The Most Famous Actresses In Their 40s

Jules Burke
Updated March 16, 2026 91.0K views 144 items
Ranked By
1.4Kvoters24.3Kvotes
Voting Rules

Vote on the most well-known actresses in their 40s.

Latest additions: Alexandra Daddario, Kerry Condon, Claire Foy
Recently, Liv Tyler fell out of the top 25, replaced by Gal Gadot
Most divisive: Kristin Kreuk
Over 1.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Famous Actresses In Their 40s
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.

The entertainment industry has no shortage of talent, and some of the most captivating performances come from popular female actresses in their 40s. These women bring a wealth of experience, versatility, and depth to their roles, often portraying complex characters that resonate deeply with audiences. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their 40s, these actresses continue to redefine the standards of excellence in Hollywood and beyond.

Take Anne Hathaway, for instance. Known for her diverse range of characters, Hathaway has enchanted audiences with roles in The Devil Wears Prada, Les Misérables, and The Dark Knight Rises. Then there's Jessica Alba, who has transitioned seamlessly from blockbuster hits like Fantastic Four to leading her own successful business while still commanding attention as an actress in various film and television projects.

Now it’s time for you to chime in. We’ve compiled a list of popular female actresses in their 40s, and we want to hear your thoughts. Vote on your favorites and see how they rank among other standout talents. Whether you admire their acting chops, their off-screen endeavors, or both, your input will help celebrate the incredible women who continue to shape the world of entertainment in their fourth decade.

Ranked by
  • Anne Hathaway
    1
    Age: 43
    698 votes

    Anne Hathaway, born in Brooklyn, New York, is a notable figure in the world of cinema. Her diverse acting career began with her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries. This film was an immense success and catapulted her into instant fame. However, it's not just her early work that made waves; she has consistently demonstrated versatility by taking on challenging roles across various genres from romantic comedies to dramatic portrayals. Hathaway's talents are not limited to light-hearted fare alone. She earned critical acclaim for her compelling performance in the drama Rachel Getting Married, which led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The pinnacle of her career came when she played Fantine in the movie adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. Her heart-wrenching portrayal won several awards including an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress - demonstrating both range and depth that few actors can match. Beyond acting, Hathaway has also been recognized for using her platform to promote positive change. She is known as a staunch advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, she served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador where she championed paid parental leave worldwide. Anne Hathaway embodies the spirit of perseverance with unwavering commitment towards excellence and compassion off-screen - making her more than just another Hollywood star.

    • Born: 11-12-1982
    • The Princess Diaries
      1The Princess Diaries
       
       
      1,231 Votes
    • The Devil Wears Prada
      2The Devil Wears Prada
       
       
      1,328 Votes
    • The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
      3The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
       
       
      725 Votes
    • The Dark Knight Rises
      4The Dark Knight Rises
       
       
      977 Votes
  • Natalie Portman
    2
    Age: 44
    450 votes
    • Born: 06-09-1981
  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #81
      Kerry Condon
      4 votes
    • NEW
      #74
      Alexandra Daddario
      1 votes
  • Emily Blunt
    3
    Age: 43
    246 votes
    • Born: 02-23-1983
  • Rachel McAdams
    4
    Age: 47
    468 votes
    • Born: 11-17-1978
    • Mean Girls
      1Mean Girls
       
       
      894 Votes
    • The Notebook
      2The Notebook
       
       
      996 Votes
    • About Time
      3About Time
       
       
      700 Votes
    • The Vow
      4The Vow
       
       
      582 Votes
  • Jessica Alba
    5
    Age: 44
    480 votes
    • Born: 04-28-1981
    • Mechanic :resurrection
      1Mechanic :resurrection
       
       
      1,336 Votes
    • Fantastic Four
      2Fantastic Four
       
       
      689 Votes
    • Sin City
      3Sin City
       
       
      767 Votes
    • Into the Blue
      4Into the Blue
       
       
      850 Votes
  • Mila Kunis
    6
    Age: 42
    274 votes
    • Born: 08-14-1983
    • Friends with Benefits
      1Friends with Benefits
       
       
      1,160 Votes
    • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
      2Forgetting Sarah Marshall
       
       
      837 Votes
    • Black Swan
      3Black Swan
       
       
      604 Votes
    • Ted
      4Ted
       
       
      817 Votes