The Best Hollywood Actresses Under 20

Hollywood constantly welcomes new waves of talent that captivate audiences with their range and charisma. The current generation of actresses under the age of 20 includes some of the most promising performers in the industry today. These young stars have already led major blockbusters and critically acclaimed series while demonstrating wisdom beyond their years. This list highlights the impressive achievements and upcoming projects of these rising screen icons.

Mckenna Grace

Mckenna Grace has established herself as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry with a resume that rivals actors twice her age. She leads the cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and received critical acclaim for her role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ which showcased her dramatic depth. This 19-year-old talent also writes and produces music while balancing her film career. Her performance in ‘Gifted’ alongside Chris Evans remains a standout moment that proved her ability to carry a film emotionally.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt continues to dominate the box office with significant roles in massive franchises like the MCU and ‘Star Wars’. She stole scenes in the blockbuster hit ‘Barbie’ as the cynical teenager Sasha and wielded explosives in the action adaptation ‘Borderlands’. At 18 years old she has already worked with some of the biggest directors in the business including Greta Gerwig and the Russo brothers. Her versatility allows her to switch seamlessly between comedy and intense action roles.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez burst into the global spotlight by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the dimension-hopping America Chavez. She previously gained recognition for her charming performance in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ which earned her a dedicated fanbase. This 19-year-old actress also showcased her physical discipline and stage presence by winning ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Her career trajectory points toward major action roles and dramatic leads in the near future.

Cailey Fleming

Cailey Fleming grew up on screen while surviving the zombie apocalypse as Judith Grimes in ‘The Walking Dead’. She also portrayed young versions of iconic characters in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and the Disney+ series ‘Loki’. Now 18 years old she recently took on a leading role in the fantasy film ‘IF’ directed by John Krasinski. Her ability to convey strength and innocence simultaneously has made her a favorite for casting directors.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters gained instant fame after holding her own against Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. She continued to impress critics with her role in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The Fabelmans’. This 16-year-old actress is known for her sharp delivery and poise in mature dramatic settings. She consistently chooses projects that allow her to work alongside cinema legends and elevate her craft.

Raegan Revord

Raegan Revord spent years making audiences laugh as the sassy Missy Cooper on the hit sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’. Her comedic timing and expressive performance made her a standout in the ‘The Big Bang Theory’ prequel series. At 17 years old she is transitioning from child stardom to more adult roles as she explores new opportunities after the show’s conclusion. She also engages with her fanbase through a popular book club and social media presence.

Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince delivered one of the most memorable child performances of the decade in ‘The Florida Project’ when she was just a small child. She has since voiced key characters in ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ and starred in the Apple TV+ series ‘Home Before Dark’. Now 15 years old she recently appeared in the thriller ‘Cocaine Bear’ and the drama ‘Little Wing’. Her career is defined by a fearless approach to emotionally demanding material.

Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw terrified audiences and showed impressive range in the viral horror hit ‘M3GAN’ as the grieving Cady. She also played a young version of Florence Pugh’s character in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’. This 14-year-old actress has become a staple in the horror and thriller genres with additional credits in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’. She brings a grounded sense of realism to supernatural stories that anchors the audience in the narrative.

Vivien Lyra Blair

Vivien Lyra Blair captured hearts across the galaxy as young Princess Leia Organa in the series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. She demonstrated wit and leadership qualities that perfectly echoed the legacy of Carrie Fisher. At just 13 years old she has also starred in the Stephen King adaptation ‘The Boogeyman’ and the superhero film ‘We Can Be Heroes’. Her energetic screen presence and precocious delivery make her a scene-stealer in every project.

Chloe Coleman

Chloe Coleman has proven her action-comedy chops by starring alongside Dave Bautista in ‘My Spy’ and its sequel. She also appeared in the fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and the sci-fi thriller ’65’. This 17-year-old actress consistently lands roles in high-profile studio films that require both physical acting and emotional intelligence. She is quickly becoming a go-to talent for major Hollywood productions.

Abby Ryder Fortson

Abby Ryder Fortson charmed the world as the daughter of Scott Lang in the first two ‘Ant-Man’ movies. She recently took on the iconic title role in the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’. Now 17 years old she received widespread praise for her relatable and sensitive portrayal of adolescence in that film. Her career reflects a careful selection of meaningful stories that resonate with young audiences.

Leah Sava Jeffries

Leah Sava Jeffries faced the challenge of adapting a beloved literary character and succeeded brilliantly in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. Her portrayal of Annabeth Chase showcased her ability to handle complex dialogue and intense action sequences. This 16-year-old talent previously appeared in the thriller ‘Beast’ alongside Idris Elba. She has become a role model for a new generation of fantasy fans through her confident performances.

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss became part of cinematic history with her role as Tuk in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. She spent years filming the motion-capture epic and mastering the skills required for the underwater sequences. At 16 years old she also showcases her acting skills on the small screen in ‘The Garcias’. Her involvement in the ‘Avatar’ franchise ensures she will remain a significant figure in Hollywood for years to come.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson turned a guest spot into a cultural phenomenon as the quick-witted Erica Sinclair in ‘Stranger Things’. Her comedic delivery and confident attitude made her a fan favorite and led to an expanded role in the series. Now 19 years old she has leveraged that success into voicing roles in animated projects and starring in Halloween comedies. She brings a distinct energy and charisma to every scene she inhabits.

Sophie Grace

Sophie Grace led an ensemble cast as Kristy Thomas in the critically acclaimed Netflix adaptation of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. Her performance captured the bossy yet caring nature of the character perfectly. This 19-year-old actress earned a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the show. She continues to seek out roles that emphasize female friendship and leadership.

Momona Tamada

Momona Tamada won over audiences as the artistic and shy Claudia Kishi in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She expanded her action repertoire by appearing in the superhero film ‘Secret Headquarters’ and the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. At 19 years old she is also an accomplished dancer which aids her physicality in performance. Her ability to convey vulnerability and inner strength has made her a rising star to watch.

Malia Baker

Malia Baker is known for her thoughtful portrayal of Mary Anne Spier in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She recently entered the world of fantasy adventure with her role in ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’. This 19-year-old actress uses her platform to advocate for social justice issues while building a diverse acting portfolio. She brings a gentle intensity to her characters that resonates deeply with viewers.

Lidya Jewett

Lidya Jewett took on a challenging and terrifying role in the horror sequel ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. She also gained recognition for her recurring role on the hit crime dramedy ‘Good Girls’. Now 18 years old she has proven she can handle intense prosthetic work and emotionally draining horror sequences. Her career is gaining momentum as she transitions into more mature feature film roles.

Madeleine McGraw

Madeleine McGraw delivered a scene-stealing performance as the psychic sister Gwen in the horror hit ‘The Black Phone’. She also stars in the Disney Channel mystery series ‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs’. At 17 years old she displays a natural gift for comedy and a fearlessness in darker material. Her tough and witty on-screen persona sets her apart from many of her peers.

YaYa Gosselin

YaYa Gosselin led a team of super-powered kids in Robert Rodriguez’s Netflix hit ‘We Can Be Heroes’. She also appeared as a series regular in ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ showcasing her dramatic abilities. This 16-year-old actress has a strong screen presence that works well in both action-adventure and procedural dramas. She represents the new wave of Latinx talent making waves in Hollywood.

Akira Akbar

Akira Akbar played the young Monica Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and set the stage for that character’s future in the MCU. She later took on a main role as Ashley Banks in the dramatic reimagining ‘Bel-Air’. Now 19 years old she navigates complex storylines about growing up and social expectations with grace. Her work demonstrates a maturity that anchors the ensembles she is part of.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney received critical acclaim for playing Venus Williams in the biographical drama ‘King Richard’. She also appeared in the vampire series ‘The Passage’ and the period drama ‘Fences’. At 19 years old she has already worked alongside Denzel Washington and Will Smith. Her dedication to learning tennis for her breakout role highlighted her commitment to authenticity in her craft.

Demi Singleton

Demi Singleton starred opposite Saniyya Sidney as Serena Williams in the Oscar-winning film ‘King Richard’. She also appeared in the series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ featuring Forest Whitaker. This 18-year-old performer trained extensively to capture the physicality of a world-class athlete. She continues to choose projects that highlight strong historical and contemporary female figures.

Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman provided the heart of the Shazam family as the youngest sibling Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel. She was also a series regular on the acclaimed family drama ‘This Is Us’. Now 17 years old she is known for her infectious optimism and comedic timing in blockbuster films. She balances high-stakes superhero action with grounded emotional moments effortlessly.

Darby Camp

Darby Camp became a holiday staple with her role as Kate Pierce in ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ movies alongside Kurt Russell. She also delivered a strong performance as Reese Witherspoon’s daughter in ‘Big Little Lies’. At 18 years old she has built a solid resume in both family-friendly adventures and prestige television dramas. Her natural charm makes her an instantly likable protagonist.

Miya Cech

Miya Cech has tackled sci-fi and fantasy genres with roles in ‘The Darkest Minds’ and ‘Rim of the World’. She also played a teenage version of a lead character in the comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe’. This 18-year-old actress is known for playing intelligent and sometimes guarded characters. She brings a cool intensity to action-heavy roles that require focus and precision.

Ever Anderson

Ever Anderson followed in her mother’s footsteps by playing the young Natasha Romanoff in Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’. She also took on the lead role of Wendy Darling in the live-action ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Now 18 years old she is carving out her own path in the industry with roles in major studio tentpoles. Her background in martial arts contributes to her capability in physical roles.

Alisha Weir

Alisha Weir burst onto the scene with her energetic and singing lead performance in ‘Matilda the Musical’. She recently pivoted to horror with the title role in the vampire film ‘Abigail’. At 16 years old she has shown incredible range by moving from a beloved musical heroine to a terrifying monster. Her ability to command the screen in such diverse genres is rare for her age.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong

Ryan Kiera Armstrong took on the iconic role of Charlie McGee in the recent adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Firestarter’. She also held her own against Nicolas Cage in the western ‘The Old Way’. This 15-year-old actress has appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘The Tomorrow War’. She consistently delivers intense performances in genre films that require high emotional stakes.

Lexi Rabe

Lexi Rabe captured the hearts of Marvel fans everywhere with her line “I love you 3000” in ‘Avengers: Endgame’. She also appeared in ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ during a massive year for her career. Now 13 years old she remains one of the most recognizable young faces from the biggest movie of all time. She continues to pursue acting while growing up in the public eye.

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons spent practically her entire childhood on television playing Lily Tucker-Pritchett on ‘Modern Family’. She became the youngest person to win a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the show’s ensemble. At 18 years old she has a massive following on social media where she reviews food and shares her life. She is currently exploring new acting opportunities post-sitcom.

Ella Jay Basco

Ella Jay Basco made a splash as Cassandra Cain in the DC film ‘Birds of Prey’ alongside Margot Robbie. Her performance brought a street-smart toughness to the comic book adaptation. This 19-year-old actress is also a songwriter and musician who releases her own music. She brings a unique edge and authenticity to her roles that distinguishes her from typical child stars.

Alyla Browne

Alyla Browne recently played the young version of the title character in George Miller’s epic ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. She also appeared as the daughter of Idris Elba’s character in ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’. Now 15 years old she is quickly becoming a favorite for directors seeking talented young performers for high-concept films. Her work involves complex physical acting and emotional subtlety.

Nell Fisher

Nell Fisher terrified audiences with her role in the relentless horror film ‘Evil Dead Rise’. Her performance was central to the film’s family dynamic and its scare factor. At 14 years old she has already been part of a major horror franchise entry that received critical acclaim. She is set to appear in the upcoming season of ‘Stranger Things’ which will likely boost her profile significantly.

Matilda Lawler

Matilda Lawler received rave reviews for her role as young Kirsten in the dystopian miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. She also starred in the Disney+ superhero comedy ‘Flora & Ulysses’. This 17-year-old actress has a theatrical background that translates into deep and nuanced screen performances. She handles heavy dramatic material with a maturity that belies her age.

Lotus Blossom

Lotus Blossom showcased her physical skills as the slow-motion vocalist A Capella in ‘We Can Be Heroes’. She brings a unique look and energy to her roles in family adventure films. At 18 years old she is part of the rising group of young action stars cultivated by Robert Rodriguez. Her martial arts training serves her well in roles requiring stunt work.

Kyndra Sanchez

Kyndra Sanchez stepped into the role of Dawn Schafer for the second season of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She seamlessly joined the established ensemble and made the character her own. This 19-year-old actress also appeared in the film ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ on Netflix. She brings a bright and empathetic energy to her performances.

Amelie Bea Smith

Amelie Bea Smith delivered a chilling performance as Flora Wingrave in the gothic romance ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’. She is also known internationally as the current voice of Peppa Pig. Now 14 years old she balances voice work for a massive children’s franchise with mature live-action horror roles. Her ability to switch between such contrasting tones is impressive.

Florence Hunt

Florence Hunt is best known for playing Hyacinth Bridgerton in the smash-hit Netflix period drama ‘Bridgerton’. As the youngest sibling in the titular family she brings levity and innocence to the show. At 18 years old she is poised to take on larger storylines as the series progresses through the family tree. She has grown up on the set of one of the world’s most popular shows.

Audrey Grace Marshall

Audrey Grace Marshall played the young version of Kaley Cuoco’s character in the hit series ‘The Flight Attendant’. She also appeared in the ‘Fairly OddParents’ live-action series. This 17-year-old actress is adept at playing younger versions of complex lead characters. She is building a diverse resume in both comedy and drama.

Scarlett Estevez

Scarlett Estevez gained fame playing the daughter of Mark Wahlberg’s character in the ‘Daddy’s Home’ movies. She later became a Disney Channel regular with roles in ‘Bunk’d’ and ‘Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion’. Now 18 years old she has transitioned from film comedies to leading her own superhero series. Her comedic timing is sharp and well-honed from years of sitcom work.

Maya Le Clark

Maya Le Clark spent her early years playing the youngest sibling Chloe Thunderman on Nickelodeon’s ‘The Thundermans’. She recently reprised her role for the movie revival of the popular superhero sitcom. At 14 years old she has grown up within the Nickelodeon ecosystem. She is expanding her acting range as she moves into her teenage years.

Olivia O’Neill

Olivia O’Neill played the second possessed girl alongside Lidya Jewett in ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. Her performance required extreme physical acting and endurance. This 17-year-old actress made a memorable debut in a high-profile horror franchise. She effectively conveyed the loss of innocence required for the terrifying role.

Hala Finley

Hala Finley held her own against Matt LeBlanc as his youngest daughter in the sitcom ‘Man with a Plan’. She also showed her dramatic side in the sci-fi film ‘Paradise Highway’ and the superhero movie ‘We Can Be Heroes’. Now 16 years old she has demonstrated versatility across multiple genres. She brings a distinct personality to every ensemble she joins.

Vivian Watson

Vivian Watson played the junior member Mallory Pike in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ series. Her character dealt with themes of fitting in and family expectations. This 18-year-old actress captured the anxiety and earnestness of the beloved book character. She continues to pursue acting roles that allow her to display her dramatic range.

Please share your favorite performance from these young stars in the comments.