller ‘Missing’, which utilized a format familiar to a digitally native generation. She continues to balance major film roles with her advocacy for social change.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of 14, she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history with her film ‘Little’. She has provided voice work for several animated projects popular with children, including ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’. Her career is often highlighted as an example of young entrepreneurship in the entertainment industry.

Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince earned critical acclaim at a very young age for her performance in ‘The Florida Project’. She later starred in the series ‘Home Before Dark’ as a young investigative journalist. Her film work includes the horror-comedy ‘Cocaine Bear’ and providing voices for ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’. Prince is recognized for her naturalistic acting style and her ability to lead major productions as a child star.

Maddie Ziegler

Maddie Ziegler initially gained fame through the reality series ‘Dance Moms’ and her collaboration with the singer Sia. She transitioned into acting with a significant role in the high school drama ‘The Fallout’. Ziegler also appeared in ‘West Side Story’ and voiced a character in the animated film ‘Leap!’. Her background in dance continues to influence her physical acting and presence in music-related media.

Sofia Wylie

Sofia Wylie is a prominent star in the Disney+ series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. She gained early fame on the Disney Channel show ‘Andi Mack’, where she played Buffy Driscoll. Wylie also starred in the Netflix fantasy film ‘The School for Good and Evil’. Her skills as a dancer and singer have made her a multi-talented favorite for the Gen Alpha demographic.

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo began her career as an actress on the Disney Channel series ‘Bizaardvark’. She reached massive heights of fame starring in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ before launching a record-breaking music career. While she focuses primarily on music now, her early acting roles remain highly popular on streaming platforms. She is often cited as a primary cultural icon for the transition between Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter first rose to prominence on the Disney Channel series ‘Girl Meets World’. Since then, she has appeared in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Tall Girl’. Like other Disney alumni, she has found immense success in the music industry while continuing to act in projects like ‘Work It’. Her presence in both film and pop music makes her a ubiquitous figure in youth media.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp gained a massive following for her portrayal of Regina George in the musical ‘Mean Girls’ on Broadway and its 2024 film adaptation. She also starred as Leighton Murray in the series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Rapp’s outspoken personality and vocal talent have made her a popular figure on social media platforms like TikTok. Her work in the ‘Mean Girls’ franchise has specifically resonated with fans of musical cinema.

Angourie Rice

Angourie Rice is known for her role as Betty Brant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. She took on the lead role of Cady Heron in the 2024 musical film version of ‘Mean Girls’. Her filmography also includes ‘The Nice Guys’ and the senior prom comedy ‘Honor Society’. Rice’s frequent appearances in high school-themed media have made her a familiar face to young audiences.

Peyton List

Peyton List became a household name for younger viewers through her role as Emma Ross on the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’ and its spin-off ‘Bunk’d’. She transitioned to a more mature role as Tory Nichols in the ‘Cobra Kai’ series on Netflix. List has also appeared in various films and launched her own beauty brand. Her long-standing career in youth-targeted programming has ensured her continued popularity.

Mary Mouser

Mary Mouser is best known for playing Samantha LaRusso in the ‘Karate Kid’ sequel series ‘Cobra Kai’. Her role involves significant martial arts choreography, which has garnered her a dedicated following among fans of the action genre. Before ‘Cobra Kai’, she worked extensively as a voice actress and appeared in shows like ‘Body of Proof’. Her character’s development throughout the series has made her a relatable figure for teen viewers.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson became a fan favorite for her role as Erica Sinclair in ‘Stranger Things’. Originally appearing in a minor capacity, her character’s popularity led to her becoming a series regular. She also starred in the Halloween-themed film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ on Netflix. Her comedic timing and “sassy” character archetype have made her a frequent subject of social media memes.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters caught the attention of audiences and critics alike with her breakout role in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. She followed this success with a role in the Steven Spielberg film ‘The Fabelmans’ and the action movie ‘The Gray Man’. Butters began her career on the sitcom ‘American Housewife’. She is noted for her professional demeanor and ability to hold her own alongside veteran Hollywood actors.

Millie Davis

Millie Davis is a recognizable face for Gen Alpha due to her long-running role as Ms. O in the educational series ‘Odd Squad’. She also appeared in the film ‘Wonder’ as Summer and the series ‘Orphan Black’. Her work in children’s programming has made her one of the most visible young actresses for the youngest segment of Gen Alpha. She continues to appear in various television and film projects geared toward families.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez maintains her status as a favorite through her role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. While she first gained fame in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’, she has remained relevant through her music, her beauty brand Rare Beauty, and her cooking show. Her voice work as Mavis in the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ film series is particularly popular with younger children. Gomez’s openness about mental health has also earned her deep respect from young fans.

Miranda Cosgrove

Miranda Cosgrove returned to the spotlight for Gen Alpha through the revival of the hit series ‘iCarly’. She originally became a star in the early 2000s with ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Drake & Josh’. Cosgrove is also the voice of Margo in the ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’ franchises, which are staples of Gen Alpha cinema. Her career longevity makes her a bridge between Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha audiences.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina has become a major voice in animated films popular with children, including ‘The Little Mermaid’ as Scuttle and ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’. She starred in the Marvel film ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ and voiced the dragon Sisu in ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Her distinct comedic style and presence in major family franchises have made her a recognizable talent for younger viewers. She also stars in her own semi-autobiographical series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has captured the attention of younger audiences through her role as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’ and the ‘Hawkeye’ series. She also voiced Goldilocks in the hit animated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Pugh is known for her engaging social media presence, including her “Cooking with Flo” videos. Her ability to move between intense dramas and lighthearted family entertainment has broadened her appeal.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld voices Gwen Stacy in the ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Across the Spider-Verse’ films. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kate Bishop in the series ‘Hawkeye’. Steinfeld’s career began with an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘True Grit’ and includes the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise and ‘Bumblebee’. Her dual career as a pop singer and a lead actress in superhero media makes her a prominent figure for Gen Alpha.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen became a central figure in pop culture through her role as Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her lead role in ‘WandaVision’ was a significant streaming event that trended heavily on social media platforms used by Gen Alpha. The character’s complex journey has led to a massive fan base that participates in digital “fandom” culture. Olsen’s performances have been instrumental in the success of the MCU’s expansion into television.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson portrays Carol Danvers in ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘The Marvels’, serving as a powerful female lead in the superhero genre. She also appeared in ‘Fast X’ and starred in the series ‘Lessons in Chemistry’. Larson is active on YouTube and social media, where she shares glimpses of her life and interests. Her role as a prominent Avenger has made her a staple of modern blockbuster cinema for young fans.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana stars in some of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time, including ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She plays Neytiri in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, a film that reached a vast global audience of all ages. Her role as Gamora in the MCU further established her as a key figure in sci-fi and action cinema. Saldana’s consistent presence in major cinematic events makes her a familiar face to the Gen Alpha generation.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy voiced Princess Peach in the massive hit ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, which was a defining theatrical experience for many children. She also starred in the action prequel ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ and the thriller ‘The Menu’. Taylor-Joy first gained major fame for ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, which appealed to older youth and adults. Her unique look and diverse role choices have made her a highly recognizable modern star.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke rose to fame as Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’, where her character quickly became a fan favorite. She also provided the voice for Anxiety in the Disney/Pixar sequel ‘Inside Out 2’, a film that dealt with themes highly relevant to developing youth. Hawke has appeared in films such as ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Asteroid City’. Her music career and relaxed public persona have also contributed to her popularity among younger fans.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri gained significant attention for her role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’. She voiced Envy in ‘Inside Out 2’ and April O’Neil in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’. Edebiri is also known for her voice work in ‘Big Mouth’ and her appearances in the comedy ‘Bottoms’. Her quick wit and frequent presence in animated and comedic projects have made her a rising favorite for Gen Alpha.

Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton entered the superhero world as Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. She also starred in the horror-comedy ‘Freaky’ and the ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ movie. Her role in ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ and her active presence in the fashion and golf communities have kept her in the public eye. Newton is often associated with roles that blend genre elements with teenage relatability.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny took on the lead role of Rain Carradine in ‘Alien: Romulus’, a film that introduced the horror franchise to a new generation. She also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in the film ‘Priscilla’. Spaeny’s career includes roles in ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ and the series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Her recent move into high-profile lead roles has established her as a talent to watch in Hollywood.

Bailee Madison

Bailee Madison has been acting since childhood, appearing in ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ and ‘Just Go with It’. She recently starred in the series ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ and its follow-up ‘Summer School’. Madison is also a producer and has been involved in several family-friendly films on streaming platforms. Her long history in the industry and her engagement with her fan base have maintained her popularity over the years.

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka is best known to younger audiences as the lead in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. She recently starred in the time-travel slasher ‘Totally Killer’, which was a popular streaming release on Amazon Prime. Shipka first gained fame as Sally Draper in ‘Mad Men’ but has successfully transitioned into teen-oriented genres. Her style and role choices often lean toward the supernatural or “spooky,” which is a popular niche for Gen Alpha.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning portrays Princess Aurora in the ‘Maleficent’ film series, a role that made her a Disney favorite. She also starred in the satirical series ‘The Great’ as Catherine the Great. Fanning has been a presence in Hollywood since she was a child, appearing in films like ‘Super 8’ and ‘We Bought a Zoo’. Her fashion-forward public image and consistent work in major films keep her relevant to younger viewers.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz has a long filmography that includes ‘Kick-Ass’, ‘Hugo’, and ‘The 5th Wave’. She voiced the title character in the animated film ‘Nimona’, which was highly praised for its themes of identity and acceptance. Moretz also appeared in the live-action ‘Tom & Jerry’ movie. Her voice work and roles in young adult adaptations have made her a staple of modern youth media.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi gained fame as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ and later headlined her own spin-off, ‘Grown-ish’. She played Tinker Bell in the Disney+ live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Shahidi is also known for her activism and her pursuit of education at Harvard University while maintaining her acting career. She is frequently cited as a role model for her intelligence and social consciousness.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced starred as the title character in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. She has also appeared in ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and the Marvel film ‘Madame Web’. Merced is set to join the cast of ‘The Last of Us’ for its second season and the DC Universe as Hawkgirl. Her involvement in multiple major franchises has made her a highly visible young actress.

Malia Baker

Malia Baker is best known for her role as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She also stars in the ‘Descendants’ spin-off film ‘The Rise of Red’ as Chloe Charming. Her work in these franchises has made her a prominent figure for Gen Alpha fans of Disney and coming-of-age stories. Baker is also an advocate for social justice, using her platform to raise awareness for various causes.

Momona Tamada

Momona Tamada rose to prominence as Claudia Kishi in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She also played a young Lara Jean in the ‘To All the Boys’ film series. Recently, she appeared as Ty Lee in the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ series on Netflix. Her roles often celebrate creativity and diverse heritage, making her a popular figure among younger viewers.

Kiawentiio

Kiawentiio gained international recognition for her role as Katara in the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ series. She first appeared in the series ‘Anne with an E’ and the film ‘Beans’, which explores indigenous identity. Her portrayal of a beloved animated character in a live-action format has made her a significant figure for fans of the franchise. She is also a talented singer and artist.

Leah Sava Jeffries

Leah Sava Jeffries stars as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. Before this breakout role, she appeared in the thriller ‘Beast’ and the series ‘Empire’. Her casting in the ‘Percy Jackson’ franchise was a major cultural moment that emphasized inclusive storytelling in popular literature adaptations. Jeffries’ performance has been widely praised for capturing the spirit of the fan-favorite character.

Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw became a recognizable face in the horror genre with her role as Cady in the viral hit ‘M3GAN’. She also played young Nell in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and appeared in ‘Black Widow’ as young Yelena. Her performance in ‘M3GAN’ helped the film become a massive social media sensation with Gen Alpha. McGraw is considered one of the leading young actresses in contemporary genre cinema.

Please share which of these actresses is your absolute favorite in the comments.