Top 50 Most Popular Female Celebrities Of All Time

Meryl Streep is widely recognized as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history, setting a standard few can hope to match. Her remarkable talent and enduring legacy have firmly established her as an industry icon.

Renowned for her extraordinary versatility and mastery of accents, Streep has received a record-breaking 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three Oscars during her illustrious career.

Among her numerous honors, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2010 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, further cementing her place in cinematic history.

Beloved by critics and fans alike, Streep has cultivated a devoted following thanks to her ability to bring unforgettable depth and realism to every character she portrays on screen.

Kate Winslet is renowned for portraying strong, complex women, earning her place among the most respected leading actresses in film today. She has built her career with a series of memorable roles, particularly in period dramas that highlight her remarkable range and talent.

Her breakout performance in James Cameron's epic "Titanic" made her a global star, earning her recognition and adoration from audiences worldwide.

Winslet's illustrious career has garnered her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards.

She has twice appeared on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world, first in 2009 and again in 2021, cementing her legacy in entertainment.

Recently, Winslet reunited with director James Cameron for the highly anticipated sequel to the Avatar franchise, which became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing over $2.3 billion at the global box office.

Scarlett Johansson stands out as one of the most recognized and influential actors of her generation. In 2018 and 2019, she was the world’s highest-paid actress, with films starring her grossing a remarkable $14.3 billion globally to date.

This impressive achievement secures her place among the most successful box office stars in cinematic history. Johansson has earned both a Tony Award and a British Academy Film Award, and she is frequently celebrated as one of the most attractive and talented women in entertainment.

Although Johansson was often noted early in her career for her sex symbol status, she has since demonstrated undeniable range and reliability as an actor, gaining both critical and popular acclaim for her diverse roles.

Having first taken the stage in an off-Broadway play during her childhood, Johansson continued her trajectory with performances in prominent films. In 2023, she starred in Wes Anderson’s comedy "Asteroid City," which marked her second film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. That same year, she appeared in Kristin Scott Thomas’s directorial debut, "North Star."

Selena Gomez is not only a talented singer but also a skilled actress and producer. She began her career on the beloved children's television series, Barney & Friends, showcasing her early versatility in entertainment.

Gomez gained widespread recognition after starring in the Disney Channel hit, Wizards of Waverly Place. Her transition from television star to successful lead vocalist solidified her status in the music industry.

In 2017, she was honored as Billboard's Woman of the Year. Gomez is also passionate about giving back, having collaborated with various charitable organizations and serving as a UNICEF ambassador since she was 17.

Fans can currently watch her in a leading role on Hulu's popular series, Only Murders in the Building.

Lady Gaga stands out as one of the few modern singers who has successfully transitioned into a celebrated career as a screen performer. Renowned for her extraordinary versatility and constant reinvention, she perfectly embodies the true spirit of a superstar.

Her meteoric rise to fame began with iconic hits like "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," and "Telephone," which established her as a global pop phenomenon early in her career.

Following these chart-topping releases, Gaga's popularity soared, making her one of the most followed female celebrities in recent years. She also ventured into acting, where she found remarkable success.

After receiving critical acclaim for her role in the miniseries American Horror Story: Hotel, she solidified her acting status with standout performances in acclaimed films such as A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.

Sandra Bullock stands out as one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actresses, earning the title of the world's highest-paid actress in both 2010 and 2014.

She has won prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.

Frequently recognized for her timeless beauty, Bullock has featured in several lists of the world's most beautiful people and claimed the 58th spot in Empire's ranking of the top 100 movie stars of all time.

Recognized as one of entertainment's most powerful women by The Hollywood Reporter, Bullock was also celebrated as People magazine's "Woman of the Year" in 2010, further cementing her lasting impact in the industry.

Sophia Loren stands as a timeless icon from cinema's golden age, celebrated not only for her enduring beauty but also for her remarkable talent that continues to inspire audiences today.

Her illustrious acting career and legendary charm captivated a vast following during her heyday. Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Loren distinguished herself by setting new standards in celebrity branding and marketing.

The Italian star made history as the first major celebrity to launch her own perfume, successfully turning her name into a globally recognized brand.

During the 1960s, Loren was among the most beloved actresses worldwide. She received 22 international awards, most notably for her acclaimed performance in the critically and commercially successful war drama Two Women.

Angelina Jolie, a recipient of an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, ranks among the most celebrated Hollywood stars of the 21st century.

Jolie began her career as a child actor, making her film debut in 1982's motion picture, Lookin' to Get Out.

Over a decade later, she rose to fame with acclaimed roles in projects like George Wallace, Gia, and Girl, Interrupted. Her powerful performance in Girl, Interrupted earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Jolie cemented her status as a leading actress by starring as the title character in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Renowned for her beauty and talent, she has also been recognized multiple times as Hollywood's highest-paid actress.

Cher quickly became a symbol of female empowerment, breaking barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her unique presence and talent have earned her the fitting title of the "Goddess of Pop" among devoted fans and critics alike.

Throughout her remarkable six-decade career, Cher has consistently reinvented her image and musical style, ensuring her appeal spans multiple generations and keeps her at the forefront of popular culture.

With over 100 million records sold, she stands alone as the only artist to achieve a number-one single on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades—a testament to her enduring influence and innovation.

Widely celebrated as J.Lo, Jennifer Lopez has earned global fame as a dynamic singer and dancer. Her early foray into acting only amplified her already impressive career, showcasing her versatility and star power.

In the 1990s, Lopez rose to prominence as a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy series In Living Color. Her breakthrough came with the biographical drama Selena, where her stellar performance made her the first Hispanic actress to earn over US$1 million for a single film.

Starring in other major films like Anaconda and Out of Sight, Lopez firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's top Hispanic stars. These roles cemented her reputation as a multifaceted performer.

Jennifer Lopez's influence extends beyond acting, with her film projects collectively generating more than US$3.1 billion worldwide. As a singer, she has also achieved remarkable success, selling approximately 70 million records across the globe.

Julia Roberts stands among the most iconic female stars in Hollywood history, dominating the industry as one of the highest-paid actresses throughout much of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Her captivating performances lit up numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films including Pretty Woman, My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, Sleeping with the Enemy, and Erin Brockovich.

Roberts holds the distinction of being named People magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman in the World" a record five times. Remarkably, movies where she played a major role have grossed over $3.8 billion worldwide.

Catherine Deneuve stands as one of Europe's most celebrated actresses, acclaimed for bringing an aura of icy elegance and mystery to the screen. Her performances have inspired countless filmmakers and captivated audiences worldwide.

In 1985, she received the prestigious honor of succeeding Mireille Mathieu as the official face of Marianne, a symbol of liberty in France. This role solidified her iconic status within French culture.

When she became the face of Chanel No. 5 in the late 1970s, perfume sales soared dramatically across the United States. Deneuve's influence was so profound that American media dubbed her the most elegant woman in the world, a title that fascinated both her admirers and critics alike.

Ellen DeGeneres is a celebrated comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer who first gained widespread fame through her groundbreaking sitcom, "Ellen," which aired from 1994 to 1998. Her portrayal in "The Puppy Episode" earned her a coveted Primetime Emmy Award and marked a historic moment in television history.

Her lasting popularity was solidified as the charismatic host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," a syndicated talk show that became a cultural staple. DeGeneres captivated audiences with her humor and warmth, making her one of television's most beloved personalities.

Throughout her career, Ellen has been recognized with an impressive 33 Daytime Emmy Awards for her talk show. Additionally, she has hosted major events such as the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Primetime Emmys, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

In 2016, Ellen DeGeneres was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential and admired women in entertainment.

Taylor Swift has been one of the world's most popular female celebrities for more than a decade. Renowned for her storytelling, her songs often reflect her personal experiences and have resonated with both critics and a massive global fanbase.

Swift, both talented and stunning, began pursuing a career in country music at just 14 years old. Her early start laid the foundation for her remarkable success in the music industry.

Over the years, she has masterfully navigated multiple genres—including country pop, rock, and electronic—solidifying her status as a leading crossover artist.

With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Swift stands among the best-selling and most influential musicians in history.

Beyond her music, she is celebrated as a pop icon and a passionate advocate for artists' rights and women's empowerment.

Oprah Winfrey has been a commanding presence on television for more than five decades, making her an essential figure in our story.

A Forbes magazine report recognizes her as the richest Black woman in the world, with an impressive career as a television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist.

She is best remembered for The Oprah Winfrey Show, which held the distinction of being the highest-rated program of its kind for over 25 years.

Often described as one of the world's most influential women, Oprah is also celebrated as the undisputed "Queen of All Media."

Betty White was a trailblazer in early television, captivating audiences with a screen presence that endured for over seventy years.

She not only made her mark as a talented actor but also broke barriers behind the scenes, becoming one of the first women in entertainment to wield influence both on and off camera. Notably, she is recognized as the first woman to produce a sitcom in the United States.

The legendary actress received numerous accolades, including a Guinness World Record for the "Longest TV career by an entertainer (female)," solidifying her legacy as television's original and enduring leading lady.

Ingrid Bergman was a timeless Swedish beauty who rose to fame as one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars during the Golden Age of cinema.

Gifted with a natural talent for acting, Bergman was also an avid reader, immersing herself in the works of literary giants like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Percy Shelley, and Alexander Pushkin.

At the height of her illustrious career, she captivated audiences worldwide with unforgettable performances in films such as Casablanca, Notorious, Spellbound, and Under the Capricorn.

The American Film Institute honored her as the fourth greatest actress in the history of Classic Hollywood Cinema.

Elizabeth Taylor began her illustrious career as a child actress in the early 1940s, quickly rising to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated and beloved stars over the following decades.

Even after her peak years, Taylor remained a prominent figure in the public eye. Her enduring fame was a testament to her remarkable talent and her ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

During the early 1960s, she was among the highest-paid actresses in the world. Taylor was also a pioneering advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, becoming one of the first major celebrities to champion the cause.

The American Film Institute honored her as the seventh-greatest female screen legend of Classic Hollywood cinema, solidifying her legacy as an icon of the silver screen.

Beyoncé is one of the most celebrated singers in history, rising to prominence in the late 1990s as the lead vocalist of the acclaimed group Destiny's Child.

In addition to her vocal talent, she is a gifted songwriter, producer, and actress. From an early age, Beyoncé showcased her performance skills in numerous singing and dancing competitions, paving the way for her future success.

Today, she stands out as the only solo artist whose first six studio albums debuted at number one on the Billboard 200—a remarkable achievement still unmatched in the industry.

If her accolades were not impressive enough, Beyoncé is widely regarded as one of the most decorated female singers to ever grace the stage.

Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the most successful Black touring act in history, earning the Pollstar Touring Artist of the Decade award in 2021.

Anyone who has watched the iconic sitcom Friends will surely remember Jennifer Aniston’s unforgettable portrayal of the lovable Rachel Green.

With a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards to her name, Aniston quickly became one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood following her success on Friends.

Over the years, she has consistently been recognized on lists celebrating the world's most beautiful women. In addition to her television success, films starring Aniston have earned over $1.6 billion at the global box office.

Today, she stands among the wealthiest female celebrities, boasting an estimated net worth of $300 million.

An extraordinary actor and one of the greatest screen legends in the history of American motion pictures, Bette Davis preferred to play manipulators or killers in most of her promising projects in an era when women in mainstream cinema were shown to be soft and sympathetic.

She was one of the most significant actresses of her time; a fact that was acknowledged by the American Film Institute which ended up ranking her as the second greatest actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

What separated Davis from her contemporaries during the 1930s and 1940s was the fact that she could make a mediocre film come across as watchable merely because she happened to play an assertive part in it.

Katherine Hepburn, whose career as a Hollywood leading lady spanned over 60 years, is among the most popular actresses to have ever lived.

Even though she was known to be a versatile performer, it was her personality off-camera that actually preceded her.

She was not only outspoken and headstrong but the superstar actress was also known for carrying herself with a touch of intensity and sophistication.

Named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute, she charmed her critics and viewers alike by participating in screwball comedies and literary dramas.

She has been a recipient of four Academy Awards for Best Actress - a record that no male or female performer has been able to match yet.

Cited as the "First Female Superstar" of Indian cinema, Sridevi was an actor par excellence who went on to establish herself as the biggest female star in several film industries within the Indian subcontinent.

Known for her reticent personality, she set the screen ablaze by playing iconic characters in several noteworthy slapstick comedies and epic drama films throughout the course of her five-decade-long career.

She was the highest-paid Indian actress throughout the 1980s and till, at least, the first half of the early 1990s.

Honored with India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, Sridevi has been called 'India's Greatest Actress in 100 Years' in a CNN-IBN national poll conducted in 2013.

Rihanna is an award-winning singer, producer, songwriter, and actor who has also successfully established herself as a fashion influencer and businesswoman over the years.

Discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers, she started to rise within the entertainment industry following the release of her first two albums.

Besides helping her grow into the sex symbol of the music industry, her third album "Good Girl Gone Bad" and its chart-topping numbers fetched her numerous awards and global stardom.

Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide to date. She is reportedly the second best-selling female musician of all time.

As of 2021, she was tipped to be the wealthiest female musician on the planet with an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion.

Actress, producer, and social advocate Mary Tyler Moore was best known for her character projection on The Dick Van Dyke Show between 1961 to 1966.

She was able to make a long-lasting impact through The Mary Tyler Moore Show; a sitcom often credited with defining a new perception of womanhood within the United States of America.

A vocal advocate of animal rights and vegetarianism, she had been a recipient of seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.

She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the television industry.

This singer, songwriter, and actress has been the OG in more ways than one. Known for her musical versatility and image reinventions, Madonna has been hailed as the "Queen of Pop" for as long as one can remember.

A lot many of her musical projects have carried themes of politics, sex, and religion. Needless to say, they have also gone on to generate a fair bit of controversy over the years.

Despite the fact that she is not as active today, Madonna continues to be one of the most significant and well-documented musical figures in history.

Her popularity can be gauged from the fact that there has been an academic sub-discipline (Madonna studies) dedicated to her name.

This American singer and dancer is credited with reviving the teen pop culture during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, her first two studio albums made her the fastest-selling teenage artist in music history.

Frequently referred to as the "Princess of Pop", she has sold over 150 million records worldwide; fifty percent of which have been sold in the United States of America alone.

Therefore, one shouldn't be shocked to learn that Spears was called the eighth-biggest musical artist of the 2000s by Billboard.

Even though the pop icon may not be very active today, she has already established herself as one of the world's best-selling artists.

If a list is being compiled solely based on an actor's popularity, be rest assured that Emma Watson will make her presence felt on it.

One of the most popular actress among youngsters who stepped into the new millennium, she won hearts with her character projection in the beloved Harry Potter franchise.

She has been among the highest-paid female movie stars in the world in the 21st century so far.

Even though Watson will forever be remembered for her extraordinary portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, she has delivered multiple strong performances across different genres as well.

A recipient of numerous accolades, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2015.

An actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn is one of the most loved mainstream performers in the history of motion pictures.

It is not surprising then that she was ranked third by the American Film Institute on their list of the Greatest Actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

A star of several successful movies, she had also been inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame.

Not many of our readers would be aware of the fact that her outstanding character projection in Roman Holiday helped her become the first actress to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award for a single performance.

The beloved screen star received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

One of the most celebrated female celebrities of all time, Lucille Ball was also a comedienne and producer who was a recipient of several important accolades throughout her illustrious career and posthumously.

The actress received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; one for her contributions to the movies and the other for her contribution to the arts and sciences of television.

In 1964, "Lucy Day" was organized in her honor by the New York World's Fair; an event that she graced with her second husband.

Ball was included in Time magazine's list of the "100 Most Important People of the Century." She even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush posthumously.

Ariana Grande is an actress and singer who first came into the limelight after having played the role of Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon TV series Victorious and its spin-off Sam & Cat.

While her personal life has always been in the news, the star has also received critical acclaim for her four-octave vocal range.

Grande has 27 Guinness World Records attributed to her name and has sold more than 85 million records worldwide.

The pop icon is also known to be the most streamed female artist of all time on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.

Arguably the greatest female Tennis player of all time, Serena Williams has been ranked singles world No. 1 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks in total.

She is the winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which happens to be the most by any player in the Open Era.

Serena and her older sister Venus have also won 14 major women's doubles titles; therefore, establishing themselves as the most formidable Tennis duo in modern history.

The pair continues to remain unbeaten in the Grand Slam doubles finals. That said, Serena is considered to be a role model for youngsters across the globe; especially the ones who share her love for Tennis.

This Swedish-American actress is still considered to be one of the finest mainstream female performers to have ever graced the silver screen.

Known for her somber persona and tragedy-driven performances, she was named the fifth greatest actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood by the American Film Institute.

Garbo's performances in motion pictures such as Flesh and the Devil and A Woman of Affairs brought her international acclaim and turned her into a major box office star.

Even though her career started to wane with the onset of the 1940s, she remained the highest-paid actor at MGM for the better part of the decade.

In fact, Washington Post once reported years ago that Garbo was a virtual cult figure at the peak of her popularity.

Miley's distinctive raspy voice and numerous chartbuster tracks ensured that she attained the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female artist.

With a total of thirteen entries on the aforementioned list, she is widely regarded as one of the most eccentric and talked-about singers of the new millennium.

Cyrus had a great start to her career by being the face of Disney Channel's billion-dollar franchise Hannah Montana. The show helped her transform into the ultimate "Teen Queen." Today, she stands tall as one of the most popular multi-genre artists who has sold millions of records globally.

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Whitney Houston had sold over 200 million records worldwide. She was rightly dubbed "The Voice" at the zenith of her career.

Known for her super strong vocals and improvisational skills, she went on to inspire a generation of new singers to make it big within the entertainment industry.

Don't be amazed to learn that she is, in fact, the only artist so far to have had seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

A recipient of numerous accolades, Houston's music and public appearances did not only generate a ton of money but also a fair bit of controversy.

Idolized as one of the most beautiful screen performers in the world during her heyday, Vivien Leigh's early cinematic endeavors helped her gain fame in Britain.

However, she became an internationally recognized actor after having played the main lead in the biggest box office hit at the time: Gone with the Wind.

While some were hell-bent on stereotyping Leigh as a beautiful lady who didn't perhaps need to act to turn heads, she did go on to deliver another sensational performance in A Streetcar Named Desire.

She received a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical version of Tovarich.

Described by many as the best-known woman to have walked the face of the earth during her prime, Mary Pickford was a pioneer in the United States film industry.

Not only is she credited with being a co-founder of Pickford–Fairbanks Studios and United Artists but she has also been one of the 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

There was no match to Mary's popularity during the 1910s and early 1920s. It is not surprising then that she was called "America's Sweetheart" during the silent era of movie-making.

Having said that, we'd also like to notify our readers that she was one of the earliest cine stars to be billed under her own name.

Voted the tenth greatest female star of the Golden Age of Hollywood by the American Film Institute, Joan Crawford was one of the most well-regarded film personalities of her time.

Even though she was initially worked up about not getting quality roles to play, she ended up being recognized as a flapper nationally by the fag of the 1920s.

Not long after having made her acting debut, Crawford established herself as one of the highest-paid women in all of America.

While she was a firm believer in self-publicity, her screen appearances in classic rags-to-riches stories were well received by the audience during the tough era of the Depression.

Kim Kardashian, aside from being a stylist and a model, has also been a popular media personality and businesswoman.

Even though she first gained fame for being a close aide and stylist of Paris Hilton, it was her infamous sex tape that made her famous among the masses.

Kim and her family are also popular for coming up with the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The success of the show also led to a handful of spin-off series.

Kardashian, who has hundreds of millions of followers across various social media platforms, has also released several products that are tied to her name.

One of the most elegant actors to have ever graced the silver screen, Grace Kelly was truly the epitome of grace and sophistication.

While she continued to rise as a movie star during the 1950s, it was her wedding with Prince Rainier III that became a piece of news to savor for millions across the globe.

Officially the Princess of Monaco following her marriage, she bid her career goodbye to fulfill her duties as the beloved Princess.

Her charity, Princess Grace Foundation, was aimed at making the lives of children and local artisans better. Kelly was named the 13th greatest actress of Classic Hollywood Cinema by the American Film Institute.

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, is quite possibly the most popular female celebrity to have ever lived.

Best known for playing comedic "blonde bombshell" characters, the movie star became a sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s and was one of the highest-paid actresses during the peak of her career.

Inspired by actors such as Jean Harlow and Lana Turner, Monroe had an awfully difficult childhood. However, she overcame all odds and fought the world in her relentless pursuit of love, adoration, and faith; three of the most important elements in life that not many are privileged to share and protect.

Needless to say, nobody could have initially imagined in their wildest of dreams that this girl with a breathy voice would go on to become the most relevant and famous Hollywood female star of all time; that too without majorly banking on her acting abilities.

Ranked sixth by the American Film Institute on their list of the greatest female screen legends from the Golden Age of Hollywood, Monroe is the only female celebrity from decades ago whose legend continues to grow with time.

The fact that several movies have been inspired by her life is a testament to the aforementioned statement. In fact, a project titled Blonde, starring the pretty Ana de Armas in the lead, was released in 2022 as well. 

Allegedly based on Monroe's life, it premiered to extremely mixed reviews on Netflix.

Easily one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century, Lana Del Rey's music is known for its cinematic quality, melancholia, and references to the popular culture of the 1950s and 1960s Americana.

A recipient of various accolades, her contributions to the music industry and popular culture of the 2010s cannot be refuted.

Needless to say, she has been an inspiration to not only her peers but also to aspiring musicians who have followed her for her solid personality.

Lana was the only musician to have featured on The Washington Post's "Decade of Influence" list. It is not surprising then that her YouTube and Vevo pages reportedly have combined views of over four billion.

The mellow-voiced Adele is among the world's best-selling music artists today. Known and adored for her incredibly strong vocals, the singer-songwriter has sold over 120 million records worldwide, thus far.

Her second studio album smashed all records and went on to cement its place as the world's best-selling album of the 21st century. Titled "21", it sold over 31 million copies.

While she soon became the first female artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to have three simultaneous top-ten singles as a lead performer, her album "21" also helped her make several entries into the dreamy Guinness Book of Records.

Make way for arguably the most admired first lady in the history of the United States of America's politics.

An advocate for women’s rights, poverty awareness, and physical health, Michelle Obama went on to become an inspiration to millions of women across the globe during her tenure as the first lady.

Also known for her polished and smart fashion sense, she topped Gallup's poll of the most admired women in America for the third year running.

Obama has successfully delivered acclaimed speeches at the Democratic National Convention in 2012, 2016, and 2020, respectively. Her memoir, Becoming, was the best-selling book in the United States of America in 2018.

The author of the Harry Potter series of books has to be among the most popular women on the planet.

While the books have combined sold over 500 million copies to date, they have also been translated into 70 languages across the globe.

Add to that the fact that stories authored by Rowling have also paved the way for the enormously successful Harry Potter franchise of feature films, video games, and other merchandise related to the brand.

Courtesy of her services to literature and philanthropy, she has been appointed to the Order of the British Empire and made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.

This Austrian-born American film star was not only popular because she found herself scaling heights of success as a performer during the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s but also because many saw her as one of the most beautiful women on the planet at the time.

It is imperative to mention that along with composer George Antheil, she went on to develop a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes during the Second World War.

The technology that Hedy helped evolve went on to form the basis for today's WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems.

Needless to say, there are more reasons than one to call her one of the greatest female celebrities of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and one of the most influential personalities to make it to our story on the most popular women in the world.

The world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, she is known for her advocacy of human rights and her fight for the education of women.

Even though the campaign started by Malala had an awfully painful beginning, it went on to become an international movement in due course of time.

Unquestionably the most prominent and recognized citizen of Pakistan in the world today, Yousafzai has received several honors both within her home country and beyond.

Arguably the most popular member of the British royal family, Princess Diana was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, who was the heir apparent to the British throne.

Her activism, beauty, and glamour made her far more popular than most actors and singers of her generation. An international icon, her turbulent personal life was often subjected to unprecedented public scrutiny.

Since she was the Princess of Wales, Diana took care of her royal duties and was often seen representing the Queen in matters of significance.

Even though she was known to be shy, her friendly and compassionate nature helped her build a tremendous fan following across the world.

Did you know that the world's best-selling female author was not able to persuade anyone to publish her debut novel in the first four years of her career?

Hailed as the unbeatable "Queen of Crime" today, Agatha Christie's books have sold over 2 billion copies worldwide to date.

She is credited with developing two iconic fictional detectives, namely Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The Guinness Book of World Records has officially called her the best-selling fiction author to have ever lived.

For her incomparable contributions to literature, she was made a Dame (DBE) in 1971. Christie is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections.

However, not many are aware of the fact that the legendary writer had to face six consecutive rejections before things started to change after the publishing of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. It was, after all, the grand debut of detective Hercule Poirot.

Referred to as the undisputed "Queen of Latin Music", the wonderful Shakira has been one of the most popular stage performers of the 21st century. She made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the tender age of 13.

While she continued to rise in Latin America during the 1990s, her remarkable growth in the English-speaking markets with the dawn of the new millennium turned her into an international crossover artist.

Since she has been a true pioneer who widened the reach of Latino singers, it is not in the least bit surprising that Shakira happens to be the best-selling female Latin artist of all time.

Her popularity went beyond the roof following the release of "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" in 2010. The track took the world by storm and went on to become the most popular composition associated with any sporting event anywhere in the world.