The Best Supporting Actress Roles in 2025

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As a movie lover, I’ve been so impressed by the incredible supporting actresses this year! They’ve really made a difference in everything from huge action sequels to smaller, more personal dramas, adding so much heart and complexity to the stories. It’s amazing to see their range and talent – they truly shine in every role. This is a look at the performances that really stood out and made 2025 such a memorable year for film.

Evin Ahmad – ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ (2025)

I’m so excited to see Evin Ahmad in the sequel! She plays such a fascinating character – a really important player in the European diamond heist scene. It’s amazing watching her character move between the police and the thieves, and all the shifting alliances make things so tense! She really brings something new to this already gripping crime story, adding a lot of international mystery. Plus, she’s incredible in the action scenes and delivers her lines with so much power – she completely holds her own.

Rosamund Pike – ‘In the Grey’ (2025)

Rosamund Pike shines in this action-packed film by Guy Ritchie, playing a top-level operative on a mission to retrieve stolen funds. The movie dives into the murky world of private security, where right and wrong aren’t always clear. Pike portrays her character with a cool head and impressive strategic skills, even when facing serious threats. It’s a role that perfectly showcases the powerful and nuanced acting she’s known for.

Julia Garner – ‘Wolfman’ (2025)

Julia Garner delivers a compelling performance as a mother desperately trying to save her family from a frightening supernatural force. She portrays the character with believable realism as her husband is consumed by a terrifying physical and mental change. Garner’s performance is the emotional center of the film, and she skillfully builds tension as her family faces a nightmarish encounter with a legendary creature, showcasing both their desperation and strength to survive.

Ariana DeBose – ‘With Love’ (2025)

Ariana DeBose is captivating in this action-packed movie, which explores love and revenge. She’s central to the story and brings real emotional depth to the quickly moving plot. Her skills in dance and physical performance are on full display in the film’s elaborate action scenes. She skillfully combines the strength of an action hero with the sensitivity of a dramatic actress, creating a truly memorable performance.

Shira Haas – ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Shira Haas joins the Marvel universe as a skilled agent with a mysterious past. In the film, she’s key to understanding the complicated new political situation, working directly with top government officials and providing critical help on dangerous missions. Haas brings her intense and nuanced acting style to a character who exists in the world of both spies and superheroes.

Liv Tyler – ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Liv Tyler is back as Betty Ross after a long absence, bringing a link to the story’s history while navigating her father’s growing political power. She provides a realistic and scientific viewpoint amidst the chaos surrounding the new Captain America. Her performance highlights the emotional impact of living in a world filled with both heroes and dangerous creatures.

Tatiana Maslany – ‘The Monkey’ (2025)

Tatiana Maslany leads this chilling thriller inspired by Stephen King. She plays a woman trapped by an old curse connected to a seemingly harmless toy monkey – one that brings misfortune to anyone close by. Maslany expertly shows both the character’s fear and determination, building tension throughout the story. Her compelling performance creates a sense of urgency that keeps viewers hooked on the mystery.

Dakota Fanning – ‘Vicious’ (2025)

Dakota Fanning delivers a strong supporting performance in this creepy, psychological horror movie. The story centers on a young woman who receives a strange inheritance and then experiences increasingly frightening events that make her question what’s real. Fanning’s performance is praised for its nuance and how well she portrays the growing sense of fear. The film further solidifies her reputation as a talented actress in smart, suspenseful horror.

Toni Collette – ‘Mickey 17’ (2025)

I was completely captivated by Toni Collette’s performance! She plays this incredibly powerful woman in charge of a risky mission to colonize an icy planet, and she just owns the role. She’s so cool and calculating, especially in how she treats the workers – they’re basically seen as disposable. The way she interacts with the main character really makes you think about the tough ethical questions the mission raises, and how easily people can be dehumanized. She’s a really intimidating presence, and constantly reminds you that this is all about the company’s bottom line, not about doing what’s right.

Naomi Ackie – ‘Mickey 17’ (2025)

Let me tell you, Naomi Ackie absolutely shines in this film. She plays a fellow colonist, and her connection with the lead is one of the most genuinely moving parts of the story. In a world that feels so cold and alien, she brings a much-needed warmth and humanity. Beyond that, her character really gets you thinking about who we are, and what one person’s life is worth when you’re looking out at the endless expanse of space. Ackie’s performance is just beautiful – it’s grounded and soulful, and it really keeps the more high-concept sci-fi elements from floating away.

Hailee Steinfeld – ‘Sinners’ (2025)

I was completely captivated by Hailee Steinfeld in this new thriller! It’s set in the South during the Jim Crow era, and she plays a woman right in the middle of a really scary battle between twin brothers and some seriously old, evil forces. She’s amazing – she brings so much vulnerability and strength to the role, and the whole movie has this incredible, visually stunning atmosphere. She really blended well with the other actors, making the historical setting feel incredibly real even with all the horror going on.

Li Jun Li – ‘Sinners’ (2025)

Li Jun Li delivers a compelling performance in this historical drama directed by Ryan Coogler. Her character deals with the challenges of 1930s society while confronting unexplainable supernatural events. Li Jun Li’s grace and intelligence add depth to the story and are crucial in portraying the diverse community impacted by the film’s central mystery.

Naomie Harris – ‘Black Bag’ (2025)

Naomie Harris delivers a compelling performance in this intense spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. She plays a skilled intelligence agent navigating a complicated operation where secrets hold all the power. Harris brings a cleverness and strong authority to the role, confidently handling the film’s quick pace and ever-changing loyalties.

Debra Messing – ‘Alto Knights’ (2025)

Debra Messing plays the wife of a powerful mob boss in this classic gangster story set in the mid-1900s. She portrays a woman who is fiercely loyal and secretly strong, despite living with the constant threat of her husband’s criminal life. Her performance focuses on the family side of organized crime, showing the hardships and sacrifices those families face. Messing brings a relatable, human touch to what is otherwise a dark and violent tale.

Gal Gadot – ‘Snow White’ (2025)

Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen in this new movie based on the classic fairy tale. She powerfully portrays the queen’s desire to remain the most beautiful, bringing both authority and a chilling threat to the role. The film delves into the queen’s obsession with appearance and ruthless ambition, showing what lengths she’ll go to. This is a very different part for Gadot, known for playing heroes, and really showcases her range as an actress.

Jennifer Coolidge – ‘Minecraft’ (2025)

Jennifer Coolidge’s signature comedic style shines in this fun adaptation of the popular video game. She plays a helpful character who guides the heroes through the challenging and pixelated world of the Overworld. Coolidge brings a lot of humor and heart to the film, perfectly complementing its playful and imaginative feel. Even with all the impressive visuals, she creates a truly memorable performance.

Kate McKinnon – ‘Minecraft’ (2025)

Kate McKinnon adds a delightfully quirky presence to the film, bringing her unique energy to the fantastical world. She plays a character who provides both useful advice and funny commentary as the heroes overcome obstacles. McKinnon shines with her physical comedy and ability to improvise, making the digital setting feel more vibrant. This role is a great opportunity for her to demonstrate her acting skills in a fun, family-friendly blockbuster.

Rachel Brosnahan – ‘The Amateur’ (2025)

Rachel Brosnahan is a central figure in this thrilling story of a CIA codebreaker who decides to take action himself. She provides a crucial emotional connection to the main character, making the worldwide adventure feel more personal. Critics have praised her intelligent performance and how well she portrays the increasing suspense. She adds a real sense of urgency as the pursuit of justice becomes more desperate.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus – ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in this action-packed movie. She plays the mastermind who puts together a team of former villains and antiheroes, expertly pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Her performance is witty and subtly mysterious, leaving viewers wondering what she’s really up to. She brings a refined and clever energy that stands out against the more forceful personalities of her recruits.

Hannah John-Kamen – ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Hannah John-Kamen reprises her role as Ghost (Ava Starr) in this action-packed superhero adventure. She powerfully portrays a character haunted by her past and physically challenged by her unstable condition. Her performance delves into themes of seeking forgiveness and the struggle to belong, even when others fear you. John-Kamen continues to be a highlight of the cast, bringing both unique powers and emotional resonance to the role.

Olga Kurylenko – ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Olga Kurylenko returns as Taskmaster, bringing a quiet but powerful intensity to the team. Her character is developing from a mind-controlled operative into someone who makes her own choices and acts independently. Kurylenko skillfully performs the role’s challenging physical stunts while also showing her character’s inner development through small, meaningful actions. She brings a sense of deadly accuracy to the group’s interactions.

Ming-Na Wen – ‘The Karate Kid: Legends’ (2025)

Ming-Na Wen is the newest addition to this iconic martial arts series, connecting the story’s past and present. She plays a wise and skilled martial artist who guides a young student, bringing her signature discipline and elegance to the role. Wen delivers a powerful performance, embodying a strong, motherly figure who reinforces the film’s central ideas of respect and tradition.

Tia Carrere – ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025)

Tia Carrere, known for her work in the original animated story, returns in this live-action version, playing a key role in the Hawaiian community. She acts as a mentor and guide for the main characters as they face their difficulties. Her return is a treat for longtime fans, and she brings a new layer to the story with her warm and genuine performance, staying true to the heart of the original film.

Pom Klementieff – ‘Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning’ (2025)

Pom Klementieff is back as Paris, the determined assassin, in the final installment of the popular action series. She performed many of the film’s most challenging and risky stunts herself, showcasing her dedication. Over the course of the series, Paris has become a valuable and supportive teammate, offering crucial help in fights. Klementieff continues to be a standout performer, both visually and physically, in the franchise.

Vanessa Kirby – ‘Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning’ (2025)

Vanessa Kirby returns as the White Widow, bringing her trademark blend of grace and threat to the story. She remains a key figure in the global arms trade, where secrets are the most valuable asset. Kirby’s performance is marked by her cool demeanor and the delicate way she controls others. She offers a refined contrast to the more straightforward approach of the main characters.

Catalina Sandino Moreno – ‘Ballerina’ (2025)

Catalina Sandino Moreno plays a key mentor in this film, which explores the world of a hidden assassin training school. She guides the main character through the harsh physical and mental challenges needed to become a skilled killer. Moreno brings a powerful mix of toughness and care to her role, enriching the story and highlighting the organization’s dangerous reputation and long history. She effectively demonstrates what’s at stake and the weight of the organization’s past.

Jodie Comer – ’28 Years Later’ (2025)

Jodie Comer leads the cast in this highly anticipated follow-up to the groundbreaking zombie film that changed the genre. She plays a woman who has survived for almost thirty years in a world forever changed by a deadly virus. Comer powerfully portrays the weariness and strength of someone constantly fighting to live, bringing deep emotion to the story of what’s left of society.

Allison Williams – ‘M3GAN 2.0’ (2025)

Allison Williams reprises her role as the gifted scientist grappling with the consequences of her groundbreaking but risky creation. She portrays a complex character, balancing her drive for innovation with a strong sense of responsibility. Her performance explores the growing connection – and potential conflicts – between people and artificial intelligence in our tech-driven world, and she powerfully shows the fear of someone who understands the true power – and danger – of what she’s built.

Violet McGraw – ‘M3GAN 2.0’ (2025)

Violet McGraw returns as the young girl linked to the movie’s main character in a strange and frightening way. She powerfully shows the emotional pain and complicated feelings of a child who’s been both shielded and tormented by technology. Her acting is key to the film’s look at how artificial intelligence affects the growth and mental state of children. Despite challenging special effects and scary scenes, she delivers a strong performance.

Kerry Condon – ‘F1’ (2025)

Kerry Condon portrays a high-ranking team member in the fast-paced world of Formula One racing. She delivers a smart and direct performance as someone dealing with the constant pressure and high stakes of the sport. Her character expertly handles the complicated power dynamics and financial challenges within professional racing, offering a realistic and commanding presence that complements the excitement on the track.

Milly Alcock – ‘Superman’ (2025)

Milly Alcock joins the cinematic universe as a beloved and iconic hero, bringing a vibrant new presence to the screen. Her character shakes up the established power structure among superpowered beings and offers a compelling, modern perspective. This is a key introduction to a character who will be central to upcoming stories.

Isabela Merced – ‘Superman’ (2025)

Isabela Merced plays a powerful warrior with wings who brings both impressive abilities and a rich backstory to the team. She’s a strong and capable fighter who always seeks justice, making her a valuable ally. Merced’s performance highlights her character’s strength and how well she fits in with the other heroes. She also expands the film’s universe and adds exciting new mythological details to the story.

Julia Garner – ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

Julia Garner plays a messenger from another world in the new version of this popular franchise. She perfectly captures the character’s otherworldly nature and incredible power, as well as the difficult choices she faces. Garner brings a sense of grandness and amazement to this epic science fiction story, highlighting the struggle between her cosmic responsibilities and what little remains of her own conscience.

Natasha Lyonne – ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

Natasha Lyonne delivers a memorable supporting performance, injecting mystery and a quirky personality into the film. Her character playfully disrupts the main team’s understanding of their surroundings. She brings her trademark humor and energy to the role, making it a standout part of the movie. It’s a chance for her to put a fresh spin on the genre while still being recognizably herself on screen.

Philippine Velge – ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

Philippine Velge is the newest addition to the dinosaur series, playing a specialist who deals with the dangers posed by these prehistoric creatures. The show takes place in a world where humans aren’t the dominant species anymore, and Velge’s character is praised for her bravery and ability to handle the physically demanding action scenes. She brings a fresh take to the continuing story of humans trying to live alongside these resurrected dinosaurs.

Teyana Taylor – ‘The Battle of Baktan Cross’ (2025)

Teyana Taylor delivers a standout performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s new mystery drama. She brings a lively and genuine presence to a complicated story with memorable characters and unpredictable twists. As part of a talented cast, she helps explore ideas about community and the pursuit of truth in today’s world, proving her skills as a serious actress in this exciting film.

Regina Hall – ‘The Battle of Baktan Cross’ (2025)

Regina Hall gives a beautifully layered performance as a woman at the center of a complex and unusual story. She portrays her character with warmth, humor, and a sense of realism, making her a relatable guide through the film’s intricate plot. The role showcases Hall’s talent for balancing serious moments with perfectly timed comedy.

Aubrey Plaza – ‘Animal Friends’ (2025)

Aubrey Plaza lends her voice and unique comedic style to a character in this funny mix of live action and animation. Known for her dry wit, she perfectly plays a role that involves scenes with both real actors and animated characters. Her performance is central to the film’s quirky humor and its heartwarming story about friendship between very different beings. Through her voice acting and comedic timing, she creates a fully developed and incredibly funny character.

Annette Bening – ‘The Bride!’ (2025)

Annette Bening stars in this new, gothic take on a familiar horror story, playing a woman with a hidden link to the main character. She brings a sense of history and deep emotion to the film, which mixes scares with thoughtful observations about society. Bening’s performance makes the story’s more fantastical parts feel real and relatable, and lets her showcase a more intense and atmospheric side of her talent.

Gillian Anderson – ‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

Gillian Anderson joins the virtual world of the Grid as a key player with significant power. She portrays a character who is both intelligent and in control, fully understanding the complex rules of this digital environment. Anderson delivers a poised and authoritative performance, conveying power through small details in her movements and carefully chosen words. She brings a compelling sense of intellectual danger to the visually impressive sci-fi setting.

Greta Lee – ‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

I was totally captivated by Greta Lee’s performance! She plays this incredibly smart programmer who’s really at the heart of a story about how the real world and the digital world are starting to blend together. What I loved most was that she brought such a human side to all the tech stuff, and you really felt her curiosity and drive as she tried to figure things out. Honestly, she became the emotional center of the whole story for me, and I was rooting for her the entire time.

Jodie Turner-Smith – ‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

Jodie Turner-Smith plays a powerful, physically gifted character with a distinctive look. She delivers a visually stunning and graceful performance in the film’s action scenes. Her acting delves into the complex inner workings and developing awareness of a being made of computer code, bringing both a sense of threat and sophistication to the movie’s themes of technology and what it means to be human.

Adeline Rudolph – ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ (2025)

Adeline Rudolph steps into the role of Kitana in this exciting follow-up to the popular martial arts film. She expertly performs challenging fight scenes, capturing the essence of the character. Rudolph also portrays Kitana’s strength and sadness as a princess determined to protect her kingdom, bringing both grace and fierceness to the part while staying true to the original story.

Tati Gabrielle – ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ (2025)

Tati Gabrielle shines as Jade, bringing strength and unwavering loyalty to the warrior team. As a highly skilled and stealthy protector, Jade is central to the story’s main conflict. Gabrielle’s performance is both physically impressive and conveys a strong sense of dedication, perfectly capturing the character’s unique fighting style and personality from the original game.

Katy O’Brian – ‘The Running Man’ (2025)

Katy O’Brian delivers a compelling performance as a determined contestant in a dangerous, high-stakes game show set in the future. She powerfully portrays a character battling a rigged system, showcasing both physical strength and unwavering determination. O’Brian’s intensity and dedication make her a standout in this action-packed story, effectively conveying the harshness of the world and the incredible strength needed to survive within it.

Michelle Yeoh – ‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

Michelle Yeoh powerfully portrays Madame Morrible as the magical battle comes to a thrilling end. She depicts a character who skillfully uses manipulation to control Oz’s politics, bringing a sense of increasing power and cold-heartedness to the role. Yeoh’s performance delves into how power can corrupt and how far someone will go to hold onto it, making her a compelling and strong villain whose impact is felt throughout the entire story.

Kate Winslet – ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

Kate Winslet reprises her role as Ronal in the latest installment of the Pandora saga. She portrays a strong, protective mother deeply connected to nature, as her people confront new dangers. Critics praise her dedicated physical performance and the emotional resonance she brings to the film through motion capture. She’s a grounding force within the movie’s stunning visual effects.

Let us know what you thought of the performances, and tell us in the comments which supporting actress you thought was the best.

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2025-12-24 07:50