The 35 Most Underrated Actresses Today, Ranked

The film and television industry often centers on a select group of household names, frequently overlooking the profound talent of performers who consistently deliver award-worthy work. These actresses possess the versatility to anchor independent dramas and elevate blockbuster franchises without receiving the mainstream recognition they deserve. While critical acclaim often follows their projects, their names are sometimes absent from the highest tiers of public discourse. This list celebrates the women who have redefined contemporary performance through nuance and dedication.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne has showcased remarkable range across both comedy and drama for over two decades. She earned significant praise for her role in the television series ‘Damages’ and later transitioned into a comedic powerhouse with ‘Bridesmaids’. Her more recent work in the series ‘Physical’ demonstrates her ability to portray complex, internal struggles with dark humor. Despite her consistency, she is often excluded from the conversation of elite leading ladies.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst has transitioned from a child star into one of the most reliable dramatic performers in Hollywood. She delivered a career-defining performance in ‘Melancholia’, for which she received the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her recent Academy Award nomination for ‘The Power of the Dog’ highlighted her ability to convey quiet, devastating repression. Dunst remains a favorite among critics even when major industry accolades prove elusive.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead has built a diverse filmography that spans cult classics and high-concept thrillers. She received widespread acclaim for her leading role in ’10 Cloverfield Lane’, where she carried the film with a grounded and physical performance. Her work in the third season of ‘Fargo’ and the film ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ further proved her ability to adapt to distinct stylistic worlds. She continues to be a standout performer who often outshines the material she is given.

Linda Cardellini

Linda Cardellini first gained recognition for her role in the cult favorite ‘Freaks and Geeks’ before moving into major television and film roles. She demonstrated her dramatic depth in ‘Mad Men’ and later anchored the dark comedy ‘Dead to Me’ alongside Christina Applegate. Despite being a part of major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, her subtle character work often goes underappreciated by the general public. She possesses a unique ability to ground heightened scenarios in relatable human emotion.

Martha Plimpton

Martha Plimpton is a veteran of the stage and screen known for her sharp wit and emotional honesty. She earned an Emmy Award for her guest role in ‘The Good Wife’ and spent years leading the sitcom ‘Raising Hope’. Her performance in the 2021 drama ‘Mass’ was hailed by critics as one of the most powerful turns of the year. Plimpton remains a “performer’s performer” whose dedication to craft often exceeds her mainstream celebrity.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany achieved a rare feat in ‘Orphan Black’ by playing over a dozen distinct characters with unique personalities and mannerisms. This performance earned her an Emmy Award, yet she remains less of a household name than many of her peers. She recently took on the lead role in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, bringing her characteristic charm and nuance to the superhero genre. Maslany continues to choose challenging roles in projects like ‘Perry Mason’ that showcase her technical precision.

Cristin Milioti

Cristin Milioti is a versatile talent who has found success on Broadway, in film, and on television. She is perhaps best known for her role in ‘How I Met Your Mother’, but her work in the sci-fi comedy ‘Palm Springs’ showcased her leading-lady potential. She also delivered a harrowing performance in the ‘USS Callister’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’. Milioti has a distinct screen presence that balances vulnerability with a sharp, comedic edge.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has successfully transitioned from deadpan comedic roles to becoming a formidable dramatic actress. Her performance in ‘Emily the Criminal’ demonstrated a grit and intensity that surprised many who only knew her from ‘Parks and Recreation’. She followed this with a complex, acclaimed turn in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza’s ability to navigate uncomfortable, psychological territories makes her one of the most interesting actresses working today.

Lake Bell

Lake Bell is not only an accomplished actress but also a talented writer and director. She wrote, directed, and starred in ‘In a World…’, a film that explored the niche industry of voice-over acting. Her voice work in ‘Harley Quinn’ and her live-action role in ‘Bless This Mess’ show her range across different mediums. Bell consistently delivers intelligent, relatable performances that deserve a wider audience.

Allison Tolman

Allison Tolman became an overnight sensation after her breakout role as Molly Solverson in the first season of ‘Fargo’. Since then, she has appeared in a variety of projects including ‘Why Women Kill’ and the thriller series ‘Emergence’. She possesses a naturalism that makes her characters feel lived-in and authentic from the first frame. Tolman is frequently cited by critics as a performer who can elevate any script she is given.

Juno Temple

Juno Temple has been a consistent presence in independent cinema and prestige television for years. She gained significant popularity for her role as Keeley Jones in ‘Ted Lasso’, which earned her multiple award nominations. Recently, she starred in the fifth season of ‘Fargo’, playing a character with a hidden, violent past. Temple’s ability to disappear into roles with distinct accents and mannerisms makes her a true chameleon.

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan is widely recognized for her titular role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’, but her talent extends far beyond comedy. Before her breakout success, she delivered a chilling and quiet performance in ‘House of Cards’. She has also appeared in films like ‘I’m Your Woman’, where she handled a tense, dramatic narrative with ease. Brosnahan’s precision and timing suggest she will remain a major force in the industry for years to come.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who has already achieved high-level success on the stage and screen. She received two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’, both for her acting and for her original song. Her work in the film ‘Widows’ showed she could hold her own in an ensemble of veteran actors. Despite her immense vocal and dramatic gifts, Erivo is often overlooked in discussions regarding the greatest modern screen actresses.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw first gained major critical attention for her starring role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She has since appeared in a wide range of projects, from the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ to the Disney+ series ‘Loki’. Her performance in ‘The Morning Show’ demonstrated her ability to handle contemporary, high-stakes drama. Mbatha-Raw possesses a luminous screen presence and a deep emotional intelligence that defines her work.

Samara Weaving

Samara Weaving has quickly become a modern “scream queen” thanks to her roles in ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘The Babysitter’. Beyond the horror genre, she has shown comedic and dramatic range in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘Babylon’. She has a high-energy screen presence that makes her impossible to ignore in any scene. Weaving’s ability to balance physical comedy with genuine terror is a rare skill set in Hollywood.

Imogen Poots

Imogen Poots has built an eclectic career by choosing challenging roles in independent films and genre pieces. She was highly praised for her performance in the thriller ‘Green Room’ and more recently in the drama ‘The Father’. Her work in the series ‘Outer Range’ showed her capability to lead a complex, metaphysical narrative. Poots consistently brings an unpredictable and raw energy to her characters.

Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn spent many years playing the “best friend” in comedies before being recognized for her incredible dramatic depth. Her lead role in ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and her villainous turn in ‘WandaVision’ proved that she is a versatile leading actress. She has a unique ability to pivot from broad physical comedy to heartbreaking sincerity within a single scene. Hahn is now finally receiving the industry attention that her long career has warranted.

Claire Foy

Claire Foy became an international star for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Crown’. However, her work in films like ‘First Man’ and ‘Women Talking’ shows a much wider range than her most famous role suggests. She excels at playing women who possess immense internal strength while navigating restrictive social structures. Foy’s performances are characterized by a quiet intensity that speaks volumes through minimal dialogue.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones gained fame as part of the original cast of ‘Hamilton’, but she has since carved out a significant career on screen. She won an Emmy Award for her work in the short-form series ‘FreeRayshawn’ and stars in the television adaptation of ‘Blindspotting’. Her ability to blend musicality, spoken word, and traditional acting makes her a unique talent. Jones is a rising star whose dramatic range is only beginning to be fully explored.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny is a rising talent who has recently garnered significant acclaim for her lead role in ‘Priscilla’. She won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her nuanced portrayal of Priscilla Presley. Prior to this, she appeared in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Spaeny has a youthful appearance but carries a gravitas that allows her to play roles with immense emotional weight.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis has become a staple of high-quality genre fiction, starring in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and ‘Station Eleven’. She also delivered a standout performance in the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Tully’. Davis is known for her lanky, athletic presence and her ability to portray highly intelligent, often socially isolated characters. Her work is consistently thoughtful and grounded, regardless of the setting.

Haley Lu Richardson

Haley Lu Richardson has been a critical darling since her performance in the independent film ‘Columbus’. She reached a wider audience with her role in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’, where she played a relatable and often frustrated assistant. Her work in ‘Support the Girls’ also highlighted her ability to find depth in everyday characters. Richardson is often praised for her naturalistic acting style and her ability to convey complex emotions effortlessly.

Bel Powley

Bel Powley broke onto the scene with a fearless performance in ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’. Since then, she has continued to take on demanding roles in projects like ‘A Small Light’, where she played Miep Gies. She has a distinct look and a vocal quality that makes her characters stand out in any ensemble. Powley’s willingness to tackle unvarnished and difficult subject matter has earned her a place among the most respected young actresses.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth has established herself as a modern icon of the horror genre through her collaborations with director Ti West. Her dual role in ‘X’ and her transformative performance in ‘Pearl’ were both hailed as masterpieces of genre acting. She brings a visceral, unsettling commitment to her roles that few other performers can match. Goth’s work in ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Infinity Pool’ further solidifies her reputation as a fearless and highly original artist.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough has carefully built a career out of bold, independent choices starting with ‘The Girlfriend Experience’. She received critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Zola’ and more recently led the series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. Despite her famous lineage, she has established a completely unique professional identity through her gritty and authentic performances. Keough is a magnetic screen presence who consistently finds the humanity in flawed characters.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki is a classically trained actress who stands out for both her height and her immense talent. She received widespread praise for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’, a role that required incredible precision. Her work in ‘The Night Manager’ and ‘Tenet’ showed her ability to thrive in high-stakes, cinematic environments. Debicki possesses an old-world elegance that she often uses to mask a character’s deep emotional vulnerability.

Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey has been a consistent presence in film and television since her debut in ‘Heavenly Creatures’. She is currently enjoying a career resurgence thanks to her leading role in ‘Yellowjackets’ and her appearance in ‘The Last of Us’. Lynskey is known for her ability to play characters who are deceptively soft-spoken but possess a dangerous or complex inner life. Her long career is a testament to her versatility and her ability to make any character feel authentic.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga delivered one of the most subtle and moving performances of the last decade in the film ‘Loving’. She received an Academy Award nomination for that role, yet she is still not as widely recognized as many of her contemporaries. Her work in the series ‘Preacher’ and the film ‘Passing’ further demonstrated her incredible range and screen presence. Negga has a unique ability to convey a character’s entire history through a single look.

Vicky Krieps

Vicky Krieps became an international sensation after starring opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘Phantom Thread’. Since that breakout, she has continued to deliver exceptional work in ‘Corsage’ and ‘Bergman Island’. She possesses a timeless quality and an enigmatic screen presence that makes her a favorite for European and American directors alike. Krieps is often cited as one of the most technically proficient and emotionally available actresses working today.

Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley is a multifaceted talent who has excelled in musical theatre, drama, and psychological thrillers. Her performance in ‘Wild Rose’ showed her incredible vocal range, while ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ showcased her intellectual depth. She received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Lost Daughter’, cementing her status as a critical heavyweight. Buckley’s performances are often characterized by a raw, uninhibited energy that feels entirely spontaneous.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall is a highly respected actress who consistently delivers powerhouse performances in both mainstream and independent films. She was exceptional in the psychological thriller ‘The Night House’ and the intense drama ‘Resurrection’. In addition to her acting, she made a successful directorial debut with the film ‘Passing’. Hall’s intelligence and commitment to her characters make her one of the most reliable performers in the industry.

Andrea Riseborough

Andrea Riseborough is a chameleon who has disappeared into a vast array of roles across her career. She gained significant attention for her Academy Award-nominated performance in ‘To Leslie’, a role that highlighted her ability to play deep despair. Her work in ‘Mandy’, ‘Birdman’, and ‘The Death of Stalin’ shows a range that few other actresses can claim. Riseborough is a dedicated character actress who often takes on roles that require extreme physical or emotional transformations.

Hong Chau

Hong Chau has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood following her breakout in ‘Downsizing’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her heartbreaking performance in ‘The Whale’ and was a standout in the satirical thriller ‘The Menu’. Chau has a dry, precise delivery and an ability to command attention even with limited screen time. Her presence in projects like ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Poker Face’ has made her a favorite among modern television creators.

Merritt Wever

Merritt Wever is a two-time Emmy Award winner who is often described as one of the best “character actors” working today. She delivered a definitive performance in the limited series ‘Unbelievable’ and was a fan favorite in ‘Nurse Jackie’. Her ability to ground a scene in reality and her unique, understated delivery make her a singular talent. Wever’s work in ‘Godless’ further proved her ability to lead a series with quiet, commanding strength.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon is widely regarded by critics as one of the most talented performers of her generation. Her breakthrough roles in ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Fargo’ showcased an unparalleled ability to convey deep emotional trauma and stoic resolve. She recently brought a sophisticated presence to ‘The Gilded Age’ while continuing to appear in major film franchises like ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. Coon’s lack of a major individual acting trophy remains one of the industry’s most cited oversights.

Please share your thoughts on which actresses you believe deserve more recognition in the comments.