Discussions regarding the most gorgeous women around the globe are never-ending and constantly evolving with the addition of new faces. Nevertheless, there is a general consensus about the exceptional beauty of certain women. These women are a blend of celebrities, models, and other notable figures.
If you’ve been looking for a definitive answer to who the most stunning women in the world are, you’re in the right place. Not only are the women we’re about to mention visually striking, but they’ve also had a significant impact on the world via their talents and abilities.
Continue reading to learn more about these ladies.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s name is indubitably synonymous with Hollywood’s transformation, making her introduction unnecessary. Her legacy as one of the world’s most beautiful women endures, warranting her inclusion on our list. Till this day, she remains an epitome of beauty, inspiring many women and young girls worldwide.
She lived her life helping raise beauty standards and always advocated that imperfection is beauty so young girls don’t chase ridiculous standards. Monroe was one of the most well-known women of her time, and people globally celebrate her till now.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry launched her career as a model following her victory in the Miss Teen All-American Pageant, eventually gaining global recognition. She made her mark by starring in Living Dolls and the Flintstones movie, taking on the character of Miss Sharon Stone. These roles were amongst her most notable during the early stages of her career.
She later triumphed at the Golden Globe Academy Awards, bagging the Best Actress award for a TV movie. Her journey didn’t stop there as she strived to win another academy accolade. Achieving her goal in 2002, she was honored with the Best Actress award for her stunning performance in Monsters Ball.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren, a highly revered and stunning star from Italy, initiated her career in acting at the tender age of fourteen and continues to produce outstanding films that capture the hearts of viewers. She is famed for her roles in movies like “Grumpier Old Men,” “A Countess from Hong Kong,” and “The Pride and the Passion.”
Loren is one of the most famous and bold actresses for telling the world that she does not shave her armpits. Of course, we think that even this does not take away from her beauty but adds to it. Not everyone dares to be so open about this habit.
Julie Ege
Julie Ege, like several ambitious women, embarked on her career journey when she was just fifteen years old. By the age of eighteen, she had managed to secure the runner-up position in the Miss Norway contest. The contest boosted her confidence significantly, leading her to take part in the Miss Universe competition. Afterwards, she resolved to relocate to the UK.
Ege initiated her acting journey in the 1960s, beginning with minor roles as she sought to establish herself in the industry. She is best known for her unforgettable performance in “Up Pompeii”. Recognizing her beauty, Ege utilized it as a means of financial support.
Brigitte Bardot
Starting as a dancer in the field of performing arts, Brigitte Bardot started acting later in the 50s. One of her controversial films of her was by Robert Vadim, And God Created Women was the one that rose her to international fame.
She was so beautiful that critics in the 60s used to call her “undeniably a creation of superlative craftsmanship.” Always breaking the mold, that is Brigitte Bardot for you. After a while, she quit acting and became an animal rights activist.
Jane Fonda
What an artist Jane Fonda is! The industry has never such a powerhouse like her. In every
Oscar season her entry is much awaited and she just steals the show. Due to her dedication she is still working in movies even in her 80s having the same charisma and passion like she used to.
Even being from a prolific family, Jane Fonda never used this to her benefit. Having an extremely different personality from her relatives, Jane excelled in the industry like no one did. TV, movies and even Broadway, list something that Jane Fonda can’t do.
Ann-Margaret Olsson
Ann-Margaret Olsson is a Swedish-American performer with multiple talents, including singing and acting. Her Bye Bye Birdie acting role helped her become one of the most prominent actresses while already having a successful singing career. She has excelled in both these fields, and she is
one of the most beautiful women in the world.
Olsson peaked five years after entering the industry, and she has never looked back since. You will see her in many roles, as her acting skills are beyond fantastic. Don’t forget to watch one of her movies if you haven’t already, as you will thank us later.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, though born in England to American parents, didn’t stay there for long. Before the onset of World War II, she relocated with her family to California. Even during her younger years, Taylor was outstandingly gorgeous and her mother encouraged her to showcase her beauty on television.
The unique feature of Elizabeth Taylor was her two eyebrow rows that gave her eyes a shape you will not see anywhere else. Taylor soon became a child star, just as her mother wanted, and she became one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood. She starred in many movies during her stardom days.
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks is the name you must know in the modeling industry, as she is one of the top American models. Her modeling career began in 1990 with Elite Model Management. They are one of the top modeling agencies globally that launched Banks’ career on the right note.
Banks has appeared in Victoria’s Secret, GQ Magazine, Vogue Spain, and many other reputable magazines. Of course, one of the top things that Banks is known for is her hosting in America’s Top Model. She was also the executive producer for this show, and it led her career in another great direction.
Sophie Marceau
She embarked on her career in her teenage years, primarily starring in Italian and other European productions. For an extended period, Sophie was an integral figure in the European film landscape. Nevertheless, her initiation into Hollywood came with her role in the movie, Braveheart. One of her significant performances was in the James Bond film, The World Is Not Enough.
She is known as one of the most beautiful artists of the industry. However, she has always denied these claims and confused why people find her attractive. All she has to say about it is that she is photogenic and modest, that is all.
Barbara Eden
I Dream of Jeannie is one of the most popular sitcoms of the 60s, and that is what brought Barbara Eden to fame at the start of her career. However, many people don’t know that the producers of this show originally wanted a brunette for the role.
Of course, Eden wowed the producers, which is why they thought she was a perfect fit for the show. Eden was beautiful, funny, and performed the role incredibly well. Ever since then, Barbara Eden has been a TV star and one of the most charismatic women you will get to see on the screen.
Barbara Parkins
Many young girls dream of becoming famous and a part of the Hollywood industry. Barbara Parkins had similar dreams, which is why she moved to Los Angeles when she was sixteen. Of course, these initial years were a struggle for her, as she was a backup dancer and singer behind well-known
stars in nightclubs.
The Valley of the Dolls was her rise to fame, as she stayed with the series for the entire duration. Her performance was nothing short of breath-taking in the series, which is why she was nominated for an
Emmy for this role.
Kim Basinger
During the 70s, Basinger began her career as a model, and she proved to be quite successful at it due to her charismatic looks. After that, she moved to Los Angeles and decided to branch out and experiment with her acting skills. During this time, she starred in many movies that were created
for the TV.
Nevertheless, her acting journey improved significantly when she featured in Hard Country. She also played a Bond Girl in Never Say Never Again, a role which transformed Basinger into an iconic figure. She continues her acting career and has starred in a number of films since then.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Unless you have been living under a rock, you must know who Michelle Pfeiffer. She became one of the most iconic women during the late 80s, as she had incredible acting skills and beauty like no other. If you have watched Scarface, you must remember that she gave a memorable performance
even though she was in a supporting role.
After her Scarface days, she landed more serious roles that allowed her to showcase her acting talent. Any list of beautiful women that changed history is incomplete without mentioning Michelle Pfeiffer. She will always remain phenomenal in the industry.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams kickstarted her enduring career in the entertainment industry by winning the Miss America title in 1984. Nonetheless, she had to relinquish this title due to some personal circumstances. Despite many thinking that this would lead to her fading away, she defied the odds and embarked on an acting journey instead.
The best-known role Williams has undertaken thus far is her character in Ugly Betty. This part earned her a Golden Globe award and nominations for both the SAG award and Emmy. She also made an impact in the music business, with several Grammy nominations to her name.
Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange has been perceived as existing in two realms of acting. During the early 80s and 90s, she was nominated for Academy Awards for her outstanding performances in six films. Her cheerful demeanor and charisma made her a favorite among fans and fellow actors on set.
However, later in her career Jessica slowed things down and focused more on the type of work she wants to accept. Recently you can see her working in five seasons of American Horror Story. For her the type of work and story is more important as it helps reflect her personality and taste to her fans.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron has humble beginnings, as she grew up on a small farm in South Africa. However, she finally made her way to the silver screen and soon became one of the top actresses in the industry.
Theron’s original plans did not involve acting, as she was interested in becoming a ballet dancer.
However, the ballet training took a toll on her body, and modelling scouts were always after her to star in shoots. She did some modelling and then began acting, after which she never looked back, and rightly so. Theron has won an Academy Award and is one of the top celebrated actresses.
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner always knew she was beautiful, and she capitalized on her beauty in this industry. MGM was one of the first ones to sign her, after which she quickly rose to fame. However, it still took her at
least five years to make a breakthrough in the industry, which happened after her movie The Killers.
For fifty years, Ava Gardner was one of the most popular names in Hollywood you would hear about. However, in the 80s, her health took a toll on her as she was a chain smoker. Gardner went through two strokes, emphysema, and she passed away in 1990 because of pneumonia.
Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid, the actress from Sweden, achieved global recognition through her performance in Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart. Notwithstanding, her acting origins were in German and Swedish films. She is arguably regarded as the most stunning international celebrity in the history of entertainment.
Even after going through rough times, Ingrid didn’t let that affect her work and she stayed dedicated towards her work. She was one of the most convicted actress directors during that time had worked with. However, after having a great career she was diagnosed with breast cancer and later passed away due to it.
Elizabeth Hurley
Hugh Grant’s relationship with Elizabeth Hurley helped her gain public recognition. Hurley made a significant impact at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral, where she wore a black Versace dress fastened with gold safety pins, which quickly became a style sensation. This event also helped Versace become a prominent name in the household. Essentially, they were responsible for catapulting Hurley into the public’s view.
After this, Estee Lauder also chose Hurley as their spokeswoman, even though she had no modelling experience. She has also starred in many famous movies that made her rise to fame. All of us can agree that she is definitely an iconic, beautiful woman.
Isabella Rossellini
Isabella is the child of Ingrid Bergman, one of the most attractive artists mentioned in this catalog. Initially, her profession revolved around modeling, then she ventured into the showbiz sector. She notably served as the ambassador for Lancôme for approximately 14 years.
However,she also played in many films and TV series. One of the most popular works of her was in the movie Blue Velvet by David Lynch. She used her position for activism as well mainly for conservation work. Now she focus on her activism work and is recently part of a TV show named Julia.
Julie
Andrews
Julie Andrews is an actress who has stayed prominent for a significant period. She became a sensation in the 80s and her career was transformed by two iconic roles.
Undeniably, her performance as Mary Poppins was exceptional and won global praise. Additionally, her role in The Sound of Music was unforgettable. Over a span of seven decades, she earned numerous awards and accomplishments. Recognized as one of the best English actresses for her influential contribution to the performing arts, that’s Julie Andrews in a nutshell.
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge, despite her brief life, undoubtedly served as a source of inspiration for countless people. She made history as the first black woman to receive a nomination for Best Actress. Recognized primarily for her acting, singing, and dance talents, Dorothy was an extraordinary performer.
Starting her career as a young comedy artist, Dandridge was later a part of a band. She also worked as a singer in many nightclubs until she received recognition. Her dedication and hard work led to her receiving an Oscar nomination for her notable performance in Porgy and Bess for her main lead as Bess.
Ursula Andress
The Bond girls gained incredible fame, and Ursula Andress was one of them, which was also the reason she rose to fame. However, Andress had a German and Swiss accent, which led to the directors dubbing her voice in the movie. The role made her incredibly famous, and she went on to
progress her career even further.
A few years later, Andress also appeared in the Playboy magazine. During this time, many people asked her why she decided to go naked. Of course, Andress gave a confident answer to everyone as her reason for posing naked was that she is beautiful.
Veronica Lake
Veronica Lake passed away about half a century ago, yet her mark on the entertainment industry remains. She was known for starring in multiple femme fatale movies. Her career was also at its peak
during the 1940s when she worked with Alan Ladd. However, her career suffered a
blow due to her drinking problem.
She was also involved in a series of failed relationships that encouraged her drinking issue. Ultimately, this is the presumed cause of her death in 1973. Lake’s career declined as her drinking issue progressed, and her last role was in 1970. Of course, she is still remembered for her iconic performances and unique hairstyle.
Gene Tierney
Gene Tierney, though not as well-known as some of her contemporaries, unquestionably left an indelible footprint on the Hollywood landscape. She was renowned not just for her outstanding performances in leading roles, but also for her remarkable beauty. It’s worth noting that Tierney is often acknowledged for her significant contribution to the creation of the femme fatale film genre.
Her best-known role was in the movie Laura, but she also received an Academy Award nomination for her Leave Her to Heaven role. Tierney’s last role in the film industry was in the 1964 movie The Pleasure Seekers. After that, she only acted in several TV series before passing away in 1971.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher was one of the best American actresses because of many reasons. Her most notable character was Princess Leia in Star Wars. She was the first actress to help the cinema divert from the
“damsel in distress” trope. Princess Leia was an independent woman who helped her potential rescuers.
She was also nominated for the Saturn Awards four times and has appeared in multiple roles. However, Princess Leia remains her best character. Fisher also appeared in the 2019 Star Wars series posthumously. She also made a mark in the industry by starring in famous TV shows such as The
Big Bang Theory.
Kim Novak
Kim Novak might be retired, but she remains recognized for her numerous roles in Hollywood. Columbia Pictures hired her as a substitute for Rita Hayworth, a leading star from the 1940s. This was a wise move by the production company as Kim Novak rapidly rose to stardom.
She has appeared in multiple blockbusters such as Picnic, Pal Joey, and The Man with the Golden Arm. Kim’s acting career lasted for a few decades before she completely retired in the 90s. She also had a
cancer scare in 2010 but was treated successfully. Novak is also a painter, and a book of her paintings was published in 2021.
Goldie Hawn
The American entertainment industry flourished in the 70s, with a slew of hits emerging during this era. Numerous sitcoms from this period still enjoy popularity today. Goldie Hawn skyrocketed to fame through a comedy sketch show in the 70s. Following this, she featured in Cactus Flower in a supporting role.
Her performance in the movie was excellent and helped her earn various accolades. She received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Besides that, Hawn also earned an Academy Award for Cactus Flower. She is still going strong and starred in a comedy film with Amy Schumer in 2017.
Pam Grier
Pam Grier is also another famous actress of the 1970s who changed the industry significantly. She starred primarily in action films and is known as the queen of Blaxploitation movies. Quentin Tarantino also refers to her as the cinema’s first female action star. Grier is also known for acting in women in prison films.
The diva is not only famous in the film industry but has also starred in multiple TV series. You may remember her from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She also played a prominent role in the groundbreaking series, The L Word. Her latest performance was in 2020.
Sharon Tate
Regrettably, Sharon Tate’s alarming and tragic demise tends to overshadow her career, as it often garners more attention. She initially ventured into the film industry, proving to be a promising prospect. She stood out for her remarkable prowess in handling both dramatic and comedic roles.
In 1968, Tate got married to Roman Polanski. Unfortunately, she was eight months pregnant when she passed away, and the world will never forget this. However, Tate still lives in our hearts, and she
was truly one of the most beautiful women in the world who went before her time.
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale earned a beautiful trip to Italy after she won the Most Beautiful Girl in Tunisia title, and rightly so. During this trip, she struggled with speaking Italian, but her beautiful features got her acting and modelling opportunities that she seized. In the early years of Cardinale’s career, she had a French tone and hoarse tone, which is why they used to dub her voice.
In 2000, Cardinale became the goodwill ambassador at UNESCO for women’s defence. That is because she is incredibly open about women’s rights and supports them. She is a combination of a beautiful and intelligent woman.
Jaclyn Smith
If you have seen the TV version of Charlie’s Angels, you are probably familiar with Kelly Garrett, which Jaclyn Smith played. The show is the reason that she gained stardom in the industry and went on to boost her career with other roles. She also stars in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle movie.
After this, you will find Smith in many TV shows and roles, but none of them gained as much popularity as Charlie’s Angels. Of course, we can understand how beautiful she is because she has married four times. Her beauty and talent will always remain unparalleled.
Audrey Hepburn
Everyone knows who Audrey Hepburn is, as the Breakfast for Tiffany’s poster is one of the most iconic posters you will witness to date. However, her rise to fame was when she starred in Roman Holiday. The role got Hepburn the first Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and even a BAFTA.
Besides that, Hepburn is most famous for the humanitarian, philanthropy, and charity work that she did during her life. Unfortunately, in 1933, Hepburn was diagnosed with abdominal cancer, which was
soon the cause of her death. However, she is still a legend, and you will hear her name in many places.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai is one of the most beautiful women in India, and she keeps making it to such lists because of her ageless beauty. She started her modelling career when she was in college, which is when she won Miss World. After that, she took her career in another direction by starring in
famous Bollywood movies.
A unique aspect of Aishwarya Rai is that even though she has been in the public eye more than any other woman in India, she has still managed to keep her life private. Her beauty is full of grace and
timelessness, just like her acting.
Catherine Deneuve
Catherine Deneuve is a French actress, and her career launched enigmatically when she starred in Les Parapluies de Cherbourg. It was a French film like a musical, as all the dialogues were sung. Catherine
received even more fame when she played a role in Repulsion that wowed her audience.
Of course, ever since then, Catherine has starred in many movies and made a name for herself in the acting industry. Recently, she has denounced the MeToo movement. According to Catherine, it is a witch hunt, and she will take no part in this, which is why she has been vocal about it.
Jayne Kennedy
Jayne Kennedy, an accomplished American sportscaster, actress, and model, was bestowed the honor of being Miss Ohio, thus becoming the first African-American woman to receive this title. Her recognition in this prestigious event propelled her into nationwide fame. The same year she earned the title, she also met the man who would become her husband.
Jayne got married to him soon after meeting him, but that did not stop her career. She has appeared on TV, and she even tried her hand at creating exercise videos to help other people. Jayne divorced her first husband in 82, and three years later, married Bill Overton.
Sally Field
The late Burt Reynolds’s performance in Smokey and the Bandit is well-known, yet one must also acknowledge the exceptional acting abilities of Sally Field. Field, who at one point had a relationship with Reynolds, subsequently featured in numerous popular films, some of which you may have watched.
Her movies include Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, Steel Magnolias, etc. In her recent career, she starred in Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2 as Aunt May. Field also starred in Lincoln and was nominated for the role of Best Actress, as her performance in this movie was phenomenal.
Vivien Leigh
If you’ve seen A Streetcar Named Desire and Gone with the Wind, then you’re definitely familiar with Vivien Leigh. However, Leigh was of the opinion that her looks took center stage over her acting abilities, with people often paying more attention to her physical attractiveness than her performances. This sentiment was also shared by several others in the industry.
The last few decades of Leigh’s life were the most painful for her as she often suffered from tuberculosis. Unfortunately, she left this plane of existence in 1967, when her tuberculosis illness recurred. However, her name is still well-known in the acting world.
Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall was famous for her unique voice and charismatic looks. She was one of the top American actresses who was given the title of the twentieth greatest female star of classic Hollywood during the years she was active. However, Bacall began as a model as she was shooting for
Harper’s Bazaar.
Of course, after this, her acting career also took off, and she displayed some excellent acting skills in her movies. Her beauty was also one of the top reasons she became famous, as everyone loved her
blue-green eyes and blonde hair. Unfortunately, Bacall passed away in 2014.
Jane Birkin
Renowned for her work in both French and English cinema, Jane Birkin reached global stardom due in part to her extensive relationship with Serge Gainsbourg. Nevertheless, despite their split, Birkin’s career remained unscathed and she continued to be a remarkable figure in the industry.
Doing various independent films just increased her popularity and now she is known as Europe’s finest actress. It didn’t end here, after a while Birkin had a Hermes bag named after her after she revealed that she wasn’t able to find a weekend leather bag. So the company just named a bag after her, what a life that is.
Britt Ekland
The renowned Swedish actress and vocalist, Britt Ekland, was one of the most celebrated figures of the past century. She dominated the conversation in the 1960s and 1970s due to her standout performances. Notably, one of her most acclaimed roles was the Bond girl in the film, The Man with the Golden Gun.
She was much appreciated for the work she did and many people were diehard fan of her beauty. Peter Sellers fell for her beauty and just proposed her after seeing her picture in a newspaper. Since then she rose to fame day by day.
Loretta Young
Loretta Young is recognized as a veteran in the industry, having a lengthy career as an actress. She broke into the industry as a child actress, thus she was truly young at the start of her career. She made her debut in 1917 and even garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in the movie, “The Farmer’s Daughter”.
During her career Young married the famous actor Grant Withers but the marriage ended in just a year. The reason being her affair with Spencer Tracy that later got public and affected her personal life.
Grace Kelly
Renowned as one of the entertainment industry’s greatest actresses, Grace Kelly may have had a brief stint of five years in the industry, yet she garnered enough fame and a significant fanbase that has continued to remain dedicated to her. Her acting career came to a halt when she tied the knot with the Prince of Monaco.
However, it is sad how she passed away in a car crash while driving her daughter. Luckily, the daughter survived but Grace Kelly couldn’t. She is always going to be remembered for her elegance and class personality for sure.
Judy Garland
Having starred in one of the most renowned films ever, The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland experienced the allure associated with Hollywood fame. While her life and career may have been brief, she accomplished feats that most do not in such a span, affirming her legacy in the industry.
Later nominated for Academy Awards for her two great performances in A Star Is Born and Judgment at Nuremberg, Judy Garland was at the peak of her career. But fate had something else for her and she tragically passed away. Her daughter carried the torch and to relive the legacy her biopic was created.
Katharine Hepburn
Evading the limelight post-entry into Hollywood is arguably one of the most challenging tasks. Yet, Katherine managed to resist the alluring temptations of Hollywood fame, captivating everyone’s attention. Subsequently, her marriage to Spencer Tracy and the collaboration in nine films with him solidified her prominent status in the film industry.
However, the relationship wasn’t the reason of her success it was all her hard work and skills. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been nominated for four Academy Awards for Lead Acting Performance. This is enough to tell how great artist Katherine was.
Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo was one of the top Hollywood women that weren’t from the US. Many people forget that she was from Sweden and entered the American entertainment industry in the early 1920s. However, she became a commercial hit because of her great acting skills and facial features.
The actress was nominated thrice for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. She also received an Honorary Academy Award for her unforgettable screen presence. Interestingly, Garbo’s career in the acting industry didn’t last long. She retired by age 35 after only completing 28 projects. Greta may not be alive today, but her legacy lives on.
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway is another inspirational American actress with many accolades to her name. Her career started in the early 1960s on Broadway, but now she is a leading name in the industry. You may also
remember her from classics such as Bonnie and Clyde, Chinatown, and The Thomas Crown Affair.
The actress is 81 years old but hasn’t retired yet. She has also starred in multiple TV series, including a documentary. Many people have also praised her timeless beauty. However, the diva is most famous
for giving captivating performances. This is why she has won a BAFTA Award and three Golden Globe Awards.
Mia Farrow
You may have encountered high-profile divas before, but Mia Farrow tops the list. She has gained a lot of fame for acting in more than 50 films. Her activist projects have also allowed her to
gain the spotlight. Besides that, her relationships with two great entertainers
have also contributed to her fame.
Mia was married to Frank Sinatra and has been in a relationship with Woody Allen. However, the diva’s most celebrated achievement is her acting skills. This is why she has been nominated for the
BAFTA Award. Farrow has also won multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for her acting roles.
Julia Roberts
No list of inspirational Hollywood women can be complete without Julia Roberts. She has been an important name in the industry since the 90s. Her timeless beauty also helps her attract the audience easily. Roberts achieved her breakthrough role with Pretty Woman and hasn’t looked back since then.
Runaway Bride, Notting Hill, and Ocean’s Eleven are some of her commercial hits. Of course, her list of hits is so long that you may lose track. Julia Roberts is still going strong and starring in different movies. In 2022, her movie Ticket to Paradise is expected to release. She is also filming for Leave the World Behind.