The Most Underrated Actresses of the 21st Century

Many talented actors build impressive careers without a lot of public attention. This list highlights actresses whose work demonstrates a depth and versatility that goes beyond what most people realize. These are artists who consistently deliver strong performances across different types of projects – from independent films to popular genre movies and streaming series.

This collection showcases the impressive work of often-overlooked actresses, detailing their key projects, awards, and career paths to demonstrate their talent. It provides a solid starting point for discovering their performances, including notable roles, stage experience, and international contributions.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall is a versatile actor who seamlessly transitions between historical dramas and modern thrillers. She’s not only starred in films like ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ but also taken on roles that allow her creative control, such as leading and producing ‘Passing’ and directing ‘Resurrection’. Her background includes training at Cambridge University and performing with the Peter Hall Company, giving her a strong foundation in acting technique and the ability to deliver nuanced performances with careful control of her voice and emotions.

She’s worked with some of the biggest names in film, appearing in movies like ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’, ‘The Town’, and ‘The Prestige’. On TV, she’s led series such as ‘Parade’s End’ and demonstrated her comedic skills in ‘Tales from the Loop’. Beyond acting, she also writes and directs, which informs her performances with a strong understanding of how stories and scenes are built.

Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey has built a diverse career, starting with independent films and now including popular streaming series. She’s gained recent praise for her roles in shows like ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Candy’, and has appeared in acclaimed films such as ‘Heavenly Creatures’, ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’, and ‘The Intervention’. Lynskey is particularly skilled at portraying realistic characters facing difficult situations, often using small, understated physical cues to reveal their inner struggles.

She’s known for her work in comedies like ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘Togetherness’, as well as a memorable, intense role in ‘The Last of Us’. She consistently seeks out projects with great casts and well-developed characters, and she has a knack for making stories feel more real and emotionally impactful through her performances.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon’s experience in theater, including a Tony nomination, gives her a powerful presence on screen and a strong understanding of dialogue and dramatic tension. She first gained recognition in television with roles in ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Fargo,’ and then starred in the historical drama ‘The Gilded Age.’ In film, she’s delivered memorable performances in ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘Widows,’ and even brought a grounded quality to the blockbuster ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife.’

She’s a skilled actor with clear speech and a natural, believable stage presence, allowing her to portray a wide range of characters, like mourning mothers and ambitious individuals. She excels at working with writers who create dialogue with hidden meanings, and she brings depth and nuance to those scripts, making her performances particularly rewarding for attentive viewers.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

I’ve been a huge fan of Gugu Mbatha-Raw for years! She’s incredibly talented and has such a strong background – she really honed her skills at RADA and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I first noticed her in ‘Belle,’ and then she blew me away showing off her action side in ‘Beyond the Lights.’ She’s not afraid to take risks, like with the mind-bending ‘Cloverfield Paradox.’ But it’s on TV where I think she *really* shines. She was fantastic as that complex judge in ‘Loki,’ and her episode of ‘Black Mirror,’ ‘San Junipero,’ was just breathtaking – everyone was talking about it!

She seamlessly transitions between period pieces and imaginative stories, consistently delivering emotionally resonant performances. Beyond acting, she champions meaningful projects and carefully chooses productions, demonstrating a clear vision for building a career that highlights her strengths.

Hong Chau

Hong Chau first gained attention for her memorable performance in ‘Downsizing,’ which opened doors to larger roles in films like ‘The Whale’ and ‘The Menu.’ She’s a skilled actress who seamlessly combines comedic timing with serious dramatic ability, making her a solid and dependable presence in any group of actors. Her background in independent films helped her develop a knack for creating believable characters even with limited background information.

She impressed audiences in shows like ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Homecoming’, demonstrating a remarkable ability to master different moods and rhythms, no matter the genre. She consistently selects roles that delve into questions of identity and power, often within complex and detailed universes, and her acting powerfully establishes what’s at risk in those stories.

Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley is a versatile actor who expertly blends her formal vocal training with daring choices in films like ‘Wild Rose’, ‘Men’, and ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’. She’s equally comfortable with singing on screen and creating chilling psychological performances, using her voice and pacing to develop her characters. Her experience in large-scale London stage productions has given her both endurance and a deep understanding of text, which she brings to her film roles.

I’ve been consistently impressed by her work in limited series like ‘Chernobyl’ and ‘Fargo’ – she brings such nuance and emotional truth to her roles. What really stands out is her ability to ground even the most experimental projects. She often collaborates with directors who aren’t afraid to take risks with storytelling, and she’s fantastic at making those complex, ambitious scripts feel both understandable and deeply moving. She’s the glue that holds it all together, honestly.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany is known for her incredible ability to create very different characters, as she proved in ‘Orphan Black’ by giving each one a unique way of moving, speaking, and expressing themselves. More recently, in ‘She-Hulk’, she skillfully combined comedic moments with action-packed superhero scenes, while also maintaining the structure of a legal drama. Her experience with improvisation makes her quick-thinking and flexible during filming.

She’s also directed smaller, independent films such as ‘Stronger’ and ‘The Other Half’, demonstrating how her focus on detail strengthens emotionally resonant stories. Casting directors often turn to her for ambitious projects that require a realistic and human touch to truly connect with audiences.

Vicky Krieps

Vicky Krieps gained international recognition in ‘Phantom Thread,’ holding her own alongside a well-established actor with a quiet strength and masterful timing. Since then, she’s built an impressive film career with roles in movies like ‘Corsage,’ ‘Bergman Island,’ and ‘Old.’ She’s fluent in multiple languages and works with both acclaimed European and Hollywood directors.

Her films frequently explore how women take control of their lives, even when facing strict rules or expectations. She prefers stories that aren’t overly explained, embracing moments of quiet and uncertainty. This allows her characters to develop in subtle, impactful ways, rather than through direct storytelling.

Andrea Riseborough

Andrea Riseborough is a remarkably versatile actress, seamlessly transitioning between realistic portrayals of real people and unconventional roles in genre films. She’s known for her performances in movies like ‘Battle of the Sexes’ and ‘To Leslie,’ as well as her memorable, unsettling work in ‘Mandy’ and ‘Possessor.’ She prepares for each role with thorough research, mastering accents, and changing her physicality, but always in a way that feels authentic and believable.

Her work on shows like ‘Bloodline’ and ‘ZeroZeroZero’ demonstrates her ability to handle complex, multi-episode storylines. She’s also known for getting involved with ambitious projects early on and helping to find the money to make them happen, proving she’s a powerful force behind the scenes.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is skilled at both action and dramatic roles. She powerfully carried the suspense in ’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ expertly performed the fight choreography in ‘Kate,’ and has been a strong addition to large-scale franchises like ‘Birds of Prey.’ Her musical background even helps her with timing and breathing during physically demanding scenes.

She received critical acclaim for her work on shows like ‘Fargo’ and ‘Ahsoka’, skillfully delivering complex storylines and dialogue. She consistently chooses roles that challenge her physically and allow for meaningful character development, and she maintains a focused and nuanced performance no matter how grand the production.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis is known for both her work in independent films and her understanding of science fiction. She powerfully portrayed the emotional center of the series ‘Halt and Catch Fire,’ starred in the critically acclaimed ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror,’ and handled action-packed roles in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate.’ She easily handles complex technical language and delivers futuristic conversations that feel natural and relatable.

She’s known for films like ‘Always Shine’, ‘Tully’, and ‘The Martian’, and often works with directors who emphasize strong teamwork among actors. Her roles usually explore themes of striving for success, guidance, and the challenges that come with new ideas.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki is a physically commanding actress. Her height and training in movement allow her to excel on screen, as demonstrated in challenging roles like those in ‘Tenet’ and ‘The Crown’, and the ensemble cast of ‘Widows’. She studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, and blends traditional acting techniques with the demands of contemporary characters.

She frequently plays characters who are both graceful and carefully controlled. She’s drawn to roles in projects that are technically challenging and involve complicated relationships, and she consistently delivers clear and understandable performances even when the story is complex.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku started her career in British television and has since gained international recognition. She’s known for her powerful performances in shows like ‘His House’, ‘Lovecraft Country’, and ‘We Own This City’, and she’s also proven her ability to handle big-budget productions with her role in the Marvel series ‘Loki’.

Her experience in both theater and documentary filmmaking helps her deeply understand her characters, particularly when playing roles that explore larger social issues. She’s also skilled at creating realistic and believable voices and speech patterns, making her performances authentic no matter the environment.

Noémie Merlant

Noémie Merlant gained international recognition with her performance in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and continued to take on challenging roles in films like ‘Paris, 13th District’ and ‘Tár’. As a director herself, she brings a keen understanding of pacing and visual storytelling to her acting. Her ability to work fluently in both French and English makes her a versatile asset to any production.

She’s known for performances that delve into themes of longing, drive, and the competitive side of art, often expressed through subtle facial expressions. She prefers working with artists who create immersive environments using both sound and stillness, and she responds with a focused and powerful presence.

Nina Hoss

Nina Hoss is a leading actor in modern German film, known for her powerful performances in movies like ‘Barbara’, ‘Phoenix’, and ‘Tár’. Her training at the Ernst Busch Academy instilled in her a stage-like approach to acting, allowing her to quickly change emotional tones while remaining believable. She frequently collaborates with director Christian Petzold, and their strong working relationship allows for a strikingly simple and effective style.

She became widely known through her roles in shows like ‘Homeland’ and ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’. She frequently plays characters who are professionals facing difficult ethical dilemmas, and she portrays their complex decisions with incredible detail and accuracy.

Carla Gugino

Carla Gugino has built a successful career by moving between big ensemble casts and high-quality limited series. She was a standout in projects like ‘Gerald’s Game’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, and led the film ‘Leopard Skin’. She’s also appeared in visually striking films like ‘Sin City’ and ‘Watchmen’, always bringing a relatable and human quality to her roles, even in fantastical settings.

She often works with creative directors and showrunners who enjoy pushing visual boundaries. Because she consistently delivers on time and is flexible with casting, she’s a highly sought-after collaborator for projects of all kinds.

Rinko Kikuchi

Rinko Kikuchi first gained international acclaim in the film ‘Babel’ and has since balanced independent films with blockbuster movies like ‘Pacific Rim’. Skilled in both Japanese and English, she’s known for powerfully expressive performances, even in roles with minimal speaking lines. She often conveys a character’s inner curiosity and strength through her physical presence and subtle expressions.

She gained wider recognition with her role in ‘Tokyo Vice’. She consistently chooses projects that connect different cultures and explore the impact of technology, and she easily adjusts to various filmmaking approaches and teams.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris seamlessly works between smaller, character-driven films and large-scale blockbuster franchises. She first gained attention in the film ‘Chi-Raq’, then appeared in the horror hit ‘Candyman’, and most recently became known for her roles in the Marvel series ‘WandaVision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’. Her training at the prestigious Juilliard school has given her a strong voice and prepared her for any performance.

I’ve always been struck by how her characters aren’t static; they’re constantly changing, often while being watched and judged by the world. What’s really impressive is how she conveys these shifts – it’s never jarring, but a gradual, thoughtful evolution of mood and pace. And it’s not just about acting, either. She clearly cares about the whole story, taking on producing roles to influence things from the ground up. It shows a real dedication to crafting meaningful narratives.

Haley Lu Richardson

Haley Lu Richardson first gained attention with films like ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘Split’, and later showcased her acting range in more dramatic roles in ‘Columbus’ and ‘Five Feet Apart’. She’s particularly skilled at subtle performances, conveying deep emotion through small gestures and quiet moments, often captivating audiences with her stillness and gaze. Her experience with dance also gives her excellent physical control when filming.

She became more well-known thanks to her role in ‘The White Lotus’. She consistently selects roles where young characters grapple with difficult ethical choices, and she portrays these internal struggles with both precision and subtlety.

Greta Lee

Greta Lee started in comedic roles on shows like ‘Girls’ and ‘Russian Doll,’ but recently received widespread acclaim for her leading performance in ‘Past Lives.’ She excels at subtly conveying emotion while delivering lines with perfect timing, making her ideal for scripts with a lot of dialogue. Her experience in theater and voice acting further demonstrates her versatility as a performer.

She’s also involved in the creative process, assisting with character development and ensuring stories are culturally authentic during brainstorming sessions. Recent film performances demonstrate her ability to deliver nuanced, emotional performances while also handling technically demanding shots and extended scenes.

Let us know in the comments which actresses you think deserve to be on this list – we’d love to hear your suggestions and help others find amazing performances!

2025-10-06 07:20