Top 20 Movies That Made An Actress A Household Name Ranked

Throughout Hollywood history, certain roles have instantly turned jobbing actors into global stars. These performances captivated audiences and highlighted the unique charm or acting ability of the actresses involved. The films below aren’t just box office hits; they’re the movies that introduced the world to some truly iconic talents who went on to shape their generations. Here’s a ranking of the most important breakout films that launched the careers of famous actresses.

‘The Mask’ (1994)

Cameron Diaz first appeared on the big screen in this popular comedy, playing the captivating jazz singer Tina Carlyle. She instantly catches the eye of the main character, Stanley Ipkiss, after he discovers a magical mask. The role quickly made her a star, proving her talent for comedy. Even though she was new to acting, critics loved her natural charm and how comfortable she seemed on screen. This film launched her successful career as a leading actress.

‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)

Melissa McCarthy is hilarious and unforgettable as Megan Price in this funny movie. Originally a supporting character, she completely took over every scene with her incredible physical comedy and ability to think on her feet, delivering the best performance in the film. Her work was even recognized with an Academy Award nomination – a rare honor for a comedic role. The movie’s huge success showed she could lead a major blockbuster, and it opened the door to many starring roles. Viewers loved her bold, energetic humor and instantly connected with her unique personality.

‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999)

Angelina Jolie is captivating as Lisa Rowe, a manipulative and unsettling patient in this psychological thriller. She portrays a character who is both charming and dangerous, and her influence over the other women in the mental institution is significant. The role showcased Jolie’s powerful acting skills and established her as a commanding presence on screen. She won an Oscar for her performance, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses, and the film cemented her status as a major star.

‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

Natalie Portman delivered a stunning performance as Mathilda, a young girl who is forced to become independent after tragedy strikes her family. She convincingly plays a child who is far beyond her years, and her acting skills stood out even alongside veterans like Jean Reno and Gary Oldman. This role immediately highlighted her incredible talent and launched her career, establishing her as a highly respected actress. It’s still considered one of the most memorable and impressive first film roles by a child actor.

‘Room’ (2015)

Brie Larson gives a powerfully moving and draining performance as a mother who is held captive with her young son for seven years. Despite their limited space – a small shed – she builds a safe world for him and secretly plans their escape. The role demanded incredible emotional depth and resilience, and it won her an Academy Award. This film was a turning point in her career, transforming her from a respected indie actress into a leading star capable of headlining major action films. Many consider her performance in this movie to be a prime example of authentic and believable acting.

‘Winter’s Bone’ (2010)

Jennifer Lawrence gained recognition for her powerful performance as a determined young woman searching for her father to prevent her family from losing their home. Critics praised her realistic portrayal of navigating the dangerous criminal world of the Ozarks. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as a rising star. It directly led to her being cast in blockbuster franchises like ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘X-Men’, proving her ability to captivate audiences with subtle strength.

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

Rachel McAdams is unforgettable as Regina George, the wealthy and controlling queen bee of her high school. She effortlessly combines charm and ruthlessness to rule the social scene, and the character quickly became a pop culture icon, with lines still widely quoted today. McAdams’ performance showed off her comedic talent and star power, even overshadowing the main character. This role helped launch her career, leading to success in both romantic comedies and more dramatic films.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Margot Robbie shines as Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s fast-paced new film. She confidently goes head-to-head with Leonardo DiCaprio, delivering a convincing performance with a strong Brooklyn accent and a determined spirit. Robbie skillfully blends glamour with genuine emotion, particularly as her character’s marriage falls apart. The role catapulted her to international stardom and solidified her status as a leading actress. She’s now successfully using that success to pursue a varied career, both in front of and behind the camera.

‘Speed’ (1994)

Sandra Bullock shines as Annie Porter in this fast-paced, thrilling movie. She portrays a passenger forced to drive a bus that will explode if it slows down. Her great connection with Keanu Reeves and her believable, frightened reactions made the unbelievable story feel real. The film was a huge hit that summer and helped solidify Bullock’s status as a beloved actress. It showed she could handle demanding action scenes while still being funny and charming.

‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)

Disney’s charming coming-of-age story introduces Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, a relatable and clumsy teenager who unexpectedly learns she’s a princess. The film follows her journey as she transforms from an unnoticed high school student into a confident royal, a change that captivated audiences. It was a breakout role for Hathaway, highlighting her talent for both comedy and heartfelt emotion, and helped launch her career towards an eventual Academy Award.

‘Halloween’ (1978)

Jamie Lee Curtis became the iconic ‘scream queen’ with her role as Laurie Strode in this groundbreaking slasher film. She portrays a high school student stalked by the masked killer Michael Myers on Halloween. Curtis delivers a powerful performance, showing both intense fear and cleverness, avoiding the typical helpless victim trope. The film was a huge independent success and cemented her status as a horror icon for many years. She’s brilliantly revisited this signature role several times throughout her long and successful career.

‘Basic Instinct’ (1992)

Sharon Stone gives a captivating and unsettling performance as Catherine Tramell, a novelist accused of murder. She expertly plays mind games with the detectives trying to solve the case, using both her intelligence and her sexuality. The film was a huge hit, instantly making Stone a global star. Her character broke the mold for female roles in thrillers, presenting a powerful and in-control ‘femme fatale.’ It’s still considered her most famous and talked-about role.

‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)

Julie Andrews shines as the practically perfect nanny in this beloved Disney classic. She brings a delightful mix of strictness and playfulness to the role, captivating both the Banks family and viewers. This was her first major film, and it beautifully displayed her talents as a singer and actress. She won an Oscar for her performance and immediately became a Hollywood icon. Thanks in large part to her unforgettable portrayal, the movie continues to be a cultural favorite.

‘Funny Girl’ (1968)

This musical film stars Barbra Streisand recreating her famous Broadway performance as the funny and talented Fanny Brice. It tells the story of her climb to success, even though she didn’t fit typical ideas of beauty. Streisand’s incredible singing and comedic timing earned her a shared Academy Award for Best Actress. The film established her as a uniquely gifted performer in Hollywood, equally skilled at acting and singing. It’s considered one of the greatest examples of a stage success being adapted for the big screen.

‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

Julia Roberts shines as Vivian Ward in this updated take on the Cinderella story, set in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. She portrays a kind-hearted sex worker who unexpectedly falls in love with a successful businessman, played by Richard Gere. Roberts’ joyful personality and effortless charisma transformed what could have been a serious story into a delightful and funny romance. The film was a huge commercial success and established her as the leading actress in romantic comedies for years to come. Her performance even earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her place as a worldwide superstar.

‘Alien’ (1979)

Sigourney Weaver’s role as Warrant Officer Ripley in this iconic sci-fi horror film was groundbreaking. She begins as a dedicated professional on a spaceship crew and ultimately becomes the only one left to fight a terrifying alien. Ripley challenged typical action hero stereotypes and set a new standard for strong female characters. Her realistic and intelligent performance was widely praised, launching a successful film series and establishing Weaver as a trailblazer for women in action movies.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Kate Winslet plays Rose DeWitt Bukater, a young woman trapped by the rules of her society, in James Cameron’s sweeping love story. The film follows Rose as she finds both freedom and romance on the ill-fated Titanic. Her incredible connection with Leonardo DiCaprio helped make the movie a massive box office hit when it came out. The part was physically demanding, especially during the scenes in the water, and required a lot of emotional range for the film’s heartbreaking ending. This role launched Winslet from a well-regarded British actress to a global star.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)

I’ll never forget seeing Emma Watson as Hermione Granger – she was that character! She brought Hermione off the page with such clarity and a real fire in her performance. It was amazing to watch her grow up right there on screen, over all eight movies. Honestly, she was the heart of the series, always keeping things grounded and smart alongside Daniel and Rupert. And it’s incredible how that role launched her into becoming such a powerful voice for important causes and a style icon. She’s truly inspiring!

‘Star Wars’ (1977)

Carrie Fisher’s portrayal of Princess Leia in the iconic space opera Star Wars was groundbreaking. Leia wasn’t a typical princess needing to be saved – she was a strong, independent leader who actively participated in the rebellion and wasn’t afraid to challenge those who captured her. Her intelligence and confidence redefined the role of women in film. Her distinctive hairstyle and outfit quickly became globally recognized symbols, and the character cemented Fisher’s place in movie history as one of the most impactful female characters ever created.

‘Roman Holiday’ (1953)

In the classic film Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn plays a princess who secretly slips away from her royal duties to experience life in Rome. While enjoying a day of freedom, she meets and falls in love with an American journalist, portrayed by Gregory Peck. Hepburn’s performance earned her an Academy Award and cemented her place as a Hollywood legend. Her grace and style helped define a new kind of movie star, and continue to inspire people today. The film is celebrated as one of the best romantic comedies of all time.

Tell us which actress you think had the most memorable breakout performance in the comments.

2025-11-22 14:46