Shares
Top 30 Female Actors of All-Time
Anyone can get in front of a camera and pretend to be someone else, but it takes a special kind of person to truly be great at it. A female actor might have it tougher than anyone in the entertainment business, but you wouldn't know it based on all of the success they have found.
Check out our top 30 female actors of all-time.
30. Jennifer Lawrence
She might be new to the game, but she's already winning people over with her humble personality. She's the actress everyone likes (or at least she should be).
She's best known for her role as Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games' film series.
29. Rachel McAdams
The 'Notebook' actress was Hollywood's "It Girl" in the early '00s. Her breakout role came in the 2004 teen comedy 'Mean Girls'.
28. Angelina Jolie
She has an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. Her resume pretty much speaks for itself.
27. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon can go from a cute, bubbly blonde in 'Legally Blonde' to a more serious brunette in 'Walk the Line'.
26. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman gives her all in every performance she takes up. Success came her way when she starred in the 'Stars Wars' prequel trilogy.
25. Halle Berry
This former beauty pageant queen made her mark in the acting world with her performance in 'Monster's Ball'. She is the only African-American woman to win an Oscar for a leading role.
24. Angela Bassett
The 55-year-old actress is best known for her roles in biographical films, such as 'What's Love Got to Do with It' and 'Malcom X'.
23. Julianne Moore
She has great hair, a Daytime Emmy Award, and a series of children's books. Talk about success.
22. Kate Winslet
She received notable critical praise for her first movie role in 'Heavenly Creatures'. Considering she was only 17 at the time, that's quite an accomplishment.
21. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has always been such a versatile actor. She can play in a comedy, action or a drama. She has what it takes to be an established actor - which she is.
20. Hilary Swank
Remember HIlary Swank in the film 'Boys Don't Cry'? Well, that role earned her an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
19. Diane Lane
She was marked "the new Grace Kelly" after her work in the 1979 film 'A Little Romance'.
18. Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett has made quite a career for herself. She has two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes and many more.
17. Julia Roberts
The 'Pretty Woman' actress is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
16. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is funny, smart and beautiful. Some of her movies might be a box office bomb, but it's hard to resist her girl-next-door charm.
15. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has found great commercial success in several movies she's starred in. Plus, she looked great in her Catwoman suit back in the day.
14. Jodie Foster
From playing a child prostitute to FBI trainee, Foster has grown into quite a ravishing, successful woman.
13. Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton is lovable on or off screen.
12. Jane Fonda
She rose to fame in the1960's and hasn't stopped since.
11. Sissy Spacek
Even though the remake wasn't so bad, she will always be the better Carrie White.
10. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is one of the greatest living actresses to date. President Obama seems to think so too, as he awarded her with the 2010 National Medal of Arts.
8. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand found success with acting and singing. She won her first Oscar with her role in 'Funny Girl'. She was the first women in her time to produce, direct, write and star in her own film.
7. Bette Davis
Bette Davis did well in a variety of genres. In the 1940's, she was one of America cinema's most celebrated leading ladies.
6. Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple began her career at age 3, and she found fame in her role in 'Bright Eyes'.
5. Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner was one of the most beautiful women in her time. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Mogambo'.
4. Judy Garland
No one can say "there's no place like home" quite like Ms. Garland.
3. Audrey Hepburn
'Breakfast at Tiffany's will forever be a classic.
2. Elizabeth Taylor
Ms. Taylor was one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood's Golden Age. Plus, she had the looks to match.
1. Marilyn Monroe
Let's face it, everyone has an obsession with Marilyn Monroe. She was a goddess in her time and people STILL talk about her.




