The Most Beautiful Actresses Of The 2000s
The 2000s delivered a wave of actresses who lit up screens worldwide and became cultural touchstones. Their impact came from breakout roles, award winning performances, and careers that crossed borders and genres. Below is a look back at the women whose presence defined the decade through memorable films, franchise leads, and global influence. Each entry focuses on the work that made them stand out and the milestones that shaped their legacy.
Angelina Jolie
She became a global star with action hits like ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider’ and ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’. Her dramatic turns in films such as ‘A Mighty Heart’ broadened her critical acclaim. She won an Academy Award early in her career and parlayed that momentum into marquee status throughout the decade. Off screen she grew into a high profile humanitarian voice which expanded her recognition far beyond Hollywood.
Scarlett Johansson
Her breakthrough came with ‘Lost in Translation’ and continued with acclaimed work in ‘Match Point’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. She anchored major studio releases and moved easily between intimate dramas and large scale productions. By the end of the decade she had become a key face of modern blockbusters through Marvel beginnings. Stage work on Broadway added to her credibility and range.
Natalie Portman
She balanced prestige projects like ‘Closer’ with global franchises through ‘Star Wars’. Her training and early accolades set a foundation for sophisticated roles across drama and thriller. She worked with top directors and delivered performances that drew consistent awards attention. Her academic background and advocacy added to a public image built on intelligence and artistry.
Halle Berry
She earned a historic Academy Award for ‘Monster’s Ball’ and followed with high profile roles in ‘Die Another Day’ and the ‘X Men’ series. Her presence in action and drama showed strong range in mainstream hits. She became a major brand ambassador and a regular face at international festivals. The decade cemented her status as a leading actress with global recognition.
Keira Knightley
She broke out with ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and became a household name with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. She earned multiple award nominations for period dramas like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Atonement’. Her blend of franchise power and literary adaptations defined her filmography in the era. Fashion campaigns and magazine covers amplified her profile worldwide.
Charlize Theron
She earned an Academy Award for ‘Monster’ and followed with acclaimed performances in ‘North Country’ and ‘In the Valley of Elah’. She led action and thriller projects while maintaining prestige drama credentials. Her collaborations with notable filmmakers kept her in critical conversations across the decade. Production ventures expanded her influence behind the camera.
Penélope Cruz
She reached mainstream audiences with ‘Vanilla Sky’ and ‘Blow’ and then won major acclaim for ‘Volver’. Her Academy Award for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ highlighted a strong partnership with Spanish and American auteurs. She worked in multiple languages and became a fixture at global festivals. Fashion houses tapped her for campaigns that broadened her international appeal.
Monica Bellucci
She gained worldwide attention through ‘Malèna’ and roles in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Her filmography connected European cinema with Hollywood exposure. She frequently appeared on magazine covers and fronted luxury campaigns. Appearances at Cannes and Venice reinforced her standing as an international star.
Rachel Weisz
She won an Academy Award for ‘The Constant Gardener’ and impressed in ‘About a Boy’ and ‘The Fountain’. Earlier visibility in ‘The Mummy’ franchise gave her mainstream reach. She maintained a steady presence in character driven dramas that showcased nuance and depth. Theatre work and later independent films rounded out a respected body of work.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
She captured attention with ‘Traffic’ and delivered a signature performance in ‘Chicago’ that earned an Academy Award. She starred in crowd pleasers like ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ and ‘The Terminal’. The blend of musical talent and classic leading lady presence defined her screen identity. High profile stage returns and endorsements kept her in the public eye.
Zhang Ziyi
She broke out internationally with ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and starred in ‘House of Flying Daggers’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Her martial arts epics combined physical command with dramatic intensity. She became a frequent guest at global award shows and festivals. Collaborations with leading Chinese directors strengthened her cross cultural impact.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
She brought Bollywood stardom to global audiences with ‘Devdas’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’. Her appearances at Cannes and collaborations in international productions like ‘Bride and Prejudice’ increased visibility. She served as a longtime brand ambassador for major beauty and fashion names. Her work bridged Indian cinema and mainstream world markets.
Salma Hayek Pinault
She earned major acclaim for ‘Frida’ and appeared in hits like ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’. She moved into producing with projects that amplified diverse voices. Her public presence included advocacy and entrepreneurial ventures. The decade positioned her as both a leading actress and an influential producer.
Anne Hathaway
She rose from ‘The Princess Diaries’ to prestige roles in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Rachel Getting Married’. ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ became a defining success that broadened her star power. She balanced comedy and drama and built a consistent awards track record. Hosting and stage work showcased versatility beyond film.
Kate Beckinsale
She headlined the ‘Underworld’ series and appeared in action and thriller projects that built a strong fan base. Period pieces like ‘The Aviator’ and romantic dramas kept her portfolio varied. She became a regular on magazine features and brand campaigns. Her franchise leadership anchored her status through the decade.
Jennifer Lopez
She led films like ‘Maid in Manhattan’ and ‘The Cell’ while maintaining a top tier music career. Romantic comedies gave her steady box office presence. She launched fashion and fragrance lines that turned into major businesses. Television ventures and live performances expanded her reach beyond film.
Jessica Alba
She drew attention with ‘Sin City’ and led ‘Fantastic Four’ to wide exposure. She shifted toward entrepreneurship with a consumer goods company that grew rapidly. Appearances in action and comedy kept her on studio slates. Her profile blended entertainment and business in a way that defined late decade celebrity.
Megan Fox
She became widely known with ‘Transformers’ and followed with genre roles like ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Her presence in blockbuster marketing made her a staple of the late decade press cycle. She appeared on numerous magazine covers and award shows. Subsequent television and film work kept her in ongoing franchise conversations.
Jennifer Garner
She broke through on television with ‘Alias’ and transitioned into films like ’13 Going on 30′ and ‘Juno’. Action credentials from TV helped land roles in thrillers and superhero projects. She became a frequent lead in studio comedies and dramas. Philanthropy and entrepreneurial initiatives added new dimensions to her public profile.
Eva Mendes
She gained attention with ‘Training Day’ and starred in ‘Hitch’ and ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’. Her roles spanned comedy, drama, and action which kept her in demand. She fronted major fashion and beauty campaigns that boosted international recognition. Later work in independent films showed a commitment to varied storytelling.
Reese Witherspoon
She won major acclaim for ‘Walk the Line’ and anchored crowd pleasers like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. Her mix of romantic comedy and prestige drama kept her at the top of studio casting lists. She became a fixture on magazine covers and talk shows throughout the decade. Early producing efforts hinted at the powerhouse company she would later build.
Kate Winslet
She delivered award winning performances in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘The Reader’. Prestige projects with acclaimed directors showcased her range across drama and romance. She maintained a steady presence at international festivals and award ceremonies. Voice work and television miniseries added new dimensions to her profile.
Marion Cotillard
She captured global attention with ‘La Vie en Rose’ and moved smoothly into English language hits like ‘Public Enemies’. Collaborations with European auteurs kept her in constant festival conversation. Fashion houses selected her for high profile campaigns that expanded her reach. She balanced studio thrillers with art house dramas without losing momentum.
Rachel McAdams
She broke out with ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook’ and then shifted into thrillers like ‘Red Eye’. Ensemble roles in ‘Wedding Crashers’ and ‘State of Play’ showed strong commercial instincts. She worked across romance, comedy, and investigative drama with consistent visibility. International press tours and magazine features made her a decade defining presence.
Emily Blunt
She earned instant attention with ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and followed with ‘The Young Victoria’. Her filmography blended witty supporting turns and principled leads. She became a regular at premieres and festivals across Europe and North America. Later action roles built on the credibility she established early on.
Amy Adams
She gained wide recognition with ‘Enchanted’ and delivered acclaimed work in ‘Doubt’. Her mix of musical charm and serious drama set her apart in casting discussions. She collected multiple nominations that kept her in the awards conversation. Consistent press coverage and event appearances solidified her mainstream appeal.
Zoe Saldaña
She found blockbuster visibility in ‘Star Trek’ and expanded it further with ‘Avatar’. Earlier roles in ‘Drumline’ and ‘Guess Who’ built a broad audience base. She became a reliable presence in science fiction and action marketing campaigns. International box office success turned her into a global name.
Kirsten Dunst
She led the ‘Spider Man’ series and earned praise for ‘Marie Antoinette’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. Youthful early fame evolved into carefully chosen auteur collaborations. She maintained a steady rhythm of studio hits and festival titles. Fashion features and advertising partnerships kept her in the spotlight.
Naomi Watts
She delivered a breakout with ‘Mulholland Drive’ and followed with ‘The Ring’ and ’21 Grams’. Intense dramatic roles earned repeated nominations and critical attention. She moved between psychological thrillers and character driven dramas with ease. Humanitarian work and brand partnerships broadened her public presence.
Rosario Dawson
She stood out in ‘Sin City’ and ‘Rent’ and joined blockbuster fare like ‘Men in Black II’. Independent projects kept her connected to festival audiences. She became active in advocacy and voter initiatives that raised her profile off screen. Consistent genre shifts showed strong versatility across the decade.
Lucy Liu
She headlined ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and delivered striking turns in ‘Kill Bill’. Television work and voice roles kept her omnipresent between film releases. She appeared regularly at fashion and charity events that supported a global image. Art exhibitions and directing began to round out her creative portfolio.
Uma Thurman
She returned to action prominence with ‘Kill Bill’ while sustaining her reputation from earlier collaborations. Romantic comedies and thrillers kept her in rotation with major studios. She remained a fixture at European festivals and award shows. Fashion campaigns and theater appearances added depth to her public image.
Milla Jovovich
She led the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise and continued as a favorite in sci fi and action. Modeling and music projects amplified her reach beyond film. International premieres and convention appearances reinforced a dedicated fan base. Independent features balanced her franchise commitments.
Eva Green
She made an instant impression with ‘Casino Royale’ and added auteur projects like ‘The Dreamers’. Her multilingual background opened doors across European and American productions. She became a regular front row presence at couture shows and brand events. Fantasy and historical dramas helped define a distinctive screen identity.
Michelle Monaghan
She gained notice with ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and entered blockbuster territory with ‘Mission Impossible III’. Character focused dramas balanced her mainstream profile. Television limited series later showcased her range in longer form storytelling. Festival appearances and steady critical praise supported a durable career path.
Amanda Seyfried
She broke through with ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Mamma Mia’ and then moved into darker dramas like ‘Chloe’. She alternated between musicals, thrillers, and romantic stories with strong box office results. Magazine features and campaign work kept her in the fashion conversation. Consistent releases maintained her visibility year after year.
Olivia Wilde
She drew a large audience from ‘House’ and transitioned into films like ‘Tron Legacy’. Early directing experiments previewed the filmmaker she would become. She appeared across action, comedy, and indie drama to widen her range. Philanthropy and tech conference appearances added an entrepreneurial dimension.
Sienna Miller
She gained attention with ‘Layer Cake’ and ‘Factory Girl’ and worked steadily across British and American projects. Stage roles in London and New York bolstered her credibility. Fashion coverage and style ambassadorships made her a regular in lifestyle media. Later biographical dramas reinforced her reputation for transformation.
Renée Zellweger
She anchored ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and delivered award winning work in ‘Cold Mountain’ and ‘Chicago’. The blend of musical performance and romantic comedy defined her public image. She remained a frequent presence at major ceremonies and press junkets. Consistent collaborations with top directors kept her slate prestigious.
Drew Barrymore
She led hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ’50 First Dates’ and moved into producing with ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’. Her charm in romantic comedies made her a dependable box office draw. She directed ‘Whip It’ which signaled a new creative chapter. Philanthropy and lifestyle ventures rounded out a busy decade.
Share your picks for the most unforgettable 2000s actresses in the comments and tell us who you would add to the list.