Ordinary People Rank the 20 Most Iconic Women in History

They say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and what we consider beautiful has certainly evolved over the years. Still, when asked to name the most stunning women in recent memory, a group of internet users came together to vote for the stars who have left a lasting impression. Their selections include women from both classic and modern Hollywood, and each one has left her mark with grace, charm, and undeniable presence. Here are the top 20 most beautiful famous women of recent times, ranked by the public.

Coming in at number 20 is Diane Lane. She first appeared on the cover of a major fashion magazine in 1979, which marked her early start as one of Hollywood’s youngest rising stars. Diane’s beauty and acting talent have earned her spots on several “most desirable” lists in the mid-2000s, and she has continued to impress audiences with a career full of awards and critical acclaim.

Natalie Wood takes the 19th spot. She began acting at a young age and quickly caught Hollywood’s attention with Academy Award nominations while still a teenager. By the 1970s, she had become one of the most recognizable and respected actresses on screen. Even today, Natalie remains a symbol of elegance and timeless Hollywood glamor.

At number 18, Jane Seymour is known for portraying strong, spirited female characters. Her performance in the hit series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman made her a household name in the 1990s and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Dramatic Actress. Her poise and classic beauty made her a favorite on both television and the red carpet.

Halle Berry lands in 17th place. Before taking Hollywood by storm, Halle was a beauty pageant competitor and even became a finalist in Miss World 1986. Though she began acting in the late ’80s, her breakout roles in the 2000s—most notably as Storm in X-Men and her Oscar-winning performance in Monster’s Ball—cemented her place as one of the most talented and beautiful women in entertainment.

Kate Beckinsale holds the 16th spot. In addition to her acting career, she has modeled for high-end fashion brands and appeared in several beauty campaigns. Her mix of charm, intelligence, and stunning looks has made her a recurring name on lists of Hollywood’s most attractive celebrities.

Elizabeth Taylor, a giant of classic Hollywood, ranks 15th. Known for her violet eyes and unforgettable screen presence, she was one of the first actresses to have her private life as closely followed as her films. In the 1990s, she was recognized as one of the greatest female legends of cinema, and her impact on pop culture endures.

Coming in at 14 is Natalie Portman. She’s a multi-talented artist with a background in ballet, jazz, and theater, in addition to her acclaimed acting career. Natalie has graced countless fashion magazine covers and is praised for combining talent, intellect, and elegance in a way that sets her apart.

Jaclyn Smith takes the 13th spot. Best known for her role in the original Charlie’s Angels TV series, she began her career as a model and commercial actress before becoming a television icon. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, her timeless beauty earned her numerous accolades and a lasting place in pop culture history.

Michelle Pfeiffer ranks 12th. She famously appeared on the cover of a major magazine at age 41, challenging the idea that beauty has an expiration date. In the ’90s, she was both one of the most highly paid and most admired actresses in Hollywood. Her blend of striking looks and undeniable talent has kept her at the top of fans’ minds for decades.

Elizabeth Hurley, at number 11, originally trained in theater and dance before transitioning to acting. Her beauty and charisma have made her a favorite in fashion circles, and she’s frequently described as captivating and elegant. From magazine covers to red carpets, she’s maintained her status as a style icon.

Jessica Alba comes in at number 10. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses in the world, Jessica has built a successful career while striving to be taken seriously for her acting chops. She’s selective with her roles and continues to balance her public image with her personal aspirations.

Salma Hayek takes the 9th spot. Known for her powerful screen presence and distinctive beauty, Salma was often cast in roles that emphasized her allure. Over the years, she’s topped numerous magazine beauty lists and has become a leading figure among Latina actresses in Hollywood.

Catherine Zeta-Jones lands at number 8. She became an online sensation in the late ’90s and has since earned several prestigious awards for her acting. With classic Hollywood beauty and undeniable star power, Catherine remains one of the most admired figures in the entertainment industry.

Sophia Loren, ranked 7th, is one of the few remaining legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her beauty, talent, and iconic roles earned her multiple awards, including Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. Even today, she is a symbol of classic European elegance and screen charisma.

Charlize Theron is in 6th place. A South African native, Charlize began her career as a dancer and model before moving into acting. She has earned widespread recognition for both her acting skills and her physical beauty, even being named one of Time’s most influential people in 2016.

Scarlett Johansson claims the 5th spot. Her roles in major blockbusters like the Marvel Cinematic Universe have made her a global superstar. She was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood for two consecutive years and has also been hailed as one of the most influential and glamorous celebrities of our time.

Marilyn Monroe, an icon of beauty and sensuality, comes in at number 4. Known for her platinum hair and signature style, Marilyn remains a cultural icon decades after her passing. Her face became a symbol of 1950s glamour, and in 1999, she was officially listed among the most legendary actresses in Hollywood history.

Grace Kelly ranks third. The Oscar-winning actress left her career behind to marry Prince Rainier III and become Princess of Monaco. Despite her short time in Hollywood, her beauty and elegance left a permanent impression, and she’s still celebrated as one of the most stylish women to ever grace the silver screen.

Raquel Welch takes second place. She rose to fame in the 1960s and became a cultural icon known for her bold beauty and confidence. She earned a Golden Globe in 1974 and held a lasting influence in television, film, and fashion throughout her career.

Topping the list at number one is Audrey Hepburn. Best known for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey’s style and grace redefined beauty for generations. She was more than just a screen star—she was also a humanitarian, fashion icon, and the epitome of elegance. Her legacy continues to inspire, with countless books and documentaries celebrating her life and charm.

Wondering how the men compare? Check out the list of the Top 10 Most Handsome Men in the World, carefully ranked by experts.

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