The Best English Actresses of All Time

Ranker Film

Updated May 2, 2024 90.1K views 84 items

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30.2K votes

3.5K voters

11 reranks

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite female actors from England (dead or alive), based on their entire body of work.

When it comes to the best English actresses of all time, there will likely be a heated debate. Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, and Audrey Hepburn immediately come to mind, but when you really start thinking, there are tons of fantastic actresses from England who have, throughout film history, made their marks as truly some of the greats.

Who are the all-time top English actresses in history? Dames like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are certainly great English actresses, but so are some of the women on this list who have passed on. Fantastic actresses like Vivien Leigh and Deborah Kerr earned their rightful spots in film history by turning in classic film performances and making many great movies.

Emily Blunt and Helena Bonham Carter are a few more of the famous British actresses you will find on this list. There are also great older British actresses, like Angela Lansbury of Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast. Julie Walters is another of the beloved old English actresses. Who could forget her appearances in Mamma Mia!, Paddington, the Harry Potter series, and Calendar Girls?

Now, who, of the greatest English actresses of all time is truly the best? Below you'll find the wonderful actresses as well as their major film and television award wins and nominations. Vote up your favorite English actresses below, and then check back to see if they topped our list!

Most divisive: Joan Fontaine

Over 3.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best English Actresses of All Time

1
Maggie Smith
Ilford, Essex, England
1,414 votes
Maggie Smith is an iconic figure in the world of acting. With her sharp wit and impeccable timing, she has brought to life unforgettable characters such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
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2
Judi Dench
Heworth, United Kingdom
1,236 votes
Judi Dench is renowned for her powerful performances on stage and screen. Her extensive career includes roles such as M in the James Bond franchise and Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown, showcasing her incredible range as an actress.
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3
Helen Mirren
Chiswick, London, England
1,226 votes
Helen Mirren, a distinguished actress, has captivated audiences with her strong, intelligent, and sensual characters. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen earned her an Academy Award, solidifying her status as acting royalty.
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4
Julie Andrews
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England
1,149 votes
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5
Emma Thompson
Paddington, London, England
1,094 votes
Emma Thompson is a versatile actress, writer, and comedian, known for her ability to portray complex characters with depth and humor. Her memorable roles include Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility and Karen in Love Actually.
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6
Kate Winslet
Reading, Berkshire, England
1,050 votes
Kate Winslet, an accomplished actress, has demonstrated her extraordinary talent in a variety of genres. From her heartbreaking performance as Rose in Titanic to her complex portrayal of Hanna Schmitz in The Reader, she consistently delivers powerful performances.
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7
Helena Bonham Carter
England, London
1,107 votes
Helena Bonham Carter is known for her quirky, eccentric characters and her ability to fully immerse herself in each role. Her memorable performances include Marla Singer in Fight Club and Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series.
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8
Audrey Hepburn
Brussels, Ixelles, Belgium
1,142 votes
Audrey Hepburn, an elegant and timeless beauty, captivated audiences with her charm and grace. Her unforgettable roles include Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Princess Ann in Roman Holiday.
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9
Vivien Leigh
India, Darjeeling
837 votes
Vivien Leigh, a legendary actress, is best known for her iconic performances as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Her magnetic screen presence and undeniable talent have made her a cinematic icon.
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10
Emily Blunt
England, London
773 votes
Emily Blunt is a versatile and talented actress who has proven her ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. Her standout performances include The Devil Wears Prada, Edge of Tomorrow, and A Quiet Place.
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11
Diana Rigg
Doncaster, Yorkshire, England
277 votes
Diana Rigg, a revered actress, captivated audiences with her strong, intelligent characters like Emma Peel in The Avengers and Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. Her impressive career spanned across stage, film, and television.
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12
Angela Lansbury
London, England, UK
700 votes
Angela Lansbury is a versatile actress with a career spanning over seven decades. Known for her roles in Murder, She Wrote and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, she has charmed audiences with her wit and grace.
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13
Rachel Weisz
England, London
622 votes
Rachel Weisz is an accomplished actress known for her captivating performances in films such as The Constant Gardener and The Favourite. Her ability to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters has earned her critical acclaim.
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14
Julie Walters
Smethwick, United Kingdom
457 votes
Julie Walters is a beloved English actress known for her warmth, humor, and ability to portray a wide range of characters. She has delighted audiences with roles such as Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter series and Molly in Educating Rita.
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15
Olivia de Havilland
Japan, Tokyo
591 votes
Olivia de Havilland, a legendary actress, is best remembered for her role as Melanie Hamilton in Gone with the Wind. Her grace and poise, along with her exceptional acting skills, made her a true Hollywood icon.
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16
Vanessa Redgrave
Greenwich, London, England
605 votes
Vanessa Redgrave is an acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances on stage and screen. With roles in films like Julia and Howards End, she has demonstrated her incredible range and talent.
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17
Keira Knightley
Teddington, Middlesex, England
775 votes
Keira Knightley is a talented actress known for her period-piece roles and striking beauty. Her memorable performances include Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
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18
Elizabeth Taylor
Hampstead, London, England
469 votes
Elizabeth Taylor, a legendary actress and timeless beauty, captivated audiences with her unforgettable performances in films like Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Her passion and talent made her a true Hollywood icon.
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19
Emma Watson
France, Paris
899 votes
Emma Watson, a talented actress and activist, rose to fame as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Since then, she has continued to impress with roles in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Beauty and the Beast.
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20
Julie Christie
India, Chabua
373 votes
Julie Christie is a celebrated actress known for her captivating performances in films like Doctor Zhivago and Don't Look Now. Her timeless beauty and undeniable talent have made her a true icon of the silver screen.
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21
Rosamund Pike
Hammersmith, London, England
437 votes
Rosamund Pike is an accomplished actress known for her intense, captivating performances in films such as Gone Girl and A Private War. Her ability to embody complex characters has earned her critical acclaim and recognition.
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22
Emilia Clarke
England, London
211 votes
Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is a versatile actress who can effortlessly shift between drama and comedy. Her performances in Solo: A Star Wars Story and Last Christmas showcase her range and talent.
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23
Tilda Swinton
London, England, UK
608 votes
Tilda Swinton is an enigmatic actress known for her transformative performances and unique style. Her roles in films like Orlando and The Grand Budapest Hotel have solidified her status as a true chameleon of the acting world.
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24
Imelda Staunton
Archway, London, England
428 votes
Imelda Staunton is a talented actress who has delighted audiences with her powerful stage presence and memorable film roles. Her standout performances include Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series and Vera Drake in the titular film.
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25
Glenda Jackson
Birkenhead, England
336 votes
Glenda Jackson, a formidable actress, has demonstrated her incredible range and talent on stage and screen. Her powerful performances in films like Women in Love and A Touch of Class have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.
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26
Naomi Watts
Shoreham, Kent, England
424 votes
Naomi Watts is a versatile actress known for her compelling performances in films such as Mulholland Drive and The Impossible. Her ability to portray complex, multi-faceted characters has earned her a reputation as a true acting powerhouse.
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27
Miranda Richardson
Southport, England, UK
166 votes
Miranda Richardson is a versatile actress known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and complexity. Her memorable roles include Queen Elizabeth I in Blackadder and Ruth Ellis in Dance with a Stranger.
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28
Brenda Blethyn
Ramsgate, Kent, England
279 votes
Brenda Blethyn is a talented actress who has captivated audiences with her powerful performances in films like Secrets & Lies and Little Voice. Her ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters has earned her critical acclaim.
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29
Kate Beckinsale
Finsbury Park, London, England
485 votes
Kate Beckinsale is an accomplished actress known for her roles in both action-packed blockbusters and period dramas. Her performances in films like Underworld and Love & Friendship showcase her diverse range and talent.
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30
Jacqueline Bisset
Weybridge, Surrey, England
284 votes
Jacqueline Bisset is a celebrated actress known for her timeless beauty and captivating performances in films like Bullitt and Murder on the Orient Express. Her grace and poise have made her a true icon of the silver screen.
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