Hollywood has ever pursued youth, but currently, there is something particularly thrilling about the new wave of actresses flourishing in their 30s. They’re not merely headliners—they’re building brands, collecting awards, redefining style, and adding substance to every genre they adorn. Whether within superhero franchises, indie cult faves, or trendy streaming sensations, these ladies are showing that your 30s could be stardom’s golden era. Here’s a countdown of 15 actresses in their 30s who are taking Hollywood by storm.
15. Alexandra Daddario (37)
With her sharp blue eyes and effortless charm, Alexandra Daddario’s been on the radar of fans since Percy Jackson. Since then, she’s demonstrated that she’s more than just a YA darling, with memorable turns in True Detective, Baywatch, and The White Lotus. Daddario possesses both dramatic depth and down-to-earth warmth, which makes her one of the most dependable actresses of her generation.
14. Rose Leslie (36)
“You know nothing, Jon Snow.” And with those words, Rose Leslie joined pop culture legend. From her initial appearance as Ygritte on Game of Thrones to her appearances on Downton Abbey and The Good Fight, Leslie shines brightest. Her off-screen relationship with Kit Harington just made her fairytale even more complete, but her skillset is what keeps her career on fire.
13. Emma Roberts (32)
She is Hollywood royalty by virtue of being Julia Roberts’ niece, but Emma Roberts has established her own identity. With a start in Unfabulous, she transitioned to darker, edgier roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens. Praised for her sense of comedic timing and versatility to move from quirky to dark characters, Roberts is a favorite among millennials with staying power.
12. Lily Collins (34)
Best recognized for Netflix’s Emily in Paris, Lily Collins has developed a reputation that goes far beyond fashion-forward romantic comedies. From fantasy journeys to earthy indie dramas, she infuses every role with warmth and relatability. Collins’s willingness to be open about her own life, along with her undeniable presence on screen, makes her an aspirational star who feels down-to-earth.
11. Lily James (34)
From Cinderella’s glass shoes to her Emmy-nominated makeover in Pam & Tommy, Lily James has perfected reinvention. She moves seamlessly from period dramas to rom-coms and hard-hitting dramas. Each role she undertakes flaunts a different aspect of her skill set, cementing her place as one of the most flexible actresses of her generation.
10. Alicia Vikander (35)
Alicia Vikander amazed us in Ex Machina before winning an Oscar for The Danish Girl. Ever since, she’s navigated smoothly between blockbuster material such as Tomb Raider and intimate indie roles. Bilingual in various genres and languages, Vikander adds poise and weight to whatever she does, cementing her status as a global star.
9. Dakota Johnson (34)
Now that Fifty Shades of Grey catapulted her to fame, Dakota Johnson might have become typecast. Instead, she has constructed a delightfully diverse career, balancing comedies such as How to Be Single with fearless dramas such as Suspiria and The Lost Daughter. With her wit as sharp as knives and her fearless attitude toward the roles she takes on, Johnson has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most compelling risk-takers.
8. Emilia Clarke (37)
As Daenerys Targaryen, Emilia Clarke reigned over Westeros—and the hearts of millions. After Game of Thrones, she has demonstrated her charm in movies such as Last Christmas and action movies like Solo: A Star Wars Story. Off-screen, Clarke’s strength and activist work have endeared her all the more, making her a phenomenon beyond being the Mother of Dragons.
7. Kristen Stewart (33)
Once the go-to for Twilight, Kristen Stewart has become one of Hollywood’s most fearless actresses today. From her Oscar-nominated performance in Spencer to indie darlings such as Clouds of Sils Maria, Stewart has demonstrated that she excels when playing it bold. Her laid-back yet trendy aesthetic and behind-the-scenes creative pursuits make her one of Hollywood’s most interesting multi-hyphenates.
6. Brie Larson (34)
Brie Larson is the unconventional actress who can destroy an emotionally intense indie like Room—and go on to spearhead a billion-dollar franchise as Captain Marvel. Her career embodies range, grit, and purpose, each role increasing her reach. Throw in her public campaign for diversity in movies, and Larson has emerged as both a powerhouse performer and cultural voice.
5. Margot Robbie (33)
Margot Robbie has a chameleon-like talent for changing her game—whether she’s playing Harley Quinn, Tonya Harding, or Barbie. Off-screen, she’s an astute producer who believes in promoting women’s stories. With charm, versatility, and acute intuition, Robbie has emerged as not only a star but one of the leading creative forces in contemporary Hollywood.
4. Jennifer Lawrence (33)
Jennifer Lawrence’s combination of reality and skill has rendered her one of the most down-to-earth A-list stars. Having become a worldwide celebrity with The Hunger Games and won an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, she’s as comfortable doing blockbusters as prestige pictures. Lawrence’s openness, no-holds-barred nature, makes her both endearing and indelible.
3. Elizabeth Olsen (34)
From indie dramas to ruling the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elizabeth Olsen has consistently forged a reputation for emotional depth and grounded performances. Her character Wanda Maximoff introduced heartbreaking complexity to superhero fare, while her indie efforts demonstrate her fearless attitude towards character-driven roles. Olsen achieves the elusive balancing act between mainstream and arthouse success.
2. Ana de Armas (35)
Ana de Armas has rapidly ascended from Knives Out breakout to international top lady. Her performances in No Time to Die, Blonde, and Deep Water show her range and pull. Every new film confirms she’s not only a star on the rise—she’s already Hollywood’s most sought-after actress.
1. Emma Stone (34)
Emma Stone captures the finest of her generation: witty, accessible, and utterly gifted. With La La Land, The Favourite, and Cruella under her belt, she’s demonstrated her capacity to lead everything from musicals to period pieces to big-concept comedies. Critically adored and audience-loved, Stone is still Hollywood’s go-to it-girl in her 30s.
These fifteen women are redefining stardom on their own terms—juggling blockbusters with bold gambles, style with substance. If this is the energy actresses are bringing into their 30s, Hollywood’s future is very bright.