20 Best Actresses Under 20, Ranked

There is a wave of young talent shaping screens right now, and many of them are still in their teens. From studio tentpoles to prestige TV, these performers have already stacked résumés full of major credits and franchise roles, with more on the way.

This list spotlights twenty standout actresses who are currently under twenty. Each entry notes the roles that put them on the map, the skills they bring to different genres, and where audiences can find more of their work next.

20. Lexy Kolker

Lexy Kolker headlined the sci-fi thriller ‘Freaks’ and delivered a grounded turn that made the film’s high concept easy to follow. She has shown range across TV work, including parts on ‘Shooter’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ that let her move between drama and suspense.

She continues to add independent features to her filmography while keeping a presence on television. Casting teams have used her for emotionally demanding roles that still require quick, natural dialogue, which is why she often turns up in projects that need a convincing perspective from a younger character.

19. Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman played Annie Pearson on ‘This Is Us’ across its full run, appearing in storylines that grew from light family moments to serious arcs. She also appears as Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’, giving her a foothold in the superhero space.

Her mix of network drama and blockbuster experience makes her a reliable choice for ensemble casts. Herman keeps working in both film and TV, which means viewers can expect to see her continue balancing heartfelt roles with larger set pieces.

18. Ella Jay Basco

Ella Jay Basco made her feature debut as Cassandra Cain in ‘Birds of Prey’, holding her own alongside a star-packed ensemble. She followed that with television and voice roles that build on her timing and action-comedy instincts.

She splits time between acting and music releases, which keeps her profile visible across platforms. Basco remains on the radar for action and adventure projects that need a quick-witted scene partner with strong chemistry opposite leads.

17. Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw starred as Cady in ‘M3GAN’, anchoring the film’s emotional stakes opposite the title character. She also portrayed young Yelena in ‘Black Widow’ and appeared in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, giving her steady experience in horror and franchise storytelling.

She continues to work in both theatrical and streaming projects. McGraw’s credits show casting directors trust her with roles that require sustained fear and resilience, which is why she keeps landing parts in thrillers and genre titles.

16. Madeleine McGraw

Madeleine McGraw broke through as Gwen in ‘The Black Phone’, where her performance fueled key investigative beats. She also voiced Bonnie in ‘Toy Story 4’, giving her a major animated credit alongside her live-action work.

She appears regularly in TV and film, moving between family titles and darker material. McGraw’s ability to carry plot-driving scenes has made her a dependable option for stories that place young characters at the center of the mystery.

15. Alyla Browne

Alyla Browne portrayed young Furiosa in ‘Furiosa’, connecting the character’s early years to the version audiences already knew. She has also appeared in ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ and ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’, adding prestige and literary adaptations to her list.

She works across Australia and international productions, which widens the range of roles she can take. Browne’s credits suggest continued calls for period pieces and large-scale action that benefit from actors comfortable with physical performance.

14. Vivien Lyra Blair

Vivien Lyra Blair played young Leia Organa in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, capturing the spirit and cadence of an iconic character. She also appeared in ‘Bird Box’ and led the family action film ‘We Can Be Heroes’, showing she can handle both suspense and adventure.

Blair keeps booking projects that rely on her sharp delivery and confident presence. Her work in science fiction and fantasy indicates an ongoing pipeline of roles in worlds that need fast dialogue and quick shifts in tone.

13. Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss appears as Tuk in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, working with performance capture in a complex ensemble. That role continues in upcoming ‘Avatar’ installments, giving her long-term experience with large-scale worldbuilding.

She also releases original music and performs live, which supports a balanced schedule around film shoots. Bliss’s ongoing involvement with a major franchise means audiences will see her character evolve while she adds select roles elsewhere.

12. Matilda Lawler

Matilda Lawler was pivotal in ‘Station Eleven’, playing a younger version of Kirsten in sequences that set the emotional tone for the series. She also stars in ‘The Santa Clauses’, where her quick, precise timing anchors scenes across the ensemble.

Lawler’s projects show a pattern of thoughtful, literary material alongside broad family entertainment. That combination makes her a frequent pick for stories that move between humor and reflection without losing momentum.

11. Alisha Weir

Alisha Weir led ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’ with strong vocals and choreography while delivering detailed character beats. She followed that with the title role in ‘Abigail’, steering a horror film that blends elegance and menace.

Her ability to handle singing, dance, and action gives casting teams flexibility. Weir’s slate positions her for more lead roles in musicals and thrillers, as well as character-driven parts that need precise physicality.

10. Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson plays Erica Sinclair in ‘Stranger Things’, adding vital problem-solving beats in key episodes. She also headlined the Halloween comedy ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’, expanding into feature leads.

Ferguson balances genre storytelling with comedy, which keeps her in demand for high-energy ensembles. She continues to develop projects that let her carry scenes with quick reactions and clear comedic rhythm.

9. Lia McHugh

Lia McHugh portrayed Sprite in ‘Eternals’, taking on a character that mixes ancient perspective with youthful appearance. She has additional credits in ‘The Lodge’ and ‘A House on the Bayou’, giving her a strong foothold in atmospheric horror.

McHugh’s work points to continued roles in supernatural and mythic settings. She is frequently cast in parts that require a calm presence amid heightened stakes, which suits both studio films and smaller thrillers.

8. Ever Anderson

Ever Anderson played young Natasha Romanoff in ‘Black Widow’ and stepped into a classic role as Wendy in ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Those parts show she can bridge legacy characters with fresh interpretations.

She continues to work across action and fantasy. Anderson’s background with major franchises suggests more opportunities where stunts, period settings, and ensemble scenes come together.

7. Abby Ryder Fortson

Abby Ryder Fortson led ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ with a performance that carried the film’s coming-of-age arc. She previously appeared as Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’, adding early superhero experience.

Her choices span independent adaptations and studio projects. Fortson is often placed in roles that need warmth and clarity as the audience’s point of view, which helps stories land their most personal moments.

6. Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince delivered a widely noted lead in ‘The Florida Project’, establishing her as a go-to for realistic drama. She went on to star in ‘Home Before Dark’, where she investigated long-running mysteries across two seasons.

Prince continues to take roles that depend on curiosity and initiative. Her credits blend festival-caliber films with ongoing series work, which keeps her visible to both prestige and mainstream audiences.

5. Cailey Fleming

Cailey Fleming is known for Judith Grimes on ‘The Walking Dead’, where she became central to the show’s later arcs. She also starred in ‘IF’, playing Bea opposite an ensemble of voice performances and live-action co-stars.

Fleming’s résumé includes a turn as young Rey in ‘Star Wars’, adding another major franchise to her profile. She remains active across film and television, often in roles that pair emotional stakes with adventure.

4. Julia Butters

Julia Butters drew attention in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, trading lines with a leading actor in a tightly written set piece. She later joined ‘The Fabelmans’ as Reggie and appeared in ‘The Gray Man’, proving she can switch between intimate drama and action.

She built her foundation on ‘American Housewife’ before fielding high-profile films. Casting teams consistently place her in scenes that hinge on precise timing and careful listening, which makes her valuable across genres.

3. Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney portrayed Venus Williams in ‘King Richard’, mastering on-court movement and the biographical details that drive the story. She previously appeared in ‘Fences’ and ‘Hidden Figures’, adding acclaimed ensembles to her film credits.

On television, she played Sasha Obama in ‘The First Lady’ and led the sci-fi series ‘The Passage’. Sidney’s work shows an ability to anchor real-life characters and genre pieces with equal focus.

2. Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt played Sasha in ‘Barbie’ and appeared as young Gamora in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, linking her to two of the most recognizable franchises. She also starred opposite Adam Driver in ’65’ and brought Tiny Tina to life in ‘Borderlands’.

She is a frequent pick when productions need high-intensity scenes from younger performers. Greenblatt’s credits span action, comedy, and voice roles, which keeps her schedule full across theatrical and streaming releases.

1. McKenna Grace

McKenna Grace leads the modern ‘Ghostbusters’ films as Phoebe Spengler, carrying key effects sequences and character moments. She earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and has significant credits in ‘I, Tonya’, ‘Annabelle Comes Home’, and ‘Young Sheldon’.

Grace writes and records music between projects while continuing to headline features and series. Her filmography shows consistent work in major franchises and prestige television, supported by performances that handle complex story turns.

Share your picks for under-20 standouts in the comments so we can keep this list fresh with your favorites.