Millennials’ Favorite Actresses

The millennial generation grew up during a transformative era in cinema and television, witnessing the shift from physical media to the dominance of global streaming platforms. This period saw the emergence of versatile talents who successfully balanced massive blockbuster franchises with critically acclaimed independent projects. From child stars who transitioned into serious dramatic actors to powerhouse performers who redefined the action genre, these women have shaped the cultural landscape for decades. Their collective work has garnered prestigious awards and record-breaking box office success, cementing their influence on audiences born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence became a household name following her breakout performance in the independent drama ‘Winter’s Bone’. She achieved global superstardom as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise, which became a cultural phenomenon for young adults. Lawrence earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, making her one of the youngest winners in history. Her career is marked by a balance of high-profile roles in the ‘X-Men’ series and collaborative projects with director David O. Russell. She remains a prominent figure in Hollywood known for her candid public persona and range.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson rose to international fame playing Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series, a cornerstone of millennial childhood. Following the conclusion of the franchise, she successfully transitioned to adult roles in films like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and ‘The Bling Ring’. She took on the iconic role of Belle in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which was a major commercial success. Beyond acting, Watson is recognized for her advocacy for gender equality as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Her style and intellectual pursuits have made her a significant role model for her generation.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson transitioned from child roles to adult stardom with her critically acclaimed performance in ‘Lost in Translation’. She gained massive commercial success as Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Johansson has received multiple Academy Award nominations, including two in the same year for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. She is frequently cited as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world due to her box office draw. Her career spans various genres, from experimental science fiction like ‘Under the Skin’ to major studio blockbusters.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway first captured the attention of millennials in ‘The Princess Diaries’, a film that became a staple of early 2000s youth cinema. She showcased her dramatic range in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ before leading the fashion-world hit ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Hathaway won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her transformative performance in ‘Les Misérables’. She has appeared in diverse projects ranging from Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ to the heist comedy ‘Ocean’s 8’. Her ability to navigate between musical theater, drama, and comedy has sustained her long-term popularity.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie gained widespread recognition after her breakout role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. She became an icon for a new generation of fans through her portrayal of Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’ and subsequent DC films. Robbie has received critical acclaim and award nominations for her work in ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Bombshell’. In 2023, she starred in and produced ‘Barbie’, which became a global cultural event and the highest-grossing film of the year. Through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, she has become a powerful force in promoting female-led stories.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone began her career with roles in teen comedies such as ‘Superbad’ and ‘Easy A’, the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She reached a new level of acclaim with her role in ‘Birdman’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘La La Land’. Stone has frequently collaborated with director Yorgos Lanthimos, starring in ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Poor Things’, for which she won her second Oscar. She also took on the iconic role of Cruella de Vil in the Disney origin story ‘Cruella’. Her distinct voice and expressive acting style have made her a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman gained early fame as a child actor in ‘Léon: The Professional’ and later starred as Padmé Amidala in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. She successfully balanced her blockbuster career with academic pursuits at Harvard University during the height of her fame. Portman won an Academy Award for her intense performance as a tormented ballerina in ‘Black Swan’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster, eventually taking on the mantle of the Mighty Thor in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Portman is also known for her directorial work and her commitment to social and environmental causes.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon became a defining figure of the early 2000s with her role as Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the biopic ‘Walk the Line’. Witherspoon later shifted her focus toward producing, founding Hello Sunshine to adapt female-centric literature into screen projects. This led to the massive success of the television series ‘Big Little Lies’, in which she also starred. Her influence extends beyond acting into the publishing world with her influential book club.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie became a global icon through her role as Lara Croft in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, cementing her status as an action star. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ early in her career. Jolie has starred in a wide array of films, from the spy thriller ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ to the Disney fantasy ‘Maleficent’. In addition to acting, she has established herself as a director with films like ‘Unbroken’ and ‘First They Killed My Father’. Her extensive humanitarian work with the UN has further elevated her status as a global public figure.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore transitioned from a famous child star in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ to a romantic comedy lead and successful producer. In the 1990s and 2000s, she starred in hits such as ‘Never Been Kissed’ and ’50 First Dates’. Through her company Flower Films, she produced and starred in the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ reboot, which was a significant cultural moment for millennials. She more recently starred in the Netflix series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ before launching her own daytime talk show. Her enduring career reflects her ability to reinvent herself across different eras of entertainment.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley achieved international stardom as Elizabeth Swann in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. She became synonymous with period dramas, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Knightley also starred in the acclaimed ‘Atonement’, which remains a significant film in her filmography. She has balanced these historical roles with contemporary projects like ‘Begin Again’ and ‘The Imitation Game’. Her frequent collaborations with director Joe Wright have defined much of her professional aesthetic.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis first rose to fame as Jackie Burkhart on the long-running sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. She successfully transitioned to film with a breakout role in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and a dramatic turn in ‘Black Swan’. Kunis found major commercial success leading the ‘Bad Moms’ franchise, which resonated with a wide demographic. She is also well-known for providing the voice of Meg Griffin on the animated series ‘Family Guy’. Her career is characterized by a mix of sharp comedic timing and serious dramatic capability.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams became a definitive actress for the millennial generation in 2004 with the dual releases of ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook’. These films established her as both a comedic talent and a leading romantic actress. She continued to work in high-profile projects such as ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and the romantic drama ‘About Time’. McAdams earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the investigative drama ‘Spotlight’, which won Best Picture. Her diverse filmography includes work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the dark comedy ‘Game Night’.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock has maintained her status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars across several decades. She won an Academy Award for ‘The Blind Side’ and received further acclaim for her solo performance in the space thriller ‘Gravity’. Bullock starred in the Netflix phenomenon ‘Bird Box’, which became one of the platform’s most-watched original films. Known for her versatility, she has excelled in both high-stakes action films like ‘Speed’ and beloved comedies like ‘The Proposal’. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her broad appeal and comedic timing.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest living actresses, with a record-breaking number of Academy Award nominations. While her career began long before the millennial era, her roles in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ made her a favorite for younger audiences. She won her third Oscar for ‘The Iron Lady’ and recently appeared in major television projects like ‘Big Little Lies’. Streep’s ability to master various accents and inhabit diverse characters has made her an enduring icon. Her presence in a film is often seen as a hallmark of quality and prestige.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for her physical transformation in the true-crime drama ‘Monster’. She redefined herself as a premier action star with her role as Imperator Furiosa in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. Theron has produced many of her own projects, including ‘Atomic Blonde’ and ‘The Old Guard’, through her company Denver and Delilah Productions. She also earned praise for her role as Megyn Kelly in the drama ‘Bombshell’. Her career is noted for its daring choices and her willingness to undergo significant transformations for her roles.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt first gained major attention for her scene-stealing role in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. She established herself as a versatile lead in films like ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ and the thriller ‘Sicario’. Blunt earned critical acclaim for her performance in the horror hit ‘A Quiet Place’, directed by her husband John Krasinski. She also took on the titular role in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’, showcasing her musical talents. Her recent work includes a prominent role in the biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through her role as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ saga, a defining franchise for millennials. After the series ended, she focused on independent and international cinema, becoming the first American actress to win a César Award for ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Stewart has also appeared in blockbusters like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’. Her career path is often cited as a successful transition from franchise fame to artistic credibility.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively rose to prominence as Serena van der Woodsen on the hit teen drama ‘Gossip Girl’. She transitioned to film with roles in ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ and the crime thriller ‘The Town’. Lively carried the survival thriller ‘The Shallows’ and starred in the stylish mystery ‘A Simple Favor’. She is also recognized for her fashion influence and her frequent appearances at major industry events like the Met Gala. Lively remains a significant cultural figure, balancing her acting career with various business ventures.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first African-American actor to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony. She became a household name for millennials through her lead role as Annalise Keating in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Davis won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Fences’ and starred in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. Her portrayal of Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe has also made her a staple of modern superhero cinema. She is widely respected for her powerful screen presence and advocacy for representation.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is a two-time Academy Award winner known for her incredible range and chameleon-like ability to inhabit roles. She gained early acclaim in ‘Elizabeth’ and became part of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ ensemble as Galadriel. Blanchett won Oscars for her performances in ‘The Aviator’ and ‘Blue Jasmine’. She has also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villainous Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Her stage work and film choices have established her as one of the most respected figures in contemporary acting.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams had her breakout role in the independent film ‘Junebug’, which earned her the first of many Academy Award nominations. She achieved mainstream success with the Disney film ‘Enchanted’ and the musical ‘The Muppets’. Adams has collaborated with prestigious directors in films like ‘Arrival’, ‘The Fighter’, and ‘American Hustle’. She starred in the HBO limited series ‘Sharp Objects’, further showcasing her ability to handle dark, complex material. Her consistent performance quality has made her one of the most reliable and acclaimed actresses of her generation.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain rose to prominence in 2011 with a series of high-profile roles in ‘The Help’ and ‘The Tree of Life’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and eventually won the Best Actress Oscar for ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. Chastain has starred in major science fiction projects like ‘Interstellar’ and ‘The Martian’. She is also known for her work in the horror genre, appearing in ‘Mama’ and ‘It Chapter Two’. Through her production company, Freckle Films, she focuses on projects that promote gender equality in the industry.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made a stunning film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She became a major figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel. Nyong’o also provided the voice and motion capture for Maz Kanata in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She received critical acclaim for her dual roles in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Us’. Her presence in both prestigious dramas and massive franchises has made her a central figure in modern cinema.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel star to a critical powerhouse with her role as Rue in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She became the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. On the big screen, she has starred in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy as MJ and in the ‘Dune’ franchise as Chani. Zendaya is also a significant figure in the fashion world, often cited for her influential red carpet appearances. Her career represents the bridge between late millennial and early Gen Z stardom.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan earned her first Academy Award nomination at age 13 for her role in ‘Atonement’. She became a leading actress of her generation with acclaimed performances in ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. Ronan has a frequent artistic partnership with director Greta Gerwig, which has defined much of her recent success. She is noted for her ability to master various accents and portray complex, coming-of-age characters. Despite her relatively young age, she is already considered one of the most accomplished actors in the industry.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh gained critical attention with ‘Lady Macbeth’ and achieved international fame with her roles in ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’ and the series ‘Hawkeye’. Pugh appeared in the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the historical epic ‘Oppenheimer’. Her charismatic public persona and social media presence have endeared her to millennial audiences. She is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents to emerge in recent years.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy became a breakout star in the horror film ‘The Witch’ before achieving global fame with the Netflix series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her performance as Beth Harmon won her a Golden Globe and solidified her as a leading talent. She has starred in stylized projects like ‘Last Night in Soho’ and ‘The Menu’. Taylor-Joy took on the iconic role of Furiosa in the prequel ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. Her unique look and intense acting style have made her a favorite for both genre films and prestige dramas.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson won an Academy Award for her harrowing performance in the drama ‘Room’. She transitioned to blockbuster stardom as Carol Danvers in ‘Captain Marvel’, the first female-led film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Larson also appeared in ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Before her Oscar win, she was known for supporting roles in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ and ’21 Jump Street’. She is an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion within the film industry.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot achieved international superstardom when she was cast as Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman, in the DC Extended Universe. Her standalone ‘Wonder Woman’ film was a critical and commercial landmark, particularly for female-led superhero movies. Before her DC role, she was a recurring cast member in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Gadot has since starred in high-budget action projects like ‘Red Notice’ and ‘Heart of Stone’. Her background as a former Miss Israel and her military service often add to her public image as a strong action lead.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is known for her eclectic and often gothic roles, many of which were in collaboration with director Tim Burton. Millennial audiences recognize her most as Bellatrix Lestrange in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and as the Red Queen in ‘Alice in Wonderland’. She received Academy Award nominations for ‘The Wings of the Dove’ and ‘The King’s Speech’. More recently, she portrayed Princess Margaret in the Netflix series ‘The Crown’. Her distinctive acting style and bold fashion choices have made her a long-standing cult favorite.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was a definitive star of the late 80s and 90s with films like ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Heathers’, and ‘Edward Scissorhands’. After a period away from the spotlight, she experienced a massive career resurgence with her role as Joyce Byers in ‘Stranger Things’. This Netflix series introduced her to a new generation while tapping into millennial nostalgia for her earlier work. She also appeared in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot and the drama ‘Black Swan’. Ryder remains an enduring icon of “alternative” Hollywood culture.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci became a child star through her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in ‘The Addams Family’ and its sequel. She successfully navigated the transition to adult roles in independent films like ‘The Ice Storm’ and ‘Buffalo ’65’. Ricci starred in the millennial-favorite ‘Casper’ and later in the stylish ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Recently, she gained renewed acclaim for her role in the series ‘Yellowjackets’ and a supporting role in the Netflix hit ‘Wednesday’. Her career is defined by a preference for unconventional and dark characters.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette first gained international attention for her role in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ and received an Oscar nomination for ‘The Sixth Sense’. She became a favorite for her work in ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and the horror masterpiece ‘Hereditary’. Collette starred in the genre-bending series ‘United States of Tara’, for which she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She has also appeared in successful projects like ‘Knives Out’ and the limited series ‘Unbelievable’. Her reputation as a versatile and fearless actress has made her a staple of both film and television.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for her breakout role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’. She followed this success with Oscar-nominated performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer has also explored the horror and thriller genres with films like ‘Ma’. She has been a prominent figure in television as well, starring in ‘Truth Be Told’ and the limited series ‘Self Made’. Her consistent delivery of heartfelt and powerful performances has made her one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams gained early fame on the teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek’ before becoming a powerhouse in independent cinema. She has received multiple Academy Award nominations for her work in ‘Brokeback Mountain’, ‘Blue Valentine’, and ‘My Week with Marilyn’. Williams also appeared in the blockbuster ‘Venom’ and the musical ‘The Greatest Showman’. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Gwen Verdon in the limited series ‘Fosse/Verdon’. Her career is marked by a dedication to complex, emotionally resonant characters.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet became a global phenomenon after starring in ‘Titanic’, which remained the highest-grossing film for over a decade. She is known for her work in prestigious dramas like ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘The Reader’, the latter of which earned her an Oscar. Winslet has also found great success in television with acclaimed roles in ‘Mildred Pierce’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’. She recently reunited with director James Cameron for the massive hit ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. Her commitment to authenticity and her rejection of Hollywood beauty standards have made her a respected figure.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has remained at the top of the film industry for decades, winning an Academy Award for ‘The Hours’. She has balanced artistic films like ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and ‘Moulin Rouge!’ with commercial successes. Kidman experienced a major television resurgence with ‘Big Little Lies’, which she also produced. She has also starred in the ‘Aquaman’ franchise and the series ‘The Undoing’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Her willingness to take risks with both directors and genres has kept her career vibrant and relevant.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a globally recognized actress who has achieved success in both Spanish and English-language cinema. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Woody Allen’s ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’. Cruz is a frequent collaborator of director Pedro Almodóvar, starring in acclaimed films like ‘Volver’ and ‘Parallel Mothers’. She has also appeared in major American productions such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’. Her international appeal and dramatic depth have made her a celebrated figure in the industry.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek had her breakout American role in ‘Desperado’ and became a major star through her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in ‘Frida’. Her work on ‘Frida’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as a formidable producer. Hayek has appeared in a variety of films, including the action-comedy ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ and the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. She also served as an executive producer for the hit television series ‘Ugly Betty’. She is widely recognized for her business acumen and her advocacy for women in the entertainment industry.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz became one of the biggest stars of the 90s and 2000s following her debut in ‘The Mask’. She headlined a string of massive hits, including ‘There’s Something About Mary’, ‘Charlie’s Angels’, and ‘The Holiday’. Diaz also voiced Princess Fiona in the hugely successful ‘Shrek’ franchise, a staple of millennial childhood. After a hiatus from acting to focus on other ventures and her personal life, her return to the screen has been highly anticipated by fans. Her energetic comedic timing and screen presence made her a definitive “A-list” star.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history as the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She is also widely known for her role as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, a foundational series for modern superhero cinema. Berry took on the iconic role of ‘Catwoman’ and starred as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. Recently, she appeared in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and made her directorial debut with ‘Bruised’. Her career spans decades of significant cultural and commercial milestones.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore is known for her prolific career in both independent and mainstream cinema, eventually winning an Oscar for ‘Still Alice’. She appeared in the ‘Jurassic Park’ sequel and ‘The Big Lebowski’ early in the millennial era. Moore also joined the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise as President Alma Coin, bringing gravitas to the blockbuster series. She has received critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Far from Heaven’ and ‘The Hours’. Her ability to portray vulnerability and strength has made her a favorite among critics.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel became the face of the “adorkable” archetype through her role as Jess Day in the sitcom ‘New Girl’. Before her television success, she starred in the millennial cult classic ‘(500) Days of Summer’ and the holiday favorite ‘Elf’. Deschanel is also a musician, performing as one half of the duo She & Him. Her quirky style and vintage aesthetic significantly influenced millennial fashion and internet culture in the early 2010s. She remains a beloved figure for her distinct personality and comedic work.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling first gained fame as a writer and actress on the American version of ‘The Office’, playing Kelly Kapoor. She went on to create and star in her own sitcom, ‘The Mindy Project’, which was a pioneer for diverse representation in romantic comedies. Kaling has also authored several best-selling books and created successful shows like ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. Her influence as a showrunner and writer has paved the way for more diverse voices in Hollywood.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’, which showcased her unique comedic voice. She transitioned to television with the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Insecure’, which she created and starred in. Rae has since appeared in films like ‘The Lovebirds’ and portrayed President Barbie in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie. She is also a successful entrepreneur, founding Hoorae Media to produce a variety of content. Her rise from digital creator to major Hollywood player is a quintessential millennial success story.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge became a global sensation with the creation and starring role in ‘Fleabag’, which won multiple Emmy Awards. She also served as the lead writer for the first season of ‘Killing Eve’ and contributed to the screenplay of the Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. Waller-Bridge appeared in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ as the droid L3-37 and starred in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. Her sharp, fourth-wall-breaking humor and honest depictions of modern life resonated deeply with her peers. She is considered one of the most influential writers and actors of the current era.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried had her breakout role in the teen comedy ‘Mean Girls’ before transitioning to leading roles in ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Dear John’. She showcased her dramatic range in ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘First Reformed’. Seyfried received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Marion Davies in ‘Mank’. She also won an Emmy for her performance as Elizabeth Holmes in the limited series ‘The Dropout’. Her career is marked by a successful transition from musical theater and teen films to high-stakes drama.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker became a cultural icon as Carrie Bradshaw on ‘Sex and the City’, a show that defined millennial aspirations and fashion. She reprised the role in two feature films and the revival series ‘And Just Like That…’. Parker also starred in the millennial-favorite Halloween film ‘Hocus Pocus’ and the comedy ‘The Family Stone’. Beyond acting, she has built a successful lifestyle brand including footwear and fragrance. Her influence on fashion and the depiction of female friendships on screen is extensive.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston remains one of the most recognizable actresses in the world due to her role as Rachel Green on ‘Friends’. While the show debuted in the 90s, its continued popularity on streaming services has kept her at the forefront of millennial culture. She has starred in numerous successful comedies like ‘Marley & Me’, ‘Horrible Bosses’, and ‘We’re the Millers’. Aniston recently returned to television in the drama series ‘The Morning Show’, for which she received critical acclaim and a SAG Award. Her status as a fashion icon and relatable public figure has endured for decades.

Please share which of these actresses has had the biggest impact on your own movie-watching journey in the comments.