The Past Five Years Belonged To These 19 Unstoppable Actresses
Momentum in Hollywood can be fleeting, but a few actresses have managed to turn recent years into a true run of dominance.
Big roles, smart project choices, and performances that spark conversation have kept them constantly in demand.
Some have led blockbuster franchises, others have owned prestige dramas, and plenty have done both without losing their distinct screen presence.
Disclaimer: This list reflects editorial opinion about recent momentum and impact, not definitive fact or universal consensus about which actresses were truly “unstoppable.”
1. Zendaya
From Spider-Man’s MJ to the fearless Rue Bennett in Euphoria, this multi-talented star has conquered both the big and small screens with remarkable ease.
Her Emmy-winning performance showcased emotional depth that left critics speechless.
Beyond acting, she’s become a fashion icon whose red carpet looks consistently break the internet.
2. Florence Pugh
If you haven’t seen her absolutely destroy the screen in Midsommar or Little Women, you’re seriously missing out on one of cinema’s brightest stars.
This British actress brings an intensity to every role that makes it impossible to look away.
Her portrayal of Yelena Belova in the Marvel universe added humor and heart to the Black Widow franchise.
Critics consistently praise her ability to balance vulnerability with fierce strength, whether she’s wearing a flower crown or a spy suit.
3. Emma Stone
Winning her second Oscar for Poor Things in 2024 cemented what everyone already knew: this redheaded dynamo is one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Her quirky charm and impeccable comic timing make even the weirdest characters feel relatable.
From La La Land’s dreamy musical numbers to the bizarre world of Yorgos Lanthimos films, she fearlessly tackles roles that other actors might avoid.
Her collaboration with directors who push boundaries has resulted in some of cinema’s most memorable recent performances.
4. Margot Robbie
Anyone who watched Barbie in 2023 witnessed pure magic as this Australian powerhouse transformed a plastic doll into a cultural phenomenon.
Her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, has championed female-driven stories that actually get made in Hollywood.
Playing Harley Quinn made her a household name, but roles in Bombshell and I, Tonya proved she’s far more than just a pretty face.
5. Michelle Yeoh
Making history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, this Malaysian legend proved that greatness has no age limit or cultural boundaries.
Everything Everywhere All at Once showcased her incredible range, from martial arts master to struggling laundromat owner.
After decades of action-packed roles, her recent dramatic work has revealed layers audiences never knew existed.
6. Cate Blanchett
How does someone play both an elf queen and a troubled orchestra conductor with equal brilliance?
This Australian chameleon has been delivering masterclass performances for decades, but her more recent work in Tar blew minds worldwide.
Her ability to embody complex, flawed characters without judgment makes every role feel authentic and lived-in.
7. Viola Davis
Achieving EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) puts you in an exclusive club, and this powerhouse performer earned every single award through raw talent and determination.
Her portrayal of Michelle Obama in The First Lady demonstrated her ability to capture real-life icons with respect and nuance.
When she speaks about representation and opportunities for Black actresses, Hollywood listens because her success has opened doors for countless others.
8. Jennifer Lawrence
Remember when she tripped walking up to accept her Oscar? That relatable moment perfectly captures why audiences adore this Kentucky-born star who never takes herself too seriously.
Her comeback in films like No Hard Feelings reminded everyone why she became Hollywood’s sweetheart in the first place.
Playing Katniss Everdeen launched her into superstardom, but her willingness to take breaks and prioritize mental health shows wisdom beyond her years.
Her down-to-earth personality combined with serious acting chops creates a rare combination that fans genuinely appreciate.
9. Anya Taylor-Joy
Those otherworldly eyes and chess-playing genius in The Queen’s Gambit introduced the world to an actress who seems to belong in a different era.
Her period piece performances feel so natural that you’d swear she actually time-traveled from the 1800s. From psychological horror in The Witch to action-packed fury in Furiosa, her range is absolutely bonkers.
Her unique beauty and old-soul presence make her perfect for roles that require both elegance and edge, and she nails every single one.
10. Saoirse Ronan
Four Oscar nominations before turning 30 is the kind of achievement that makes other actors weep into their scripts.
This Irish actress brings a fierce intelligence to every role, whether she’s navigating coming-of-age struggles or historical drama.
Directors fight to cast her because she elevates material through sheer commitment and an almost supernatural understanding of human emotion.
11. Olivia Colman
Winning an Oscar for playing Queen Anne was just the beginning of this British treasure’s incredible hot streak. Her ability to make audiences laugh and cry within the same scene feels like actual witchcraft.
Her warmth offscreen combined with her willingness to portray deeply flawed people onscreen creates performances that stick with viewers long after credits roll.
12. Jodie Comer
Killing Eve turned this Liverpool native into a global sensation, proving that playing a psychopathic assassin with style could actually win Emmys.
Her chameleon-like ability to adopt different accents and personas makes every appearance feel like meeting someone completely new.
Her magnetic screen presence combined with technical precision creates characters that are simultaneously terrifying and fascinating to watch unfold.
13. Jessica Chastain
Finally winning her Oscar for The Eyes of Tammy Faye felt like the universe correcting a long-overdue mistake.
This redheaded powerhouse has been delivering stunning performances for years, from Zero Dark Thirty’s determined CIA analyst to countless other complex women.
Her commitment to playing strong female characters who refuse to be victims has made her a role model both on and off screen.
14. Mikey Madison
Winning the Best Actress Oscar in 2025 for Anora launched this rising star into the stratosphere practically overnight.
Her fearless performance proved that taking risks on indie films can lead to Hollywood’s highest honors.
Before her Oscar triumph, she terrified audiences in Scream and showcased dramatic range in Better Things.
15. Jenna Ortega
Wednesday Addams never looked so good, and this young actress’s deadpan delivery in the Netflix series made her an instant icon for Gen Z viewers.
Her ability to balance horror, comedy, and coming-of-age drama shows maturity beyond her years.
Ortega’s social media savvy combined with genuine acting talent creates a modern star who understands both art and audience engagement perfectly.
16. Sydney Sweeney
Breaking out in Euphoria and The White Lotus proved this blonde diva has serious dramatic chops beneath the glamorous exterior.
Her ability to portray vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes her characters feel heartbreakingly real.
Critics initially underestimated her, but performances in Anyone But You and Reality showed incredible range from romantic comedy to intense biographical drama.
17. Ayo Edebiri
Winning an Emmy and Golden Globe for The Bear catapulted this comedian-turned-actress into the spotlight she absolutely deserves.
Her portrayal of Sydney Adamu brings warmth, ambition, and hilarious awkwardness to the chaotic kitchen drama.
Ayo’s writing background informs her performances with layers that make even small moments memorable, and her relatable humor has made her Gen Z’s favorite new star.
18. Lily Gladstone
Making history as the first Native American nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon demanded the world’s attention.
Her quiet, powerful portrayal of Mollie Burkhart showcased strength through subtlety rather than shouting.
Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, she held her own and often stole scenes through sheer emotional authenticity.
19. Danielle Deadwyler
Her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in Till delivered one of the most powerful performances of 2022, capturing a mother’s grief and determination with devastating accuracy.
Critics and audiences alike wondered how she didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for such transformative work.
She’s consistently chosen projects that highlight Black stories and complex female characters.
