The 25 Best Actresses Who Are Currently Under 25

The landscape of modern cinema and television is being rapidly reshaped by a formidable group of performers born in the 21st century. These young actresses have transitioned from child stars to industry powerhouses, anchoring billion-dollar franchises and leading critically acclaimed prestige dramas. Their influence extends beyond traditional acting, with many taking on producer roles and shaping pop culture trends globally. The following collection represents the most talented and in-demand screen actors who have not yet reached their quarter-century milestone.

Jenna Ortega

At just 23 years old, Jenna Ortega has established herself as a leading figure in the horror and thriller genres. She gained widespread acclaim for her titular role in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’, which is set to return for a second season. Ortega recently starred in Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and the A24 film ‘Death of a Unicorn’. Her ability to carry major franchises was further proven by her involvement in the ‘Scream’ series. She continues to be a high-demand talent in Hollywood with multiple upcoming projects, including ‘Klara and the Sun’.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown, now 21, became a global superstar through her role as Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’. As the sci-fi phenomenon approaches its fifth and final season in late 2025, Brown has also expanded her career into film production. She leads the cast of the Russo brothers’ graphic novel adaptation ‘The Electric State’, released earlier this year. Beyond acting, she has successfully launched her own beauty brand, Florence by Mills. Her portfolio includes the successful ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise, where she serves as both producer and star.

Sadie Sink

Best known for her role as Max Mayfield in ‘Stranger Things’, 23-year-old Sadie Sink has garnered critical praise for her emotional depth on screen. She delivered a standout performance in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’ and headlined the post-apocalyptic rock opera ‘O’Dessa’. In 2025, she made her Broadway debut in the play ‘John Proctor Is the Villain’, earning significant theatrical acclaim. Reports indicate she has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the upcoming ‘Spider-Man’ sequel. Sink seamlessly balances high-profile film roles with challenging stage productions.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced is having a landmark year at age 24, taking on major roles in two massive franchises. She portrays Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, introducing her to the DC Universe. Additionally, she stars as Dina in the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed ‘The Last of Us’. Her recent filmography also includes the sci-fi horror hit ‘Alien: Romulus’. Merced’s versatility is evident in her transition from Nickelodeon stardom to complex, action-heavy roles in blockbuster films.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler, aged 24, first captured audiences as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She recently starred as the titular character in Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ and led the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Zegler has also made waves in the theater world, playing Eva Perón in a West End revival of ‘Evita’ and Juliet in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway. Her powerful vocal abilities continue to be a central element of her acting career. She remains one of the most visible young talents in musical cinema.

Bella Ramsey

At 22, Bella Ramsey has earned critical acclaim for their role as Ellie in the HBO adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. They previously gained recognition as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. Ramsey is set to return for the second season of ‘The Last of Us’, which explores the next chapter of the harrowing post-apocalyptic narrative. Their performance in the anthology series ‘Time’ showcased their ability to handle gritty, realistic drama. Ramsey is widely regarded for bringing intensity and emotional intelligence to complex characters.

Mckenna Grace

Mckenna Grace is a prolific industry veteran at only 19 years old, with a resume that rivals actors twice her age. She plays Phoebe Spengler in the revitalized ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise, including 2024’s ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. Her dramatic range was highlighted in the limited series ‘A Friend of the Family’ and her Emmy-nominated guest role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Grace is also a musician and writer, having co-written the script for ‘The Bad Seed Returns’. She is set to star in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s ‘Regretting You’.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt, aged 18, has quickly transitioned from child star to blockbuster action standout. She appeared as Tiny Tina in the video game adaptation ‘Borderlands’ and played a key role in the cultural phenomenon ‘Barbie’. Greenblatt is part of the ensemble cast for ‘Now You See Me 3’, titled ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’, released in late 2025. Her performance in the sci-fi thriller ’65’ demonstrated her ability to hold the screen alongside seasoned veterans like Adam Driver. She continues to secure roles in high-budget studio productions.

Nico Parker

Nico Parker has emerged as a breakout star at 21, particularly after her poignant performance as Sarah Miller in ‘The Last of Us’. She stars as Astrid in the live-action adaptation of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, bringing a beloved animated character to life. Parker received acclaim for her lead role in the coming-of-age drama ‘Suncoast’, which premiered at Sundance. She previously appeared in the live-action ‘Dumbo’ and the sci-fi noir ‘Reminiscence’. Her career choices reflect a balance between intimate indie dramas and major studio spectacles.

Storm Reid

22-year-old Storm Reid first gained attention for her lead role in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and has since built a diverse body of work. She plays Gia Bennett in the hit HBO series ‘Euphoria’, which is preparing for its highly anticipated third season. Reid headlined the box office success ‘The Nun II’, cementing her status as a bankable lead in the horror genre. She also starred in the screenlife thriller ‘Missing’, showcasing her ability to carry a film almost entirely on her own. Beyond acting, Reid is an active producer and student at USC.

Freya Allan

Freya Allan, aged 24, is best known internationally for her portrayal of Ciri in the fantasy series ‘The Witcher’. She recently took on a leading role in the blockbuster ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, expanding her presence in action-heavy cinema. Allan is currently filming the fourth season of ‘The Witcher’, where her character takes on a more central protagonist role. Her performance in the horror thriller ‘Baghead’ demonstrated her capability in genre films. She continues to be a prominent figure in fantasy and sci-fi media.

Alisha Weir

At just 16 years old, Irish actress Alisha Weir has already led two major global productions. She gained fame playing the title character in the film adaptation of ‘Matilda the Musical’, showcasing her singing and dancing talents. In 2024, she shifted genres completely to star as a vampire ballerina in the horror comedy ‘Abigail’. Weir’s performances have been praised for their energy and maturity beyond her years. She is also set to voice a lead character in the animated feature ‘The Land of Sometimes’.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters, now 16, stole scenes opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’. She recently reprised her role in the family comedy sequel ‘Freakier Friday’, starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Butters also played a pivotal role in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The Fabelmans’. Her work is characterized by a precocious intelligence and poise that has attracted the attention of top-tier directors. She continues to transition seamlessly from child roles to teenage characters.

Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani, aged 23, burst onto the scene as Kamala Khan in the Disney+ series ‘Ms. Marvel’. She reprised the role in the feature film ‘The Marvels’, solidifying her place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Vellani is also involved in the animated project ‘Marvel Zombies’, voicing her character once again. Known for her genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of comic book lore, she has become a fan favorite. Her future in the franchise points toward a leadership role in the rumored ‘Young Avengers’ project.

Angourie Rice

Angourie Rice, aged 24, has built a steady career with roles in both Australian and American productions. She starred as Cady Heron in the 2024 musical adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’, bringing a fresh take to the iconic character. Rice is also known for her role as Betty Brant in the MCU ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy and her performance in the limited series ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’. She received early acclaim for her work in ‘The Nice Guys’ alongside Ryan Gosling. She balances mainstream blockbusters with character-driven dramas.

Lola Tung

Lola Tung found immediate success with her debut role as Belly Conklin in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’. At 23, she has become the face of the hit Amazon Prime series, which is currently in production for its third season. Tung recently made her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical ‘Hadestown’, showcasing her theatrical capabilities. Her portrayal of complex teenage romance and coming-of-age struggles has resonated with a wide audience. She is quickly establishing herself as a leading talent in the young adult genre.

India Ria Amarteifio

India Amarteifio, 24, received global recognition for her title role in the Netflix period drama ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’. Her portrayal of the young monarch earned her praise for its emotional resonance and chemistry with co-star Corey Mylchreest. She has previously appeared in British series such as ‘Sex Education’ and ‘Doctor Who’. Amarteifio is currently working on upcoming film projects, including the thriller ‘Into the Deep’. Her performance in the ‘Bridgerton’ prequel has opened doors for her as a dramatic lead.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan broke out as the lead in the Netflix comedy series ‘Never Have I Ever’. Now 23, she carried the show through four successful seasons, earning praise for her comedic timing and relatable performance. She has since transitioned into voice acting, playing the lead in ‘My Little Pony: Make Your Mark’ and the upcoming ‘Slumfire’. Ramakrishnan recently appeared in the film ‘The Netherfield Girls’, a contemporary adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. She remains a prominent advocate for representation in the industry.

Sophia Lillis

Sophia Lillis, aged 23, is widely recognized for her role as Beverly Marsh in the horror blockbuster ‘It’. She recently appeared in Wes Anderson’s ensemble film ‘Asteroid City’ and starred in the indie drama ‘The Adults’. Lillis garnered praise for her lead performance in the Netflix series ‘I Am Not Okay with This’ and the fantasy film ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. Her distinct look and acting style have made her a favorite in both genre films and independent cinema. She continues to select diverse and quirky roles.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin, 21, made history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood for her film ‘Little’. She is best known for her long-running role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’, for which she won multiple NAACP Image Awards. Martin continues to produce content through her production company, Genius Entertainment, with projects like the film ‘G20’. She also voiced a character in ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’. Her career blends on-screen acting with significant behind-the-scenes influence.

Emily Carey

Emily Carey, aged 22, gained major attention for playing the young Alicent Hightower in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’. She recently starred in the Netflix adaptation of the popular novel ‘Geek Girl’, playing the lead character Harriet Manners. Carey previously appeared as the young Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’ and young Lara Croft in ‘Tomb Raider’. Her ability to portray vulnerability and strength has led to consistent work in high-profile fantasy and drama series. She is rapidly building a leading lady portfolio in British and American television.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez entered the global spotlight as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. At 19, she is a key figure in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gomez also won the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, showcasing her physical discipline and charisma. She previously starred in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ as Dawn Schafer. Currently, she is attached to the sci-fi thriller ‘Ursa Major’ alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Bailey Bass

Bailey Bass, 22, is part of the core cast of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ franchise, playing Tsireya of the Metkayina clan. She will reprise her role in the upcoming third installment, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, scheduled for release in late 2025. Bass also starred as Claudia in the first season of the AMC series ‘Interview with the Vampire’. Her work involves extensive performance capture and demanding physical preparation. She is positioned to be a major part of the ‘Avatar’ saga for years to come.

Whitney Peak

Whitney Peak, aged 22, is best known for her starring role as Zoya Lott in the HBO Max reboot of ‘Gossip Girl’. She played a lead role in the sequel ‘Hocus Pocus 2’, introducing her to a wide family audience. Peak has also appeared in the Netflix series ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the film ‘Molly’s Game’. She serves as a brand ambassador for Chanel, highlighting her influence in the fashion world. Peak continues to pursue roles in both television dramas and feature films.

Chloe Coleman

At 17, Chloe Coleman has already worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. She recently starred in the action-comedy sequel ‘My Spy: The Eternal City’ alongside Dave Bautista. Coleman had a significant role in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and appeared in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. Her resume includes the sci-fi thriller ’65’ and the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’. She is consistently cast as the resourceful young lead in major studio productions.

Share your favorite performances from these actresses and who you think we missed in the comments.