Hollywood’s Top Young Actresses

Rachel McAdams

McAdams barely cracks this list in two ways, first by being number ten and second by being born on November 17, 1978. At 29 years and change, she just fits under the age limit. No matter, McAdams has a bright future ahead of her with her good looks and choice of diverse roles. This Canadian has already show success in both the comedy and drama genres.

Breakout Role: The Notebook, where she plays the young Allie Hamilton in the adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks tearjerker. Mean Girls actually came out first and helped McAdams gets noticed, but The Notebook made her an instant sensation among young women and garnered her a record five nominations and three wins at the MTV Movie Awards.

Biggest Hit: Wedding Crashers, where she plays Owen Wilson’s love interest in the 2005 hit comedy.

Rachel McAdams is Hot in 'The Time Traveller's Wife' Trailer

Rachel McAdams scene

Rachel McAdams - Beautiful Soul

Rachel McAdams

The Notebook MTV Best Kiss Award

Ziyi Zhang

Or Zhang Ziyi, depending on whether you follow American or Chinese traditions. At 29, Zhang is already one of the best known Chinese actors or actresses, with a string of international hits coupled with a few Hollywood films under her belt. Included in her film career thus far are several martial arts films, a bonus for any action fans. It remains to be seen exactly how much work Zhang will do for American audiences, but many of her international roles have made waves in the U.S., and she has already won critical acclaim, including three British Academy nominations.

Breakout Role: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, in the Ang Lee action drama about two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword , Zhang plays Jen Yu.

Biggest Hit: Rush Hour 2, where she appeared as the villainess Hu Li.

Unappreciated Gem: Hero, the martial arts epic is a mixture of action and fantastic cinematography. Already popular among some, it is one of the best films to come out in recent years. Also check out Kar Wai Wong’s 2046, a fantasy romance drama.

Upcoming Feature: The Horsemen, a mystery/thriller starring Dennis Quaid about a widowed detective who finds a link between some killings and the four horsemen of the apocalypse.