Most Famous Hollywood Actresses of the 2010s

The 2010s reshaped Hollywood with blockbuster franchises, prestige dramas, and streaming hits—and a group of actresses who defined the decade on red carpets and box-office charts. Many balanced tentpole roles with awards-caliber turns, headlined global franchises, and anchored original films that sparked cultural conversations. Below are 45 actresses whose work, visibility, and industry impact were especially prominent during that era, highlighted by the projects and accolades that kept their names in the spotlight.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence surged to global fame leading the YA phenomenon ‘The Hunger Games’ while also collaborating repeatedly with filmmaker David O. Russell on films like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘American Hustle’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress and earned multiple additional nominations during the decade. Lawrence balanced franchises with mid-budget dramas such as ‘Joy’ and sci-fi fare like ‘Passengers’. She also continued her Marvel run as Mystique in the ‘X-Men’ series, solidifying her box-office draw.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson became a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Widow, appearing across ensemble titles including ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War’. Beyond action, she drew acclaim for voice work in ‘Her’ and layered performances in ‘Under the Skin’ and ‘Marriage Story’. In the same year, she received dual Academy Award nominations for lead and supporting roles. Her decade-long visibility spanned indie dramas, blockbusters, and animated features like ‘Isle of Dogs’.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s breakout run included the musical ‘La La Land’, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She showcased range in satirical comedy with ‘The Favourite’ and superhero fare with ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. Stone also fronted ensemble hits like ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ and ‘Birdman’. Her projects frequently paired her with notable directors and strong ensembles, keeping her at the center of awards seasons.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie gained wide attention with ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and expanded into franchise terrain with ‘Suicide Squad’. She received Oscar nominations for transformative performances in ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Bombshell’. Robbie also founded a production company focused on female-driven stories, backing titles such as ‘Promising Young Woman’. Her mix of producing and acting positioned her as both on-screen star and behind-the-scenes force.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Room’, a performance that anchored her transition from indie acclaim to mainstream recognition. She headlined the MCU with ‘Captain Marvel’, joining one of the decade’s defining franchises. Larson’s earlier work in ‘Short Term 12’ built critical momentum that carried through larger projects. She also directed and continued to champion inclusive storytelling through festival circuits and studio features.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot emerged as a global star with ‘Wonder Woman’, leading one of the decade’s most commercially successful and culturally resonant superhero films. She reprised the role across DC titles, becoming integral to the franchise’s identity. Prior appearances in the ‘Fast & Furious’ series helped establish her action profile. Gadot’s portrayal became a flagship example of a female-led superhero film driving box-office success.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ’12 Years a Slave’, marking one of the decade’s signature breakout moments. She joined major franchises with ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Black Panther’, expanding her global visibility. Nyong’o also led the horror hit ‘Us’, demonstrating range across genres. Fashion and advocacy work amplified her presence beyond film, reinforcing her influence throughout the decade.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain’s 2010s filmography spanned prestige thrillers and historical dramas, with acclaimed turns in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Molly’s Game’. She earned multiple Academy Award nominations and numerous critics’ honors. Chastain also supported female-driven projects as a producer, helping develop roles with complex leads. Her steady presence in awards conversations made her a fixture of the decade’s serious cinema.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams stacked multiple Academy Award nominations during the decade for roles in films like ‘The Fighter’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘Vice’. She anchored acclaimed dramas including ‘Arrival’ and collaborated with directors known for distinct visual styles and narratives. Adams also explored darker television territory with ‘Sharp Objects’. Her consistent critical recognition and varied choices kept her among the era’s most respected performers.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron blended action and drama throughout the 2010s, notably redefining the action-hero template with Furiosa in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. She earned awards attention for ‘Bombshell’ and embraced high-octane roles in ‘Atomic Blonde’. Theron continued producing, championing projects featuring strong female leads. Her versatility across genres and behind-the-scenes influence marked a sustained decade of prominence.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Les Misérables’, a performance that topped a run of high-profile releases. She alternated between studio hits like ‘The Intern’ and genre pieces such as ‘Interstellar’. Hathaway also revisited franchise territory with ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and later ensemble capers like ‘Ocean’s 8’. Her choices reflected a balance of commercial appeal and prestige collaborations.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman added to her accolades with ‘Black Swan’, followed by diverse roles in ‘Jackie’, ‘Annihilation’, and the ‘Thor’ franchise. She received major award nominations for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in ‘Jackie’. Portman continued to work with auteur directors while remaining active in franchise filmmaking. Public advocacy and directing efforts expanded her impact beyond acting credits.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock commanded the decade with ‘Gravity’, a technical milestone that became a global box-office hit and awards contender. She continued with genre variety, from heist ensemble ‘Ocean’s 8’ to the thriller ‘Bird Box’, which became a streaming phenomenon. Bullock maintained producer roles on several projects, shaping material both in film and television. Her marquee status and cross-platform success kept her consistently visible.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson transitioned from earlier franchise fame to 2010s highlights including ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and ‘Little Women’. She engaged in UN advocacy for gender equality, elevating her public profile beyond acting. Watson’s film choices emphasized ensemble literary adaptations and large-scale musicals. Her combination of high-grossing releases and activism made her a frequent headline name.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett balanced auteur-driven work like ‘Carol’ and ‘Blue Jasmine’ with franchise appearances in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘The Hobbit’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Blue Jasmine’ and remained a regular presence at major festivals. Blanchett also took on curatorial and producing roles, including leadership at an international film festival. Her sustained critical acclaim and range kept her at the forefront of the decade’s cinema conversation.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt balanced acclaimed genre films with major studio releases, earning widespread recognition for roles in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, ‘Sicario’, and ‘A Quiet Place’. She demonstrated musical and period-piece range in ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’. Blunt frequently collaborated with high-profile directors and delivered action-forward performances that broadened her profile. Her mix of critical success and box-office reliability kept her firmly in the decade’s spotlight.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep continued her awards-laden career through the 2010s with standout turns in ‘The Iron Lady’, ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’, and ‘The Post’. She reached new audiences with musical entries like ‘Into the Woods’ and franchise fare such as ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’. Streep also moved into prestige television with ‘Big Little Lies’, expanding her reach beyond film. Her steady stream of nominations underscored enduring influence across genres.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis became a cross-platform force, pairing powerful film work in ‘Fences’ and ‘Widows’ with a defining television lead on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She achieved a historic sweep of major acting awards across stage, film, and television. Davis also advocated for equitable opportunities and representation in the industry. Her performances anchored complex, character-driven projects that resonated widely.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman’s 2010s portfolio spanned arthouse drama, prestige TV, and festival standouts, including ‘Lion’, ‘The Beguiled’, and ‘Destroyer’. She earned major accolades while expanding into limited series like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Undoing’. Kidman consistently sought challenging roles with notable directors, sustaining international presence. Her choices blended critical attention with broad audience appeal.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan consolidated early promise with a string of acclaimed leads in ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. Her work with writer-directors known for distinctive voices highlighted her adaptability. Ronan’s performances frequently anchored awards-season lineups and festival premieres. She established herself as a generational talent with a focus on character-centered storytelling.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley continued prestige and period-work momentum with ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘Anna Karenina’, and ‘Colette’. She alternated between independent dramas and ensemble blockbusters, including entries in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. Knightley’s roles often emphasized historical figures and literary adaptations. Her steady presence across global releases reinforced long-standing international recognition.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie led high-profile projects like ‘Maleficent’ while also directing features such as ‘Unbroken’ and ‘First They Killed My Father’. She combined mainstream appeal with humanitarian work that kept her highly visible. Jolie’s performances revisited iconic characters and launched new franchise energy. Her behind-the-camera efforts added a significant production and directorial dimension to her decade.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams moved between investigative drama, romantic storytelling, and franchise entries with ‘Spotlight’, ‘About Time’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. She earned awards recognition as part of acclaimed ensembles. McAdams remained a frequent collaborator in both studio and independent spaces. Her varied filmography sustained a consistent profile throughout the decade.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana anchored multiple blockbuster franchises, notably the MCU with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and the sci-fi epic universe of ‘Avatar’. She also appeared in action and thriller projects that leveraged her physicality and presence. Saldana’s recurring roles in major series kept her at the forefront of global box-office discussions. Her career reflected a steady mix of ensemble work and franchise leadership.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart transitioned from franchise fame to auteur-driven cinema with projects like ‘Personal Shopper’, ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’, and ‘Still Alice’. She earned significant festival and critics’ recognition while exploring international productions. Stewart also returned to mainstream action with ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Her decade showcased a deliberate shift toward risk-taking roles and cross-border collaborations.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley rose with YA and franchise prominence in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and the ‘Divergent’ series. She then pivoted to prestige television with ‘Big Little Lies’, widening her audience reach. Woodley balanced commercial projects with independent dramas such as ‘Adrift’. The combination positioned her as a versatile lead across formats.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley became globally recognized for leading ‘Star Wars’ entries that revitalized the saga for a new generation. She followed with ensemble mysteries like ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and animated voice roles. Ridley engaged with both franchise commitments and character-focused features. Her emergence marked one of the decade’s most visible franchise breakthroughs.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore sustained critical momentum with performances in ‘Still Alice’, ‘Maps to the Stars’, and ‘Gloria Bell’. She mixed independent features with larger-scale projects, including ‘The Hunger Games’. Moore’s career continued to emphasize complex, adult-centered narratives. Frequent festival appearances and awards attention reinforced long-term stature.

Zendaya

Zendaya expanded from music and family television into blockbuster cinema with ‘Spider-Man’ entries and an acclaimed dramatic lead in ‘Euphoria’. She collaborated with prominent filmmakers and took on fashion and producing roles that broadened her profile. Zendaya demonstrated ease moving between teen-focused stories and mature dramas. Her rapid ascent late in the decade signaled a shift toward multi-hyphenate stardom.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson paired hit television with ‘Empire’ and high-profile films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘What Men Want’. She also produced and advocated for inclusive storytelling and pay equity. Henson’s roles often highlighted determination and leadership, resonating with wide audiences. Her cross-medium impact made her a defining presence of the era.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander rose to prominence with acclaimed turns in ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘The Danish Girl’, followed by action-led stardom in ‘Tomb Raider’. She worked across European and Hollywood productions, teaming with directors known for precise, character-first storytelling. Vikander balanced franchise work with intimate dramas like ‘The Light Between Oceans’. Her choices emphasized versatility, from grounded sci-fi to historical biopics and adventure.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer became a mainstay of awards seasons with performances in ‘The Help’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘The Shape of Water’. She expanded into producing, backing projects that highlight underrepresented voices. Spencer’s supporting and lead roles alike showcased comic timing and dramatic depth. She also moved into television with crime drama and limited-series work that broadened her audience.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy broke out on the big screen with ‘Bridesmaids’ and followed with studio hits such as ‘The Heat’ and ‘Spy’. She earned major critical recognition for the biographical drama ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’. McCarthy headlined comedies while also taking riskier dramatic material, showing range beyond broad humor. She maintained a strong presence on television and in producing, shaping projects around distinctive characters.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike’s star turn in ‘Gone Girl’ anchored a decade of high-profile dramas and thrillers. She followed with roles in ‘Hostiles’, ‘A Private War’, and international features that highlighted linguistic and dialect work. Pike frequently collaborated with filmmakers focused on morally complex protagonists. Her career in the period emphasized psychological depth and precision across genres.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams stacked acclaimed performances in ‘Blue Valentine’, ‘My Week with Marilyn’, and ‘Manchester by the Sea’. She added a notable television lead with ‘Fosse/Verdon’, earning plaudits for musical and dramatic range. Williams moved between independent dramas and larger studio titles like ‘Venom’. Her filmography throughout the decade centered on intimate, character-driven narratives.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan delivered standout work in ‘Drive’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, and ‘Mudbound’, moving between period epics and modern dramas. She often chose roles with sharp social undercurrents, including stage-to-screen collaborations. Mulligan’s performances anchored both ensemble pieces and minimalist character studies. She maintained a presence on stage, reinforcing a reputation for carefully curated projects.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton’s 2010s slate spanned auteur cinema and blockbuster worlds, from ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ to ‘Doctor Strange’. She worked repeatedly with international directors, embracing formally inventive storytelling. Swinton’s transformations—physical and tonal—were a hallmark across projects like ‘Snowpiercer’ and ‘Okja’. Her art-cinema credentials and franchise visibility made for a uniquely wide-ranging decade.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz balanced independent dramas and prestige period films, including ‘The Lobster’, ‘Disobedience’, and ‘The Favourite’. She took on producing duties that centered complex female relationships and moral ambiguity. Weisz mixed character-driven work with studio fare such as ‘The Bourne Legacy’. Festival appearances and ensemble collaborations kept her at the center of critical conversations.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke achieved worldwide recognition through ‘Game of Thrones’ and translated that visibility to films like ‘Me Before You’ and ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. She alternated between romantic drama, science fiction, and franchise adventure. Clarke also appeared on stage and engaged in charity initiatives tied to health advocacy. Her cross-platform presence made her a defining face of global pop culture.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively pivoted from early television fame to leading roles in ‘The Shallows’, ‘The Age of Adaline’, and ‘A Simple Favor’. She embraced thrillers and mysteries that highlighted physicality and sly comedic beats. Lively collaborated with directors across genre, from survival narratives to stylish crime capers. Fashion partnerships and entrepreneurial ventures amplified her profile beyond screen work.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld combined early awards attention with mainstream hits like ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ and the action spin ‘Bumblebee’. She ventured into television with ‘Dickinson’, blending period settings and contemporary sensibility. Steinfeld also maintained a parallel music career that expanded her audience. Her projects frequently targeted younger demographics while crossing into prestige drama.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston headlined studio comedies such as ‘Horrible Bosses’ and ‘We’re the Millers’ and drew notice for the drama ‘Cake’. She returned to prestige television with ‘The Morning Show’, taking on producing roles. Aniston’s decade blended commercial success with character-focused projects. Long-running brand partnerships and philanthropic work kept her constantly in the public eye.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara delivered sharp performances in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, ‘Carol’, and ‘A Ghost Story’. She often chose auteurs and concept-driven scripts that emphasized mood and interiority. Mara’s work spanned intimate indies and larger studio releases, including voice roles in animation like ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’. She also engaged in philanthropic and ethical fashion initiatives.

Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones balanced prestige biopic and franchise leads with ‘The Theory of Everything’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. She worked in contemporary dramas and literary adaptations such as ‘A Monster Calls’ and ‘On the Basis of Sex’. Jones frequently portrayed determined protagonists navigating institutional obstacles. Her slate combined international productions with Hollywood tentpoles.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern enjoyed a major resurgence with ‘Big Little Lies’ while adding memorable film roles in ‘Wild’, ‘The Master’, and ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’. She collaborated with auteur directors and returned to long-running franchises. Dern’s performances often explored authority, vulnerability, and sharp wit. Her advocacy in the industry and guild leadership roles further elevated her visibility.

Share your favorites from this era—and tell us in the comments which performances you think defined the 2010s!