Best Hollywood Actresses Under 20

The current landscape of Hollywood is increasingly defined by a wave of exceptionally talented young performers who are securing lead roles in major franchises and prestige dramas before reaching their twentieth birthdays. These actresses have demonstrated remarkable range, often balancing the pressures of massive blockbusters with the nuances of independent cinema. From breakout stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the protagonists of critically acclaimed streaming series, this generation is reshaping the industry with diverse performances and significant commercial appeal. The following individuals represent the most accomplished and promising female talent currently working in the entertainment industry today.

Ivy George

Known for her recurring role as Amabella Klein in the acclaimed HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019), she has proven her ability to hold her own alongside industry veterans. She appeared in the horror film ‘Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension’ (2015), which introduced her to a broad cinematic audience at a very young age. Her television credits also include appearances in ‘Twin Peaks’ (2017) and the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–). She remains a steady presence in dramatic television productions.

Keslee Blalock

She rose to prominence by starring in the leading role of Ivy in the Netflix series of films ‘Ivy + Bean’ (2022). These adaptations of the popular children’s book series allowed her to showcase a talent for comedic timing and youthful energy. Her performance helped establish the franchise’s charm and contributed to its success among younger audiences. She continues to be a rising figure in family-oriented entertainment.

Madison Skye Validum

Taking on the role of Bean in the ‘Ivy + Bean’ (2022) film series, she quickly became a recognizable face on the Netflix platform. Her chemistry with her co-stars and her portrayal of the adventurous and mischievous character earned her positive notices from critics. The films provided her with a significant platform to demonstrate her acting capabilities early in her career. She is frequently cited as a talent to watch in the coming years.

Maya Le Clark

Best known for her role as Chloe Thunderman on the hit Nickelodeon series ‘The Thundermans’ (2013–2018), she grew up in the spotlight. She reprised her role in the follow-up film ‘The Thundermans Return’ (2024), continuing her association with the popular superhero family franchise. Her work on the show established her as a comedic talent within the realm of children’s television. She has also made guest appearances in other Nickelodeon productions throughout her early career.

Erica Tremblay

The younger sister of actor Jacob Tremblay, she has built an impressive resume with roles in high-profile projects like ‘The Bye Bye Man’ (2017) and ‘Before I Fall’ (2017). She appeared in the television series ‘The Man in the High Castle’ (2015–2019), where she portrayed the character Alice. Her ability to handle intense and dramatic themes has made her a sought-after young actress for thrillers and science fiction. She continues to take on challenging roles that highlight her versatility.

Lexy Kolker

She delivered a breakthrough performance in the independent science fiction thriller ‘Freaks’ (2018), where she played a girl with mysterious powers. This role earned her critical acclaim and showcased her ability to lead a complex, emotionally demanding feature film. She is also recognized for her recurring role as Robin in the superhero series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013–2020). Her early success in the genre has led to several nominations and accolades within the independent film community.

Shaylee Mansfield

As a prominent Deaf actress, she has broken barriers with her performance in the Disney+ film ‘Noelle’ (2019). She also starred in the Netflix film ‘Feel the Beat’ (2020), where she played a young dancer, further demonstrating her range. Her work often emphasizes the importance of representation and the use of American Sign Language in mainstream media. She remains an influential figure for young performers seeking to navigate the industry with authenticity.

Audrey Grace Marshall

She is widely recognized for her role as the young version of Cassie Bowden in the Max original series ‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022). Her performance provided essential backstory for the main character and was praised for its emotional weight. She also starred in the family film ‘Fairway to Heaven’ (2024) and has appeared in various commercial campaigns. Her ability to transition between television drama and lighthearted film roles defines her early career.

Summer Fontana

She first gained attention for portraying the young Hope Mikaelson in the supernatural drama series ‘The Originals’ (2013–2018). Her performance was vital to the show’s final seasons and helped set the stage for the spin-off series. She also appeared in the film ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ (2019) as the young Jean Grey, taking on a role in a major blockbuster franchise. Her experience in the fantasy and superhero genres has made her a familiar face to international audiences.

Kingston Foster

This actress became a household name among Disney Channel viewers for her role as Zoey in the musical ‘Zombies’ (2018) and its sequels. Her singing and dancing abilities are central to her performances in these highly successful television movies. She has also appeared in ‘Fuller House’ (2016–2020) and the film ‘Bitch’ (2017). Her career is characterized by a mix of high-energy musical roles and traditional television acting.

Mia Talerico

She began her career as the title character in the Disney Channel series ‘Good Luck Charlie’ (2010–2014) when she was only an infant. After the series ended, she continued to work in the industry, appearing in the series ‘Mani’ (2017–). Her early start has given her a unique level of comfort in front of the camera and a dedicated fanbase. She remains active in the digital and television space as she moves into more mature roles.

Sanai Victoria

This actress has appeared in several popular television series, including ‘No Good Nick’ (2019) and ‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022). She provided the voice for the character Treasure in the Disney Junior series ‘Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets’ (2015–2017). Her live-action work often highlights her comedic skills and relatable screen presence. She continues to be a frequent guest star and recurring player in the landscape of American sitcoms.

Scarlet Spencer

She is well known for her role as Izzy in the Netflix fantasy film ‘Bright’ (2017), starring alongside Will Smith. She also held a main role in the Nickelodeon series ‘Cousins for Life’ (2018–2019), which showcased her ability to lead a comedy production. Her career includes appearances in the series ‘Shameless’ (2011–2021) and ‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022). She has successfully navigated between major streaming blockbusters and traditional television formats.

Faithe Herman

Best known for her role as Annie Pearson in the critically acclaimed drama series ‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022), she grew up as part of one of television’s most famous families. She also joined the DC Extended Universe as Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ (2019) and its sequel ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023). Her portrayal of the enthusiastic young superhero earned her praise for bringing heart and humor to the films. She continues to balance large-scale film projects with intimate television storytelling.

Bronte Carmichael

She played the role of Madeline Robin in the Disney live-action film ‘Christopher Robin’ (2018), acting opposite Ewan McGregor. Her performance was noted for its warmth and was a central element of the film’s family-focused narrative. She also appeared in the series ‘Nightflyers’ (2018) and provided the voice for Robin in the animated short ‘Robin Robin’ (2021). Her work often involves high-concept storytelling and major studio productions.

Pixie Davies

This British-born actress has appeared in several major Hollywood productions, most notably ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018) as Annabel Banks. She also had a significant role in ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ (2016), directed by Tim Burton. Her experience working with high-profile directors has established her as a reliable talent for imaginative and fantastical cinema. She has also lent her voice to animated projects like ‘101 Dalmatian Street’ (2019–2020).

Miya Cech

She gained prominence with her role in the science fiction film ‘The Darkest Minds’ (2018) and the Netflix adventure ‘Rim of the World’ (2019). She also played the younger version of Ali Wong’s character in the romantic comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe’ (2019). Her recent work includes the leading role in the series ‘Surfside Girls’ (2022) for Apple TV+. She is recognized for her versatility and her ability to lead both action-heavy and character-driven projects.

Ella Jay Basco

She made her feature film debut as Cassandra Cain in the DC film ‘Birds of Prey’ (2020). Her performance alongside Margot Robbie was widely praised for its grit and authenticity. Since then, she has appeared in television series such as ‘A Girl Named Jo’ (2018–2019) and has pursued a career in music. Her breakout role in the superhero genre established her as a significant new talent in Hollywood.

Sadie Sandler

The daughter of Adam Sandler, she has appeared in numerous films produced by Happy Madison, including ‘Hubie Halloween’ (2020) and ‘Leo’ (2023). She took on a more prominent role in the Netflix hit ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ (2023). Her performances often highlight a natural aptitude for comedy and ensemble work. She has become a frequent collaborator in high-profile streaming comedies.

Sunny Sandler

Like her sister, she has been a regular presence in her father’s films, but she took center stage in ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ (2023). Her leading performance as Stacy Friedman was praised for its relatability and charm. She also provided voice work for the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012–2022) franchise. Her recent projects indicate a shift toward more central, character-focused roles in mainstream comedy.

Kyndra Sanchez

She took over the lead role of Dawn Schafer in the second season of the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021). Her performance was lauded for maintaining the character’s spirit while bringing her own unique interpretation. She has also worked on the series ‘Finding Ohana’ (2021) and the animated show ‘Santiago of the Seas’ (2020–). Her career is currently focused on high-quality family programming and voice acting.

Sophie Grace

She led the cast of the Netflix revival of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021) as the club’s president, Kristy Thomas. Her portrayal of the ambitious and determined character was a cornerstone of the show’s critical success. Before this breakout role, she appeared in the television movie ‘Terror in the Woods’ (2018). She is recognized for her leadership qualities and strong screen presence in youth-oriented drama.

Malia Baker

Known for her role as Mary Anne Spier in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021), she became a standout for her sensitive and nuanced performance. She also starred in the film ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’ (2024), expanding her reach into major musical franchises. Beyond acting, she is recognized for her activism and work in social justice. Her career trajectory shows a balance between commercial success and meaningful personal advocacy.

Momona Tamada

She gained international fame for her portrayal of Claudia Kishi in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021). Her performance was praised for its authenticity and for bringing a beloved literary character to life. She also appeared as the young version of Lara Jean in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018–2021) film series. Recently, she joined the cast of the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024–) as Ty Lee.

Alyvia Alyn Lind

She is well known for her role as Lexy Cross in the horror series ‘Chucky’ (2021–), where she plays a central character in the franchise’s modern expansion. She also portrayed a young Dolly Parton in the television movies ‘Coat of Many Colors’ (2015) and ‘Christmas of Many Colors’ (2016). Her diverse resume includes the post-apocalyptic series ‘Daybreak’ (2019) and the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’ (1973–). She is noted for her ability to handle both campy horror and sincere drama.

Lidya Jewett

This actress has appeared in several notable projects, including the film ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016) and the television series ‘Good Girls’ (2018–2021). She took on a lead role in the Netflix fantasy film ‘Nightbooks’ (2021), where she played a resourceful young prisoner. More recently, she starred in the horror sequel ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ (2023). Her career is increasingly defined by roles in high-stakes thrillers and supernatural dramas.

Catherine Clinch

She delivered a haunting and critically acclaimed performance in the Irish film ‘The Quiet Girl’ (2022). The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film, with her lead performance cited as its emotional core. Despite being a newcomer, she earned several prestigious awards for her portrayal of Cáit. Her work has established her as a major talent on the international stage with a focus on prestige cinema.

Frankie Corio

At a young age, she made a spectacular debut in the critically acclaimed film ‘Aftersun’ (2022). Acting alongside Paul Mescal, her performance was praised for its maturity and emotional depth, earning her numerous award nominations. The film’s success brought her immediate global recognition within the independent film community. She is considered one of the most promising young dramatic actresses of her generation.

Alisha Weir

She rose to international stardom by playing the title character in ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’ (2022). Her performance was noted for its incredible vocal range and stage presence, carrying the big-budget musical with ease. She also appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Abigail’ (2024), showcasing her ability to transition into darker genres. Her background in musical theater has provided a strong foundation for her burgeoning film career.

Helena Zengel

This German actress made a major Hollywood debut starring opposite Tom Hanks in ‘News of the World’ (2020). Her performance as a young girl raised by the Kiowa people earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Before her American crossover, she gained critical acclaim for her role in the German film ‘System Crasher’ (2019). She is recognized for her intense, wordless acting and raw emotional power.

Leah Sava Jeffries

She was cast in the high-profile role of Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–). Her performance in the beloved fantasy franchise has been praised for capturing the character’s intelligence and strength. Before this, she appeared in the thriller ‘Beast’ (2022) alongside Idris Elba. She is quickly becoming one of the most visible young stars in the landscape of major streaming adaptations.

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

She gained worldwide attention for her role as Tuk in the blockbuster ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022). Her character is a key member of the Sully family and is set to appear in future sequels within the multi-billion dollar franchise. Aside from her work on Pandora, she is a talented singer-songwriter who has released her own music. She also appeared in the HBO Max series ‘The Garcias’ (2022).

Marlow Barkley

She starred as Nemo in the high-budget Netflix fantasy film ‘Slumberland’ (2022) alongside Jason Momoa. Her performance was central to the film’s emotional narrative and visual spectacle. She is also a series regular on the ABC comedy ‘Single Parents’ (2018–2020), where she showcased her comedic abilities. Her recent work continues to place her in lead roles in major family-friendly productions.

Ever Anderson

The daughter of Milla Jovovich and Paul W.S. Anderson, she played the young Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’ (2021). She then took on the iconic role of Wendy Darling in the Disney live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023). Her career is marked by roles in massive studio films that require both physical action and dramatic poise. She is also a frequent figure in the high-fashion world, often appearing in major campaigns.

Chloe Coleman

She had a breakout year with roles in the action-comedy ‘My Spy’ (2020) and the science fiction thriller ’65’ (2023). She was part of the ensemble cast of the blockbuster ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023). Her television work includes a recurring role in the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019). She is recognized for her ability to hold her own in high-octane action sequences and alongside major movie stars.

Vivien Lyra Blair

She became a standout star for her portrayal of a young Princess Leia Organa in the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022) series on Disney+. Her performance was widely praised for capturing the spirit and wit of the iconic character. She first gained attention for her role as Girl in the Netflix hit ‘Bird Box’ (2018). Recently, she appeared in the horror film ‘The Boogeyman’ (2023), continuing her trend of taking on significant roles in genre-defining projects.

Raegan Revord

She is best known for her long-running role as Missy Cooper on the hit CBS sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024). Her character’s wit and relatability made her a fan favorite throughout the show’s seven-season run. Outside of television, she is an advocate for children’s literacy and has authored her own books. Her work on one of the most-watched comedies on television has established her as a prominent young figure in the industry.

Darby Camp

She gained significant recognition for her role as Chloe Mackenzie in the HBO drama ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019). She went on to star in the family adventures ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (2018) and its sequel, ‘The Christmas Chronicles 2’ (2020). She also led the live-action ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ (2021) as Emily Elizabeth. Her career is characterized by leading roles in major family-oriented films and high-prestige television.

Priah Ferguson

She became a breakout sensation for her role as Erica Sinclair in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025). Originally a guest star, her character’s popularity led to her becoming a series regular and a central part of the show’s ensemble. She has also appeared in the film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ (2022) and provided voice work for ‘My Dad the Bounty Hunter’ (2023–). Her comedic timing and confident screen presence have made her a highlight of the series.

Demi Singleton

She delivered a powerful performance as Serena Williams in the Academy Award-winning film ‘King Richard’ (2021). Her portrayal was praised for its authenticity and physical commitment to the role of the legendary athlete. She also appeared in the series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ (2019–) as Margaret Johnson. Her work in high-profile biographical dramas has established her as a serious dramatic talent.

Saniyya Sidney

She starred as Venus Williams in ‘King Richard’ (2021), earning widespread acclaim and several award nominations alongside the ensemble. Her impressive filmography also includes roles in the Oscar-nominated films ‘Fences’ (2016) and ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016). She portrayed Sasha Obama in the anthology series ‘The First Lady’ (2022). She is recognized as one of the most accomplished young actresses in the industry, with a focus on significant historical and dramatic narratives.

Brooklynn Prince

She first stunned audiences and critics with her breakout performance in ‘The Florida Project’ (2017). Her portrayal of Moonee earned her numerous accolades and established her as a major new talent at a very young age. She went on to star in the Apple TV+ series ‘Home Before Dark’ (2020–2021) and the film ‘The Marsh King’s Daughter’ (2023). She has also ventured into directing, further demonstrating her deep interest in the filmmaking process.

Abby Ryder Fortson

She is well known for her role as Cassie Lang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films ‘Ant-Man’ (2015) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018). More recently, she led the cast of the acclaimed adaptation ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023). Her performance in the latter was hailed as a perfect portrayal of the beloved literary character. She has a natural ability to ground fantastic situations with relatable, human emotion.

Madeleine McGraw

She delivered a standout performance in the supernatural thriller ‘The Black Phone’ (2021) as Gwen, a role that required both emotional range and intensity. She is also recognized for her work in the series ‘Sulphur Springs’ (2021–2023) on Disney Channel. Her film credits include ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019) and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018), where she played a young Hope van Dyne. She has become a go-to actress for roles that require a mix of toughness and vulnerability.

Violet McGraw

She became a horror icon for the modern era with her lead role in the viral hit ‘M3GAN’ (2022). She also appeared in the acclaimed series ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018) as the young Nell Crain. Her filmography includes ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019) and ‘Black Widow’ (2021), where she played a young Yelena Belova. Her consistent work in high-profile horror and franchise films has made her one of the most recognizable young faces in cinema.

Julia Butters

She gained massive critical attention for her scene-stealing role in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019). She followed this success with a significant role in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The Fabelmans’ (2022). Her television background includes a long-standing role on the sitcom ‘American Housewife’ (2016–2021). She is frequently cited by major directors for her professionalism and profound understanding of her craft.

Xochitl Gomez

She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022). This role brought her to a global audience and established her as a major player in the superhero genre. Before her Marvel debut, she starred in the first season of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020) as Dawn Schafer. She also showcased her versatility and popularity by winning the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Ariana Greenblatt

This actress has appeared in several of the highest-grossing films of all time, including ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) as young Gamora and ‘Barbie’ (2023) as Sasha. She also starred in the science fiction thriller ’65’ (2023) and the action adaptation ‘Borderlands’ (2024). Her early career began on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’ (2016–2018). She is currently one of the most sought-after young actresses for major studio tentpoles and franchise roles.

Mckenna Grace

With a career spanning over a decade, she has become one of the most prolific actresses of her generation. She led the cast of ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021) and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ (2024) as Phoebe Spengler. Her dramatic range is evident in her Emmy-nominated performance in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–) and her role in ‘Gifted’ (2017). She has successfully transitioned from a child star to a leading lady capable of carrying major blockbusters and complex television dramas.

Which of these rising Hollywood stars do you think has the most promising future ahead of them in the comments?