It takes a lot to make a movie great. There has to be excellent writing, production, direction, editing, and of course, acting. While the crew draws out the parameters for a movie, the actors are who color in the film to bring it to life, and without great acting, a great film can crumble.
These actresses are the ones who deliver time and again, regardless of how good the script or the production of the film is. These are the greatest American actresses ever. Who are the best actresses? That's up to you to decide. This list is votable and rerankable, and if you don't see someone on here that deserves a spot, feel free to add them.
http://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-american-actresses-of-all-time/ranker-film,
Angelina Jolie
Gwyneth Paltrow
Hilary Swank
Jane Fonda
Jodie Foster
Julianne Moore
Katharine Hepburn
Meryl Streep
Susan Sarandon
Shirley MacLaine