The 35 Most Underrated Actresses Today, Ranked

The entertainment industry tends to focus on a few famous faces, often overlooking incredibly talented actors who consistently deliver outstanding performances. These actresses are skilled at leading both small, independent films and large blockbuster movies, but don’t always get the widespread attention they deserve. Though their work is often praised by critics, they aren’t always part of the biggest conversations. This is a tribute to the women who are shaping modern acting with their subtle skill and commitment.

Rose Byrne

For over twenty years, Rose Byrne has proven herself to be a versatile actress, seamlessly moving between funny and serious roles. She first gained recognition for her dramatic work in the TV series ‘Damages,’ then became known for her comedic talent in ‘Bridesmaids.’ More recently, she’s shown her ability to handle nuanced and challenging characters, blending dark humor with emotional depth in the series ‘Physical.’ Despite consistently delivering strong performances, she’s often overlooked when people discuss the top leading actresses.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst successfully moved from being a child actor to a respected and consistent dramatic performer. She gave a standout performance in ‘Melancholia,’ earning her the Best Actress award at Cannes. More recently, her Academy Award nomination for ‘The Power of the Dog’ showed her skill at portraying subtle, heartbreaking emotional restraint. Even when awards are hard to come by, critics consistently praise Dunst’s work.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is known for her work in a wide range of films, from beloved cult favorites to intense thrillers. She gained significant praise for her powerful and realistic performance in ’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ truly carrying the movie. Her roles in ‘Fargo’ Season 3 and ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ also demonstrated her ability to thrive in very different kinds of projects. Consistently a strong performer, she often elevates the films and shows she appears in.

Linda Cardellini

Linda Cardellini started her career with a memorable role in the popular show ‘Freaks and Geeks’ and has since become a well-known actress in both television and film. She showed off her serious acting skills in ‘Mad Men’ and later starred in the darkly funny series ‘Dead to Me’ with Christina Applegate. While she’s appeared in big franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, her nuanced and realistic performances often don’t get the attention they deserve. Cardellini has a talent for making even the most outlandish situations feel genuine and emotionally resonant.

Martha Plimpton

I’ve been a fan of Martha Plimpton for ages! She’s just incredible – really funny and always so genuine in her acting. You might recognize her from things like ‘The Good Wife,’ where she actually won an Emmy for a guest appearance, or the sitcom ‘Raising Hope,’ which she carried for years. But honestly, I think her work in the movie ‘Mass’ from 2021 was some of the most moving acting I’ve ever seen. She’s one of those actors other actors really admire – she’s totally dedicated to her craft, even if she’s not always the biggest name you see everywhere.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany is an incredibly talented actor who became known for her amazing work on ‘Orphan Black’, where she skillfully played more than a dozen different characters, each with their own unique personality and way of moving. Though she won an Emmy for this performance, she hasn’t quite become as widely recognized as some other actors. More recently, she’s brought her signature charm and depth to the role of She-Hulk in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, and continues to take on complex roles, like in ‘Perry Mason’, that demonstrate her impressive acting skills.

Cristin Milioti

Cristin Milioti is a talented actress who excels in theater, movies, and TV. While many recognize her from ‘How I Met Your Mother’, she’s also proven her ability to lead in films like ‘Palm Springs’ and gave a particularly memorable performance in the ‘USS Callister’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’. She brings a unique quality to her roles, combining a sense of fragility with quick wit and humor.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has proven she’s more than just a comedic actress known for her dry wit. She’s become a powerful dramatic performer, as seen in her intense and compelling role in ‘Emily the Criminal,’ which surprised many fans familiar with her work on ‘Parks and Recreation.’ She continued this success with a critically praised and nuanced performance in season two of ‘The White Lotus.’ Plaza’s talent for portraying complex and unsettling characters makes her a standout actress right now.

Lake Bell

Lake Bell is a multi-talented actress who also excels as a writer and director. She showcased her skills by writing, directing, and starring in the film ‘In a World…’, which offers a unique look at the world of voice acting. From her voice work on ‘Harley Quinn’ to her role in the live-action comedy ‘Bless This Mess’, Bell proves her versatility. She consistently gives smart and engaging performances that many more people should see.

Allison Tolman

Allison Tolman quickly gained recognition for her performance as Molly Solverson in the first season of ‘Fargo’. Since then, she’s worked on shows like ‘Why Women Kill’ and ‘Emergence’. She’s known for bringing a realistic and genuine quality to her characters, making them feel believable right away. Critics often praise her ability to make even a weak script seem strong.

Juno Temple

Juno Temple has steadily built a strong career in independent films and high-quality TV shows. Many viewers recognize her from her popular role as Keeley Jones on ‘Ted Lasso,’ which brought her several award nominations. She recently appeared in the latest season of ‘Fargo,’ playing a character with a secretive and dangerous history. Temple is known for her skill at completely transforming into her characters, adopting unique accents and behaviors – she’s a remarkably versatile actress.

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan is best known for playing the lead in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ but she’s a versatile actor with skills beyond comedy. Before that, she impressed audiences with a subtle yet powerful performance in ‘House of Cards,’ and she’s proven her dramatic range in films like ‘I’m Your Woman.’ With her excellent control and timing, Rachel Brosnahan is poised to have a long and successful career.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an incredibly talented performer who has quickly become a star in both theater and film. She earned two Academy Award nominations for her work in ‘Harriet,’ recognized for both her performance and an original song she wrote. Her role in ‘Widows’ proved she could shine alongside established, experienced actors. Despite her impressive singing and acting abilities, Erivo doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves when people talk about today’s best actresses.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw first became well-known for her leading role in the historical film ‘Belle’. Since then, she’s worked on diverse projects, including the acclaimed ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ and the Disney+ series ‘Loki’. Her work on ‘The Morning Show’ proved she excels at portraying intense, modern drama. Mbatha-Raw is a captivating performer with a remarkable ability to convey complex emotions.

Samara Weaving

Samara Weaving has rapidly gained recognition as a leading horror actress, known for her roles in films like ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘The Babysitter’. But she’s not limited to horror – she’s also demonstrated her talent for comedy and drama in series like ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and the film ‘Babylon’. Weaving commands attention whenever she’s on screen, bringing a vibrant energy to every performance. She’s particularly skilled at blending humor and fear, a unique combination that makes her stand out in Hollywood.

Imogen Poots

Imogen Poots has crafted a diverse career by consistently taking on demanding roles in independent and genre films. She received significant acclaim for her work in the thriller ‘Green Room’ and, more recently, the drama ‘The Father.’ Her performance in the series ‘Outer Range’ demonstrated her ability to carry a complicated, thought-provoking story. Poots consistently infuses her characters with a unique and authentic energy.

Kathryn Hahn

For years, Kathryn Hahn was known for playing supporting roles in comedies, but she’s now being recognized for her impressive acting range. Recent starring roles in ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and ‘WandaVision’ showed she can handle both dramatic and comedic parts with ease. Hahn is remarkably skilled at shifting between hilarious physical comedy and deeply moving emotional moments, sometimes even within the same scene. After a long and successful career, she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves from the entertainment industry.

Claire Foy

Claire Foy is well-known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Crown,’ but she’s proven her versatility in films like ‘First Man’ and ‘Women Talking.’ She’s particularly skilled at portraying strong, resilient women facing difficult circumstances. Foy’s acting style is subtle and powerful, often conveying deep emotion with very few words.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones first became well-known for being in the original cast of the hit musical ‘Hamilton,’ but she’s since built a successful career in television and film. She’s earned an Emmy Award for her role in the short series ‘FreeRayshawn’ and is currently starring in the ‘Blindspotting’ TV show. What sets her apart is her skill at combining singing, spoken word poetry, and traditional acting. Jones is a talented and quickly rising star, and audiences are only beginning to see the full extent of her acting abilities.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny is a quickly rising star, recently praised for her leading performance in ‘Priscilla’. She won the prestigious Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival for her sensitive and complex depiction of Priscilla Presley. Before this, she was seen in films like ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the TV series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Despite her young age, Spaeny brings a remarkable depth and maturity to her roles, allowing her to convincingly portray characters with strong emotions.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis is a familiar face in well-made science fiction and dramatic stories, with notable roles in shows like ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and ‘Station Eleven’. She also impressed audiences in the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Tully’. Davis often plays smart, somewhat withdrawn characters, and brings a unique, athletic energy to her performances. Her acting is consistently realistic and insightful, no matter the story she’s in.

Haley Lu Richardson

Haley Lu Richardson first gained attention for her impressive work in the indie film ‘Columbus.’ She became more widely known for her role in season two of ‘The White Lotus,’ where she played a very relatable, though often frustrated, assistant. Her performance in ‘Support the Girls’ further demonstrated her talent for bringing depth and nuance to ordinary characters. Critics often commend Richardson for her realistic acting and her ability to express complicated feelings with ease.

Bel Powley

Bel Powley first gained attention for her bold performance in ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl,’ and has consistently chosen challenging roles since then, such as her portrayal of Miep Gies in ‘A Small Light.’ She has a unique appearance and voice that make her characters memorable, even in a large cast. Powley’s dedication to tackling raw and difficult stories has established her as one of the most admired young actresses working today.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth has quickly become a leading horror actress, largely thanks to her work with director Ti West. Her performances in ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’ – where she even played dual roles – were critically acclaimed as exceptional examples of acting within the genre. Goth is known for bringing a deeply intense and disturbing quality to her characters, a level of commitment rarely seen. Her roles in films like ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Infinity Pool’ have cemented her status as a bold and uniquely talented artist.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough has steadily made a name for herself by taking on challenging and independent roles, beginning with ‘The Girlfriend Experience.’ She’s earned praise for her work in films like ‘Zola’ and recently starred in the popular series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six.’ Even with a famous family, Keough has created her own distinct career through realistic and powerful performances. She’s captivating on screen and consistently brings depth and vulnerability to the complex characters she plays.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki is a highly skilled, classically trained actress known for her height and talent. She gained significant recognition for her incredibly accurate and moving portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown.’ Her performances in ‘The Night Manager’ and ‘Tenet’ demonstrated her ability to excel in large-scale, dramatic films. Debicki often brings a timeless grace to her roles, which she skillfully uses to hint at a character’s hidden emotional depth.

Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey has been steadily working in film and TV since she first appeared in ‘Heavenly Creatures’. She’s currently experiencing a wave of renewed attention thanks to her starring role in ‘Yellowjackets’ and a part in ‘The Last of Us’. Lynskey is particularly good at playing characters who seem gentle on the surface but have hidden depths and complexities. Her successful, long career proves she’s a versatile actor who brings a sense of realism to every role.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga gave a remarkably nuanced and emotional performance in ‘Loving,’ earning her an Academy Award nomination. Despite this and strong work in shows like ‘Preacher’ and the film ‘Passing,’ she remains less well-known than many actors of her caliber. Negga is especially gifted at communicating a character’s life story with just a glance.

Vicky Krieps

Vicky Krieps gained international recognition after appearing with Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘Phantom Thread’. She’s continued to impress in films like ‘Corsage’ and ‘Bergman Island’, proving herself to be a remarkably talented actress. Directors in both Europe and America are drawn to her unique, captivating presence and her ability to deliver both technically skilled and emotionally resonant performances. Many consider her one of the best actresses working today.

Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley is a remarkably versatile actress, comfortable in musicals, dramatic roles, and suspenseful thrillers. She impressed audiences with her powerful singing in ‘Wild Rose’ and demonstrated her thoughtful approach to acting in ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things.’ Her Oscar nomination for ‘The Lost Daughter’ confirmed her as a highly respected performer. Buckley is known for bringing a natural, unrestrained energy to her roles, making each performance feel fresh and authentic.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall is a talented and consistently impressive actress, known for her strong performances in a wide range of films, from popular blockbusters to independent projects. She particularly stood out in the thrillers ‘The Night House’ and ‘Resurrection’, and recently proved her skills behind the camera with her directorial debut, ‘Passing’. Hall is admired for her intelligence and dedication, making her a consistently reliable and compelling performer.

Andrea Riseborough

As a movie fan, I’ve always been blown away by Andrea Riseborough. She’s one of those actresses who completely becomes her characters – she’s a true chameleon. I mean, she really grabbed everyone’s attention with ‘To Leslie,’ and that nomination was so deserved – she just nailed that raw, heartbreaking despair. But it’s not just that one role, either. Think about ‘Mandy,’ ‘Birdman,’ even ‘The Death of Stalin’ – she’s incredibly versatile. It’s rare to see an actress so committed to really transforming herself, both physically and emotionally, for a part. She’s a dedicated character actress through and through.

Hong Chau

Since her memorable role in ‘Downsizing’, Hong Chau has quickly become a highly requested actress in Hollywood. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her moving performance in ‘The Whale’ and impressed audiences in the dark comedy ‘The Menu’. Known for her sharp, understated delivery, Chau can captivate viewers even with just a few minutes on screen. Her work in shows like ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Poker Face’ has made her a popular choice among today’s television writers and directors.

Merritt Wever

Merritt Wever has won two Emmy Awards and is widely considered one of the most talented character actors working today. She gave a standout performance in the limited series ‘Unbelievable’ and was beloved by viewers on ‘Nurse Jackie’. What makes her special is her ability to make every scene feel real, combined with her subtle and natural acting style. She also demonstrated her strong leading abilities in the series ‘Godless’.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon is consistently praised by critics as one of the best actors of her generation. She first gained widespread recognition for her powerful performances in ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Fargo’, where she brilliantly portrayed characters dealing with intense emotional pain and unwavering strength. More recently, she’s impressed audiences with her refined work in ‘The Gilded Age’ and continues to be a key player in popular films like ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. Many in the industry believe she deserves a major acting award, and her lack of one is often noted.

Please share your thoughts on which actresses you believe deserve more recognition in the comments.

2026-01-13 03:19