Top 10 Best Actresses of the 1980s

The 1980s. Big hair, synth-pop, shoulder pads, and a whole lot of memorable movies. But behind the leg warmers and neon lights was a seriously talented group of actresses who absolutely owned the screen. Drama, comedy, horror, action. Whatever genre Hollywood was churning out, there were women out there stealing scenes and racking up awards like it was just another Tuesday.

This list is for the actresses who defined the decade in their own way. Not just the familiar names you saw on red carpets, but the ones who turned good movies into great ones with just a look, a line, or a perfectly timed emotional breakdown. You're not just voting on who had the biggest box office numbers or the most Oscar nominations. Plenty of them had those too. You're voting on who truly stood out in a decade stacked with talent.

The Top Ten

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Marie Pfeiffer is an American actress and producer. She gained major popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. Pfeiffer has earned international acclaim and numerous awards for her performances in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Michelle Pfeiffer wasn't just one of the best, if not the best, actresses of the '80s, but she is still one of the best actresses today. She is multitalented: an oil painter, singer, and she can fix things around the house. She is stunningly beautiful, a loving mother and wife, and a classy and inspiring woman.
She doesn't hog the spotlight or use her children or sex appeal to make headlines, and she is extremely modest. Did I mention her potential for humor? Michelle Pfeiffer is timeless.

The Hollywood Knights (1980), Falling in Love Again (1980), Callie & Son (1981), Splendor in the Grass (1981), Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen (1981), Grease 2 (1982), Scarface (1983), Into the Night (1985), Ladyhawke (1985), Sweet Liberty (1986), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Amazon Women on the Moon (1987), Married to the Mob (1988), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), Tequila Sunrise (1988), The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989).
Meryl Streep

Mary Louise "Meryl" Streep is an American actress. Frequently cited in the media as the "best actress of her generation," Streep is renowned for her versatility, ability to fully embody diverse characters, and mastery of various accents.... read more

She has been in films such as Holocaust, Julia, The Deer Hunter, Manhattan, The Seduction of Joe Tynan, Kramer vs. Kramer, The French Lieutenant's Woman, Alice at the Palace, Still of the Night, Sophie's Choice, Silkwood, Falling in Love, Plenty, Out of Africa, Heartburn, Ironweed, A Cry in the Dark (aka Evil Angels), and She-Devil. And that's only the '70s and '80s, plus all the work on stage in the '60s and '70s. Ha!

Sophie's Choice was a tour de force and established her as the most accomplished actor of her generation.

She later won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Sophie's Choice (1982). The best Meryl.
Molly Ringwald

Molly Kathleen Ringwald is an American actress, singer, dancer, and author. Her first major television role was in The Facts of Life from 1979 to 1980. She made her motion picture debut in the independent film Tempest in 1982, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year - Actress.... read more

Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club are two of the greatest films of all time, partly thanks to the greatness of Molly Ringwald. It's a shame that you don't hear of her anymore.

Top 5 reasons: She is a wonderful actress, she is talented, she is beautiful, she is unique, and she has feeling as an actress.

Molly is the greatest. I love her. She is also probably one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen.
Glenn Close

Glenn Close is an American actress, singer, and film producer. Her career spans more than four decades, during which she has been praised for her versatility and commanding performances. Close has received numerous awards, including several Emmys, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards, along with multiple Academy... read more

Did any of you see Dangerous Liaisons or Fatal Attraction? She was absolutely amazing in both of these movies!
Sissy Spacek

Mary Elizabeth "Sissy" Spacek is an American actress and singer. She began her career in the early 1970s and first gained critical attention for her role in the 1973 film Badlands. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for portraying country singer Loretta Lynn in the 1980 film Coal Miner's Daughter... read more
Diane Lane

Diane Lane is an Oscar-nominated American actress. Born and raised in New York City, she made her screen debut in George Roy Hill's 1979 film A Little Romance, starring opposite Sir Laurence Olivier. Lane's later credits include Unfaithful, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Man of Steel.

Every character played by Diane Lane reminds me of, oh my gosh, Diane Lane. There are plenty of scenes where her efforts don't quite cut it. For the overwhelming majority of her scenes, however, she manages to convince me that Diane Lane is the character.
Either she's just that good, or I'm in love with her and can't tell the difference - or both.

Diane Lane was and is a beautiful actress. She is funny, lovely, and most of all, a great actress.

She was and still is an awesome actor. I liked her as Cherry Valance in The Outsiders movie!
Sigourney Weaver

Susan Alexandra "Sigourney" Weaver is an American actress and film producer. Following her film debut as a minor character in Annie Hall, she quickly rose to prominence in 1979 with her first lead role as Ellen Ripley in Alien.... read more

Eyewitness (1981), The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), Deal of the Century (1983), Ghostbusters (1984), One Woman or Two (1985), Aliens (1986), Half Moon Street (1986), Working Girl (1988), Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey (1988), Ghostbusters II (1989).

Ghostbusters and Aliens - enough said.
Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh is an American actress known for her wide range of film roles. She has also worked as a writer, producer, and director. One of her notable behind-the-scenes projects includes co-writing, co-directing, and co-producing the 2001 independent film The Anniversary Party.

If we are talking about the '80s and greatest actresses, she has to be in the top three. Too many movies to name.

One of her generation's great actresses.
Geena Davis

Virginia Elizabeth "Geena" Davis is an American actress, film producer, writer, voice actress, former model, and former archer. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Accidental Tourist (1988). She is also known for her roles in Thelma & Louise and A League of Their... read more

In her prime, she was a super sexy Amazon-type woman. She can eat cookies in my bed anytime!

She is very good in Beetlejuice and Stuart Little.

Tootsie (1982), Secret Weapons (1985), Fletch (1985), Transylvania 6-5000 (1985), The Fly (1986), Beetlejuice (1988), Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), The Accidental Tourist (1988).
Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates Kline, professionally known as Phoebe Cates, is an American retired film actress, model, and occasional singer. She is best known for her roles in films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and Gremlins (1984). Cates stepped away from acting in the mid-1990s to focus on raising her... read more

Phoebe Cates was not only beautiful but also a very good actress. She didn't always get the really good roles and was never really taken seriously by Hollywood. They only considered her a sex symbol, which she was, of course, but she definitely had acting talent besides beauty!

Phoebe Cates is a versatile actress. She can sing, dance, and she can make people cry in dramatic roles. She was just underrated. They could have given her more serious movie roles.

Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe! Damn, she is the essence of natural beauty. Just fabulous, inside and out!

The Newcomers

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Mia Farrow
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Bo Derek

Bo Derek is an American film and television actress, film producer, and model, perhaps best known for her breakthrough film role in the sex comedy 10. She posed for Playboy in March 1980, August 1980, and September 1981. Her iconic slow-motion run down the beach in the film 10 popularized the cornrow... read more

The Contenders

Sally Field

Sally Margaret Field is an American actress and director. She began her career on television, starring in the sitcoms Gidget, The Flying Nun, and The Girl with Something Extra. Over the years, Field has won multiple awards, including two Academy Awards and three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Hmm, Sally is a small-built woman who could really wear tight jeans well! (Ask Burt.) Very nice.
Jessica Lange

Jessica Phyllis Lange (born April 20, 1949) is an American actress acclaimed for her work in film, theater, and television. She made her film debut in the 1976 remake of King Kong, earning the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year. Since then, Lange has built a highly decorated career and is considered... read more
Whoopi Goldberg

Caryn Elaine Johnson, known professionally by her stage name Whoopi Goldberg, is an American actress, comedian, and television host. She is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Goldberg is also a long-time co-host on the daytime talk show The View.

In every movie she played, she showcased the complexities and wonders, or sadness, of life. Truly an icon.

Funny, all-around entertainer.

The Color Purple (1985), Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986), Burglar (1987), Fatal Beauty (1987), The Telephone (1988), Clara's Heart (1988), Kiss Shot (1989), Homer and Eddie (1989).
Ally Sheedy

Alexandra Elizabeth "Ally" Sheedy is an American film and stage actress, as well as the author of two books. She is best known for her roles in 1980s films such as The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, and WarGames. Sheedy was also a member of the Brat Pack, a group of young actors who frequently appeared... read more

She is a very good actress. I think she is the best.
I love her.
Jodie Foster

Alicia Christian "Jodie" Foster is an American actress, director, and producer who has worked in both film and television. She has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. Foster began her career as a child and is often regarded as one of the finest actresses... read more

Foxes (1980), Carny (1980), O'Hara's Wife (1982), Svengali (1983), The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), The Blood of Others (1984), Mesmerized (1986), Five Corners (1987), Siesta (1987), The Accused (1988), Stealing Home (1988).
Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis, Lady Haden-Guest, is an American actress and author. She made her film debut in 1978, starring as Laurie Strode in John Carpenter's horror classic Halloween. Curtis has since had a diverse career in both comedy and drama, and she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2023... read more

The Fog (1980), Prom Night (1980), Terror Train (1980), She's in the Army Now (1981), Roadgames (1981), Halloween II (1981), Callahan (1982), Money on the Side (1982), Love Letters (1983), Trading Places (1983), Grandview, U.S.A. (1984), Perfect (1985), As Summers Die (1986), A Man in Love (1987), Amazing Grace and Chuck (1987), Dominick and Eugene (1988), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), Blue Steel (1989).
Susan Sarandon

Susan Abigail Sarandon is an American actress. She has won an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award and is known for her roles in films such as Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking, and Bull Durham. Sarandon is also an outspoken activist, involved in various social and political causes, including environmental... read more

Atlantic City (1980), Loving Couples (1980), Tempest (1982), The Hunger (1983), The Buddy System (1984), Mussolini and I (1985), Compromising Positions (1985), Women of Valor (1986), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Bull Durham (1988), Sweet Hearts Dance (1988), The January Man (1989), A Dry White Season (1989).
Lesley Ann Warren
Kathleen Turner

Mary Kathleen Turner, better known as Kathleen Turner, is an American film and stage actress and director. She gained prominence in the 1980s with roles in films like Body Heat, Romancing the Stone, and Peggy Sue Got Married. Turner has also received critical acclaim for her stage performances and has... read more

Childhood classics like Jewel of the Nile and Romancing the Stone were practically one with my VCR! She was the epitome of natural beauty in the era of breast enlargement, liposuction, and plastic surgery.

Body Heat (1981), The Man with Two Brains (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), A Breed Apart (1984), Crimes of Passion (1984), Prizzi's Honor (1985), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), Julia and Julia (1987), The Accidental Tourist (1988), Switching Channels (1988), The War of the Roses (1989).

Kathleen Turner in her prime had a natural, vibrant femininity that could be breathtaking.
Debra Winger

Mary Debra Winger (born May 16, 1955) is an American actress. She starred in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Terms of Endearment (1983), and Shadowlands (1993), and each role earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best... read more

An Australian actress and director. She was absolutely gorgeous in "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid," where her acting talents and her deadpan comic ability shone.

Sexy, but not overwhelmingly so. Looks great in tight jeans (Urban Cowboy mechanical bull scene). She's hot enough.

Terms of Endearment was my favorite, along with Urban Cowboy.
Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder is an American actress who made her film debut in the 1986 film Lucas. She rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s with roles in films like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands. Ryder has received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations throughout her career.
Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton, born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, was an American film actress, director, and producer. She began her career on stage and made her screen debut in 1970.
Her first major film role was as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather (1972). However, her collaborations with director and co-star... read more
Kim Basinger

Kimila Ann Basinger is an American actress, singer, and former fashion model. She began her career as a model in New York during the 1970s before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Basinger gained fame for her roles in films such as Never Say Never Again, Batman, and L.A. Confidential, the last... read more

She is the sexiest woman. I would love to buy her lunch. And I'm 74 years old. I just love the lady.

Hard Country (1981), Killjoy (1981), Mother Lode (1982), Never Say Never Again (1983), The Man Who Loved Women (1983), The Natural (1984), Fool for Love (1985), Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986), No Mercy (1986), Blind Date (1987), Nadine (1987), My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988), Batman (1989).
Brooke Shields

Brooke Christa Shields is an American actress, model, and former child star. She began her career as a child model and gained critical acclaim at age 12 for her lead role in Louis Malle's controversial 1978 film Pretty Baby, where she portrayed a child prostitute in early 20th-century New Orleans. Shields... read more

So stunning to look at, and a great actress for her age at the time in The Blue Lagoon, Endless Love, and my favorite adventure films Sahara (1983), Wet Gold (1984), and Brenda Starr (1986).
The most beautiful woman of the '80s. Hence her title of Face of the '80s on the cover of Time magazine.

A timeless beauty. So sad she was exploited at a young age.

I loved her work in The Blue Lagoon. Best movie ever!
Nastassja Kinski

Nastassja Aglaia Kinski was born on January 24, 1961 and is a German actress and former model. She has appeared in more than 60 films across Europe and the United States. She is the daughter of the actor Klaus Kinski.
Nastassja achieved her worldwide breakthrough with Stay As You Are in 1978.... read more

A perfect actress, a beautiful woman.
A goddess.
Such a talented woman. One from the Heart (1982), Cat People (1982), Spring Symphony (1983), Exposed (1983), The Moon in the Gutter (1983), Unfaithfully Yours (1984), The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), Paris, Texas (1984), Maria's Lovers (1984), Harem (1985), Revolution (1985), Malady of Love (1987), Silent Night (1989), Torrents of Spring (1989), On a Moonlit Night (1989).
Good movies, but there are many more good movies with Nastassja.

One from the Heart (1982), Cat People (1982), Spring Symphony (1983), Exposed (1983), The Moon in the Gutter (1983), Unfaithfully Yours (1984), The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), Paris, Texas (1984), Maria's Lovers (1984), Harem (1985), Revolution (1985), Malady of Love (1987), Silent Night (1989), Torrents of Spring (1989), On a Moonlit Night (1989).