My Top 10 Favorite Actresses

Creating a list of my Top 10 Favorites Actresses was just as hard as my Top 10 List of Actors. But for different reasons. I had a list of about 30 actors that I really like that I had to narrow down to ten. I don’t have nearly as many favorite actresses, but I was still able to put together a list, and realized there are a lot more good actresses out there than you’d think.

Also, I wanted to point out that this list is based on how much I enjoy their work and the films they have done, and it’s not a list based on how hot I may think they are (although I’m sure that has some influence whether I want it to or not, haha).

Anyways, on to the list…

10 (tie). Jessica Alba

Why I like her: Dark Angel (TV show), Honey, Sin City, Fantastic Four, Into the Blue

I’ve liked Jessica Alba since she got her first big break starring in the TV show, “Dark Angel”. Since then she has made some entertaining films, but other than Sin City, hasn’t really made anything of substance. I enjoyed her appearances in Entourage as well. She does have some potentially good films coming out over the next year, such as Awake, Fantastic Four 2 and Sin City 2.

10 (tie). Rachel McAdams

Why I like her: Mean Girls, The Notebook, Wedding Crashers, The Family Stone

Although she hasn’t been in a lot, Rachel McAdams has still managed to impress me quite a bit. She has proven she has the range to do several types of roles. She can do the sappy romance (The Notebook), the mean but hilarious (Mean Girls), the nice girl (Wedding Crashers) and drama (The Family Stone). I look forward to what she does in the future, as I think she could be one of the upcoming star female actresses.

9. Sandra Bullock

Why I like her: Speed, A Time To Kill, 28 Days, The Lake House, Crash

Sandra Bullock was probably the first actress I called a “favorite”, and she was also my first celebrity crush. She’s been in a lot of enjoyable movies over the years, but unfortunately most were of the “fluff” variety. My favorite of all her films, was her work in “Crash”. She was incredible, and I just wish she would do more dark serious films. I’d love to see what a director like Quentin Tarantino could do with her.

8. Uma Thurman

Why I like her: Pulp Fiction, Gattaca, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2

Uma Thurman has starred in 3 of my favorite films, so she’s a must to make this list. However, she’s unfortunately been in a lot of duds as well, (My Super Ex-Girlfriend, The Avengers, Batman & Robin), so it seems without Tarantino, it’s rare she appeals to me. Still, she’s done great work in his films, so she’s on the list.

7. Angelina Jolie

Why I like her: Gia, Girl Interrupted, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Angelina has been in such huge hits, but also a few duds. None-the-less, she is still a great actress, and I think with all the media press she gets, her acting talents are often forgotten. She has been in everything from action (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Tomb Raider) to drama (Gia) to comedy (Life or Something Like It).

6. Natalie Portman

Why I like her: Leon: The Professional, Star Wars I, II & III, Garden State, Closer, V For Vendetta

I’ve liked Natalie Portman since the first time I saw her in Leon. She has continued to put out both great (Garden State, Closer) and commercially successful (Star Wars Trilogy) films. I was surprised by how good V For Vendetta was, as well. She has good range, although I prefer her in the quirky odd role, especially her role as Sam in Garden State. She is one of the most talented young actresses out there, and I expect her to be around for a long time.

5. Evan Rachel Wood

Why I like her: Thirteen, Pretty Persuasion, Down In The Valley

Although she hasn’t been in a ton of films, what she has done has completely blown me away. She is an extremely talented girl. The fact that she has put out such incredible performances in the three films I listed above- and she’s only 19 years old- is quite the accomplishment. She may be a little odd (she’s dating 38 year old Marilyn Manson), she still no doubt deserves a spot on my list.

4. Jennifer Garner

Why I like her: Alias, Daredevil, 13 Going On 30

Jennifer Garner is on this list for basically one reason; Alias. I was a huge fan of Alias, and Jennifer Garner was one of the main reasons why. I think she’s a great actress, and one of the few females out there who can pull off action the way she does. She is also pretty funny, as we’ve seen in 13 Going On 30. I’m really looking forward to her upcoming film, “The Kingdom”. It looks excellent.

3. Naomi Watts

Why I like her: The Ring, 21 Grams, We Don’t Live Here Anymore, King Kong

Although she is incredibly beautiful, Naomi Watts “made it” in acting when she was older than when most attractive women make it in acting. She’s turning 39 this year, and didn’t really hit it big until her role in The Ring in 2002. The main reasons she is on this list, is for her amazing work in 21 Grams, and to a lesser degree, We Don’t Live Here Anymore. Both are incredible films, and Watts’ work is a big reason why.

2. Charlize Theron

Why I like her: Monster, North Country, The Devil’s Advocate, Cider House Rules, Trapped, Italian Job

Charlize Theron has made a transition that rarely happens. She went from hugely successful model to Academy Award winning actress. Her work in North Country and Monster, are in my opinion, two of the best female performances I have ever seen. She is quite possibly the best actress on the planet right now. She has at least seven films coming out over the next two years, and I am sure I will see all of them.

1. Scarlett Johansson

Why I like her: Lost in Translation, Ghost World, In Good Company, The Island, The Prestige

Anyone that knows me could have guessed who my number one on this list would be. Ever since Lost in Translation I have been practically obsessed with Scarlett Johansson. However, not only do I think she’s the most beautiful actress alive, she is also one of the most talented. She has been around for a long time, having been in films since she was a child. She often chooses artsy roles over blockbusters, and although that’s commendable in a way, I would still like to see her do a few more “popcorn” films (such as The Island).

Honorable mention: Edie Falco, Kate Beckinsale, Rachel Bilson, Tricia Helfer, Julianne Moore and Renee Zellweger.

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