The Best Scream Queens of the 21st Century

Successful horror movies and series heavily rely on gifted actresses that convincingly portray terror, combat, and embody chilling narratives. These actresses, often referred to as “scream queens,” command the genre with their knack for expressing fear, determination, and high-intensity emotions, captivating audiences globally.

In this current era, or 21st century, a fresh surge of actresses who specialize in delivering chilling performances has arisen, gracing both independent productions and major horror series with their talent. These notable scream queens are leaving an indelible mark on the genre by contributing to groundbreaking projects. Here’s a glimpse at some of today’s top scream queens revolutionizing modern horror.

Jenna Ortega

In simpler terms, Jenna Ortega has made a name for herself as a prominent actress in the horror genre, known for her courageous performances. Her appearances in ‘Wednesday’, ‘Scream’, and ‘X’ demonstrate her talent for portraying both vulnerability and strength, which has earned her much praise from fans.

In a variety of roles, from the sharp-witted teen in ‘Scream VI’ to the eccentric misfit in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, Ortega consistently infuses every project with a vibrant new vitality. Her innate charm and aptitude for powerful performances establish her as a contemporary horror legend.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth’s acting leaves a lasting impression, with chilling performances that continue to resonate even after the movie ends. Her versatility is evident in films like ‘X’, ‘Pearl’, and ‘MaXXXine’, where she convincingly portrays both frightened victims and menacing antagonists.

Goth’s unique talent lies in her ability to delve deeply into intricate, disturbing characters, which sets her apart from others. Her raw, intense performances in movies like ‘Suspiria’ and ‘A Cure for Wellness’ demonstrate that she is a powerful presence in the horror genre, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering compelling portrayals with each role.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy made a striking entrance into the realm of horror with her spine-tingling first role in ‘The Witch’. Her portrayals in ‘Split’ and ‘The Menu’ showcase her unique skill of intertwining terror with unyielding resolve.

Her open, expressive demeanor and powerful stage presence make her an ideal choice for her chosen genre. The roles played by Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘Last Night in Soho’ and ‘The New Mutants’ demonstrate her adaptability, leaving viewers captivated.

Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe’s standout performance in ‘It Follows’ established her as a regular figure in the horror genre. Her roles in ‘The Guest’ and ‘Longlegs’ demonstrate her ability to convincingly play characters who bravely confront fear.

In a simple and engaging manner, one could rephrase that statement as: Monroe’s subtle and distinctive approach sets her apart in her acting roles. In movies such as ‘Watcher’ and ‘Significant Other’, she effectively portrays the feeling of being pursued, earning her the reputation as a preferred actress for horror genre, often referred to as a “scream queen”.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney’s roles in the horror genre showcase a captivating allure coupled with a bone-chilling intensity. Her portrayals in ‘Immaculate’ and ‘Nocturne’ demonstrate her knack for embodying characters struggling with both supernatural and psychological terrors.

From the beginning with ‘The Ward’ to her memorable performance in ‘ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction’, Sweeney demonstrates her adaptability brilliantly. The increasing impact she has on the genre suggests she is an emerging talent worth watching.

Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton infuses a vibrant youthfulness into her performances in horror movies, skillfully combining humor with chills in films like ‘Freaky’ and ‘Abigail’. Her portrayals of these characters show they are both endearing and fearless, making them easy for audiences to relate to.

In ‘Paranormal Activity 4’ and ‘Lisa Frankenstein’, Newton demonstrates her versatility, portraying a terrified teenager in one role and a charming lead in another. Her unique knack for blending suspense with character depth sets her apart as a notable figure in contemporary horror.

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka’s portrayals in horror productions display a chilling balance of grace and power. Her acting in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ prove she can convincingly bring to life unsettling personas.

In the series ‘Longlegs’ and ‘Totally Killer’, Shipka demonstrates her versatility in dealing with both supernatural and slasher genres of horror. Her talent for depicting intricate, tormented characters has endeared her to fans within this genre.

Kate Siegel

Kate Siegel’s horror performances are captivating and indelible, as demonstrated by her work in both ‘Hush’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’ Her characters effectively portray a blend of fear and fortitude that leaves a lasting impression.

As a captivated cinematic observer, I must commend Kiki Siegel for her exceptional performances in ‘Midnight Mass’ and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Her profound acting talents are evident as she delves deep into her characters, making her a chilling queen of the screen when it comes to delivering intense, emotionally charged scenes.

Taissa Farmiga

The acting career of Taissa Farmiga encompasses both television and movies, notably featuring memorable parts in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘The Convent’ (also known as ‘The Nun’). Her portrayals exude both terror and resilience, solidifying her as a go-to performer in the horror genre.

In both ‘The Final Girls’ and ‘The Nun II’, Farmiga skillfully infuses her characters with a deep emotional resonance. This versatility in handling the psychological and supernatural aspects of horror ensures her continued popularity among directors.

Alexandra Essoe

Alexandra Essoe demonstrates powerful, emotional acting in the horror genre. Her standout performance in ‘Starry Eyes’ and subsequent roles in ‘Doctor Sleep’ highlight her talent for depicting characters who crumble under stress.

In simpler terms, Essoe’s performances in ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ and ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ showcase her adaptability as an actress. Her eagerness to take on challenging, eerie roles makes her a standout performer worth remembering, often associated with horror or suspense genres.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher’s horror roles are characterized by their raw, intense emotional depth. Her portrayals in ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘The Boogeyman’ demonstrate her talent for bringing to life characters grappling with extraordinary fear.

In both ‘MaXXXine’ and ‘Heretic’, Thatcher delivers her roles with an intense intensity that sets her apart. Her burgeoning stardom and bold performances mark her as a remarkable figure within the genre.

Shawnee Smith

Shawnee Smith’s unforgettable portrayal in the ‘Saw’ series solidifies her status as a horror genre icon, often referred to as the “scream queen.” Her roles in ‘Saw X’ and ‘The Grudge 3’ demonstrate her talent for conveying fear and resilience.

Smith’s contributions in ‘Bloodline Killer’ and ‘Psychopomp’ demonstrate that she remains a significant figure in the horror genre, with her consistent involvement keeping enthusiasts eagerly anticipating her next work.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown excels in the horror genre through her roles in ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Scream’. Her acting skillfully combines intelligence and fear, earning her the title of a captivating actress capable of delivering chilling performances that resonate with viewers.

In both ‘Scream VI’ and ‘The Conductor’, Brown imbues her characters with resilience. Her unique blend of wit and terror positions her as an ascending talent within the genre, captivating audiences alike.

Georgina Campbell

Georgina Campbell’s portrayal of horror characters is both captivating and nerve-wracking. Her acting talents, as demonstrated in ‘Barbarian’ and ‘The Watchers’, brilliantly express a sense of raw terror and determination.

Campbell’s diverse body of work, as showcased in ‘Bird Box: Barcelona’ and ‘Lovely, Dark, and Deep’, underscores her remarkable adaptability. Her powerful impact sets her apart as a prominent figure in contemporary horror genre.

Odessa A’zion

Odessa A’zion delivers a powerful, energetic performance in her roles within the horror genre. Her appearances in ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘The Inhabitant’ demonstrate her skill at handling both visceral and psychologically intense horror scenarios.

In both ‘Let’s Scare Julie’ and ‘For the Night’, A’zion demonstrates her ability to excel in demanding, high-pressure roles. Her courageous performance positions her as an emerging star in the horror genre, often referred to as a ‘rising scream queen’.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette’s horror roles, particularly in ‘Hereditary’, are incredibly impactful and hard to forget. Her talent for conveying intense sorrow and fear sets her apart within the horror genre.

In ‘Krampus’ and ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’, Collette demonstrates her versatility with performances that span the realms of chilling supernatural horror and biting dark satire. Her ability to convey deep emotions captivates viewers, keeping them engaged throughout.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is renowned as a horror movie legend, persistently playing her famous character in the ‘Halloween’ series. Her appearances in ‘Halloween Kills’ and ‘Halloween Ends’ demonstrate her lasting power and commitment to the horror genre.

In the TV series ‘Scream Queens’, Curtis’s work demonstrates a unique ability to combine comedy and suspense, showcasing her versatility. Her portrayal of Laurie Strode has solidified her status as an enduring figure in the horror genre, earning her the title of a horror icon.

Andrea Riseborough

Andrea Riseborough offers spine-tingling performances in the horror genre. Her parts in ‘Mandy’ and ‘Possessor’ highlight her skill at playing intricate, eerie characters.

In both ‘The Grudge’ and ‘Hidden’, Riseborough delivers an intense performance that shines in each scene. Her distinctive aura sets her apart as a captivating figure within the genre.

Annabelle Wallis

In the realm of terror, Annabelle Wallis truly excels, with notable appearances in ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Malignant’. Her acting skillfully combines elements of dread and resilience, earning her the title of an engrossing actress in horror films.

Wallis’s performances in ‘Annabelle: Creation’ and ‘Silent Night’ demonstrate her adaptability. The intensity she brings to horror sequences continues to captivate audiences, keeping her at the forefront of attention.

Elisabeth Moss

Elizabeth Moss showcases chilling, captivating performances in the films ‘Us’ and ‘The Invisible Man.’ Her talent for portraying fear and determination sets her apart as a notable figure within the horror genre.

Moss’s performances in ‘The Attic’ and ‘Invasion’ underscore her initial foray into horror genre, with her powerful acting continuing to enthrall viewers even today.

Samara Weaving

Samara Weaving delivers striking and energetic performances in her horror roles. Her work in ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘The Babysitter’ demonstrates her unique knack for seamlessly combining comedy and terror.

In ‘Scream VI’ and ‘Azrael’, Weaving demonstrates her capability of delivering captivating performances in action-packed roles that demand intensity and high stakes. Her charm has earned her a significant following among fans within this particular genre.

Imogen Poots

In a more casual and engaging tone, the statement could be rephrased as: Imogen Poots delivers gripping performances in her horror roles, particularly evident in ‘Green Room’ and ’28 Weeks Later’, where she showcases her knack for playing characters caught in harrowing predicaments.

In the movies ‘Vivarium’ and ‘Black Christmas’, Poots demonstrates her versatility, delivering both intense psychological horror and exhilarating slasher suspense. Her daring portrayals have earned her the title of a captivating actress in the horror genre, making her performances truly worth watching.

Vera Farmiga

Vera Farmiga demonstrates immense prowess in the horror genre, having starred in films like ‘The Conjuring’ and TV series such as ‘Bates Motel’. Her acting skills combine profound emotion with spine-tingling intensity.

In ‘The Nun’ and ‘Orphan’, Farmiga demonstrates her talent for portraying both supernatural and psychologically disturbing roles, maintaining her dominance in the horror genre with her powerful screen presence.

Kristen Connolly

Kristen Connolly delivers a stellar performance in the horror genre, particularly in ‘The Cabin in the Woods’. Her versatility within the realm of horror is evident through her roles in ‘The Bay’ and ‘Evil’, demonstrating her aptitude for tackling various subcategories of horror.

In ‘The Whispers’, Connolly demonstrates her unique ability to depict both fear and determination. Her subtle yet powerful presence sets her apart as an exceptional actress, often earning her the title of a chilling horror star.

Sharni Vinson

In simpler terms, Sharni Vinson is known for delivering powerful acting in horror movies. Her portrayal in ‘You’re Next’ demonstrates her as a strong and clever actress often associated with the horror genre, referred to as a fearless “scream queen.

In simpler terms, Vinson’s work in both ‘Bait’ and ‘From a House on Willow Street’ showcases her ability to excel in high-octane horror productions. Her powerful presence and charm effectively captivate the audience throughout these films.

Sarah Paulson

The chilling horror characters portrayed by Sarah Paulson on ‘American Horror Story’ are truly legendary. Her acting skills, as demonstrated in ‘Bird Box’ and ‘Run’, showcase her exceptional talent for expressing both intense fear and unyielding resolve.

Paulson’s performance in ‘Glass’ demonstrates her versatility within psychological horror. Her intense emotional portrayal sets her apart as a notable figure in the genre.

Victoria Pedretti

Victoria Pedretti excels in the horror genre, demonstrating both vulnerability and strength in shows like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘You’. Her captivating portrayals earn her the title of a mesmerizing “scream queen.

The work by Pedretti in ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ demonstrates her skill at portraying both chilling and emotionally intense characters. Given her rapidly increasing reputation, she remains a highly sought-after actress.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz boasts an extensive career in the horror genre, dating back to ‘The Amityville Horror’. Her performances in ‘Carrie’ and ‘Let Me In’ demonstrate her knack for portraying complex, emotionally charged characters.

In ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Shadow in the Cloud’, Moretz demonstrates her acting range, showcasing her versatility. Her daring performances earn her recognition as a prominent actress in horror films.

Amanda Seyfried

In a more casual and engaging tone, we could say: Amanda Seyfried delves deeply into the emotional aspects of her horror movie characters. Her portrayals in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘You Should Have Left’ demonstrate her knack for tackling complex, eerie narratives effectively.

Seyfried’s performances in ‘Things Heard & Seen’ and ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ display her versatility, as she manages to enthrall viewers with her mesmerizing acting.

In both ‘Things Heard & Seen’ and ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’, Seyfried demonstrates her acting prowess by captivating audiences with her spellbinding performances.

Jocelin Donahue

Jocelin Donahue offers spine-tingling portrayals in independent horror films. Her roles in ‘The House of the Devil’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’ demonstrate her knack for bringing to life characters grappling with supernatural fright.

In simpler terms, Donahue’s works in ‘I Trapped the Devil’ and ‘Offseason’ showcase her talent for creating tense, eerie horror stories. Her subtle yet powerful approach makes her a standout figure in the genre.

Kelly Reilly

In the realm of chilling cinema, I can confidently say that Kelly Reilly delivers a stunning performance in ‘Eden Lake’. Her portrayals in ‘Eight for Silver’ and ‘A Haunting in Venice’ underscore her aptitude for tackling intense, suspense-laden roles with remarkable finesse.

Reilly’s contributions in ‘Puffball’ and ‘Innocence’ showcase her ability to excel in the genre of psychological horror, with her powerful acting making her a captivating scream queen worth watching.

Shauna Macdonald

In the film ‘The Descent’, Shauna Macdonald’s powerful portrayal has solidified her status as a fearless actress, often associated with roles that demand intense emotions, particularly fear and survival. Her outstanding performances in ‘The Descent: Part 2’ and ‘Nails’ underscore this ability.

McDonald’s writings, particularly in ‘Howl’ and ‘The White Chambers’, demonstrate her prowess in creating hauntingly intense horror narratives. Her lasting impact within the genre continues to cement her as a beloved figure among fans.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts gives chilling, memorable performances in ‘The Ring’. The characters she plays in both ‘The Ring Two’ and ‘Goodnight Mommy’ demonstrate her knack for depicting individuals confronted with supernatural fear.

In ‘The Watcher’ and ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’, Watt’s performances demonstrate her remarkable adaptability. Her profound emotional range has earned her the revered status of a scream queen icon.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar excels in the horror genre through her spellbinding portrayals in ‘The Grudge’ and ‘The Grudge 2’. Her acting skills seamlessly combine elements of terror and fortitude, establishing her as a legendary figure in this genre.

In ‘The Return’ and ‘Wolf Pack’, Gellar demonstrates her lasting impact on the horror genre. Her captivating charm consistently draws viewers to seek out her future works.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead excels at delivering chilling, suspenseful performances in ’10 Cloverfield Lane’. Her past roles in ‘Final Destination 3’ and ‘The Thing’ demonstrate her knack for tackling intense, life-threatening situations.

In the films ‘Black Christmas’ and ‘The Returned’, Winstead demonstrates her ability to adapt, showcasing her versatility. Her powerful presence sets her apart as a commanding horror film actress, earning her the title of a memorable scream queen.

2025-08-08 06:19