Top 50 Young British Actresses In Their 20s [2025]

Florence Pugh, born in Oxford, made her feature film debut in 2014 with the drama "The Falling." She quickly gained acclaim for her intense performance as a troubled young bride in "Lady Macbeth," earning a British Independent Film Award for her role.

Pugh has since appeared in a range of popular and critically praised films, including "Little Women," "Black Widow," "Outlaw King," "King Lear," "Fighting with My Family," and "Midsommar." Her impressive work has established her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

In 2019, she was honored with the Trophée Chopard at the Cannes Film Festival. More recently, audiences and critics alike have praised her performances in "The Wonder" and "Oppenheimer."

Pugh reached mainstream recognition with "Fighting with My Family," and her remarkable versatility in dramatic roles has led her to secure several major film projects.

Expanding her talents beyond acting, Pugh has also ventured into film production. Notably, she both starred in and produced "A Good Person," which received favorable reviews.

Anya Taylor-Joy is a talented British-American actress who began her career with appearances in television series such as Endeavour and Vampire Academy.

Her breakthrough came when she starred as the lead in her debut horror film, The Witch, which quickly propelled her into the spotlight.

Anya is the recipient of prestigious honors, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has delivered remarkable performances in films like Thoroughbreds, Split, Emma, and Glass.

She achieved global recognition for her captivating lead role in the acclaimed Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. This limited series not only won an Emmy but also earned her another SAG award.

Few people know that Anya made the major decision to leave school at 16 to fully commit to her acting ambitions.

In 2020, Time magazine named her among the 100 most influential people in the world. Anya continued to showcase her versatility in notable films such as Last Night in Soho, The Menu, and Amsterdam.

Looking ahead, she is set to take on a role in George Miller's highly anticipated action film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Millie Bobby Brown is a talented actress whose career continues to ascend. Known for her breakout role as Eleven in the hit Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things, she quickly became one of the most recognized young stars of her generation.

Her stellar performance has garnered two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.

Brown has also made her mark in Hollywood blockbusters like Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Enola Holmes, and Godzilla vs. Kong. In 2018, she was named to Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world and became the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

After her success with Enola Holmes 2, Brown is set to star in and executive produce the upcoming Netflix fantasy feature Damsel, further solidifying her place among the industry's brightest young talents.

Jodie Comer is a renowned English actress celebrated for her impressive achievements, including two British Academy Television Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.

She began her career appearing in an episode of The Royal Today in 2008 and soon garnered attention with roles in TV dramas like My Mad Fat Diary and Doctor Foster.

Comer's breakthrough came with her role in Killing Eve, earning her both a BAFTA for Best Actress and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She also starred in Free Guy, expanding her reach into film.

In 2022, she won another BAFTA for Leading Actress for her portrayal of Sarah in the film Help (2021), further showcasing her versatility beyond television. Her foray into cinema is proving successful.

Jodie Comer also made her West End theatre debut in Suzie Miller's acclaimed play Prima Facie in 2022, earning significant critical praise for her performance.

Emilia Annis I. Jones began her acting career on the television series House of Anubis in 2011. In addition to acting, she is also a talented singer and songwriter.

She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Ruby Rossi in the 2021 Academy Award-winning film CODA. Her exceptional performance garnered her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Emilia is also known for her roles in popular series like Locke & Key and Doctor Who. Her film credits include titles such as Brimstone, Ghostland, and Two for Joy, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Isabella May Ramsey made her acting debut in the world-renowned television series, Game of Thrones, where she captivated audiences as the fearless Lyanna Mormont.

Widely recognized as Bella Ramsey, she continued to showcase her talent by starring as Mildred Hubble in the 2017 CBBC series The Worst Witch.

In addition to her on-screen roles, Ramsey lent her voice to the lead character in the 2018 Netflix original animated series, Hilda.

Her outstanding performance in The Worst Witch earned her the Young Performer award at the 2019 British Academy Children's Awards, highlighting her remarkable abilities at a young age.

Ella Summer Purnell is an accomplished English actress who began her film career in 2010 with her debut in "Never Let Me Go." Her early performance set the stage for a flourishing career in both television and film.

Purnell rose to prominence through notable roles in acclaimed series such as "Yellowjackets," "Arcane," and "Star Trek: Prodigy," earning widespread recognition for her versatility and talent.

She is perhaps best known for her performances in feature films like "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," "Churchill," and "Army of the Dead." These roles highlight her ability to take on diverse and challenging characters.

Additionally, Ella has showcased her skills in supporting roles in popular titles such as "Kick-Ass 2," "Wildlife," and "Maleficent," further solidifying her reputation as one of Britain's most exciting young actresses.

Mia Gypsy Mello da Silva Goth, professionally known as Mia Goth, made her television debut in 2013 with the series The Tunnel.

Renowned for her roles in horror and thriller films, she has carved a niche for herself in these genres.

Mia Goth's feature film debut was in Lars von Trier's Nymphomaniac. Since then, she has appeared in acclaimed films such as The Survivalist, High Life, A Cure for Wellness, Emma, Suspiria, and X.

Her standout performances in Pearl and X earned her widespread recognition and established her as a leading talent of her generation.

Jessica Yu-Li Henwick is a talented British actress and writer who first appeared on the big screen in "St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold" in 2009.

She rose to prominence for her portrayal of Nymeria Sand in the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones," earning recognition from audiences worldwide.

Henwick's diverse filmography includes standout roles in major films such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "The Matrix Resurrections," "On the Rocks," "Love and Monsters," and "Underwater," among others.

In addition to her film work, she has appeared in television series like "Obsession: Dark Desires," "Iron Fist," "The Defenders," and "Luke Cage." Her impressive performances led Variety to include her among their Top Breakout Stars of 2017.

Daisy Ridley began her acting journey appearing in several short films before gaining attention with her role on the television show Casualty.

She rose to worldwide fame portraying Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

Early in her career, Ridley also took on minor roles in popular television series, including Youngers, Toast of London, Silent Witness, and Mr. Selfridge.

In addition to her iconic Star Wars role, Ridley has starred in feature films such as Murder on the Orient Express and Ophelia, as well as appearing in various music videos.

Isobel Dorothy Powley, a talented actress born and raised in London, made her on-screen debut in 2007 with an appearance on the television show The Whistleblowers.

Powley launched her acting career as a teenager and quickly gained recognition for her roles in popular series such as M.I. High, Little Dorrit, Murderland, and Benidorm, among others.

Her standout performance in the romantic comedy-drama film A Royal Night Out earned her a British Independent Film Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, highlighting her rising status in the industry.

Margaret Constance "Maisie" Williams, better known as Maisie Williams, is a talented British actress who gained worldwide recognition for her role in the acclaimed television series Game of Thrones.

Her compelling portrayal of Arya Stark earned her two Emmy Award nominations, highlighting her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character.

Beyond Game of Thrones, Maisie Williams has expanded her portfolio with performances in films like The New Mutants, iBoy, The Owners, Mary Shelley, and Early Man. She has also appeared in the popular BBC science fiction series Doctor Who.

Olivia Cooke is a gifted British actress who made her debut on the television show Blackout.

She garnered widespread attention for her portrayal of Emma Decody in the acclaimed drama-thriller series Bates Motel.

Her impressive television work includes a standout role in the miniseries Vanity Fair, while her film credits feature notable performances in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Ouija, Ready Player One, Sound of Metal, and Thoroughbreds.

Cooke's second feature film, The Signal, had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014, further establishing her as a rising star.

Isabelle Lucy Allen began her film career with an impressive debut in the 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables.

Her portrayal of young Cosette garnered widespread praise and showcased her remarkable talent at an early age.

For her outstanding performance, Allen received the Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress Age Ten and Under.

In addition to her film success, she is also recognized for her role in the CBBC drama Hetty Feather, further establishing herself as a promising young actress.

Georgina Helen Henley, more widely recognized as Georgie Henley, rose to fame portraying Lucy Pevensie in the iconic fantasy film series The Chronicles of Narnia.

Her performance in the beloved franchise earned her critical acclaim and an Empire Award nomination, highlighting her talent at a young age.

Since her breakthrough role, Henley has expanded her filmography with appearances in movies like Perfect Sisters and The Sisterhood of Night, continuing to showcase her versatility as an actress.

Daisy Jessica Edgar-Jones made her acting debut on television in 2016 with an appearance on the popular show Outnumbered.

She rose to prominence for her portrayal of Marianne Sheridan in the acclaimed miniseries Normal People, earning her nominations for both a British Academy Television Award and a Golden Globe Award.

The versatile actress has also showcased her talent in a range of television series and films, including War of the Worlds, Cold Feet, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Fresh, among others.

Aimée Lou Wood is a talented British actress who first captured audiences' attention with her breakout role in the hit television series Sex Education in 2019.

Her standout performance earned her the prestigious British Academy Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance, solidifying her reputation as a rising star.

In addition to her work on television, Wood has expanded her repertoire by appearing in several short films. She has also delivered notable performances in acclaimed feature films like The Electrical Life of Louis Wain and Living, among others.

Emma Margaret Marie Tachard-Mackey, professionally known as Emma Mackey, is a talented French-British actress who began her career by appearing in short and independent films.

She gained widespread recognition after her mainstream acting debut in "The Winter Lake," but it was her breakout performance as Maeve Wiley in the popular Netflix comedy-drama series "Sex Education" that truly propelled her to fame.

Thanks to her standout role on the show, Emma received a well-deserved nomination for the British Academy Television Award, solidifying her status as a rising star.

In addition to her work on television, Mackey has also showcased her talent in noteworthy feature films such as "Eiffel" and "Death on the Nile."

Hermione Isla Conyngham Corfield, professionally known as Hermione Corfield, began her film career in 2014 with her debut in 50 Kisses.

She quickly gained recognition by starring in notable films such as Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Mr. Holmes, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, XXX: Return of Xander Cage, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rust Creek, and The Misfits, among others.

Her standout role in Rust Creek earned her strong praise from critics, further cementing her reputation as a talented young actress.

Molly Wright, though reportedly born in the United States, has predominantly built her career within British film and television.

Raised in the United Kingdom, Wright made her acting debut with a recurring role on the television drama Our Girl.

She is best known for her supporting performances across various British TV projects. However, taking on the film Apostasy posed a particular challenge for her.

For Apostasy, Wright dedicated two months to preparing for her role, even reading the Bible extensively to fully immerse herself in her character.

Kaya Scodelario made her feature film debut in 2009's Moon. She is best known for playing the role of Effy Stonem in the teen drama series Skins.

Also known for starring in the Maze Runner film series, she can be seen in motion pictures such as Wuthering Heights, Crawl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile.

She was also a part of the Netflix original series Spinning Out.

Kaya won Ashland Independent Film Festival in 2013 and two Golden Nymph nominations for her role in Skins.

Jessica Barden was first seen playing a role in an episode of My Parents Are Aliens in 1999. She is best known for her character projection of Alyssa in the comedy-drama series The End of the F***ing World.

She can be seen in other shows such as The Chase and No Angels. One can also catch Jessica Barden in feature films such as Hanna, The Lobster, The New Romantic, and Pink Skies Ahead, to name a few.

Lucy Boynton is a British-American actress who was first seen in the feature film Miss Potter in 2006. After having been a part of television productions such as Ballet Shoes, Sense and Sensibility, and Mo, one could find her making guest appearances in titles such as Borgia, Endeavour, and Law & Order: UK.

The actress has also been featured in motion pictures such as I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, Sing Street, and Don't Knock Twice, to name a few.

Boynton has confessed that being in the age group of 16-17 proved to be a demanding task for her.

This is because she was considered too young to play the main lead in projects and too old for significant child roles.

Kristy Philipps, whose exact date of birth is missing from the web, is a British actress who was first seen on the television show Will in 2017.

She appeared in a couple of short films before making her television debut. She is also known for playing a part in projects such as Cleaning Up and Halfway, among others.

The young actress keeps a low profile and stays away from media interaction. She also does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page.

Ella-Rae Kirby-Smith participated in a short film or two before making her presence felt on the television series Marley's Ghosts.

The British actress reportedly began modeling in 2014 and shot to fame after playing a part in shows such as Into the Badlands and Clique.

She made her feature film debut by appearing in Butterfly Kisses 2017 and has also been seen in films and shows such as Hobbs & Shaw and The Stranger.

Eloise Smyth made her acting debut in the feature film Ill Manors in 2012. She is best known for playing the role of Flora in the television series The Frankenstein Chronicles.

The British actress can also be seen playing a part in the television drama series Harlots. Add to that the fact that she has been a part of the short film Sea View; a feature that was nominated for BAFTA Award for Best Short Film in 2013.

The project eventually went on to win the Best British Short Film Award at the Leeds International Film Festival.

Olivia Popica appeared in a couple of short films before making her television debut with the show DCI Banks.

The actress and model is known to have been a part of projects such as Informer, Tyrant, and Riviera, to name a few.

One can also find the actress striving to make her presence felt in television shows and motion pictures such as Liaison, César Wagner, A Tree Fell Today, and Never Back Down: Revolt.

Abigail Lawrie is a young British screen performer who was first seen on the television series The Casual Vacancy in 2015.

The actress, who was born and raised in Aberdeen, joined a local drama club as a child itself. She moved to London at the age of 14 and continued to train in the drama department of The Harrodian School.

She has also been a part of the television project Murdered for Being Different and the coming-of-age drama feature Our Ladies.

Sorcha Groundsell made her feature film debut in 2015's Iona. She gained prominence after having starred in the Netflix series The Innocents.

The actress has also been a part of independent feature films like Far From the Apple Tree. One can find her starring as Jane Muncie in the true-crime miniseries In Plain Sight.

Furthermore, she is known to have made an appearance on the television show Clique. That said, she has also managed to receive an RTS Award nomination for her role in Sleeping Lions.

Caitlin Blackwood was first seen playing a role on the television series Doctor Who in 2010. She was born in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

She moved to Inverness in Scotland with her family when she was six years old. The young actress, who has appeared on the television show Cops and Monsters, can also be seen in a short film called Sundown which was helmed by Ryan Hendrick.

Blackwood has been a part of the 2020 comedy-drama feature film Lost At Christmas.

Dakota Blue Richards is a British actress who made her acting debut at the age of 13 in the feature film The Golden Compass in 2007.

The actress has been seen playing prominent roles in motion pictures such as The Secret of Moonacre and Dustbin Baby.

Richards, who has played roles in television, film, and on stage, was also a part of the third-generation cast of the British teen drama Skins.

That said, her performance in her very first feature film was appreciated by the critics.

Raffey Camomile Cassidy is a young and talented English actress who made her maiden screen appearance in the feature film Spanish Flu: The Forgotten Fallen in 2009.

She was soon seen in motion pictures such as Snow White and the Huntsman, Mr. Selfridge, Tomorrowland, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, to name a few.

The young star has already participated in projects that include industry giants such as Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron, George Clooney, and Chris Hemsworth.

Cassidy, who was named on Screen International magazine's Stars of Tomorrow, has also played a character in short films such as The Beast, Rust, and Miranda's Letter.

Freya Mavor is an actress and model who is best known for playing the role of Mini McGuinness in the British teen drama series Skins.

For her promising character projection in the aforementioned show, she was nominated for Best Actress at the TV Choice Awards in 2012.

A winner of the Fashion Icon of the Year Award at the 2011 Scottish Fashion Awards, she can also be seen in motion pictures such as Not Another Happy Ending, Sunshine on Leith, The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun, to mention a few.

Known for her large hazel eyes, Lily Inge Newmark is a British actress who was first seen in the 2014 motion picture Return of the Ghost.

She is best known for playing the role of Iona in the English film Pin Cushion. Also, one can find her making an appearance in Netflix shows such as Sex Education and Cursed.

The actress can also be seen in motion pictures and television productions such as Juliet, Naked, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Les Misérables, Born a King, Balance, Not Symmetry, Misbehaviour, and Temple.

Newmark started her acting career by featuring in amateur independent features and music videos.

Grace Hogg-Robinson made her much-awaited television debut on the show Suspects in 2014.

The actress has been a part of film and television projects such as The Durrells, Troy: Fall of a City, The Coroner, and Flatmated, to mention a few.

She is also known to have an affinity for painting, dancing, and music.

Grace has often been seen sharing her work with her followers on her social media. She has also appeared in several television commercials.

Ellise Chappell was first seen on the television series New Blood in 2016. She is best known for playing the role of Morwenna Chynoweth in the historical drama series Poldark.

The actress, who has been a part of the National Youth Theatre REP Company, has also been seen playing Lucy in the 2019 film Yesterday. One can also find her participating as Mona in the Netflix series Young Wallander.

The young and enthusiastic Emily Carey began her career as a child actor on stage and in the BBC One soap opera Casualty. While the aforementioned shows helped her in gaining some experience as a screen performer, it's the movies that fetched her fame.

The young one went on to play young versions of popular characters such as Diana Prince and Lara Croft in Wonder Woman and Tomb Raider, respectively. Not only that but she was also seen portraying Alicent Hightower in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon.

Emma Jill Appleton is an English actress and model who was first seen playing a role on the television show Clique in 2017.

The actress is best known for playing the role of Feef Symonds in the spy thriller television series Traitors.

Not only that but she also played the part of Princess Renfri in the Netflix fantasy series The Witcher.

She started her career in show business as a model and transitioned to acting in 2017.

Emma is also known to have made a special appearance in the British science fiction television series Intergalactic.

Jaada Lawrence-Green was first seen in an episode of the television series Casualty in 2019. The British actress and model began her career in the entertainment industry as a child model itself.

One can find her playing a role in projects such as Black Widow, The Shadows of Death, Breaking the Band, and Holby City, to name a few.

The young actress has been a part of several commercials and campaigns for popular companies such as Google Play, Calor Gas, and Kenwood.

Jessica Bianca Sula first made an appearance on the television show Skins in 2011. She managed to make an impression after playing a key role in the M. Night Shyamalan directorial venture Split.

She has also made an appearance in shows such as Love and Marriage and Recovery Road, among others.

The actress even had a recurring role to play in the 2017 limited series Godless. One can catch her in the third season of Scream as well.

Not a lot of you may have heard of Jodie Tyack but trust us when we say that she is one of the most promising actors to make it to our piece today.

The youngster, who recently wrapped filming Wrecked for BBC3, has also gone on to feature in the new series The Window, helmed by Adrian Shergold. She has also been seen portraying Elaine in BBC/Mammoth series Noughts & Crosses.

Add to that the fact that she's been seen in the regular role of Toni in Agatha Raisin.

Rose Victoria Williams, who was born in Ealing, London, is best known for her work as Princess Claude in Reign.

Also seen playing a key role in the television series Sanditon, one can catch the actress in a show like Medici.

That said, she has also appeared in motion pictures such as Changeland and The Power. It's been reported that she has a part to play in the film adaptation of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

Daisy Waterstone is a British actress who was first seen in a couple of episodes of the television series Silent Witness.

She is best known for playing the character of Margo Durrell in the biographical comedy series The Durrells in Corfu.

The actress was inspired by her mother to be an actress at a very young age. That is precisely why she joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 13.

During the same period, she was attending the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Synnøve Karlsen made her acting debut by appearing in quite a few episodes of the television series Clique.

Prior to her appearance in the aforementioned show, she had done a couple of short films.

The actress is best known for playing the character of Clarice Orsini in the historical drama series Medici. She is also known to have participated in the psychological horror feature film Last Night in Soho.

She has studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and then the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Lara Alexandra Peake is a young English actress who made her acting debut in the feature film Bypass in 2014.

She joined a drama workshop in Nottingham called the Inspire Academy at the tender age of 12. One can find her playing the central character in the coming-of-age movie Spaceship.

She also appeared in a project like Final Score alongside Pierce Brosnan and Dave Bautista. Peake went on to participate in the Netflix series The English Game.

Lauren McCrostie was first seen making an appearance in the 2014 feature film The Falling. She is best known for playing a role in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

She has also been a part of short films such as Second Skin and Brothers. It is said that the actress has had a passion for performing ever since she was a child.

In fact, along with her younger sister, she used to put up shows for their parents for good fun.

Aside from being a mainstream actor, Holly Earl is also a digital artist who specializes in portraits. She made her acting debut by appearing on the television show Touching Evil in 1997.

Best known for playing the role of Zoe in the sitcom Cuckoo, she can also be seen in other television shows such as Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, Humans, and Casualty, to name a few.

Earl played the role of May Bailey in her debut feature film Possession.

Hannah Rae is an English actress who managed to gain attention after having appeared in her very first feature film City of Tiny Lights.

For her performance in the same, she was nominated for the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the British Independent Film Awards.

The actress has also been a part of motion pictures such as Fighting with My Family, Carmilla, and Martyrs Lane.

Rae has also made an appearance in television shows such as Broadchurch, Manhunt, and Call the Midwife.

Tallulah Rose Haddon is a British actress, drag and performance artist, and model who was first seen making an appearance in the feature film Spaceship.

The daughter of artist Laura Godfrey-Isaacs and architect Glen Haddon, she can be seen playing a role in the BBC One series The Living and the Dead.

She was also seen playing the character of Pearl in BBC One's Taboo and the central protagonist in Kiss Me First.

Ruby Stokes is a British actress who was first seen in an episode of the television series Just William.

She gained a decent following after having played the role of Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton. She has also appeared as Little Lucy in Not Going Out.

Even though she does not have a lot of experience so far, a few impressive performances from her in the near future can pave the way for bigger projects to follow.