Meryl Streep – Out of Africa

Of course, the much-adored Meryl Streep makes this list. Who would ever forget ‘Mamma Mia!’ or “The Devil Wears Prada”? These popular movies were made in the ‘00s, although Streep had become a major thing in Hollywood from as far back as the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Many movie watchers in that period would be familiar with her 1985 movie “Out of Africa,” because it was such a massive box-office success at the time. With the massive amount of awards and nominations she’s won, you’d think she’d give it a rest. But she’s clearly not, telling by her performance in the 2020 movie “Let Them All Talk.”

Demi Moore – St. Elmo’s Fire

The ’80s was a very lucrative period for Demi Moore. Why? She was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood during that time. Thanks to her incredible acting talent and gorgeous looks, Moore was able to establish herself as one of the leading female symbols in the 80s.

After making her movie debut in 1981, she gained major attention by starring in movies like “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “About Last Night.” But it was with the 1990 movie “Ghost” that she truly made a statement as it became the highest-grossing film that year. She’s still going strong in the 21st century, having appeared in the 2020 movie “Songbird.”

Julia Roberts – Steel Magnolias

It’s hard not to love Julia Roberts. She’s undoubtedly one of the most prominent actresses of her generation, and that’s saying a lot, since the ‘80s and ‘90s were filled with emerging stars. Roberts started to experience major fame at the beginning of the “90s with her iconic role in “Pretty Woman.”

But it wouldn’t be fair to not make mention of truly impressive late ‘80s movies she starred in—“Steel Magnolias” and “Mystic Pizza,” anyone? As a testament to her prowess, not only has she aged like fine wine, she’s continued to star in major projects, such as the 2021 series “Gaslit.”

Nicole Kidman – Dead Calm

There’s no denying Nicole Kidman’s affluence. Not many actresses can boast of being listed by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world twice or being ranked as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times. Clearly, Kidman wasn’t as influential in the ‘80s as she was in the 21st century, but she wasn’t entirely off the grid either.

Her most notable film during that period was the thriller “Dead Calm”, which also starred “Jurassic Park” star Sam Neil. Despite her success, she’s rarely gotten off her busy schedule—in 2021, she appeared in a mini-series titled “Nine Perfect Strangers.”

Michelle Pfeiffer – The Witches of Eastwick

Michelle Pfeiffer is one of the few actresses that were able to break away from the blonde bombshell stereotype and make a name as a truly talented actress. A Golden Globe award and three Oscar nominations certainly speak for her in that regard. She’ll always be remembered for the unique characters she played in “Scarface” or “The Witches of Eastwick.”

Pfeiffer enjoyed most of her success in later years, eventually becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of the ‘90s. She’s been no less successful in the 21st century, thanks to her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the 2020 movie “French Exit.”