Women of Influence: THE 2021 MAXIM HOT 100

For this year’s Hot 100 portfolio, we chose to reevaluate our criteria for the dawn of a new era. While the list has previously consisted almost entirely of models, the balance of pulchritudinal power has shifted. While physical beauty is still an important part of the equation, our attraction algorithm takes many more factors into account. From athletes to entrepreneurs, entertainers and influencers, these women represent the leading lights in their chosen endeavors, setting an example for us all. Change is a good thing, we think you’ll agree.

Eiza González (@eizagonzalez)

In Godzilla vs. Kong, the monsters brought the house down, but Eiza González brought the smolder as bad girl Maia Simmons. And when Baby Driver producers needed a beauty to sit on Jon Hamm’s lap, González provided the sizzle. Look for more of the same in Michael Bay’s 2022 actioner Ambulance.

Hollywood HEART BREAKERS

Madelaine Petsch (@madelame)

When she’s not heating up the screen as Cheryl Blossom in Riverdale, the ravishing actress is a popular YouTuber, posting videos of workouts, gaming, and vlogs of her daily life. She racks up hundreds of thousands to millions of views per video thanks to her 6.7 million dedicated subscribers.

Anya Taylor-Joy (@anyataylorjoy)

Taylor-Joy’s career is scorching in the wake of her pandemic breakout hit, The Queen’s Gambit. Next up for the American-born British actor is horror flick, Last Night in Soho and The Northman, a 10th-century tale of royal revenge. Heads up Mad Max fans, she’s been chosen to play the title role in Furiosa.

Lily Collins (@lilyjcollins)

Before her role in Netflix’s Oscar winner, Mank, and before she lived out every girl’s fantasy in Emily in Paris, Lily Collins survived playing Snow White to Armie Hammer’s Prince Alcott in Mirror Mirror. Her first taste of showbiz came with a voice part in 1999’s big animated feature Tarzan.

Laura Harrier (@lauraharrier)

Now a full-blown actress with roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming, BlacKkKlansman, and Netflix’s Hollywood, Harrier is a favorite with major brands and fashion labels due to her dangerously good looks. She’s shot campaigns for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters, and Calvin Klein.

Madelyn Cline (@madelyncline)

Sarah Cameron is the wheel on which everything turns in Netflix’s Outer Banks, and with Madelyn Cline in the role, this crime drama is mesmerizing. If you’re thinking about writing her a fan letter, don’t bother. Her co-star Chase Stokes, who plays John B on the show, beat you to the punch.

Christian Serratos (@christianserratos)

She went from befriending vampires as Angela Weber in the Twilight series, to splattering zombies as the hot-headed Rosita Espinosa in The Walking Dead. But her turn as Tejano music queen Selana on Netflix’s Selena: The series will have you calling for an encore, and anxiously awaiting her next appearance.

Phoebe Dynevor (@phoebedynevor)

TV’s favorite debutante, Daphne Bridgerton was pronounced flawless by Queen Charlotte on the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, and that’s exactly what actor Phoebe Dynevor is—flawless. Luckier than you is SNL’s Pete Davidson, with whom she has been romantically linked.

Lucy Hale (@lucyhale)

The sexy-cool Pretty Little Liars beauty with over 24 million Instagram followers has her hands full these days. After a short-lived leading role in the series , the brunette babe recently signed on to star in the AMC-Alibi series , which is set to premiere later this year.