Top 10 Fierce Female Characters in Film and TV

The portrayal of women in movies has sparked significant discussion, particularly in recent times. Debates about gender inequality in Hollywood have intensified, with Jennifer Lawrence publicly addressing the pay disparity between herself and her male colleagues, despite her higher fame. This raises important questions about the role of women in the film industry and their on-screen representation.

It’s undeniable that women in Hollywood deserve equal pay, but more importantly, they deserve roles that reflect their strength and the realities of modern life. To celebrate this, we’ve curated a list of 10 iconic female characters from cinema (and a touch of TV—we couldn’t resist) who embody power and resilience. While the number of such roles is disappointingly low, the quality is undeniable, with each character and actress delivering exceptional performances. We hope this serves as a wake-up call for Hollywood to provide more opportunities for women to shine in roles that truly represent their capabilities.

10. Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace)

Securing the 10th spot on this list was no easy feat, given the abundance of remarkable female characters to choose from. Ultimately, we selected Lisbeth Salander, portrayed by Noomi Rapace in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and its sequels, for her fierce determination and ability to exact revenge when necessary. Salander, also played by Rooney Mara in the American adaptation, is a brilliant and resilient character with a diverse skill set that aligns with modern success. Her role as a hacker, traditionally dominated by men, adds a layer of real-world relevance, making her an ideal choice to lead this list.

9. Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell)

Diversity is key, and this list reflects that by showcasing strong, multifaceted women who defy traditional Hollywood stereotypes. Veronica Mars, though primarily a TV character, earned her place here due to her sharp intellect and role as a private investigator—a field typically dominated by men. The show, which also spawned a 2014 film, stands out for its noir-inspired storytelling and its commitment to placing a female lead in a gritty, male-centric genre. For those unfamiliar, it’s a must-watch example of exceptional long-form television.

8. Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar)

We acknowledge this might feel like bending the rules, but given the existence of the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" movie (featuring Kristy Swanson as Buffy, not Sarah Michelle Gellar), we couldn’t resist including this iconic vampire slayer. Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar in Joss Whedon’s TV series (1997–2003), embodies the essence of a fearless female lead, even if her story unfolded on television. Chosen as the Slayer, Buffy battles vampires, demons, and other dark forces with unmatched skill. Over six seasons, her strength, independence, and intelligence, brought to life by Gellar’s stellar performance, solidified her as a standout character. Whedon’s ability to craft compelling roles for women is evident here, and we’ll see more of his creations later in this list.

7. Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)

Here’s another of Joss Whedon’s formidable female characters, but this time from the big screen. Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, has appeared in blockbuster hits like "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," and "The Avengers: Age of Ultron." First introduced in 2010’s "Iron Man 2," Romanoff is a former Russian spy turned Avenger, known for her combat skills and strategic brilliance. Despite lacking a solo film, her character remains one of the most fascinating in a male-dominated genre. Whedon’s portrayal of Black Widow proves she can hold her own against any adversary.

6. Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron)

George Miller’s "Mad Max: Fury Road" debuted last summer, with Tom Hardy stepping into the role of the titular hero. However, it quickly became clear that Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa was the true protagonist. A fierce warrior with a mechanical arm, Furiosa’s strength and determination stole the show, challenging the notion that women can’t lead action blockbusters. Theron’s powerful performance not only elevated the film but also sparked conversations about the need for more female-driven action roles in Hollywood.

5. River Tam (Summer Glau)

Joss Whedon strikes again! While it might seem like he’s the only filmmaker crafting strong female roles, we’re not complaining. River Tam, portrayed by Summer Glau in "Serenity" (2005), is a standout character from Whedon’s beloved series "Firefly." Initially grappling with the challenges of her telepathic and precognitive abilities, River evolves into an unstoppable force. By the time she reaches her full potential, she becomes a warrior no force in the universe can contain.

4. Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)

Let’s set the record straight: Hermione Granger, brought to life by Emma Watson across all eight Harry Potter films, is the true hero of the series. While Harry gets the spotlight, Hermione’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and bravery save the day countless times. A role model for young women everywhere, Hermione’s character—and Watson’s real-life advocacy for gender equality—prove that brains and determination are just as powerful as any magical scar.

3. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Sigourney Weaver has portrayed numerous strong female characters, but none are as legendary as Ellen Ripley from Ridley Scott’s "Alien" series. Ripley has repeatedly proven her ability to face the galaxy’s most terrifying creature—the xenomorph—using everything from firearms to industrial machinery, and even her bare hands. With one of cinema’s most memorable lines (“Get away from her, you b–tch”) and a pivotal role in one of the most influential sci-fi franchises, Ripley remains a symbol of why women should lead more sci-fi blockbusters.

2. The Bride (Uma Thurman)

Quentin Tarantino has crafted some remarkable female characters, and The Bride from "Kill Bill" stands out as one of the strongest. Played by Uma Thurman, Beatrix Kiddo (The Bride) embodies resilience and determination. Despite being left for dead, buried alive, and severely injured, she relentlessly pursues revenge with unmatched martial arts skills. Her character redefines female strength in cinema, proving that women can dominate roles traditionally reserved for men.

1. Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton)

Linda Hamilton’s portrayal of Sarah Connor in "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" is the epitome of female badassery. With her iconic tank top, muscular arms, and aviators, Connor redefined what it means to be a strong female protagonist. She not only stood toe-to-toe with robotic adversaries but also set a benchmark for future female action heroes. James Cameron’s vision proved that women can lead action films without compromising their power or appeal.