The Most Popular Actresses in 2025
Popularity in film and television moves quickly, yet some names keep landing the biggest roles, winning major awards, and drawing huge global audiences. This list highlights twenty five actresses who continue to headline franchises, lead prestige projects, and shape the conversation in entertainment in 2025. Each entry focuses on the work that keeps viewers watching and the projects that define their reach.
You will see performers who carry billion dollar franchises alongside artists who anchor smaller dramas and series that travel worldwide. The details here spotlight signature roles, awards, and recent momentum across theaters and streaming services, along with notable producing moves and brand partnerships that expand their influence beyond the screen.
Zendaya
Zendaya leads hit projects across both television and film with standout roles in ‘Euphoria’, the ‘Spider-Man’ series, and ‘Dune’. She has producer credits on select work, collaborates closely with major directors, and fronts fashion campaigns that keep her profile high across markets.
She maintains a strong presence on global platforms, appears regularly at top festivals, and continues to balance franchise commitments with character driven dramas. Her soundtrack features and music collaborations add reach that supports each release.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie anchors blockbuster titles like ‘Barbie’ and ‘The Suicide Squad’ while also headlining award circuit favorites such as ‘I, Tonya’. Through her company LuckyChap she produces films and series that elevate new voices and expand her slate.
Her projects span studio comedies, true crime stories, and period dramas, and she often serves as both star and producer. Ongoing partnerships with major brands and a strong festival track record keep her visibility high year round.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone holds an Academy Award for ‘La La Land’ and added more awards traction with ‘Poor Things’. She moves easily between studio projects like ‘Cruella’ and limited series such as ‘The Curse’.
She also produces select titles with collaborators she has worked with over multiple films. Regular appearances at top festivals and steady critical recognition keep her at the center of casting conversations for prestige roles.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh broke out with ‘Midsommar’ and expanded her reach through ‘Little Women’, ‘Black Widow’, and ‘Oppenheimer’. She takes on both franchise roles and mid budget dramas that travel well internationally.
Her voice work, fashion partnerships, and consistent presence on major red carpets sustain strong global visibility. She continues to choose projects with well known directors while mixing in emerging filmmakers.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy is known for ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and genre projects like ‘The Witch’, along with action work in ‘Furiosa’. She balances prestige limited series with theatrical releases across horror, thriller, and adventure.
She collaborates on multilingual projects and frequently records voice roles for animation and games. Brand partnerships and festival premieres help position each new release to a broad audience.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega drives teen and adult audiences with ‘Wednesday’ and horror entries like ‘Scream’ and ‘X’. She uses that momentum to secure leading roles in film while continuing select work in television.
Her projects often blend thriller, comedy, and horror, which keeps her on shortlists for high concept scripts. She maintains an active social presence that supports marketing campaigns and delivers strong engagement.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney rose through ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’ and now heads both thrillers and romantic films including ‘Anyone But You’ and ‘Immaculate’. She also produces through a company that develops genre projects.
Her slate mixes theatrical releases with streaming premieres to maintain a steady cadence. Brand collaborations and frequent magazine covers support visibility across regions.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence combines franchise recognition from ‘The Hunger Games’ with awards success in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. Recent roles span comedy with ‘No Hard Feelings’ and ensemble dramas like ‘American Hustle’.
She maintains relationships with top directors and continues to headline studio releases that perform well globally. Public appearances and charitable initiatives keep her profile active between films.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson brings franchise power from ‘Black Widow’ and the broader Marvel films and critical acclaim from ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Lost in Translation’. She also works in animation and high concept sci fi.
She develops projects through producing partnerships and remains a frequent presence at major festivals. Long running brand endorsements extend her reach beyond core film audiences.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson holds an Academy Award for ‘Room’ and leads the ‘Captain Marvel’ films within the Marvel lineup. She also directs and produces select projects, expanding her role behind the camera.
Her appearances span action, indie drama, and experimental work. She engages with fans through social platforms and participates in initiatives that support emerging creators.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot is widely recognized for ‘Wonder Woman’ and has appeared in action hits like ‘Fast and Furious’ and streaming titles such as ‘Red Notice’. She produces and stars in international projects that broaden distribution.
Her multilingual background supports strong performance across markets. Regular brand campaigns and global tours help amplify each new release.
Ana de Armas
Ana de Armas reached a wide audience with ‘Knives Out’ and action work in ‘No Time to Die’, then took on a demanding lead in ‘Blonde’. She continues to alternate between studio thrillers and character led dramas.
Her bilingual career and European training give her access to both Hollywood and international productions. She remains in demand for high profile endorsements tied to luxury and fashion.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o has an Academy Award for ’12 Years a Slave’ and leads major franchises with ‘Black Panther’. She also carries horror films like ‘Us’ and lends her voice to animated features.
Her publishing and stage work broaden her creative footprint. She is active in global initiatives that support the arts and education, which keeps her in the public eye between releases.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis holds the rare EGOT distinction through wins across film, television, stage, and audio. On television she led ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, and on film she headlined ‘Fences’ and ‘The Woman King’.
She produces through a company that develops stories across genres and platforms. Public speaking and philanthropic work support visibility outside of acting roles.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown became a global name through ‘Stranger Things’ and expanded into film with ‘Enola Holmes’ and ‘Damsel’. She also produces select projects targeted at young audiences.
Her business ventures include beauty and fashion collaborations that reach a large youth demographic. She remains a central figure in pop culture conversations tied to sci fi and fantasy.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan brings multiple Academy Award nominations from films such as ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. She frequently works with acclaimed directors and alternates between period pieces and contemporary stories.
Her stage appearances and audiobook projects diversify her portfolio. International press tours and festival selections ensure consistent visibility across markets.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman won an Academy Award for ‘Black Swan’ and continues to balance prestige roles with franchise work in ‘Thor’. She directs and produces, often focusing on literary adaptations and biographies.
Her multilingual background supports collaborations in Europe and Israel. She participates in academic and cultural programs that extend her influence beyond film.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett is a two time Academy Award winner known for ‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘Carol’, and ‘Tár’. She moves between arthouse films and large scale projects including ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.
She co directs a theater company background and frequently appears on stage. She also campaigns for arts and humanitarian causes, keeping her profile active worldwide.
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt delivers both action and drama with films like ‘A Quiet Place’ and ensemble work in ‘Oppenheimer’. She collaborates frequently with her director and actor partners across suspense and adventure titles.
Her voice roles and family friendly projects add range in animation and streaming. She regularly participates in festival circuits and industry panels tied to genre filmmaking.
Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler broke out with ‘West Side Story’ and reached franchise audiences with ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. She records music and performs live, which supports cross platform visibility.
She continues to lead musical and fantasy projects including ‘Snow White’. Social media engagement and concert appearances help build momentum between releases.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña anchors two of the highest grossing franchises with ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She also stars in streaming series and action thrillers that broaden her global reach.
Her production ventures aim at stories from underrepresented communities. She maintains long term brand relationships that connect with audiences beyond theatrical windows.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt leads Hindi language hits like ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and appears in international titles such as ‘RRR’ and ‘Heart of Stone’. She records playback tracks, which helps promote her films across platforms.
She produces through a banner that develops young talent and digital first stories. Brand endorsements and reality show appearances keep her presence strong in South Asia and beyond.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas bridges Bollywood and Hollywood with ‘Quantico’, ‘Citadel’, and films like ‘Baywatch’. She releases music and hosts global events, which adds to her cross media profile.
She runs a production company that develops regional language projects for streaming and theatrical distribution. Her philanthropic work and fashion collaborations keep her in front of international audiences.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri earned major awards attention for ‘The Bear’ and expanded into film with comedy and voice roles across studio and indie projects. She writes and produces, contributing to rooms that shape new series.
Her stand up background supports live appearances and festival engagements. Voice acting in animation and games keeps her connected to younger audiences.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer gained worldwide attention with ‘Killing Eve’ and transitioned into acclaimed stage work with ‘Prima Facie’. She also appears in films like ‘The Last Duel’ and high concept action adventures.
Her theater accolades boosted international demand for new screen roles. She continues to select projects that let her work across accents and genres, which broadens her casting range.
Share your picks and who you think belongs on this list in the comments.
