The Most Beautiful Actresses Of The 2000s

The 2000s saw a new generation of actresses rise to fame, captivating audiences around the world and becoming icons of the decade. They achieved success through memorable roles, critically acclaimed performances, and careers that spanned different countries and types of films. This is a look back at the women who truly defined the decade with their work, highlighting the films and moments that cemented their lasting influence.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie rose to international fame with blockbuster action movies like ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith.’ She earned critical praise for more serious roles in films such as ‘A Mighty Heart.’ Early in her career, she won an Oscar, which helped establish her as a major movie star for years to come. Beyond acting, she became a well-known advocate for humanitarian causes, extending her influence far beyond the film industry.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson’s career took off with ‘Lost in Translation,’ and she followed that success with memorable performances in films like ‘Match Point’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’ She became a versatile actress, starring in both small, character-driven films and big-budget productions. By the end of the 2000s, she was becoming well-known for her role in the early Marvel films, and her work on Broadway further proved her talent and acting ability.

Natalie Portman

She successfully juggled high-profile, artistic films like ‘Closer’ with major blockbuster franchises like ‘Star Wars’. Her early success and education prepared her for complex roles in both dramatic and suspenseful stories. Working with renowned directors, she consistently delivered award-winning performances. Beyond her acting, her intelligence and artistic sensibility were also highlighted by her education and public advocacy.

Halle Berry

I was so thrilled when she won her Oscar for ‘Monster’s Ball’! After that, she really became a household name, starring in huge movies like ‘Die Another Day’ and becoming part of the ‘X-Men’ franchise. It was amazing to see her move so easily between action and dramatic roles – she proved she could do it all! She also became the face of several major brands and was constantly invited to film festivals around the world. Honestly, that decade really solidified her place as one of the biggest and most recognizable actresses globally. It was incredible to watch her career take off.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley first gained widespread recognition with ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and became a star with the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films. She received critical acclaim and award nominations for her roles in historical dramas such as ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Atonement’. Throughout this period, her work successfully combined popular blockbuster franchises with thoughtful adaptations of classic literature. Her visibility was further boosted by high-profile fashion campaigns and magazine appearances, making her a global icon.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her role in ‘Monster’ and continued to impress audiences with powerful performances in films like ‘North Country’ and ‘In the Valley of Elah’. She successfully balanced starring in both big action movies and serious dramas, and her work with respected directors kept her a frequent topic of critical discussion throughout the 2000s. She also began producing her own projects, expanding her impact on the film industry beyond acting.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz first gained widespread recognition with films like ‘Vanilla Sky’ and ‘Blow,’ and then received critical praise for ‘Volver.’ Her Academy Award for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ showcased her successful collaborations with leading directors from Spain and the United States. Known for her work in several languages, she became a regular presence at film festivals worldwide. Major fashion brands also featured her in advertising campaigns, further increasing her popularity internationally.

Monica Bellucci

Monica Bellucci became famous worldwide for her roles in films like ‘Malèna’, ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, and ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Her work successfully bridged the gap between European and American cinema, and she became a popular face in magazines and advertising campaigns for luxury brands. Regular appearances at film festivals like Cannes and Venice solidified her status as a globally recognized star.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz is an acclaimed actress who won an Oscar for her role in ‘The Constant Gardener.’ She’s known for strong performances in films like ‘About a Boy’ and ‘The Fountain,’ and first gained wide recognition in ‘The Mummy’ movies. Throughout her career, she’s consistently appeared in thoughtful, character-focused dramas, and has also worked in theatre and independent films, building a reputation as a highly respected performer.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

I first really noticed her in ‘Traffic,’ but she totally blew me away in ‘Chicago’ – and deserved that Oscar, honestly! She’s been in so many fun movies I’ve loved, like ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ and ‘The Terminal.’ What always strikes me is how she can really perform – she’s a fantastic singer and just has this classic, glamorous movie star quality. She’s stayed relevant too, with her stage work and appearances, which is great to see.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi first gained international recognition with the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ and went on to star in popular movies like ‘House of Flying Daggers’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ Her action films were known for their impressive fight choreography and emotional depth. She quickly became a regular attendee at major film awards and festivals around the world, and working with prominent Chinese directors helped to broaden her appeal to international audiences.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

She introduced audiences around the world to the glamour of Bollywood through films like ‘Devdas’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’ Her presence at the Cannes Film Festival and roles in international movies such as ‘Bride and Prejudice’ further raised her profile. She also became the face of several leading beauty and fashion brands over many years, successfully connecting Indian cinema with wider global audiences.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek gained significant recognition for her role in ‘Frida’ and starred in popular films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’. She then expanded into producing, focusing on projects that showcased a wider range of perspectives. Beyond acting, she became known for her activism and business ventures. Throughout the decade, she established herself as a prominent actress and a powerful producer.

Anne Hathaway

Michelle Williams first gained recognition in ‘The Princess Diaries’ before transitioning to critically acclaimed roles in films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Rachel Getting Married.’ Her success in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ significantly increased her popularity. Throughout her career, she’s skillfully moved between comedic and dramatic roles, consistently earning award nominations and wins. She’s also proven her talent extends beyond the screen through hosting and stage performances.

Kate Beckinsale

She became a leading actress through the ‘Underworld’ films and gained a dedicated following with her roles in action and thriller movies. She also showcased her range by appearing in historical dramas like ‘The Aviator’ and romantic films. This led to frequent appearances in magazines and partnerships with major brands, solidifying her position as a prominent actress throughout the decade.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a multi-talented star known for both her acting and music. She’s starred in popular films like ‘Maid in Manhattan’ and ‘The Cell,’ and consistently draws audiences to romantic comedies. Beyond entertainment, she’s successfully launched her own fashion and fragrance brands, and continues to connect with fans through television appearances and live performances.

Jessica Alba

She first gained recognition with ‘Sin City’ and helped make ‘Fantastic Four’ a popular success. She then transitioned into the world of business, launching a consumer goods company that quickly became successful. Continuing to appear in both action and comedy films kept her in demand, and she ultimately became known for successfully combining her entertainment career with her entrepreneurial ventures – a trend that characterized celebrities towards the end of the decade.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox first gained widespread recognition with the movie ‘Transformers’ and continued to take on roles in popular genres, including ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Her appearances in major film promotions made her a frequent face in the media during the late 2000s, with numerous magazine covers and appearances at award shows. She has consistently worked in television and film, keeping her involved in ongoing franchise projects.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner first gained recognition on television with the show ‘Alias’ and then successfully moved into films like ’13 Going on 30′ and ‘Juno’. Her experience with action roles on TV helped her secure parts in thrillers and superhero movies. She soon became a popular leading actress in both comedies and dramas produced by major studios. Beyond acting, she also became known for her charitable work and her own business ventures.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes first became well-known for her performance in ‘Training Day’ and went on to star in popular films like ‘Hitch’ and ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’. She successfully played a wide range of roles – from funny to serious to action-packed – making her a highly sought-after actress. She also appeared in major advertising campaigns for fashion and beauty brands, increasing her global fame. More recently, she’s focused on independent films, demonstrating her dedication to diverse and interesting stories.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘Walk the Line’ and starred in popular films like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. Her ability to move between charming romantic comedies and critically acclaimed dramas made her a favorite with studios. Throughout the 2000s, she was frequently featured in magazines and appeared on talk shows. Even early in her career, her initial work as a producer suggested she had the talent to create a major production company, which she later did.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet is known for her critically acclaimed roles in films like ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘The Reader’. She consistently worked on high-profile projects with respected directors, demonstrating her versatility in both dramatic and romantic roles. She was a regular attendee at major international film festivals and awards shows, and expanded her work into voice acting and television miniseries.

Marion Cotillard

She first gained worldwide fame with her song ‘La Vie en Rose’ and then successfully transitioned into English-language hits, including a role in ‘Public Enemies’. She continued to work with respected European filmmakers, keeping her a regular topic at film festivals. Major fashion brands also chose her for prominent advertising campaigns, broadening her public profile. She skillfully juggled mainstream thriller films with more artistic, independent projects, maintaining her career’s strong trajectory.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams first gained fame in popular movies like ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook,’ and later successfully transitioned into thrillers such as ‘Red Eye.’ Her appearances in ensemble comedies like ‘Wedding Crashers’ and the drama ‘State of Play’ demonstrated her ability to choose commercially successful projects. Throughout her career, she’s worked in a variety of genres – romance, comedy, and investigative drama – consistently remaining in the public eye. Extensive international promotion and frequent magazine appearances solidified her status as a major star of the 2000s.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt first gained widespread recognition with ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and continued to impress in ‘The Young Victoria’. Throughout her career, she’s skillfully played both humorous supporting characters and strong, ethical leads. She quickly became a familiar face at film events in Europe and North America, and later took on action roles that felt authentic thanks to the solid foundation she’d built.

Amy Adams

She first became well-known for her role in ‘Enchanted’ and then proved her acting skills with a powerful performance in ‘Doubt’. This combination of lighthearted musical talent and dramatic ability made her stand out to directors and casting agents. She received numerous award nominations, keeping her consistently in the running, and frequent media appearances and public events helped establish her as a popular and recognizable star.

Zoe Saldaña

She first gained widespread recognition with ‘Star Trek’ and then reached even greater heights with ‘Avatar’. Before those roles, she had established a solid fanbase through films like ‘Drumline’ and ‘Guess Who’. This led to her becoming a familiar face in science fiction and action movies, and her films consistently performed well internationally, making her a globally recognized star.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst first became well-known for her role in the ‘Spider-Man’ films and later received critical acclaim for movies like ‘Marie Antoinette’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. She skillfully transitioned from a young star to working with respected directors on both mainstream and independent projects. Throughout her career, she’s balanced popular films with those favored by film festivals, and remained a public figure through fashion work and brand endorsements.

Naomi Watts

She first gained widespread recognition with the film ‘Mulholland Drive’ and then starred in ‘The Ring’ and ’21 Grams.’ Her powerful performances in emotionally demanding roles consistently earned her award nominations and positive reviews. She seamlessly transitioned between suspenseful thrillers and character-focused dramas. Beyond acting, she also became known for her charitable work and collaborations with various brands, increasing her public profile.

Rosario Dawson

She made a name for herself in films like ‘Sin City’ and ‘Rent’, and also appeared in big-budget movies such as ‘Men in Black II’. She continued to work on smaller, independent films that were shown at film festivals. Beyond acting, she became involved in activism and encouraged people to vote, which increased her public recognition. Throughout the decade, she proved she could handle a wide range of roles and genres.

Lucy Liu

Best known for leading ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and her memorable performances in ‘Kill Bill’, she remained a constant presence on screen through television appearances and voice acting work. Beyond acting, she cultivated a public image through frequent appearances at fashion shows and charitable events, and expanded her creative pursuits with art exhibitions and directing projects.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman regained widespread recognition with ‘Kill Bill’, building on her established career. She continued to star in popular romantic comedies and thrillers, maintaining strong relationships with major film studios. She was a regular presence at European film festivals and awards ceremonies, and expanded her public persona through fashion work and stage performances.

Milla Jovovich

Known for her leading role in ‘Resident Evil,’ she became a popular figure in science fiction and action movies. She also expanded her work into modeling and music, reaching an even wider audience. Frequent appearances at premieres and fan conventions kept her devoted fanbase engaged, and she supplemented her work on the major franchise with roles in independent films.

Eva Green

Eva Green quickly gained attention with her role in ‘Casino Royale’ and followed it up with critically acclaimed films like ‘The Dreamers’. Being fluent in multiple languages allowed her to work on projects in both Europe and the United States. She also became a prominent figure at fashion shows and promotional events. Throughout her career, she’s become known for her compelling performances in fantasy and period pieces, creating a unique and recognizable presence on screen.

Michelle Monaghan

Michelle Monaghan first became well-known with ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and then achieved mainstream success with ‘Mission Impossible III’. She continued to take on roles in character-driven dramas alongside these bigger films, and later proved her versatility with longer, in-depth television series. Consistent critical acclaim and appearances at film festivals have helped her build a long and successful career.

Amanda Seyfried

She first gained recognition with popular films like ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Mamma Mia,’ and later showcased her range in more intense dramas such as ‘Chloe.’ She successfully balanced lighthearted musicals with thrilling and romantic roles, consistently attracting audiences. Along with her film work, she remained a fashion icon through magazine appearances and brand partnerships, ensuring she stayed in the public eye for years.

Olivia Wilde

Starting with a popular role on ‘House’, she moved into films like ‘Tron Legacy’. Her early directing work hinted at the style she’d later be known for. She took on diverse roles in action, comedy, and independent films, proving her versatility as an actress. Beyond acting, she also showed an interest in business and technology, actively participating in philanthropic work and speaking at tech conferences.

Sienna Miller

She first became known for her roles in films like ‘Layer Cake’ and ‘Factory Girl,’ and she’s consistently worked on projects in both the UK and the US. Her performances on stage in London and New York further established her as a serious actor. She also became a familiar face in fashion and lifestyle magazines through various endorsements and style collaborations. More recently, she’s been praised for her ability to transform herself for biographical roles, solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger became well-known for her role in ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and received critical acclaim for films like ‘Cold Mountain’ and ‘Chicago’. She became known for combining musical talent with comedic roles, shaping how the public saw her. She regularly attended award shows and promotional events, and consistently worked with highly respected directors, maintaining a strong and impressive career.

Drew Barrymore

Known for starring in popular films like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘50 First Dates,’ she later became a producer with ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’ Her engaging presence in romantic comedies consistently attracted audiences. She then broadened her career by directing ‘Whip It,’ marking a shift towards more creative control. Throughout this decade, she also dedicated time to charitable work and various lifestyle projects.

Let us know who your favorite actresses of the 2000s were! Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us if we missed anyone.

2025-11-04 21:54