Young Actresses Who Simply Can’t Be Replaced
The landscape of modern cinema and television is currently being shaped by a diverse group of young performers who have demonstrated exceptional range and professional longevity. These actresses have secured prestigious accolades, including Academy Awards and Primetime Emmys, while leading some of the most successful franchises in entertainment history. From independent film darlings to global blockbuster stars, their contributions reflect a significant shift in how stories are told on screen. The following list identifies 50 actresses whose unique talents and career choices have made them integral to the industry today.
Zendaya
Zendaya transitioned from a child star on the Disney Channel to a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for her role in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She has balanced critical television success with major film roles in global franchises such as ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune’. Her performance in the tennis drama ‘Challengers’ further demonstrated her ability to anchor adult-oriented narratives. She is frequently recognized for her significant impact on fashion and her extensive work as a brand ambassador for luxury houses.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Amy March in the 2019 adaptation of ‘Little Women’. She gained widespread recognition for her leading role in the psychological horror film ‘Midsommar’ and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’. Pugh has worked with acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan in ‘Oppenheimer’ and Denis Villeneuve in ‘Dune: Part Two’. Her career is defined by her ability to move seamlessly between period dramas and contemporary action features.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy first came to prominence with her breakout performance in the supernatural horror film ‘The Witch’. She achieved international stardom through her Golden Globe-winning role as Beth Harmon in the Netflix limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her filmography includes diverse projects such as the dark comedy ‘The Menu’ and the action-heavy ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. She is often noted for her distinct screen presence and her collaboration with visionary filmmakers across various genres.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is a four-time Academy Award nominee who began her career as a child actress in the film ‘Atonement’. She has received critical acclaim for her leading roles in ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and the 2019 version of ‘Little Women’. Ronan is recognized for her mastery of various accents and her consistent presence in prestigious dramatic productions. Her work often focuses on complex coming-of-age stories and significant historical figures.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega became a household name following her portrayal of the title character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. She established herself as a modern “scream queen” through roles in the ‘Scream’ franchise and the horror film ‘X’. Ortega began her career as a child actress on ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Stuck in the Middle’ before moving into more mature roles. She has recently expanded her professional portfolio to include executive producing her own television projects.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown rose to fame at a young age for her role as Eleven in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. She has since headlined the ‘Enola Holmes’ film series, where she also serves as a producer. Brown has starred in large-scale productions such as ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and the fantasy film ‘Damsel’. Beyond acting, she has launched her own beauty line and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney gained widespread attention for her roles in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’ and the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. She received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the same year for these contrasting performances. Sweeney has starred in films such as the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ and the psychological horror ‘Immaculate’. She also runs her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, which focuses on female-led stories.
Mia Goth
Mia Goth has become a prominent figure in the horror genre through her collaboration with director Ti West in the ‘X’ film trilogy. She received critical praise for her dual roles in ‘X’ and her singular lead performance in the prequel ‘Pearl’. Her career includes roles in ‘Suspiria’, ‘Emma’, and the sci-fi thriller ‘High Life’. Goth is recognized for her dedication to transformative, often physically demanding performances in independent cinema.
Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld received an Academy Award nomination for her film debut in the Western ‘True Grit’ at age fourteen. she has since built a multifaceted career starring in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ series, ‘The Edge of Seventeen’, and ‘Bumblebee’. Steinfeld portrays Kate Bishop in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Hawkeye’ and voices Gwen Stacy in the ‘Spider-Verse’ animated films. She is also a successful recording artist with several platinum-certified singles.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’. She has since expanded into feature films, starring in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ and the horror film ‘Cuckoo’. Schafer also worked behind the scenes as a co-writer and co-executive producer on a special episode of ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career, she was a high-profile fashion model for numerous international luxury brands.
Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler made her professional film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance, making her one of the youngest recipients in the category. Zegler has since starred in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and played the lead in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. She is also set to portray the title character in the live-action adaptation of ‘Snow White’.
Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey is a musician and actress who gained international fame as one half of the duo Chloe x Halle. She was cast as Ariel in the live-action reimagining of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’, which showcased her vocal and acting abilities. Bailey also appeared in the musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as young Nettie Harris. Her career continues to bridge the gap between the music industry and major Hollywood film productions.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning began her career as a child actress in films like ‘Babel’ and ‘Somewhere’ before gaining mainstream success in ‘Maleficent’. She earned critical acclaim and award nominations for her portrayal of Catherine the Great in the Hulu series ‘The Great’. Fanning has worked with esteemed directors such as Nicolas Winding Refn in ‘The Neon Demon’ and Sofia Coppola in ‘The Beguiled’. She is frequently cited for her versatility in both period pieces and contemporary dramas.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’. She has also established herself as a prominent voice actress in ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Edebiri has appeared in films such as ‘Bottoms’ and ‘Theater Camp’, showcasing her comedic timing. In addition to acting, she is an accomplished comedy writer for various television programs.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ in its third season as Robin Buckley, quickly becoming a fan favorite. She has since appeared in films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, ‘Do Revenge’, and ‘Asteroid City’. Hawke is the daughter of actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, though she has established an independent career in both film and music. She has released multiple folk-influenced studio albums alongside her acting work.
Sadie Sink
Sadie Sink is best known for her role as Max Mayfield in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. She received significant critical praise for her performance in the fourth season of the show and for her role in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’. Sink also starred in Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well: The Short Film’, which garnered extensive media attention. She began her career on Broadway, appearing in productions of ‘Annie’ and ‘The Audience’.
Joey King
Joey King started her career as a child actress in ‘Ramona and Beezus’ and later gained fame for ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy. She received Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her transformative role as Gypsy Rose Blanchard in ‘The Act’. King has transitioned into action roles with films like ‘The Princess’ and ‘Bullet Train’. She also serves as a producer on many of her projects through her company, All The King’s Horses.
Kaitlyn Dever
Kaitlyn Dever earned critical acclaim for her roles in the comedy ‘Booksmart’ and the limited series ‘Unbelievable’. She received further award nominations for her performance in ‘Dopesick’, which examined the opioid crisis in America. Dever has shown her range by starring in the sci-fi thriller ‘No One Will Save You’ and the romantic comedy ‘Ticket to Paradise’. She is set to join the cast of ‘The Last of Us’ for its second season.
Thomasin McKenzie
Thomasin McKenzie is a New Zealand actress who gained international recognition for her role in ‘Leave No Trace’. She has since starred in high-profile films such as ‘Jojo Rabbit’, ‘Old’, and Edgar Wright’s ‘Last Night in Soho’. McKenzie is known for her ability to portray vulnerability and strength in complex psychological narratives. Her work often spans international productions, ranging from independent dramas to major studio releases.
Cailee Spaeny
Cailee Spaeny achieved significant critical success for her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in the biographical film ‘Priscilla’. She won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for the role. Spaeny has also appeared in ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’, and the 2024 film ‘Civil War’. Her television work includes a notable role in the limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’.
Julia Garner
Julia Garner is a three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for her role as Ruth Langmore in the Netflix crime drama ‘Ozark’. She received further acclaim for portraying Anna Delvey in the limited series ‘Inventing Anna’. Garner’s film work includes ‘The Assistant’, where she played a character navigating a toxic workplace environment. She is recognized for her distinct voice and her ability to inhabit gritty, determined characters.
Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner rose to global fame playing Sansa Stark in the HBO epic fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. She also portrayed Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise, including the lead role in ‘Dark Phoenix’. Turner has appeared in various independent films and the crime drama series ‘The Staircase’. Her career has seen her move from long-running television dramas to international film stardom.
Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams made her professional acting debut as Arya Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’, a role she played for eight seasons. She received two Primetime Emmy nominations for her performance in the series. Williams has since appeared in ‘The New Mutants’ and the biographical series ‘Pistol’. She is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded the social media platform Daisie to help creative individuals collaborate.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi gained prominence for her role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and its spin-off ‘Grown-ish’. She voiced the character of Tinker Bell in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Shahidi is known for her activism and was the subject of a recommendation letter to Harvard University from Michelle Obama. She continues to balance a successful acting career with her work as a producer and social advocate.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg first gained recognition as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before starring in ‘The Hate U Give’. She has taken on lead roles in ‘Everything, Everything’ and the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg is also a part of the ‘Star Wars’ universe, starring in the series ‘The Acolyte’. She is frequently recognized for her outspoken views on social issues and cultural representation.
Angourie Rice
Angourie Rice is an Australian actress who first gained attention in ‘The Nice Guys’ alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. She is well known for her role as Betty Brant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. Rice also starred in the 2024 musical version of ‘Mean Girls’ as Cady Heron. Her television credits include a prominent role in the acclaimed limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’.
Mckenna Grace
Mckenna Grace began her career as a child actress and has appeared in over 50 projects before the age of 18. She is known for her roles in ‘Gifted’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and as Phoebe Spengler in the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise. Grace received a Primetime Emmy nomination for her guest role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, making her one of the youngest nominees in that category. She is also a singer-songwriter and has released multiple singles.
Storm Reid
Storm Reid had her breakout role as Meg Murry in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ directed by Ava DuVernay. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest role as Riley Abel in the HBO series ‘The Last of Us’. Reid is a series regular on ‘Euphoria’, playing Gia Bennett, and starred in the thriller ‘Missing’. She currently balances her acting career with her studies at the University of Southern California.
Isabela Merced
Isabela Merced gained fame for her roles in ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and as the title character in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. She has since appeared in ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ and ‘Madame Web’. Merced is set to play Hawkgirl in the upcoming ‘Superman’ film and has joined the cast of ‘The Last of Us’. She is also an accomplished singer and has released music under her own name.
Xochitl Gomez
Xochitl Gomez gained international recognition for her role as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she starred in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. Gomez won the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, further increasing her public profile. She is often celebrated for bringing Latinx representation to major superhero franchises.
Iman Vellani
Iman Vellani made her professional acting debut as Kamala Khan in the Disney+ series ‘Ms. Marvel’. She reprised the role in the feature film ‘The Marvels’ alongside Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris. Vellani is noted for being a dedicated fan of the source material she portrays, which has resonated with audiences. Her performance has been praised for its energy and relatability in the context of the superhero genre.
Olivia Cooke
Olivia Cooke gained early recognition in the series ‘Bates Motel’ and the independent film ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’. She starred as Samantha Cooke/Art3mis in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’ and received acclaim for ‘Sound of Metal’. Cooke currently stars as Alicent Hightower in the HBO series ‘House of the Dragon’. She is known for her ability to play characters with deep emotional complexity and conflicting loyalties.
Emma Corrin
Emma Corrin rose to prominence for their portrayal of Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They won a Golden Globe Award and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for the performance. Corrin has since starred in films such as ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. They are set to play the antagonist Cassandra Nova in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones became an international star for her role as Marianne in the limited series ‘Normal People’. She followed this success with a leading role in the film adaptation of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. Edgar-Jones also starred in the social thriller ‘Fresh’ and the disaster film ‘Twisters’. She is recognized for her subtle acting style and her ability to anchor major literary adaptations.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer achieved worldwide fame for her role as the assassin Villanelle in the series ‘Killing Eve’. She has won two British Academy Television Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award for the role. Comer made a successful transition to film with roles in ‘Free Guy’ and ‘The Last Duel’. She also won a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for her performance in the one-woman play ‘Prima Facie’.
Lily-Rose Depp
Lily-Rose Depp began her acting career with a small role in ‘Tusk’ and has since appeared in several French and American films. She played the lead role of Jocelyn in the HBO drama series ‘The Idol’. Her film credits include ‘The King’ and the upcoming ‘Nosferatu’ directed by Robert Eggers. In addition to acting, she has been a long-time brand ambassador for the fashion house Chanel.
Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley earned critical acclaim for her role as a single mother in the Netflix limited series ‘Maid’. She has appeared in notable films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, ‘Poor Things’, and ‘Kinds of Kindness’. Qualley is a former dancer, a background that often informs her physical approach to acting. She has received multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work on television.
Victoria Pedretti
Victoria Pedretti became a prominent figure in the horror genre through her roles in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’. She gained further recognition for portraying Love Quinn in the Netflix thriller series ‘You’. Pedretti appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ as a member of the Manson Family. She is noted for her intense emotional range and her frequent work in psychological dramas.
HoYeon Jung
HoYeon Jung was a successful fashion model before making her acting debut in the global phenomenon ‘Squid Game’. She won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as Kang Sae-byeok. Since her breakout, she has been cast in the Apple TV+ series ‘Disclaimer’ and the film ‘Hope’. Jung continues to work at the highest levels of both the film and fashion industries.
Zazie Beetz
Zazie Beetz is best known for her role as Vanessa in the FX comedy-drama series ‘Atlanta’, for which she received an Emmy nomination. She has appeared in major films such as ‘Deadpool 2’ as Domino and ‘Joker’ as Sophie Dumond. Beetz has also voiced characters in the animated series ‘Invincible’ and appeared in ‘Bullet Train’. Her career is marked by a balance of independent projects and high-grossing studio films.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer has had a long career starting as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She received critical acclaim for her leading role in Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror film ‘Nope’. Palmer became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for ‘Password’. She is also an accomplished singer and has hosted numerous high-profile televised events.
Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright gained international stardom for her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’. She took on the lead role in the sequel, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, following the death of Chadwick Boseman. Wright has also starred in the ‘Small Axe’ anthology series and the film ‘The Silent Twins’. She was the recipient of the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2019.
Kiernan Shipka
Kiernan Shipka first rose to fame as Sally Draper in the acclaimed AMC drama series ‘Mad Men’. She later starred as the title character in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ on Netflix. Shipka has appeared in films such as ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ and ‘Totally Killer’. She is recognized for her early start in the industry and her successful transition into leading adult roles.
Maude Apatow
Maude Apatow portrays Lexi Howard in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’, a role that brought her widespread recognition. She began her career appearing in her father Judd Apatow’s films, including ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘This Is 40’. Apatow has since branched out into theater, starring as Audrey in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’. She also wrote and directed the short film ‘Don’t Mind Me’.
Milly Alcock
Milly Alcock is an Australian actress who gained global fame for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’. Her performance in the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination. Alcock has been cast as Kara Zor-El in the upcoming DC Universe film ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’. Before her international breakout, she appeared in several Australian series such as ‘Upright’.
Emma Mackey
Emma Mackey is best known for her role as Maeve Wiley in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. She received a British Academy Television Award for her performance in the show’s final seasons. Mackey has transitioned to film with roles in ‘Death on the Nile’ and as Emily Brontë in ‘Emily’. She also appeared in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’ as Physicist Barbie.
Sophie Nélisse
Sophie Nélisse first gained international attention for her role in the 2013 film ‘The Book Thief’. She currently stars as the younger version of Shauna Shipman in the survival drama series ‘Yellowjackets’. Nélisse has appeared in numerous French-Canadian and American productions throughout her career. She is recognized for her ability to handle dark and emotionally demanding material.
Taylor Russell
Taylor Russell received critical acclaim for her leading role in the 2019 film ‘Waves’. She won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in ‘Bones and All’ opposite Timothée Chalamet. Russell has also starred in the ‘Escape Room’ film franchise and the series ‘Lost in Space’. She is noted for her work in both elevated genre films and intimate character studies.
Rachel Sennott
Rachel Sennott broke out with her performance in the independent film ‘Shiva Baby’. She co-wrote and starred in the 2023 teen comedy ‘Bottoms’, which received positive critical reviews. Sennott appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the HBO series ‘The Idol’. She is recognized for her unique comedic voice and her work within the “indie” film circuit.
Amber Midthunder
Amber Midthunder received widespread praise for her lead role as Naru in the ‘Predator’ prequel film ‘Prey’. She is a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and frequently advocates for Indigenous representation in Hollywood. Midthunder has also appeared in the series ‘Legion’ and the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ as Princess Yue. Her career often highlights her skills in physical performance and action choreography.
Share your thoughts on which of these young actresses you believe has the most promising future in the comments.
