The 35 Most Underrated Actresses of the 21st Century

The film and TV world is packed with talented actors, but many exceptional performers don’t get the attention they deserve. These actresses have consistently proven their skills, taking on demanding roles in both big-budget and smaller, independent films. Though they aren’t always the first actors people think of during awards season, they reliably deliver strong performances in everything they do. This list celebrates actresses who have consistently impressed audiences throughout the 21st century, even if they haven’t become widely famous.

Judy Greer

Judy Greer is a highly successful actor with a long list of credits in both movies and TV. She’s well-known for her roles in popular comedies like ’13 Going on 30′ and ’27 Dresses,’ and she also provides the voice for a key character in the animated series ‘Archer.’ Greer has appeared in big-budget films like ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Ant-Man’ too. She’s become a familiar face in modern movies because she excels at playing both funny supporting roles and more serious characters.

Linda Cardellini

Linda Cardellini became well-known for her lead role in the popular series ‘Freaks and Geeks’. She then went on to appear in the long-running medical drama ‘ER’ for multiple seasons. She’s also a familiar face to many as Velma in the live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’ films. More recently, she starred in the critically acclaimed dark comedy ‘Dead to Me’ with Christina Applegate. Throughout her career, she’s worked in a variety of genres, including appearing in the superhero film ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’.

Juno Temple

Juno Temple is known for choosing interesting and varied roles in movies and TV shows. Many people recognize her as Keeley Jones from the hit comedy ‘Ted Lasso’. She’s also been in serious dramas like ‘Killer Joe’ and ‘Atonement’, as well as blockbuster films like ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘Maleficent’. She’s a versatile actress who completely transforms herself for each part.

Kelly Macdonald

Kelly Macdonald began her career with a role in the iconic film ‘Trainspotting’ and has since worked on many large-scale international productions. She was a key cast member in the historical drama ‘Boardwalk Empire’ for several seasons, and is widely known as the voice of the main character in the animated film ‘Brave’. More recently, she appeared in the popular crime series ‘Line of Duty’. Throughout her career, Macdonald has been praised for her subtle but powerful performances and her ability to make even unbelievable stories feel realistic.

Gaby Hoffmann

Gaby Hoffmann started her career as a well-known child actor and later found success playing adult roles in independent films. She’s particularly acclaimed for her realistic and emotional performance in ‘Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus.’ Many television viewers will recognize her from the series ‘Girls’ and ‘Transparent.’ She also starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the drama ‘C’mon C’mon.’ Throughout her career, Hoffmann has consistently chosen complex and unique roles.

Rosemarie DeWitt

Rosemarie DeWitt first gained widespread recognition for her compelling performance in the independent film ‘Rachel Getting Married’. She’s since appeared in popular and critically praised TV shows like ‘United States of Tara’ and ‘Mad Men’, and has taken on roles in films such as the remake of ‘Poltergeist’ and the drama ‘The Professor’. DeWitt frequently chooses projects focused on complex characters and realistic, emotionally resonant stories, and her involvement often indicates a commitment to high-quality, meaningful filmmaking.

Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey first gained attention with a memorable performance in the film ‘Heavenly Creatures’. While many recognize her from her recurring role on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’, she’s recently earned critical acclaim for her lead role in the drama ‘Yellowjackets’. She also starred in ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’, which won an award at a prestigious film festival. Throughout her career, Lynskey has consistently brought a special and relatable vulnerability to all of her characters.

Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn steadily built a successful career playing supporting roles before finally taking center stage in bigger projects. While many know her for hilarious performances in comedies like ‘Step Brothers’ and ‘Bad Moms’, she gained widespread praise and a new fanbase for her work in ‘WandaVision’. She’s also proven her talent in more personal and dramatic roles, such as in the films ‘Private Life’ and the series ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’. Hahn is remarkably versatile, seamlessly moving between laugh-out-loud comedy and deeply moving drama.

Lake Bell

Lake Bell is a multi-talented actress who also writes and directs. She’s known for creating and starring in the film ‘In a World,’ which gives a funny look at the world of voice acting. You might also recognize her from the comedy shows ‘Childrens Hospital’ and ‘Bless This Mess,’ or from her voice work in animated films like ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ and ‘Harley Quinn.’ Bell’s commitment to creating her own stories makes her a distinctive figure in Hollywood.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is a highly acclaimed actress known for her compelling performances in both film and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Mildred Loving in the movie ‘Loving’ and is also recognized for her role as Tulip O’Hare in the series ‘Preacher’. Critics particularly praised her nuanced and emotionally resonant work in ‘Passing’. Negga has also appeared in large-scale films such as ‘World War Z’ and ‘Ad Astra’, sharing the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Her captivating presence continues to make her a significant figure in modern acting.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough has always been drawn to bold and creative roles. She first gained attention as the lead in the series ‘The Girlfriend Experience’ and has since appeared in films like the energetic ‘American Honey’ and the suspenseful ‘The Lodge’. More recently, she impressed audiences as a rock star in the miniseries ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. By consistently selecting unconventional projects, Keough has proven herself to be a significant acting talent.

Haley Bennett

I’ve been consistently impressed with Haley Bennett’s range as an actress. She really isn’t limited by genre – you can find her in everything from tense thrillers like ‘The Girl on the Train’ to big-budget westerns like ‘The Magnificent Seven.’ But it’s her work in ‘Swallow’ that really stuck with me; she delivered a powerfully understated performance. And, surprisingly, she showed off some lovely vocals in the musical ‘Cyrano’! Honestly, she’s proven she has what it takes to carry a film, no matter the type.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead has become known as a modern horror icon thanks to her work in films like ‘Final Destination 3’ and ‘10 Cloverfield Lane’. She’s also gained a dedicated fanbase for her role as Ramona Flowers in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’. Winstead has showcased her acting range in the independent film ‘Smashed’ and the third season of ‘Fargo’, and more recently joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe with a part in the series ‘Ahsoka’. She remains popular with fans of both thrilling genre movies and high-quality TV shows.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall is a versatile actress known for her thoughtful and nuanced performances in a wide variety of films, from big-budget blockbusters like ‘The Prestige’ and ‘Iron Man 3’ to smaller, independent projects. Recently, she’s taken on demanding roles in films like ‘Resurrection’ and ‘The Night House,’ and she’s also proven herself as a director with her critically acclaimed debut film, ‘Passing.’ She effortlessly transitions between smaller, character-driven stories and large-scale entertainment.

Imogen Poots

Imogen Poots is a talented and adaptable actress, comfortable in a wide range of roles – from scary movies to classic Shakespeare. Many viewers first noticed her in the intense films ’28 Weeks Later’ and ‘Green Room’. She’s proven her skill with unsettling and unusual stories in films like ‘Vivarium’ and ‘The Art of Self-Defense’. More recently, she appeared in the series ‘Outer Range’, a unique blend of western and science fiction. No matter the project, Imogen Poots brings a smart and determined energy to her performances.

Betty Gilpin

Betty Gilpin is widely recognized for her breakout role as Debbie Eagan in the hit series ‘GLOW,’ earning her award nominations and praise for her ability to portray both physical strength and emotional depth. She also starred in the thriller ‘The Hunt’ as a resourceful and skilled survivalist, and continued to impress in ‘Mrs. Davis’ with her portrayal of compelling, complex characters. Critics often highlight Gilpin as one of the most dynamic and talented actors working today.

Vicky Krieps

Vicky Krieps became well-known internationally after her impressive performance in ‘Phantom Thread’, where she stood out alongside experienced actors and was praised for her nuanced acting. She’s continued to build a strong career, taking on roles like Empress of Austria in the historical film ‘Corsage’, and appearing in the mystery thriller ‘Old’ and the war drama ‘The Survivor’. Throughout her work, Krieps has proven her ability to portray both historical and contemporary characters with remarkable depth.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis initially gained recognition for her work on the tech drama ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. She’s since appeared in major films like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘Terminator Dark Fate’, and is well-known for her memorable performance in the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’. Her role in the miniseries ‘Station Eleven’ further showcased her ability to portray complex characters. Throughout her career, Davis has consistently chosen projects with imaginative stories and intriguing themes.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon is a highly acclaimed actress known for her work in both television and theater. She’s especially celebrated for her unforgettable role in ‘The Leftovers’ and her appearance in season three of ‘Fargo,’ and has also been in films like ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘Ghostbusters Afterlife.’ Currently, she stars in ‘The Gilded Age’ as a woman determined to climb the social ladder. Coon is remarkable for her ability to powerfully express emotions even without saying much, making every scene she’s in captivating.

Cristin Milioti

Cristin Milioti first gained widespread recognition for playing the mother on the hit TV show ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ She later demonstrated her talent as a leading actress in the unique romantic comedy ‘Palm Springs.’ Milioti has consistently impressed audiences with her ability to blend comedy and suspense in shows like ‘Made for Love’ and ‘The Resort,’ and she received critical acclaim for her performance in the ‘USS Callister’ episode of ‘Black Mirror.’ Throughout her career, she’s been known for her engaging personality and a talent for choosing interesting and imaginative roles.

Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley has quickly become a highly requested actress in independent films. She first gained attention for her performance as a Scottish country singer in ‘Wild Rose,’ and followed that with critically praised roles in ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ and ‘The Lost Daughter.’ Buckley has also appeared in the horror film ‘Men’ and the acclaimed historical series ‘Chernobyl.’ Directors appreciate her natural talent and her dedication to challenging roles.

Merritt Wever

Merritt Wever is an Emmy-winning actress known for her strong performances in popular TV shows. Many viewers remember her as the unique Zoey Barkow on ‘Nurse Jackie’. She also starred as a determined detective in the miniseries ‘Unbelievable’ and played a resilient character in the drama ‘Godless’. Critics consistently praise her ability to add depth and authenticity to her roles.

Katherine Waterston

Katherine Waterston initially became well-known for her performance in the film ‘Inherent Vice’. She then moved into larger film series with appearances in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ and ‘Alien Covenant’. Critics have particularly admired her emotionally powerful work in independent films like ‘The World to Come’. More recently, she’s been seen in the series ‘Perry Mason’ and the historical drama ‘Babylon’. With her height and expressive features, Waterston is a truly compelling actress to watch.

Bel Powley

Bel Powley first gained recognition for her outstanding role in the film ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’. Since then, she’s worked on projects like ‘The King of Staten Island’ and the series ‘The Morning Show’. More recently, she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Miep Gies in the miniseries ‘A Small Light’, a role praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Powley often takes on characters navigating difficult situations while trying to discover who they are. She’s continuing to build a successful career, taking on increasingly prominent and varied roles.

Hong Chau

Hong Chau gained widespread recognition after appearing in the film ‘Downsizing.’ She received an Academy Award nomination for her moving performance in ‘The Whale,’ where she played a caring friend. Many also know her from ‘The Menu’ and the series ‘Watchmen.’ More recently, she’s been seen in the action series ‘The Night Agent’ and the film ‘Asteroid City.’ A key element of her acting is her ability to captivate audiences with a subtle yet powerful presence.

Noomi Rapace

Noomi Rapace first gained worldwide recognition for playing Lisbeth Salander in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. She then moved to Hollywood, appearing in big films like ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and ‘Prometheus’. She proved her talent for leading atmospheric and disturbing films with her role in the horror movie ‘Lamb’. Known for taking on challenging, physical roles, she’s also starred in the action series ‘Jack Ryan’. Throughout her career, Rapace has consistently committed to fully embodying complex characters.

Olivia Cooke

Olivia Cooke first gained recognition for her work in the horror series ‘Bates Motel’. She then starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’, which earned awards at several film festivals. Cooke continued to build her career with prominent roles in blockbuster films like ‘Ready Player One’ and the drama ‘Sound of Metal’. Currently, she’s a key star in the popular fantasy series ‘House of the Dragon’. Cooke’s ability to excel in both smaller, independent films and large-scale television shows demonstrates her impressive range as an actress.

Mia Wasikowska

Mia Wasikowska gained international recognition after appearing in the live-action ‘Alice in Wonderland’ movies. Throughout her career, she’s worked with many respected directors on films like ‘Stoker’ and ‘Crimson Peak’. She proved her talent for captivating audiences in ‘Tracks’, a film where she carried the story with minimal dialogue. Other notable roles include appearances in the gothic drama ‘Jane Eyre’ and the thriller ‘The Devil All the Time’. She frequently chooses roles that are moody, atmospheric, and tell darker stories.

Samantha Morton

Samantha Morton is a highly respected actress with a long and successful career, including two Academy Award nominations. She’s known for her roles in films like the sci-fi hit ‘Minority Report’ and the musical ‘Sweet and Lowdown.’ On television, she’s captivated audiences as the powerful Alpha in ‘The Walking Dead’ and brilliantly portrayed Catherine de Medici in ‘The Serpent Queen.’ Samantha Morton’s enduring career demonstrates her versatility and ability to convincingly play a wide range of characters, both good and evil.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany first gained widespread praise for her role in the sci-fi series ‘Orphan Black’. She brilliantly portrayed over a dozen different clones, each with their own unique personality and voice. This incredible performance won her an Emmy Award and many other accolades. More recently, she’s stepped into the world of superheroes as the star of ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Her skill at convincingly playing multiple characters within a single show is considered one of the best acting achievements on television today.

Regina Hall

I’ve always loved Regina Hall – she’s hilarious in movies like ‘Girls Trip’ and the ‘Scary Movie’ films! But I’m so impressed with how she’s branched out lately. ‘Support the Girls’ was a really powerful performance, and she totally carried the tension in ‘Master’. Then she was fantastic in ‘Black Monday’ – who knew she could do period pieces so well? Honestly, she’s amazing at both comedy and drama, and I think that’s why she’s become such a big star – she can really do it all.

Andrea Riseborough

Andrea Riseborough is an actress celebrated for completely changing her appearance and voice for each role. She gained recognition, including an Academy Award nomination, for her work in the film ‘To Leslie’. She’s appeared in diverse projects, from the horror film ‘Mandy’ to the comedy ‘The Death of Stalin’, and has also been in ‘Birdman’ and the series ‘ZeroZeroZero’. Her commitment to acting has earned her high praise from both fellow actors and critics.

Rhea Seehorn

Rhea Seehorn is a highly respected actress known for her compelling performance as Kim Wexler in ‘Better Call Saul’. Over several seasons, she brought a complex and much-loved character to life. Beyond television, she’s appeared in films like the thriller ‘Linoleum’ and the horror movie ‘Things Heard and Seen’. She’s also worked behind the camera as a director for television and had a role in the comedy series ‘Veep’. Her talent and dedication have earned her a loyal following and widespread admiration in the entertainment industry.

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo is a highly acclaimed actress known for a diverse range of roles. She received an Academy Award nomination for her work in ‘House of Sand and Fog’ and is widely recognized as Chrisjen Avasarala from ‘The Expanse’. Her distinctive voice has also been featured in popular projects like the animated series ‘Arcane’ and the ‘Mass Effect’ video games, alongside appearances in films such as ‘Star Trek Beyond’ and ‘Renfield’. Throughout her extensive career, she has successfully connected international films with major Hollywood productions.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette is known as one of the most adaptable actresses working today. She first became famous for her role in ‘The Sixth Sense’ and then starred in the popular film ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. More recently, she received a lot of praise for her powerfully emotional performance in the horror movie ‘Hereditary’. She’s also had success on TV shows like ‘United States of Tara’ and ‘The Staircase’. What makes her so impressive is her ability to completely transform herself for a wide range of characters and different kinds of stories.

2026-03-09 18:49