Hollywood is seeing a new generation of incredibly talented young actresses taking leading roles in both big-budget franchises and highly respected dramatic projects – often before they even turn twenty. They’re proving to be versatile, moving seamlessly between huge blockbuster films and smaller, more intimate independent movies. From rising stars in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the leads in popular streaming series, these actresses are changing the industry with their diverse skills and broad appeal. Here are some of the most accomplished and promising young women currently working in entertainment.
Ivy George
She first gained widespread recognition for her role as Amabella Klein in the popular HBO series ‘Big Little Lies,’ where she acted alongside established stars. Earlier in her career, she appeared in the horror film ‘Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension,’ bringing her to the attention of many moviegoers at a young age. She’s also been on television shows like ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and continues to regularly appear in dramatic TV series.
Keslee Blalock
She first became well-known for playing Ivy in the Netflix movies ‘Ivy + Bean’ (2022). Based on the beloved children’s books, the films let her show off her knack for comedy and her lively personality. Her work in the movies helped make the franchise appealing and popular with kids. She’s quickly becoming a familiar face in family entertainment.
Madison Skye Validum
She gained recognition playing Bean in the ‘Ivy + Bean’ movies on Netflix. Critics praised her performance and the great connection she had with her fellow actors. These films were an important opportunity for her to showcase her talent early in her career, and many believe she has a bright future ahead.
Maya Le Clark
Addison Riecke is famous for playing Chloe Thunderman on the Nickelodeon show ‘The Thundermans,’ which aired from 2013 to 2018. She continued the role in the 2024 film, ‘The Thundermans Return,’ remaining a part of the popular superhero series. Her work on the show showed off her comedic skills and made her a familiar face in children’s television. She also appeared in other shows on Nickelodeon early in her career.
Erica Tremblay
Emma Tremblay, younger sister of Jacob Tremblay, is a rising actress with notable roles in projects like ‘The Bye Bye Man’ and ‘Before I Fall’, both released in 2017. She also played Alice in the popular TV series ‘The Man in the High Castle’ (2015–2019). Known for tackling complex and dramatic stories, she’s become a favorite for thriller and science fiction films, and consistently chooses roles that showcase her range as an actress.
Lexy Kolker
The actress gained significant recognition for her starring role in the 2018 science fiction thriller ‘Freaks’, where she played a girl with unusual abilities. This performance received praise from critics and demonstrated her talent for carrying a challenging and emotionally resonant film. She’s also well-known for playing Robin in the long-running superhero series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013–2020). Her strong work in these genres has earned her numerous nominations and awards within the independent film world.
Shaylee Mansfield
This talented Deaf actress gained recognition for her role in the Disney+ movie ‘Noelle’ (2019), challenging stereotypes in the process. She continued to showcase her skills in the Netflix film ‘Feel the Beat’ (2020), playing a dancer. Through her work, she highlights the need for more representation and the inclusion of American Sign Language in popular entertainment. She’s become a role model for young performers who want to stay true to themselves while pursuing their careers.
Audrey Grace Marshall
She’s best known for playing a young Cassie Bowden in the HBO Max series ‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022), where she powerfully portrayed the character’s past. She also starred in the family movie ‘Fairway to Heaven’ (2024) and has been featured in several commercials. Early in her career, she’s demonstrated a talent for moving seamlessly between serious TV dramas and more cheerful film roles.
Summer Fontana
She first became well-known for playing young Hope Mikaelson on the TV series ‘The Originals’ (2013–2018). Her work on the show was especially important during its final seasons and helped lead to the creation of a spin-off series. She also played a young Jean Grey in the blockbuster film ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ (2019). Through roles in fantasy and superhero projects, she’s become recognized by viewers around the world.
Kingston Foster
I first really noticed this actress when she played Zoey in ‘Zombies’ on Disney Channel – I loved that movie and its sequels! She’s such a talented singer and dancer, and those skills really shine through in her performances. I also recognized her from ‘Fuller House,’ and she was in the film ‘Bitch’ too. It’s cool to see her balance those really energetic musical roles with more typical TV acting jobs.
Mia Talerico
She started her acting career as a baby, playing the lead in the Disney Channel show ‘Good Luck Charlie’ which aired from 2010 to 2014. After that series finished, she continued acting, most recently appearing in the show ‘Mani’ starting in 2017. Because she began working so young, she’s very comfortable performing and has built a loyal following. She’s still working in television and online media, taking on roles that suit her as she gets older.
Sanai Victoria
This actress is known for her roles in several hit TV shows, like ‘No Good Nick’ and ‘Black-ish’. She also voiced the character Treasure on Disney Junior’s ‘Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets’. Known for her comedic timing and down-to-earth personality, she regularly appears as a guest star and recurring cast member on American sitcoms.
Scarlet Spencer
She’s best known for playing Izzy in the Netflix movie ‘Bright’ (2017) with Will Smith. She also starred in the Nickelodeon show ‘Cousins for Life’ (2018–2019), proving her talent for comedic roles. Throughout her career, she’s appeared in popular series like ‘Shameless’ (2011–2021) and ‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022), successfully moving between big streaming films and regular TV shows.
Faithe Herman
Chrissy Metz is widely recognized for playing Annie Pearson on the popular TV show ‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022). Coming from a well-known TV family, she’s also become a part of the DC superhero world, appearing as Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ (2019) and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023). Her energetic and cheerful portrayal of the young superhero was praised for adding warmth and fun to the movies. She skillfully manages both big-budget films and smaller, character-driven TV roles.
Bronte Carmichael
I recently caught up with this young actress’s work, and she’s really making a name for herself! I was particularly charmed by her role as Madeline Robin in the live-action ‘Christopher Robin’ – she had such a lovely, warm presence and felt like a true heart of that family story, especially alongside Ewan McGregor. Beyond that, she’s shown range, appearing in the sci-fi series ‘Nightflyers’ and lending her voice to the adorable ‘Robin Robin’ animated short. It’s clear she gravitates towards ambitious projects and isn’t afraid to tackle big studio films, which is exciting to see.
Pixie Davies
This actress, originally from Britain, has become well-known in Hollywood for her roles in films like ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018), where she played Annabel Banks, and Tim Burton’s ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ (2016). Her work with prominent directors has proven her ability to bring imaginative stories to life, and she’s also contributed her voice to animated series such as ‘101 Dalmatian Street’ (2019–2020).
Miya Cech
She first became well-known for her roles in the sci-fi movie ‘The Darkest Minds’ (2018) and the Netflix adventure film ‘Rim of the World’ (2019). She also played a younger version of Ali Wong’s character in the romantic comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe’ (2019). More recently, she starred in the Apple TV+ series ‘Surfside Girls’ (2022). She’s known as a versatile actress who can successfully lead both action-packed and emotionally focused projects.
Ella Jay Basco
Ella Jay Basco started her film career with a role as Cassandra Cain in the 2020 movie ‘Birds of Prey.’ Critics and audiences loved her realistic and powerful performance alongside Margot Robbie. Before and since then, she’s been on TV shows like ‘A Girl Named Jo’ and has also been building a career as a musician. Her work in ‘Birds of Prey’ quickly made her a rising star in Hollywood.
Sadie Sandler
Sadie Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler, has acted in many films produced by Happy Madison, including ‘Hubie Halloween’ and ‘Leo’. She recently had a bigger part in the popular Netflix movie ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’. She’s known for being funny and working well with other actors, and she’s quickly become a regular in successful comedy shows on streaming services.
Sunny Sandler
Similar to her sister, she’s appeared in many of her father’s movies, but she truly stood out as the lead in ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ (2023). Critics loved her performance as Stacy Friedman, calling it both genuine and endearing. She also lent her voice to the popular ‘Hotel Transylvania’ films (2012–2022). Her recent work suggests she’s now focusing on bigger, more prominent roles in mainstream comedies.
Kyndra Sanchez
She became the main actress playing Dawn Schafer starting in the second season of the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021). Critics praised her for capturing the character’s personality while also making the role her own. She’s also appeared in ‘Finding Ohana’ (2021) and the animated series ‘Santiago of the Seas’ (2020–present). Currently, she’s focusing her career on creating excellent shows and movies for families, and doing voice-over work.
Sophie Grace
Sophie Grace played Kristy Thomas, the leader of the Baby-Sitters Club, in the popular Netflix series (2020-2021). Her performance as the driven and determined character was key to the show’s positive reviews. Before that, she appeared in the TV movie ‘Terror in the Woods’ (2018). She’s known for being a strong leader and having a commanding presence, especially in shows aimed at younger audiences.
Malia Baker
Malia Baker is an actress best known for playing Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ and for her role in the Disney film ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’. She’s gained recognition not only for her acting skills, particularly her sensitive portrayals, but also for her commitment to social justice and activism, successfully combining a rising career with meaningful advocacy work.
Momona Tamada
She became well-known internationally for playing Claudia Kishi in the 2020-2021 series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. Critics loved how real and genuine her portrayal of the popular book character was. She also played a younger version of Lara Jean in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ movies from 2018 to 2021. Most recently, she joined the cast of the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024–) as Ty Lee.
Alyvia Alyn Lind
She’s become popular for playing Lexy Cross in the horror series ‘Chucky,’ a key character in the show’s continuation of the franchise. She also gained recognition for portraying a young Dolly Parton in the TV movies ‘Coat of Many Colors’ and ‘Christmas of Many Colors.’ Her acting experience also includes roles in the series ‘Daybreak’ and the long-running soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless.’ She’s known for being able to skillfully perform in both over-the-top horror and heartfelt dramatic roles.
Lidya Jewett
I’ve been following this actress for a while now, and she’s really made a name for herself! You might recognize her from movies like ‘Hidden Figures’ and the TV show ‘Good Girls.’ I especially loved her in ‘Nightbooks’ on Netflix – she was fantastic as this really clever character who gets caught up in a scary situation. And just recently, she was in the new ‘Exorcist’ movie! It seems like she’s really drawn to roles in intense, thrilling, and sometimes supernatural stories, and honestly, she’s amazing at them.
Catherine Clinch
Catherine Clinch gave a deeply moving and highly praised performance in the 2022 Irish film, ‘The Quiet Girl.’ The film was nominated for an Oscar, and critics especially highlighted her performance as the heart of the story. Although relatively new to acting, she’s already won several important awards for her role as Cáit. Her work has quickly marked her as a promising and talented actress, particularly in acclaimed, artistic films.
Frankie Corio
She burst onto the scene with a stunning performance in the 2022 film ‘Aftersun,’ receiving critical acclaim and award nominations for her mature and emotionally resonant acting alongside Paul Mescal. The film quickly gained her international recognition in the independent film world, and she’s now considered a remarkably talented and promising young dramatic actress.
Alisha Weir
Alisha Weir quickly became famous for her leading role in the 2022 film ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.’ Critics praised her powerful voice and confident performance, noting how well she carried the large-scale production. She’s also demonstrated her versatility by appearing in the 2024 horror-comedy ‘Abigail,’ proving she can succeed in different types of films. Her experience in musical theater has given her a solid base as she builds her career in movies.
Helena Zengel
Helena Zengel is a German actress who made a striking entrance into Hollywood with her role alongside Tom Hanks in the 2020 film ‘News of the World’. Her portrayal of a young girl raised by the Kiowa tribe earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Before this, she was celebrated for her work in the 2019 German film ‘System Crasher’. She’s known for her powerful, expressive acting, often conveying deep emotions without speaking.
Leah Sava Jeffries
Leah Sava Jeffries gained significant recognition for playing Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–), where her portrayal of the character’s smarts and resilience has been widely applauded. Prior to that, she acted in the 2022 thriller ‘Beast’ with Idris Elba. She’s rapidly establishing herself as a prominent young actress in popular streaming series and films.
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss became famous for playing Tuk in the hit movie ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022). As an important part of the Sully family, she’ll be back for future ‘Avatar’ sequels, which are expected to be huge successes. Beyond her work in the ‘Avatar’ films, she’s a skilled singer and songwriter with her own original music, and she also starred in the HBO Max series ‘The Garcias’ (2022).
Marlow Barkley
Everly Carganillo played a key role as Nemo in the 2022 Netflix fantasy film ‘Slumberland,’ appearing alongside Jason Momoa. Her acting was crucial to the film’s emotional impact and stunning visuals. She also had a regular role on the ABC comedy ‘Single Parents’ (2018–2020), where she demonstrated her talent for comedy. Currently, she continues to star in leading roles in popular films and shows for families.
Ever Anderson
Ever Anderson is an actress known for her roles in big-budget films. She started with a part as young Natasha Romanoff in ‘Black Widow’ (2021) and then starred as Wendy Darling in Disney’s live-action ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023). Her work often demands both athletic ability and strong acting skills, and she’s also become a popular face in the fashion industry, appearing in several major ad campaigns.
Chloe Coleman
She gained significant recognition in recent years with appearances in films like the action-comedy ‘My Spy’ (2020) and the sci-fi thriller ’65’ (2023). She also played a role in the popular blockbuster ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023), and had a recurring part on the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019). She’s known for her strong performances in action scenes and her ability to work well with leading actors.
Vivien Lyra Blair
Vivian Lyra Blair quickly became a fan favorite for her role as young Princess Leia in the 2022 Disney+ series, ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’ Critics and viewers alike loved how she brought the character’s energy and humor to life. She first gained recognition for her part in the popular Netflix thriller ‘Bird Box’ (2018), and recently starred in the horror movie ‘The Boogeyman’ (2023), proving she consistently takes on important roles in well-known films and series.
Raegan Revord
She’s widely recognized for playing Missy Cooper on the popular CBS comedy ‘Young Sheldon,’ which ran from 2017 to 2024. Viewers loved her character’s humor and how easy she was to relate to over the show’s seven seasons. Beyond acting, she’s passionate about helping children learn to read and has even written books herself. Her success on one of TV’s biggest comedies has made her a well-known young actress.
Darby Camp
Darby Camp became well-known for playing Chloe Mackenzie in the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019). She continued to build her career with leading roles in family films like ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (2018) and its sequel (2020), and as Emily Elizabeth in the movie ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ (2021). Throughout her work, she’s become known for starring in both popular family entertainment and critically acclaimed TV shows.
Priah Ferguson
Priah Ferguson quickly became a fan favorite for playing Erica Sinclair in the popular Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025). She started as a guest actor, but because her character was so well-liked, she became a main cast member. She’s also been in the movie ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ (2022) and done voice work for the show ‘My Dad the Bounty Hunter’ (2023–). People especially enjoy her funny delivery and how comfortable she is on screen.
Demi Singleton
She gave a stunning performance as Serena Williams in the Oscar-winning film ‘King Richard’ (2021), earning praise for how realistically and physically she embodied the iconic athlete. She also played Margaret Johnson in the series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ (2019–present). Through her work in notable biographical dramas, she’s proven herself to be a talented and compelling dramatic actress.
Saniyya Sidney
The actress gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Venus Williams in the 2021 film ‘King Richard,’ receiving numerous award nominations along with the rest of the cast. She’s also appeared in critically acclaimed films like ‘Fences’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ (both 2016), and played Sasha Obama in the 2022 series ‘The First Lady.’ Known as one of the most talented young actresses working today, she often takes on roles in powerful stories based on history and drama.
Brooklynn Prince
Brooklynn Prince first gained widespread attention for her incredible performance in the 2017 film ‘The Florida Project,’ winning awards and quickly becoming known as a promising young actress. Since then, she’s appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘Home Before Dark’ (2020–2021) and the 2023 film ‘The Marsh King’s Daughter.’ Showing her passion for all aspects of filmmaking, she has also started directing.
Abby Ryder Fortson
Abby Ryder Fortson is famous for playing Cassie Lang in the Marvel movies ‘Ant-Man’ (2015) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018). Recently, she starred in the popular film ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023), where her performance as the main character was highly praised. She’s skilled at making even unbelievable stories feel real and emotionally connected.
Madeleine McGraw
She gained recognition for her compelling performance as Gwen in the 2021 thriller ‘The Black Phone,’ showcasing her ability to portray a wide range of emotions with depth and power. She also starred in the Disney Channel series ‘Sulphur Springs’ from 2021 to 2023, and appeared in popular films like ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018), where she played a young version of Hope van Dyne. She’s now known for convincingly portraying characters who are both strong and sensitive.
Violet McGraw
Violet McGraw quickly became a prominent figure in modern horror, starring in the popular film ‘M3GAN’ (2022). She also gained recognition for her role as young Nell Crain in the highly praised series ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018). With appearances in films like ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019) and as a young Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’ (2021), she’s become a well-known and sought-after young actress, particularly in the horror and blockbuster genres.
Julia Butters
The actress received widespread praise for her memorable performance in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019). She continued her success with a notable part in Steven Spielberg’s personal film, ‘The Fabelmans’ (2022). She also has extensive experience in television, having been a regular on the sitcom ‘American Housewife’ from 2016 to 2021. Directors consistently highlight her dedication and deep skill as an actress.
Xochitl Gomez
Xochitl Gomez gained international recognition playing America Chavez in the 2022 film ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ quickly becoming a rising star in the superhero world. Before that, she was known for her role as Dawn Schafer in the 2020 series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club.’ Demonstrating her talent and appeal, she also won season 32 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Ariana Greenblatt
This actress has starred in some incredibly popular movies, like ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (where she played young Gamora) and the recent hit ‘Barbie’ as Sasha. She’s also appeared in the sci-fi thriller ‘65’ and the action film ‘Borderlands’. She first gained recognition on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’. Now, she’s become a highly requested young actress for big-budget films and ongoing movie franchises.
Mckenna Grace
Over the past ten years, she’s become a highly successful actress known for her work in both film and television. She starred as Phoebe Spengler in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, ‘Afterlife’ (2021) and ‘Frozen Empire’ (2024). She’s also proven her acting ability with a standout, Emmy-nominated performance in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and a compelling role in ‘Gifted’. She’s made a smooth and impressive change from being a child actor to a leading actress who can handle both big-budget films and challenging TV series.
Who among these up-and-coming actors do you think will be the biggest star? Let us know in the comments!
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2026-02-07 19:51