The Most Famous British Actress, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the actress you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:10

In the bustling world of film and television, British actresses have consistently stood at the forefront, enchanting audiences with their performances. From period dramas to cutting-edge science fiction, these talented women have woven a rich tapestry of storytelling. However, amidst such a plethora of talent, it can be a challenge to highlight who stands out the most. That's where the power of your vote comes into play. By participating in the ranking of the most famous British actresses, you help paint a clearer picture of those stars who truly capture the hearts of viewers. Your votes will not only reflect current favorites but also influence future discussions and recognitions within the vibrant community of cinema enthusiasts.

Who Is the Most Famous British Actress?

1

36
votes
Caroline Bonarde Ucci at https://www.flickr.com/photos/caroline_bonarde/ · CC BY 3.0

Judi Dench

Known for her versatile acting skills and iconic roles in both stage and screen, Judi Dench is a highly respected and accomplished British actress. She has won multiple awards, including an Oscar, for her performances.
Judi Dench in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful elderly actress
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Shakespeare actor alive
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous actor in London
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous elderly actor
2

23
votes
Harald Krichel · CC BY-SA 3.0

Helen Mirren

With a career spanning over five decades, Helen Mirren is one of the most accomplished and respected British actresses of all time. She has won numerous awards, including an Oscar, for her performances in both film and television.
Helen Mirren in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful elderly actress
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous actor in London
3

23
votes
Elena Ternovaja · CC BY-SA 3.0

Emma Thompson

Known for her wit and intelligence, Emma Thompson is a highly regarded British actress, screenwriter, and author. She has won two Oscars for her performances and is known for her work in both drama and comedy.
Emma Thompson in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Emma
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful British actress
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful actress in the Harry Potter series
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Shakespeare actor alive
4

13
votes
Somewhere In Toronto · CC BY-SA 2.0

Kate Winslet

With a career that began in the early 1990s, Kate Winslet has become one of the most iconic and respected British actresses of her generation. She has won numerous awards, including an Oscar, for her performances in films such as Titanic and The Reader.
Kate Winslet in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful British actress
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous actor in Britain
5

18
votes
Andrea Raffin · CC BY-SA 3.0

Keira Knightley

Known for her stunning beauty and captivating performances, Keira Knightley is one of the most popular and successful British actresses of her generation. She has starred in numerous blockbuster films, including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Keira Knightley in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful British actress
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful woman in the UK
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful Aries woman
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Chanel model
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous ENFP
6

10
votes

Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0

Julie Andrews

Regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, Julie Andrews is an iconic British actress and singer. She is known for her roles in classic films such as Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, and has won numerous awards throughout her career.
7

9
votes
Ibsan73 · CC BY 2.0

Olivia Colman

With a career that began in the early 2000s, Olivia Colman has become one of the most acclaimed and beloved British actresses of her generation. She has won multiple awards, including an Oscar, for her performances in films such as The Favourite and The Father.
Olivia Colman in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Netflix actor
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous actor in London
8

9
votes
Maggie Smith

With a career spanning over six decades, Maggie Smith is one of the most iconic and respected British actresses of all time. She is known for her roles in classic films such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and the Harry Potter franchise.
Maggie Smith in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous actor in "Downton Abbey"
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Smith
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous cast member of Harry Potter
9

10
votes
Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Emma Watson

Known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, Emma Watson is one of the most popular and successful British actresses of her generation. She has also become a prominent activist for women's rights and gender equality.
Emma Watson is a British actress, model, and activist. She gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. She is known for her beauty, talent, and intelligence. Emma Watson has also been a strong advocate for gender equality and has served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. She has been hailed as a fashion icon and has appeared on numerous magazine covers. Emma Watson's unique style and charismatic personality have made her one of the most influential and admired celebrities of her generation.

Nationality: British

Profession: Actress, Model, Activist

Famous Role: Hermione Granger in Harry Potter film series

Advocacy: Gender Equality

UN Role: UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
Emma Watson in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful actress in the Harry Potter series
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful celebrity without makeup
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful woman in the UK
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ladies
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous introvert
- Position 10 of 10 in Most attractive personalities
10

7
votes

NBC Television · Public domain

Diana Rigg

A legendary actress who passed away in 2020, Diana Rigg was one of the most iconic and influential British actresses of her time. She is known for her roles in classic TV shows such as The Avengers and Game of Thrones, as well as her work in film and on stage.

Missing your favorite actress?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous actress

Critical acclaim

Has the actress received critical praise for her performances in films, television shows, and on stage?
Box office success

Has the actress appeared in commercially successful films that have performed well at the box office?
Awards

Has the actress been recognised for her work with major awards, such as Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes?
Popularity

Is the actress widely recognised and popular with audiences?
Variety of roles

Has the actress demonstrated versatility in her performances and tackled a range of different genres and characters?
Enduring legacy

Has the actress left a lasting impact on British and international cinema, and influenced other actors and filmmakers?
Cultural significance

Has the actress played a role in promoting British culture and values, or contributed to broader cultural conversations through her work?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous British actress. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3408 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous british actress

British actresses have been making waves in the entertainment industry for decades, with many of them becoming household names across the globe. From classic beauties like Audrey Hepburn to modern-day icons like Emma Watson, the world has been captivated by the talent and charm of British actresses. With so many talented actresses to choose from, it's no wonder that the question "Who is the most famous British actress?" is one that has been asked time and time again. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most famous British actresses of all time and explore what makes them so iconic.