Movie trends come and go, but the timeless women entertaining with their alluring presence have remained forces of influence in their respective spheres. With their captivating performances, charismatic screen appeal, and beauty, these various women have risen through years of acting to become some of the industry’s most popular actresses. While their popularity definitely stems from their talent and hardwork, it’s also evident that their ageless bodies is a huge factor. Here are 15 hottest actresses over 40.
Also Check: 15 Beautiful Young Hollywood Actresses under 30 of 2024
1. Charlize Theronz
View this post on Instagram
An epitome of beauty and brains, Charlize Theronz, fully embodies everything that a supermodel cum superstar should be. With “The Devil’s Advocate,” Charlize won the hearts of many, and set an excellent foundation for the million-dollar career that she now boasts off. For almost 30 years, the South African born actress is noted as one of the highest paid American actresses. She has been recognized for her works in the horror and action genre, with movies like the 2003 “Monster,” 2019 “Bombshell,” 2020 “Atomic Blonde,” among others. Her performance in Louis Leterrier’s 2023 “Fast X” is yet another proof of her excellence as a thespian.
2. Sofia Vergara
View this post on Instagram
Even if you’ve never sat down to see a full Sofia Vergara movie, you’ve definitely seen the hilarious clips of her character ‘Gloria’ in the popular Modern Family series. A product of almost three decades of premium entertainment, Sofia’s portfolio proudly stretches across American and Spanish movies, as evident in her beautiful accent. The Colombian born actress, whose face is popular as one of the judges on America’s Got Talent is a multiple award winning performer. However, the sexy Griselda Blanco star and producer is not just bagging the awards, but she’s also getting the bag as one of the industry’s highest paid actresses.
3. Salma Hayek
View this post on Instagram
Despite several years of showing up, Salma Hayek still effortlessly brings that evergreen allure to her performances. The beautiful thespian, whose career began on Mexican screens has always proven to be a born star. From bagging awards with her first few roles and making her entry into the American scenes in the 90s, she has spent almost four decades of her life in entertainment. And, unsurprisingly for a superstar like her, Salma is regarded as one of America’s most popular actresses, with big bucks to show for it. Even better, the 56 year old mother of one continues to look like she doesn’t age.
4. Jessica Alba
View this post on Instagram
From starting as a teen entertainer in the 90s, Jessica Alba has risen to become a renowned veteran performer, with credits in some of the world’s most popular movies. With skills that place her among America’s best, and beauty that makes her irresistible, the California-born celebrity will forever be a screen diva. A multiple award-winning performer, Jessica’s talent has been evident in roles across TV and film. Some of her most acclaimed works include James Cameron’s Dark Angel, L.A.’s Finest, The Eye. Her recent role as ‘Parker’ in Netflix”s “Trigger Warning” is yet another win for the books.
5. Jennifer Lopez
View this post on Instagram
What’s a superstar without JLo’s name in it? When it comes to balancing beauty and talent with boldness, Jennifer Lopez is one great example of that. A multi talented entertainer from The Bronx, NY, Lopez is one of the few actresses whose efforts have been impactful in paving the way for the rise of others. Thanks to her acting, dancing as well as singing skills, Jen has carved out her own niche as one of the most versatile performers in the world. With nine studio albums in her name, Lopez has also featured in several movies and TV roles. In 2024 alone, she has featured in “Atlas,” “Unstoppable,” and her musical film, “This is Me…Now: A Love Story,” with more on the way.
6. Lana Parrilla
View this post on Instagram
She may have played ‘The Evil Queen’ in Once Upon a Time, but Lana Parrilla’s profile is anything but evil. For about 25 years, the Brooklyn-born entertainer has showcased applaudable efforts in owning her roles. Whether as ‘Rita Castillo’ in Why Women Kill, ‘Lisa Trammell’ in The Lincoln Lawyer or as ‘Val Shepherd in “Atlas,” Lana Parrilla never fails to show us why she is one of Hollywood’s best veteran actresses. The Spin City star has come a long way since the 2000s and even at 47, it looks like she’s just starting out with the hotness.
7. Emily Blunt
View this post on Instagram
Well over a decade later, our acclaimed ‘Queen Victoria’ from Graham King’s “The Young Victoria” is still ever regal in her screen appearances. Emily Blunt thrives on many things, but one thing that continues to make her stand out in the British entertainment space is her versatility. From period dramas to romance, horror thriller, comedy and adventure, Emily has got her face and name everywhere! An Oscar-nominated celebrity, Emily Blunt has continued to showcase her superstar status with her appearances in multi-million dollar movies like “Oppenheimer,” and her work in David Leitch’s “The Fall Guy.”
8. Halle Berry
View this post on Instagram
Arguably one of the sexiest and most successful women on the American entertainment landscape, Halle Berry is everything desirable. The Ohio-born performer has over the years shown impressive screen power, credited to her sexy screen appeal, as well as her status as a top supermodel. Her appearances in over 80 screen roles is no doubt proof of her influence, but her multiple awards, including an Oscar and Emmy Award make it even better. Even at 58, Halle Berry keeps shining effortlessly as the star that she is, with recent roles in Julian Farino’s “The Union” and “Never Let Go,” which she co-produced.
9. Kate Beckinsale
View this post on Instagram
With a face as bright as the sun and sexiness that is unmatched, Kate Beckinsale of London was literally made for fame. For an actress who has actually lived a considerable part of her life before the cameras, she’s got a great deal of success to show for it. A multi award-winning star, Kate’s three-decade career has established her presence in not only the British landscape, but also with credits in Hollywood. Her expertise has been proven in diverse film genres, predominantly in action and period drama.
10. Hayley Atwell
View this post on Instagram
Just like her popular ‘Peggy Carter’ character, Hayley Atwell is a born leader. Notable for her on-screen charisma and appeal, the 42-year old actress takes her flowers as one of the best in the game. The England-born Belle, who has been repeatedly praised for her works in period movies like “The Duchess,” also owns her crown when it comes to action and adventure. Her appearances in “The Pride,” Life of Crime, and Howard Ends have all gotten her multiple nominations, while she got an award for “Major Barbara.”
11. Rebecca Ferguson
View this post on Instagram
Sweden-born actress, Rebecca Ferguson has built a career of about 25 years showing us what it takes to be a screen queen. The “Mission Impossible” star has acquired fame for her resilient on-screen charisma, which is quite evident in her most popular works. Few of her most notable roles include the dual character she played in Shamim Sarif’s “Despite the Falling Snow,” “Doctor Sleep,” Dune, and “The Greatest Showman.” The Silo actress and multiple-time Best Actress awardee has also established herself as a brilliant movie producer.
12. Zoe Saldana
View this post on Instagram
Action film superstar and multiple award-winning performer, Zoe Saldana has appeared in over 60 screen roles and she is actively increasing those figures by the day. While the “Star Trek” actress is most popular for her sci-fi features like, she has equally made appearances in other productions like her romance role in From Scratch. Also, she has been in voice acting for a show like Maya and the Three, as well as in comedy with “Death at a Funeral,” among several others. Zoe is a proud recipient of multiple prestigious awards and is now regarded as the second highest paid actress, thanks to her massive box office figures.
13. Natalie Portman
View this post on Instagram
From Jerusalem to Broadway and finally to the big screens of Hollywood, Natalie Portman has had quite a run. With over 30 years in, Portman’s career has greatly evolved from the young girl who played ‘Mathilda’ in “Leon: The Professional.” Now, the 43-year old actress has not only built a million-dollar career from her roles in hit movies, but has also upped her game to become a film producer, show host cum director. Alongside her charismatic appeal, the Oscar award winning actress is one of the few entertainers who are multilingual. Talk about a perfect balance of beauty and brains.
14. Anne Hathaway
View this post on Instagram
If there’s one thing that we can take a bet on, it is the fact that Anne Hathaway literally kills any role she shows up in. It’s therefore quite expected that the NY City-born superstar is one of the world’s top earning actresses. The Oscar awardee, since 1997 has appeared in aprox 66 screen roles, with features almost every year since 1999. The “Mothers’ Instinct” performer, who is a literal born star has excelled great in not only her stage and screen roles, but also made her mark as a talented singer and movie producer.
15. Penelope Cruz
View this post on Instagram
It’s always a pleasure to see Penelope Cruz Sanchez take the screens. Apart from her award winning acting skills, one other thing sets her apart. And, this is that Pen is one of the hottest actresses across Spain and America. Even at 50 years, with about 35 years into her highly successful career, the “Parallel Mothers” actress still makes heads turn. The Oscar award winning superstar, alongside her entertainment career, has also been a choice pick for some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including L’Oreal.
