Here Are the Best Asian Actresses in the History of Cinema

The world of cinema has been transformed by the talent and charisma of Asian actresses who have crossed borders to captivate audiences everywhere. Their performances have not only entertained but also broken cultural barriers, bringing diverse stories to the forefront of international film.

From action-packed blockbusters to heartfelt dramas, these women have delivered unforgettable roles that resonate across generations. Here’s my list of the best Asian actresses born in Asian countries who have made a lasting mark on global cinema.

Rinko Kikuchi

Born in Hadano, Japan, Rinko Kikuchi caught the world’s attention with her powerful performance in ‘Babel’ (2006), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her raw and emotional portrayal of a deaf teenager showcased her ability to convey complex emotions without words.

Kikuchi’s international career soared with roles in films like ‘Pacific Rim’ (2013) and ‘Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter’ (2014). Her versatility across genres, from sci-fi to indie dramas, has made her a standout figure in global cinema, blending intensity with subtle grace.

Fan Bingbing

Hailing from Qingdao, China, Fan Bingbing rose to fame through Chinese television dramas before shining in films like ‘Lost in Beijing’ (2007) and ‘Buddha Mountain’ (2010). Her commanding screen presence has made her a global icon, appearing in Hollywood’s ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014).

Beyond acting, Fan’s influence extends to fashion and philanthropy, with her stunning red-carpet appearances at Cannes and her advocacy for education. Her ability to balance glamour with grounded performances keeps her a beloved figure worldwide.

Bae Doona

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Bae Doona made her mark in Korean cinema with films like ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance’ (2002) before gaining international fame. Her role in ‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012) showed her ability to tackle diverse characters across multiple timelines.

Bae’s work in Netflix’s ‘Sense8’ (2015-2018) and ‘Kingdom’ (2019-2020) further cemented her global appeal. Her naturalistic acting style and fearless approach to challenging roles make her a standout in both Korean and Western productions.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone, born in Mangalore, India, transitioned from modeling to Bollywood stardom with her debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007). Her powerful performances in ‘Padmaavat’ (2018) and ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015) showcased her emotional depth and grace.

Her Hollywood debut in ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’ (2017) alongside Vin Diesel marked her international breakthrough. Off-screen, Padukone’s advocacy for mental health through her LiveLoveLaugh foundation adds another layer to her inspiring career.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Born in Mangalore, India, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became a global name after winning Miss World in 1994. Her acting career took off with ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ (1999), and she later mesmerized audiences in ‘Devdas’ (2002).

Rai’s international roles in films like ‘Bride and Prejudice’ (2004) and ‘The Pink Panther 2’ (2009) highlighted her charm and versatility. Her elegance and ability to portray strong, layered women have made her an enduring icon.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, born in Jamshedpur, India, became a Bollywood star with films like ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015) after winning Miss World 2000. Her lead role in ‘Quantico’ (2015-2018) made her the first South Asian woman to headline an American network drama.

Her Hollywood films, including ‘Baywatch’ (2017), and her work as a producer show her versatility. Chopra’s advocacy for women’s rights and her global presence make her a trailblazer in the industry.

Ko Shibasaki

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Ko Shibasaki gained fame with her role in ‘Battle Royale’ (2000), a cult classic that showcased her intense screen presence. Her performance in ‘The Sinking of Japan’ (2006) further established her as a leading Japanese actress.

Shibasaki’s international work includes ‘47 Ronin’ (2013) alongside Keanu Reeves. Her ability to blend emotional depth with action-oriented roles has earned her a dedicated following across the globe.

Nana Komatsu

Nana Komatsu, born in Tokyo, Japan, debuted in ‘The World of Kanako’ (2014), earning the Best New Actress award at the Japan Academy Film Prize. Her roles in ‘Silence’ (2016) and ‘Drowning Love’ (2016) highlighted her emotional range.

Komatsu’s work as a Chanel ambassador and her performances in introspective dramas like ‘Threads: Our Tapestry of Love’ (2020) have made her a rising star. Her delicate yet powerful acting continues to captivate international audiences.

Kim Tae-ri

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Tae-ri stunned audiences with her role in ‘The Handmaiden’ (2016), which earned her critical acclaim and a Best New Actress award. Her work in ‘Little Forest’ (2018) showed her ability to portray quiet strength.

Kim’s international presence grew with ‘Space Sweepers’ (2021), a sci-fi hit on Netflix. Her ability to bring depth to both historical and futuristic roles makes her a versatile talent in global cinema.

Jun Ji-hyun

Jun Ji-hyun, born in Seoul, South Korea, became a household name with ‘My Sassy Girl’ (2001), a romantic comedy that sparked the Korean Wave. Her role in ‘Il Mare’ (2000) also gained international attention, inspiring the Hollywood remake ‘The Lake House’ (2006).

Her work in ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea’ (2016-2017) and ‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North’ (2021) showcases her range from comedy to fantasy. Jun’s charm and emotional depth keep her a global favorite.

Kyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi, born in Atsugi, Japan, started as a singer before shining as an actress in ‘Kaito Ruby’ (1988), earning a Best Actress award at the Yokohama Film Festival. Her role in ‘Tokyo Sonata’ (2008) brought her international praise.

Koizumi’s ability to portray complex, everyday characters with warmth has made her a beloved figure. Her work in Japanese cinema, combined with her music career, showcases her multifaceted talent.

Zhang Ziyi

Born in Beijing, China, Zhang Ziyi became a global star with her role in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000), which earned her a BAFTA nomination. Her performances in ‘House of Flying Daggers’ (2004) and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005) solidified her fame.

Zhang’s grace and intensity shine in both action and dramatic roles. Her ability to convey deep emotion while performing intricate choreography has made her a legend in international cinema.

Brigitte Lin

Brigitte Lin, born in Taipei, Taiwan, became an icon with her roles in ‘Chungking Express’ (1994) and ‘The Bride with White Hair’ (1993). Her ability to play both male and female roles brought a unique charm to Hong Kong cinema.

Lin’s performances in ‘Swordsman II’ (1992) and her enigmatic screen presence captivated global audiences. Her retirement at the height of her career only added to her mystique, leaving a lasting legacy.

Gong Li

Gong Li, born in Shenyang, China, emerged as a star in ‘Red Sorghum’ (1988), directed by Zhang Yimou. Her role in ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ (1992) earned her Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, marking her international breakthrough.

Her work in Hollywood’s ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005) and ‘Miami Vice’ (2006) showcased her versatility. Gong’s ability to portray strong, complex women has made her a cornerstone of Chinese and global cinema.

Michelle Yeoh

Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022). Her career began in Hong Kong action films like ‘Yes, Madam’ (1985) and ‘Police Story 3: Supercop’ (1992).

Yeoh’s roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000) and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018) highlight her versatility and strength. Her trailblazing career and advocacy for strong female roles make her an unparalleled icon.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu became a household name with her role as the sharp-witted Ling Woo in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002). Her performance earned her widespread recognition and an Emmy nomination. She then starred in major films, showcasing her action skills in Charlie’s Angels (2000) and its sequel Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003). Her role as the formidable assassin O-Ren Ishii in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) further solidified her status as a versatile and powerful actress.

Throughout her career, Liu has taken on a wide range of roles, from action to comedy and drama. She played Dr. Joan Watson in the modern Sherlock Holmes series Elementary (2012–2019), offering a fresh take on the classic character. Liu has also lent her voice to animated hits like the Kung Fu Panda franchise, where she voiced Master Viper. Her consistent presence in both film and television has made her one of the most visible and successful Asian American actresses in Hollywood.

Ming-Na Wen

Ming-Na Wen made a significant impact with her role in the landmark film The Joy Luck Club (1993), which explored the lives of Chinese American women. She later became the voice of a beloved Disney character, Mulan, in the animated feature Mulan (1998). Her voice work captured the spirit of the character and contributed to the film’s lasting legacy. She also had a long-running role as Dr. Jing-Mei “Deb” Chen on the popular medical drama ER (1995–2004).

Wen is also a prominent figure in the world of science fiction and fantasy. She played the skilled pilot and agent Melinda May in the Marvel series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–2020), where she was known for her impressive action sequences. More recently, she entered the Star Wars universe as the elite mercenary Fennec Shand, appearing in shows like The Mandalorian (2019–2020) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022), cementing her status as a fan-favorite in major franchises.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, began her career as a rapper, gaining viral fame on YouTube before transitioning to acting. She quickly made a name for herself with memorable supporting roles in the comedies Ocean’s 8 (2018) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018). Her performance as the quirky and loyal friend Peik Lin in Crazy Rich Asians was a standout, earning her praise for her comedic timing and screen presence.

She proved her dramatic range in the film The Farewell (2019), where she played a young woman grappling with a family secret. For this role, Awkwafina won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win in that category. She also co-created and stars in the comedy series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–present), a show based on her own life growing up in New York City.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan first gained widespread attention for her role as the sentient android Mia in the science fiction series Humans (2015–2018). Her nuanced performance was praised for its depth and emotional complexity. She later joined the cast of the hit romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians (2018), where she played the elegant and compassionate Astrid Leong-Teo, a role that earned her significant acclaim.

Chan has since become a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel (2019) and the lead role of Sersi in Eternals (2021). She also voiced the warrior princess Namaari in the Disney animated film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). Her ability to move between independent films, television series, and major blockbusters has highlighted her versatility as an actress.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu’s breakthrough came with her role as the pragmatic and witty mother, Jessica Huang, in the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2020). The series was a significant step for Asian American representation on network television, and Wu’s performance was consistently praised by critics throughout its run. Her work on the show established her as a leading comedic actress.

In 2018, Wu starred as Rachel Chu in the groundbreaking romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. The film was a massive commercial and critical success and marked a turning point for Asian representation in Hollywood. For her role, Wu was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She later starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the crime drama Hustlers (2019), further demonstrating her range as a performer.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh became a star for her role as the fiercely ambitious and brilliant surgeon, Dr. Cristina Yang, on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2014). Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations, making her a fan favorite and a critical success. During her time on the show, she became one of the most recognizable faces on television.

After her departure from Grey’s Anatomy, Oh took on the lead role of Eve Polastri in the spy thriller series Killing Eve (2018–2022). Her portrayal of the MI5 agent obsessed with a female assassin earned her another Golden Globe Award, making her the first woman of Asian descent to win multiple Golden Globes. Oh’s career is marked by groundbreaking roles that have challenged industry norms and paved the way for greater representation.

Youn Yuh-jung

Youn Yuh-jung has been a respected actress in South Korea for over five decades, known for her bold and unconventional roles. She first gained fame in the film Woman of Fire (1971), which earned her several awards early in her career. She continued to work in both film and television, taking on roles that often challenged societal norms and expectations.

Her international breakthrough came with the film Minari (2020), where she played the eccentric and loving grandmother, Soon-ja. Her performance was universally praised and earned her numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Korean actor to win an Oscar for acting. This historic win celebrated her long and distinguished career on a global stage.

Jeon Do-yeon

Jeon Do-yeon is one of South Korea’s most acclaimed actresses, known for her powerful and versatile performances. She began her career in television before making her film debut in The Contact (1997), which quickly established her as a leading star. She has built a reputation for taking on a wide variety of roles, from romantic melodramas to intense thrillers.

Her most significant international recognition came from her role in the film Secret Sunshine (2007). Her portrayal of a grieving mother earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, making her the first Korean actress to receive this prestigious honor. She has continued to deliver compelling performances in films like The Housemaid (2010) and the action-thriller Kill Boksoon (2023).

Sonoya Mizuno

Sonoya Mizuno began her career as a professional ballet dancer before transitioning to acting. She gained notice for her role as the silent android Kyoko in the science fiction film Ex Machina (2014), where her dance background was incorporated into a memorable scene. She went on to appear in other major films, including a small role in La La Land (2016) and as the bride-to-be Araminta Lee in Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

Mizuno has become a frequent collaborator of director Alex Garland, appearing in his projects like the sci-fi series Devs (2020) and the film Civil War (2024). She also played the key role of Mysaria in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon (2022–present). Her unique screen presence and physical grace have made her a sought-after talent in both film and television.

Freida Pinto

Freida Pinto rose to international fame with her debut role as Latika in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The movie was a global phenomenon, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and catapulting Pinto into the spotlight. Her performance earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress and opened the door for a career in both Hollywood and international cinema.

Following her breakout success, Pinto has appeared in a variety of films, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and Immortals (2011). She has also focused on independent films and projects that tell important stories, such as Miral (2010) and Love Sonia (2018). Beyond acting, she is a vocal advocate for humanitarian causes, particularly girls’ education and empowerment.

Maggie Cheung

Maggie Cheung is one of the most celebrated actresses from Hong Kong, known for her incredible range and emotive performances. She began her career in the 1980s, starring in action-comedies like Police Story (1985) alongside Jackie Chan. However, she soon transitioned to more serious dramatic roles, becoming a frequent collaborator of director Wong Kar-wai.

Her performances in films like As Tears Go By (1988) and Center Stage (1991) earned her critical acclaim, with the latter winning her the Best Actress award at the Berlin International Film Festival. She is perhaps best known for her iconic role in Wong Kar-wai’s masterpiece In the Mood for Love (2000), which cemented her status as a cinematic legend. In 2004, she became the first Asian actress to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Clean.

Carina Lau

Carina Lau has been a prominent figure in the Hong Kong film industry since the 1980s. She started her career in television before moving into film, appearing in a wide range of genres. She gained early recognition for her roles in films like Days of Being Wild (1990), where she worked with acclaimed director Wong Kar-wai.

Throughout her extensive career, Lau has delivered memorable performances in films such as He’s a Woman, She’s a Man (1994) and the wuxia epic Ashes of Time (1994). She is also known for playing Empress Wu Zetian in the popular Detective Dee film series, starting with Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010). Her enduring presence and powerful performances have made her one of Hong Kong’s most respected actresses.

Zhao Liying

Zhao Liying is one of the most popular and successful actresses in China, known for her leading roles in numerous hit television dramas. She rose to prominence with the historical drama Legend of Lu Zhen (2013) and solidified her stardom with the fantasy-romance series The Journey of Flower (2015). This drama became a massive success, breaking viewership records and making her a household name.

Her popularity continued to grow with other successful series like Princess Agents (2017) and The Story of Minglan (2018), which were both critically and commercially successful. Zhao Liying is praised for her ability to portray strong and determined female characters, and her dramas consistently achieve high ratings. Her influence in the Chinese television industry is significant, with her projects reaching billions of views online.

Tang Wei

Tang Wei shot to international fame with her debut lead role in Ang Lee’s award-winning film Lust, Caution (2007). Her powerful and complex performance as a young woman in a dangerous political plot earned her critical acclaim worldwide. The role established her as a major talent, though it also led to a temporary halt in her career in mainland China due to the film’s controversial nature.

After a brief hiatus, Tang made a successful comeback in both Chinese and international cinema. She starred in the romantic comedy Finding Mr. Right (2013), which was a huge box office success in China. She later gained further international recognition for her role in the South Korean film Decision to Leave (2022), which won her Best Actress at several major Korean film awards, making her the first non-Korean to achieve this.

Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American movie star in Hollywood, beginning her career during the silent film era. She landed her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea (1922), one of the first films made in Technicolor. Despite her talent and popularity, she often faced racism and was typecast in stereotypical “Dragon Lady” or “Butterfly” roles.

Frustrated with the limitations in Hollywood, Wong moved to Europe in the late 1920s, where she found greater opportunities and starred in English, German, and French films. She appeared in the classic film Shanghai Express (1932) alongside Marlene Dietrich. In 1951, she became the first Asian American to lead a U.S. television show with The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong. Her career paved the way for future generations of Asian actors in Hollywood.

Gong Hyo-jin

Gong Hyo-jin, a celebrated South Korean actress, is renowned for her remarkable versatility, captivating on-screen charisma, and expertise in romantic comedy roles. With a career exceeding two decades, she has become one of the most admired and cherished figures in the Korean entertainment industry.

She gained prominence for her starring role in the film Crush and Blush (2008) and her acclaimed performances in popular TV series such as Sang Doo! Let’s Go to School (2003), Thank You (2007), Pasta (2010), The Greatest Love (2011), Master’s Sun (2013), It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014), The Producers (2015), Don’t Dare to Dream (2016), and When the Camellia Blooms (2019). Her stellar performances in romantic comedies have earned her the title of rom-com queen. In 2019, she was named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year.

Miyoshi Umeki

A luminous presence in both Hollywood and on Broadway, Miyoshi Umeki broke barriers with a quiet, crystalline strength. Her turn in “Sayonara” made her the first East Asia–born performer to win an Academy Award for acting, and she followed it with indelible work in “Flower Drum Song,” where her poise and musicality anchored a landmark Asian American story for mainstream audiences.

Beyond film and stage, Umeki brought tenderness and timing to television in “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.” Across mediums, she challenged casting norms of her era and opened doors—proof that the softest voice can still echo the longest in cinema history.

Lee Hanee

Lee Hanee’s range leaps from sly, screwball comedy to steel-spined drama without missing a beat. A former Miss Korea who transitioned seamlessly into acting, she became a bona fide box-office draw with the mega-hit crime comedy “Extreme Job,” then kept surprising viewers with sharp, charismatic leads in series like “One the Woman” and period adventures that flex her action chops.

Just as compelling is her control over tone: Lee can pivot from gleefully chaotic to profoundly grounded within a single scene. That agility—paired with precise physicality and timing—has made her one of contemporary Korean cinema and television’s most reliably magnetic stars.

Rosalind Chao

Rosalind Chao has been a steady, vital thread in Asian American screen history for decades. From “The Joy Luck Club” to her recurring turn as Keiko O’Brien in the “Star Trek” franchise, she’s brought warmth, intelligence, and quiet authority to roles that helped widen the canvas for nuanced Asian characters in U.S. film and TV.

In recent years she’s taken on darker, thornier material while retaining her signature restraint, proving that subtle acting can land with seismic force. Whether in prestige dramas or genre epics, Chao’s performances feel lived-in and deeply human—cornerstones you remember long after the credits.

Son Ye-jin

A master of romantic melodrama who’s equally at home in thrillers and historical epics, Son Ye-jin built an early career on films like “The Classic” and “A Moment to Remember,” where she turned sincerity into star power. She later broadened her palette with hits from “The Last Princess” to the cultural phenomenon “Crash Landing on You,” delivering performances that balance delicacy with decisive emotional impact.

Son’s great gift is making interior lives cinematic. With micro-expressions and immaculate timing, she can tilt a scene’s center of gravity in an instant—one of the reasons her characters linger with audiences and why she remains a touchstone of modern Korean screen acting.

Which of these actresses is your favorite, or did I miss a star who deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!