LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Quietly Stole The Spotlight In Blockbuster Movies

Representation in Hollywood has evolved significantly over the years, allowing more LGBTQ+ talent to take center stage in major cinematic productions. These actresses have delivered memorable performances in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, often becoming the highlight of the movie for audiences worldwide. Whether playing heroes, villains, or scene-stealing supporting characters, their work has left a lasting impact on pop culture. The following list highlights performers who brought undeniable charisma and skill to the blockbuster landscape.

Kate McKinnon

In the global phenomenon ‘Barbie’, this comedic powerhouse plays the eccentric character known as Weird Barbie. She acts as a catalyst for the main plot by guiding the protagonist toward the real world with bizarre wisdom. McKinnon utilizes her signature physical comedy to contrast sharply with the pristine nature of the other dolls. Her performance became an instant fan favorite for its chaotic energy and memorable dialogue.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson commands the screen in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ as the hard-drinking warrior Valkyrie. She brings a fresh dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe by portraying a fallen hero grappling with her traumatic past. The actress balances physical comedy with intense action sequences that rival the titular character. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast helped revitalize the franchise with a lighter and more adventurous tone.

Chloë Grace Moretz

The superhero film ‘Kick-Ass’ features Moretz as the violet-haired vigilante Hit-Girl. She shocked and delighted audiences with her profane vocabulary and lethal combat skills at such a young age. Her performance steals the movie from the main protagonist by providing the most thrilling action beats. The role launched her career and remains a defining moment in the comic book movie genre.

Stephanie Hsu

In the multiverse epic ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, Hsu plays the dual roles of Joy Wang and the chaotic entity Jobu Tupaki. She navigates complex emotional shifts between a misunderstood daughter and a nihilistic villain with ease. Her colorful costumes and unpredictable energy make her the visual centerpiece of the film. This breakout performance earned her significant acclaim and demonstrated her range in a massive hit.

Keke Palmer

Palmer anchors the sci-fi horror film ‘Nope’ with her portrayal of Emerald Haywood. Her character provides the charisma and drive necessary to capture the impossible footage of an alien entity. She balances the tension of the film with levity and a fast-talking demeanor that keeps the energy high. The actress commands every scene she is in and serves as the emotional heartbeat of the story.

Amandla Stenberg

The dystopian blockbuster ‘The Hunger Games’ features Stenberg in the tragic role of Rue. Her alliance with the main character provides the emotional catalyst for the entire series. The young actress delivers a heartbreaking performance that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Her quiet strength and innocence highlighted the brutal stakes of the film’s narrative.

Jodie Foster

Foster dominates the screen in the heist thriller ‘Inside Man’ as the powerful fixer Madeline White. She portrays a character who operates in the shadows and commands respect from powerful figures without raising her voice. Her sharp dialogue and icy demeanor create a formidable presence that rivals the bank robbers and detectives. The performance adds a layer of sophisticated intrigue to the high-stakes plot.

Sarah Paulson

The heist film ‘Ocean’s 8’ utilizes Paulson as a suburban mom who moonlights as a fence for stolen goods. She brings a grounded and humorous energy to a team of high-glamour criminals. Her character manages to juggle the demands of domestic life with high-stakes illegal activities seamlessly. Paulson stands out in the star-studded ensemble by making her character feel relatable yet exceptionally skilled.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson became a global star following her performance as Fat Amy in the musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect’. She provides the majority of the film’s comic relief with her confident delivery and physical humor. The character acts as the unshakeable anchor for the acapella group during their competitions. Her rendition of eighties ballads remains one of the most iconic moments in the franchise.

Janelle Monáe

The mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ showcases Monáe in a complex dual role that drives the narrative. She moves between portraying a scorned entrepreneur and a mysterious imposter with subtle precision. Her performance requires a delicate balance of anger and restraint that keeps the audience guessing until the climax. She effectively serves as the moral center of the chaotic murder mystery.

Ayo Edebiri

In the animated smash hit ‘Inside Out 2’, Edebiri voices the new emotion Envy. Her vocal performance captures the wide-eyed admiration and jealousy of a character desperate to fit in. She plays off the established cast perfectly and adds a fresh dynamic to the mind of the teenage protagonist. The small but pivotal role highlights her ability to convey complex feelings through voice acting alone.

Emma Corrin

Corrin enters the superhero genre in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ as the powerful telekinetic villain Cassandra Nova. They bring a terrifying calmness to the character that contrasts with the manic energy of the heroes. The performance is unsettling and commanding without needing to resort to physical stunts. Corrin effectively establishes a threat level that feels genuine within the comedic tone of the movie.

Ruby Rose

The action sequel ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ features Rose as the mute assassin Ares. She communicates entirely through sign language and intense facial expressions while hunting the protagonist. Her physical presence and tactical movements make her a memorable adversary in a film filled with combat. The role showcased her ability to be intimidating and charismatic without speaking a single word.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne took on the role of the ancient entity Enchantress in the superhero film ‘Suicide Squad’. She plays two distinct versions of the character, ranging from a timid archaeologist to a magical goddess. Her transformation involves intricate visual effects and a dark performance style that sets the stakes for the team. She serves as the primary antagonist who forces the anti-heroes to work together.

Natasha Lyonne

The teen comedy ‘American Pie’ features Lyonne as the wise-cracking and sexually experienced neighbor Jessica. She provides advice to the desperate characters with a dry wit that cuts through the absurdity of the plot. Her delivery is deadpan and hilarious, making her brief scenes highly memorable. She grounds the teenage antics with a cynical perspective that audiences loved.

Holland Taylor

Taylor plays the stern law professor Stromwell in the comedy hit ‘Legally Blonde’. She presents a formidable obstacle to the protagonist before becoming an unexpected mentor. Her command of the lecture hall scenes establishes the high stakes of the law school setting. The character delivers one of the most important motivational lines in the film that propels the lead forward.

Jane Lynch

The animated film ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ features Lynch as the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun. Her character is programmed with a tragic backstory that she treats with absolute seriousness despite the digital setting. Lynch uses her authoritative voice to create a character that is both a parody of action heroes and a genuine badass. She steals the spotlight during the chaotic alien invasion sequences.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes lends her voice to the character of Granny in the animated blockbuster ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’. She brings a chaotic and senile energy that disrupts the plans of the main characters constantly. Her improvisational style and distinct vocal tone provide the biggest laughs in the adventure. The character became a fan favorite for her refusal to be left behind despite her age.

Miriam Margolyes

In ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’, Margolyes plays the Herbology teacher Professor Sprout. She handles the screaming mandrakes with a no-nonsense attitude that defines her classroom scenes. Her brief appearance establishes the magical eccentricity of the faculty perfectly. The performance is beloved by fans for bringing a specific book detail to life with great humor.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw portrays the cruel Aunt Petunia in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. She creates a character who is obsessively normal and terrified of anything magical. Her frantic attempts to keep the wizarding world out of her house provide early tension and humor. Shaw manages to make the character distinct and memorable despite the limited screen time in the massive franchise.

Kristanna Loken

The sci-fi action film ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’ stars Loken as the T-X. She plays the advanced cyborg with a cold and robotic precision that rivals the original villain. Her physical performance involves rigorous stunt work and maintaining an emotionless facade. She successfully conveys the unstoppable nature of the machine hunting the protagonists.

Saffron Burrows

Burrows plays the scientist Dr. Susan McAlester in the creature feature ‘Deep Blue Sea’. Her character drives the plot through her unethical experiments to cure Alzheimer’s disease. She portrays a woman driven by intellect and desperation rather than malice. Her shocking exit from the film remains one of the most famous surprise moments in horror cinema history.

Cherry Jones

The heist sequel ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ features Jones as the top-tier Interpol agent Molly Star. She brings a level of authority that intimidates the main cast of thieves. Her interactions with the other characters reveal a history that adds depth to the criminal underworld setting. Jones commands the screen with a sharp intelligence that matches the wit of the ensemble.

Tig Notaro

Notaro plays the helicopter pilot Marianne Peters in the zombie heist film ‘Army of the Dead’. She was digitally inserted into the film during post-production but seamlessly fits into the group dynamic. Her dry delivery and cynical attitude provide a grounding element to the fantastical premise. She quickly became the standout character for her cool demeanor under pressure.

Alice Braga

The post-apocalyptic thriller ‘I Am Legend’ features Braga as Anna, a survivor who brings hope to the story. She provides a necessary human connection for the isolated protagonist. Her character introduces the possibility of a future beyond the virus and drives the third act. Braga balances strength and optimism in a bleak and dangerous world.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Brown revitalized the horror franchise in ‘Scream VI’ as the horror movie expert Mindy Meeks-Martin. She takes on the role of the audience surrogate who explains the rules of the sequel. Her character navigates the terrifying events with a mix of humor and genuine fear. Brown honors the legacy of the original films while bringing a modern energy to the cast.

Katy O’Brian

The superhero film ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ features O’Brian as the freedom fighter Jentorra. She leads a rebellion in the Quantum Realm with fierce determination and physical prowess. Her character serves as the moral compass for the strange new world the heroes discover. O’Brian makes a strong impression as a warrior who refuses to bow to a tyrant.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer appears in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ as the stylist Tigris Snow. She brings a compassionate and artistic sensitivity to a harsh and brutal world. Her relationship with the future villain adds a tragic layer of humanity to his backstory. Schafer uses her background in fashion to inhabit the elegant and empathetic character perfectly.

Ariana DeBose

The musical adaptation ‘West Side Story’ features DeBose in the iconic role of Anita. She delivers a powerhouse performance that combines intense acting with incredible dance numbers. Her portrayal captures the grief and resilience of the immigrant experience in New York. The role earned her an Academy Award and solidified her status as a major talent.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo takes flight in the musical blockbuster ‘Wicked’ as the misunderstood witch Elphaba. She brings a powerful vocal range to the songs that define the character’s journey. Her performance captures the isolation and eventual empowerment of the future Wicked Witch. Erivo grounds the fantasy elements with genuine emotional pain and resolve.

Queen Latifah

The musical ‘Chicago’ features Latifah as the corrupt but charismatic Matron Mama Morton. She controls the women’s prison with a mix of charm and intimidation. Her musical number is a show-stopping moment that defines the transactional nature of the setting. She commands the screen with a presence that rivals the two lead actresses.

Megan Fox

Fox became an international icon with her role in the sci-fi action film ‘Transformers’. She plays Mikaela Banes, a character who proves to be more than just a love interest by displaying distinct mechanical skills. Her presence anchored the human element of the chaotic robot battles. Fox defined the visual style of the blockbuster era with this breakout performance.

Michelle Rodriguez

The action franchise began with ‘The Fast and the Furious’, where Rodriguez plays Letty Ortiz. She established herself immediately as a tough driver who could keep up with the male leads. Her loyalty and intensity became a core pillar of the series as it expanded. Rodriguez brought a raw authenticity to the underground racing world.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore leads the trio in the action comedy ‘Charlie’s Angels’ as the free-spirited Dylan Sanders. She performs her own stunts and fights with a scrappy style that fits her character. Her romantic subplot and rebellious nature provide the emotional hook for the film. Barrymore produced the film and infused it with the fun energy that made it a hit.

Anna Paquin

The superhero film ‘X-Men’ introduces the world of mutants through the eyes of Paquin’s character Rogue. She absorbs the powers of others, making her tragic and dangerous simultaneously. Her journey from a frightened runaway to a student at the mansion anchors the fantastical plot. Paquin delivers a vulnerable performance that contrasts with the larger-than-life heroes around her.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood voices Queen Iduna in the animated sequel ‘Frozen II’. Her lullaby opens the film and establishes the mystical themes that drive the plot. The character provides the answer to the central mystery regarding the protagonist’s powers. Wood brings a warmth and maternal grace to the role that resonates throughout the story.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin voices the modernized Aunt May in the animated hit ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. She plays the character as a tough and tech-savvy woman who is unfazed by the superhero chaos. Her version of the classic character is a mentor who actively helps the various heroes. Tomlin delivers her lines with a confident swagger that reinvents the role.

Clea DuVall

The horror remake ‘The Grudge’ features DuVall in a supporting role as a woman dealing with a haunted house. She conveys the creeping dread and confusion essential to the film’s atmosphere. Her subplot adds to the tapestry of terror that the curse inflicts on various families. DuVall brings a grounded realism to the supernatural events.

Maria Bello

Bello steps into the adventure genre in ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ as Evelyn O’Connell. She handles the action sequences and romantic banter with professional ease. The actress brings a different energy to the established character while maintaining the adventurous spirit. Her performance fits seamlessly into the large-scale spectacle of the sequel.

Rosie O’Donnell

In the animated classic ‘Tarzan’, O’Donnell voices the energetic gorilla best friend Terk. She provides the film with its most boisterous musical number and constant comic relief. Her distinct New York accent and rapid-fire delivery make the character stand out in the jungle setting. O’Donnell creates a loyal and hilarious sidekick who steals every scene.

Ellen DeGeneres

DeGeneres delivers one of the most famous voice performances in history in ‘Finding Nemo’ as Dory. Her portrayal of a fish with short-term memory loss is both hilarious and deeply poignant. She provides the optimism that balances the darker themes of the ocean journey. The character became so popular that she eventually received her own sequel.

Portia de Rossi

The slasher sequel ‘Scream 2’ features de Rossi as a sorority sister caught in the killings. Her character represents the skepticism and social hierarchy of the college setting. She delivers a memorable performance that plays into the tropes of the genre. Her scenes contribute to the high body count and tension of the film.

Alexandra Shipp

Shipp takes on the mantle of the weather-controlling mutant Storm in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. She portrays the character as a young thief who is recruited into a global conflict. Her visual look and display of power are highlights of the film’s final battle. Shipp captures the regality and potential of one of the most famous comic book heroes.

Sophie Turner

The same film, ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’, features Turner as the young telepath Jean Grey. She struggles to control a power that is far greater than she understands. Turner portrays the fear and eventual release of this power with dramatic intensity. Her arc sets up the future of the franchise and the emotional core of the team.

Amber Heard

Heard plays the Atlantean warrior Mera in the comic book blockbuster ‘Aquaman’. She serves as the guide and partner to the hero during his quest for the trident. Her command of the hydro-kinetic powers provides some of the most visually stunning moments in the movie. Heard brings a regal toughness to the role of the underwater princess.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie leads the dark fantasy ‘Maleficent’ as the titular fairy who is betrayed by a human king. She transforms a classic villain into a sympathetic and tragic figure. Her commanding screen presence and cheekbones define the visual aesthetic of the movie. Jolie carries the entire film with a performance that is both scary and heartbreaking.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart stars in the thriller ‘Panic Room’ as the diabetic daughter trapped in a fortified room. She holds her own alongside veteran actors in a high-tension environment. The young actress displays a level of intensity and vulnerability that heightens the stakes of the home invasion. Her performance grounded the film in genuine fear and resilience.

Lady Gaga

The musical drama ‘A Star Is Born’ features Gaga as Ally, a struggling artist who finds fame. She strips away her pop star persona to play a raw and authentic character. Her vocal performances in the film are electrifying and drive the emotional narrative. Gaga proved she could carry a major studio film with dramatic weight.

Sasha Lane

Lane appears in the disaster film ‘Twisters’ as a drone operator for a storm-chasing team. She brings a punk-rock energy and technical expertise to the ensemble cast. Her character is fearless in the face of nature’s fury and provides essential support. Lane makes the most of her screen time with a cool and collected attitude.

Isabela Merced

The action blockbuster ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ introduces Merced as Izabella, a survivor living in the ruins. She acts as a fierce protector of the smaller robots and challenges the adult heroes. Her performance adds a gritty and youthful perspective to the war-torn setting. Merced establishes herself as a capable action star in a massive production.

Tell us which performance was your favorite in the comments.