What makes a woman iconic? Is it her talent? Her timeless beauty? The way she makes a lasting mark on culture? According to thousands of everyday internet users, it’s a little bit of all that—and then some. In a recent online ranking, fans from around the globe voted on the women who’ve left the biggest impression in history, pop culture, and the world of film and fashion.

Let’s count down the top 20 women they believe will never be forgotten. Some of these faces you already know. Others might surprise you.

Diane Lane – Elegant, Effortless, and Everlasting

Kicking off the list at number 20, Diane Lane was already a rising star in the late ’70s, gracing the cover of a major fashion magazine at just 14. She went on to earn multiple accolades, appearing in iconic films and earning her place among Hollywood’s most desirable women in the early 2000s. Her combination of raw talent and graceful charm makes her unforgettable.

Video: Sexy Diane Lane

Natalie Wood – The Sweetheart of Classic Hollywood

Natalie Wood started young, but her presence was anything but small. By her teens, she was already an Academy Award nominee. Through the ’60s and ’70s, her roles captivated audiences, and her untimely death only cemented her legend. Her girl-next-door beauty mixed with deep emotional performances made her a lasting figure.

Jane Seymour – A Fierce Woman in Every Era

Jane Seymour, the star of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, stood out for portraying strong, independent women with poise and grace. Her presence dominated screens during the ’80s and ’90s, and her Golden Globe win in 1996 solidified her as a force to be reckoned with.

Halle Berry – Breaking Barriers in Beauty and Film

Before she ruled the box office, Halle Berry competed in pageants and was a finalist in Miss World 1986. But beauty wasn’t all she had. She made history as the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress in 2001. Whether she’s rocking superhero suits or dramatic roles, Berry’s influence is undeniable.

Kate Beckinsale – The British Star Who Conquered Hollywood

Ranked at 16, Kate Beckinsale has turned heads not just for her acting, but also for her striking fashion sense. With a career spanning action hits and romantic dramas, her versatility—and those sharp cheekbones—have landed her on plenty of “most beautiful” lists over the years.

Elizabeth Taylor – The Ultimate Screen Siren

You can’t make a list like this without Elizabeth Taylor. Known for those violet eyes and dramatic love affairs, she defined Hollywood glam for generations. But beyond the headlines, she was a double Oscar-winner who used her fame for activism, particularly in the fight against AIDS. Her beauty was legendary, but her heart was just as iconic.

Natalie Portman – The Thinking Person’s Movie Star

Natalie Portman blends brains and beauty like few others. A Harvard grad, trained dancer, and award-winning actress, she’s graced countless fashion magazines while earning respect for roles in everything from Black Swan to V for Vendetta. She’s elegance with an edge—and the internet agrees.

Jaclyn Smith – The Original Angel of Style

Before social media influencers, there were Charlie’s Angels—and Jaclyn Smith was the one that defined classy cool in the ’70s. She went from modeling to prime-time stardom, then built a fashion empire, proving beauty and business go hand in hand.

Video: Jaclyn Smith – Charlie’s Angels

Michelle Pfeiffer – Beauty That Doesn’t Age

Michelle Pfeiffer turned heads in Scarface, but her impact didn’t stop there. Critics called her one of the best actresses of her generation, and she was still landing major magazine covers into her 40s. She proved that staying power is the real standard of beauty.

Elizabeth Hurley – British Glamour on a Global Stage

Long before Instagram, Elizabeth Hurley was a red-carpet regular. Her Versace safety pin dress became fashion history. With a background in dance and theater, she brought both glam and grit to her performances—and she continues to be a style icon today.

Jessica Alba – From Teen Star to Billion-Dollar Boss

Jessica Alba isn’t just a pretty face. Though she gained fame through roles in early 2000s hits, she later co-founded a wellness empire. She’s always been considered stunning, but her determination to be seen as more than beautiful adds even more to her legacy.

Salma Hayek – Fiery, Fearless, and Unforgettable

Salma Hayek lit up Hollywood with her bold presence and magnetic beauty. Frequently ranked among the most attractive actresses, she later shifted gears to producing and championing underrepresented voices in film. Her beauty made people look—but her activism made them stay.

Catherine Zeta-Jones – Timeless Star Power

By the late ’90s, Catherine Zeta-Jones had become one of the most searched names on the internet. From action flicks to musicals, she handled it all with elegance. Today, she remains a symbol of classic beauty with modern appeal.

Sophia Loren – The Face of Italian Cinema

Sophia Loren isn’t just one of Italy’s biggest stars—she’s a global icon. With multiple awards under her belt, including an Oscar and Golden Globes, she helped define glamour in the 20th century. And let’s not forget: she did it all while breaking barriers for European actresses.

Charlize Theron – Beauty with Brains and Bold Roles

Charlize Theron can be a fierce action star one moment and a dramatic powerhouse the next. From Monster to Mad Max, she’s shown that her beauty doesn’t limit her—she redefines it. That versatility landed her on Time’s list of the most influential people in the world.

Scarlett Johansson – Hollywood’s Leading Lady

Scarlett Johansson is the kind of actress who dominates both blockbusters and award-season films. With roles in Avengers and Marriage Story, she balances power with vulnerability. She’s also topped the earnings chart and inspired millions with her effortless mix of strength and sensuality.

Marilyn Monroe – The Eternal Symbol of Glamour

Even decades after her passing, Marilyn Monroe remains a pop culture titan. She’s the blueprint for “blonde bombshell” and defined beauty in the 1950s. Her image, from subway grates to Andy Warhol’s canvases, is still everywhere. Timeless? That’s putting it lightly.

Grace Kelly – From Hollywood Royalty to Real-Life Princess

Grace Kelly’s fairy tale is real. A starlet turned Princess of Monaco, she blended cinematic grace with regal poise. Her legacy lives on in films, fashion, and royal history alike. No wonder she ranks in the top three.

Raquel Welch – The Definition of ’60s Chic

Raquel Welch was more than a poster girl—though she had plenty of those too. She took the ’60s by storm with her stunning looks and confident performances. Winning a Golden Globe in the ’70s, she kept proving she wasn’t just a pretty face.

Audrey Hepburn – The Woman Everyone Wanted to Be

Audrey Hepburn takes the number one spot, and honestly, who’s surprised? Her look was delicate, her style iconic, and her roles unforgettable. But she was also a humanitarian who worked with UNICEF and never craved the spotlight. Her impact goes far beyond fashion—she touched hearts around the world.

Conclusion: Beauty, Influence, and Legacy Rolled into One

From screen queens to modern moguls, this list proves that “iconic” means more than just having a pretty face. These women defined eras, broke molds, and left their fingerprints on fashion, film, and the collective memory of fans around the world. Some wowed us with their talent, others with their spirit—but all of them earned their place in history.