These are the characters that we think are just hotter than the actresses who portrayed them (maybe). They are the reasons why your eyes were glued to the screen. And admit it… To our geek readers (like me), you have fantasized about them countless times. Heck, for the Gen X geeks, we’re sure you have an almost life-sized poster of a certain one on this list.
And yes, this is in no particular order of hotness… Like we always do, because we don’t want you fighting in the comments section. Enjoy!
Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson absolutely nailed it as Black Widow—a bold, badass Marvel hero with a seriously tangled past. Trained as an elite assassin and top-tier spy, Natasha Romanoff starts out as a weapon for others but eventually breaks free to write her own story. Sure, she’s got some baggage (who doesn’t?), but she pushes through with grit, heart, and loyalty—proving she’s way more than just another face in the Avengers lineup.
Behind the scenes, Scarlett went all-in. She trained hard in martial arts and pulled off intense fight scenes like a pro. And fun fact: that now-iconic “Black Widow pose”? It wasn’t even in the script. It actually started as a joke from Florence Pugh and somehow became legendary. Oh, and let’s not forget—Scarlett made Marvel history as the first actor to not only lead a film but produce it too. Talk about superhero status, on and off screen.
Padmé Amidala
Padmé Amidala is one of the standout stars of the Star Wars galaxy, brilliantly played by Natalie Portman. Whether she’s ruling as a bold young queen or standing her ground in the Senate, Padmé handles every crisis with grace, brains, and a serious knack for diplomacy. Even while chaos erupts across the galaxy, she keeps her cool—proof that true leadership doesn’t need a lightsaber (though it definitely wouldn’t hurt).
Fun behind-the-scenes fact: Natalie Portman had never seen Star Wars before landing the role. She did her homework, though—watched the original trilogy and then jumped headfirst into a galaxy far, far away. She was still in high school when filming started, juggling lightsabers and exams like a pro. Oh, and just to flex a little harder? She got into Harvard during all of this, taking a break from other acting gigs (except Star Wars, of course) to focus on her studies. Padmé would definitely approve.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman, the iconic DC powerhouse, is all about strength, grace, and kicking butt in the name of justice—and Gal Gadot brings her to life perfectly on the big screen. As the daughter of Zeus and Amazonian queen Hippolyta, Diana Prince isn’t just royalty—she’s a fierce warrior with a heart of gold and a moral compass that never wavers. Whether she’s deflecting bullets with her bracelets or standing up for what’s right, she proves that real heroism is as much about compassion as it is about combat.
Fun fact: Gal Gadot made history as the first non-American actress to play Wonder Woman. And talk about leveling up—she earned just $300,000 for her first outing as the superhero, but scored a cool $10 million for Wonder Woman 1984. Now that’s what we call Amazonian-level negotiating skills.
Daenerys Targaryen
Emilia Clarke made Daenerys Targaryen unforgettable in Game of Thrones—a queen with dragons, a mission, and zero tolerance for nonsense. As the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, Dany starts off overlooked and underestimated, but quickly proves she’s not one to mess with. Through betrayal, battles, and a whole lot of fire-breathing chaos, she fights to forge her own path and shatter the limits placed on her. Fierce, determined, and draped in epic outfits, she’s the very definition of fiery feminine power.
Behind the scenes, Emilia’s journey was just as powerful. She suffered two brain aneurysms in the early years of filming—one in 2011 after season one, and another in 2013. Despite the intense physical and emotional toll, she pushed through and kept delivering knockout performances. Emilia later opened up about it all in a deeply personal 2019 essay for The New Yorker, using her platform to raise awareness about brain injuries and advocate for better neuro-rehab services. Just like her character, she’s a true fighter—minus the dragons (probably).
Selene
Kate Beckinsale sinks her teeth into the role of Selene in the Underworld series, delivering a fierce and unforgettable performance as a leather-clad vampire warrior with serious attitude. Caught in the middle of a never-ending feud between vampires and werewolves, Selene does more than just survive—she uncovers deep secrets about her past and fights to reclaim her identity. In a world drenched in blood, bullets, and betrayal, she proves that bravery can be just as immortal as any creature of the night.
Fun bit of trivia: Rhona Mitra actually auditioned to play Selene in the first film, but the team worried she looked a little too much like Kate Beckinsale. Turns out, there’s only room for one deadly beauty in a trench coat—and Kate definitely made it count.
Lara Croft
Lara Croft is the ultimate adventurer—fearless, whip-smart, and always ready to dive headfirst into danger. As the face of the Tomb Raider franchise, she breaks the mold of the typical action hero, proving that globe-trotting, puzzle-solving, and bad-guy-beating aren’t just for the boys. First brought to life by Angelina Jolie (and later Alicia Vikander), Lara tackles ancient mysteries with grit, grace, and a deep sense of humanity. Whether she’s dodging booby traps or piecing together lost civilizations, one thing’s clear: Lara Croft is a woman on a mission—and nothing’s going to stop her.
As for Angelina Jolie’s version? Pure icon status. She did her own stunts (and got banged up for it), rocked custom-made left-handed guns, and even wore extra padding to match the game character’s famous proportions. At first, Angelina wasn’t sold on taking the role—but the promise of military training and traveling the world won her over. While filming in Cambodia, she connected so deeply with the country that she later adopted her son Maddox from there. Talk about life-changing adventures, both on screen and off.
Hermione Granger
Hermione Granger is the ultimate brains-behind-the-magic in the Harry Potter series—smart, brave, and never afraid to call out nonsense (even if it’s coming from her best friends). Brought to life perfectly by Emma Watson, Hermione proves time and again that you don’t need a magical family tree to be one of the most powerful witches around. With her quick thinking, encyclopedic knowledge, and endless determination, she helps take down the Dark Lord and tackles wizarding-world snobbery along the way.
Despite being a “Muggle-born,” Hermione stands tall among the magical elite, smashing outdated traditions and reminding everyone that it’s not your bloodline—it’s what you do with your wand that counts.
Arwen
Arwen, the luminous Elven princess from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, brings a quiet power and timeless grace to Middle-earth—and Liv Tyler plays her with just the right mix of magic and heart. Torn between eternal life and the man she loves, Arwen makes the ultimate romantic (and heroic) move: giving up immortality to help shape a better future for all. With the wisdom of the ages and the determination of someone who knows what’s worth fighting for, she proves that real strength doesn’t always come with a sword.
Fun behind-the-scenes scoop: Liv Tyler landed the role after Uma Thurman, who was originally considered, had to step away due to pregnancy. To bring Arwen’s ancient Elvish soul to life, Liv lowered her voice (which even caught her dad, Steven Tyler, off guard when he saw the film), and she went all in—learning to speak Tolkien’s fictional Elvish like a true elf queen. Talk about commitment to the role!
Mystique
Mystique, the ever-changing mutant from the X-Men films, is as mysterious as her name suggests—and thanks to both Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence, she’s become one of Marvel’s most fascinating characters. With her shapeshifting powers and razor-sharp instincts, Mystique is the definition of adaptable. She fights battles on the outside and the inside, constantly wrestling with who she is and where she belongs. Her shifting loyalties keep everyone guessing, but at her core, she’s a powerful reminder that identity isn’t fixed—it’s something you define for yourself.
When Jennifer Lawrence took over the role, she admitted she was a little intimidated—Rebecca Romijn had set the bar high. To prep, Jennifer got into serious shape with yoga and lost weight to meet the physical demands of Mystique’s iconic (and barely-there) look. And let’s be honest, spending hours getting painted blue probably counts as a workout on its own.
Catwoman
Catwoman is the ultimate rule-breaker in the comic book world—confident, sly, and never easy to pin down. Whether she’s stealing jewels or hearts, this DC icon walks the razor’s edge between hero and villain, and somehow always lands on her feet. Played memorably by Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Kravitz, and others, Catwoman brings a mix of agility, smarts, and undeniable charm that keeps Gotham—and Batman—on their toes.
And yes, we have to mention Halle Berry’s version. She looked amazing, no doubt about it—but let’s just say the movie itself didn’t quite land on its feet the way she did.
Storm
And speaking of Halle Berry… Storm is one of Marvel’s most legendary heroes—an X-Men powerhouse who can literally command the weather and still manage to keep her cool. Brought to life with elegance and strength by Halle Berry, Storm isn’t just about lightning bolts and dramatic entrances (though she’s very good at both). She’s a leader, a fighter, and a steady force in a world constantly on the brink of chaos.
Through it all, she never loses touch with her humanity. Storm is the kind of hero who proves that true power isn’t just about what you can control—it’s about knowing who you are, even when everything around you is a whirlwind.
Captain Carmen Ibanez
In the sci-fi cult classic Starship Troopers, Captain Carmen Ibanez—played by Denise Richards—proves she’s got brains, bravery, and serious pilot skills. As a standout officer in the United Citizen Federation, Carmen handles high-stakes space battles with calm confidence, showing that courage under fire isn’t just for the guys.
But let’s not forget Dizzy Flores, brought to life by Dina Meyer, who gives Carmen a serious run for her money in both badassery and fan admiration. Dizzy’s fierce loyalty, combat skills, and no-nonsense attitude made her an instant favorite. Many fans still consider her performance one of the film’s biggest highlights—and honestly, we agree.
Gwen Stacy
Gwen Stacy isn’t just Spider-Man’s sweetheart—she’s a powerhouse in her own right. Thanks to Emma Stone’s pitch-perfect performance, Gwen shows us you don’t need spandex or a cape to save the day. Smart, fearless, and full of heart, she sticks to her principles and fights for what’s right, proving heroism can look like top grades and quick wit instead of web-slinging.
Fun tidbit: rumors once swirled about Emma suiting up as Spider-Gwen, but she’s admitted those talks never actually reached her. So for now, we’ll just have to imagine how stylish that white-and-pink suit would have looked on her.
Leia Organa
Leia Organa is the definition of fierce leadership in a galaxy far, far away. Bold, brilliant, and never one to back down from a fight, she’s a symbol of hope and rebellion throughout the Star Wars universe. Thanks to the legendary Carrie Fisher, Leia became more than just a princess—she was a general, a diplomat, and a total icon who showed that saving the galaxy doesn’t always require a lightsaber (though it definitely doesn’t hurt).
The late great Carrie was just 19 when she first stepped into Leia’s boots for the original trilogy (Episodes IV–VI), and she later returned for the sequel films—The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. Some behind-the-scenes gems? She had to stand on a box to appear taller next to Harrison Ford, and George Lucas famously insisted she skip the bra under that iconic white dress because, well… “there’s no underwear in space.” Classic George.
Buffy Summers
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s take on Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is nothing short of iconic. As the chosen Slayer, Buffy juggles teenage drama, high school heartbreak, and, you know, the occasional vampire apocalypse—all with sharp wit and serious style. She’s tough, brave, and totally relatable, showing us that being strong doesn’t mean being invincible—it just means you keep getting back up.
Before the hit TV series, though, there was the 1992 Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie, starring Kristy Swanson. Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui, the film didn’t exactly slay at the box office, but it found its cult following thanks to home video rentals and loyal fans. Let’s just say it walked so the show could run—and then leap into a roundhouse kick.
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is DC’s ultimate eco-diva—equal parts glamorous botanist and plant-powered menace. Uma Thurman’s vibrant turn in Batman & Robin (1997) shows Ivy wielding vines, pheromones, and a killer wardrobe to defend Mother Nature at all costs. Sure, she’s technically a super-villain, but when her mission is saving the planet from polluters, you have to ask: is she evil… or just a very committed environmental activist with questionable methods? One thing’s certain: cross her garden, and you’ll end up on the compost heap.
Rita Escobar
Salma Hayek steals the show in Wild Wild West as Rita Escobar—a whip-smart inventor, master of disguise, and all-around firecracker. Armed with brains, charm, and a suitcase full of clever gadgets, she teams up with two very unlikely heroes, outfoxing villains and sidestepping danger without ever mussing a hairpin. Her fierce loyalty and razor-sharp intuition prove that you don’t need a badge (or a giant mechanical spider) to save the day.
The movie itself got, let’s say, “mixed” reviews, but Hayek’s spirited turn as Rita was universally praised. In short: the film might be a wild ride, but Rita Escobar is the part you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Katniss Everdeen
The super hot Jennifer Lawrence brings serious fire to the role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, turning her into more than just a dystopian hero—she’s a full-on symbol of survival, strength, and sticking it to the man. Fueled by love for her family and an instinct to protect the people she cares about, Katniss faces brutal challenges head-on and somehow keeps going, even when the odds are (yep) never in her favor.
She doesn’t ask to be a hero, but ends up becoming the face of a rebellion anyway—bow in hand, braid on point, and sass fully intact. Katniss reminds us that sometimes the strongest people are the ones just trying to keep their loved ones safe… while accidentally starting a revolution.
Jean Grey
Jean Grey is one of the most powerful—and complicated—characters in the X-Men universe, brought to life by both Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner. With mind-blowing psychic powers and a heart full of compassion, Jean constantly walks a tightrope between hero and something far more dangerous.
At her best, she’s a force for good. At her worst… well, let’s just say the Phoenix doesn’t exactly play nice. Her story is all about the fine line between power that uplifts and power that burns everything down. And honestly? That inner struggle is what makes her so compelling—and so unforgettable.
Tauriel
Tauriel, the fearless elf introduced in The Hobbit trilogy, brings a fresh burst of courage and heart to Middle-earth. Played by Evangeline Lilly, she’s a skilled warrior with a strong moral compass—someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the rigid rules of her own people in the name of justice. Whether she’s leading in battle or standing up for the underdog, Tauriel shows us that real strength comes from following what you know is right, even when it’s not easy.
Though she wasn’t in Tolkien’s original books, director Peter Jackson created Tauriel specifically for the films, and fans took notice. Evangeline was trained in sword fighting, archery, and even learned to speak Elvish (which she described as beautifully sensual). And let’s be real: whether you’re here for the fight scenes or the flawless hair, Tauriel is one hot addition to the elven lineup.
Nyota Uhura
Nyota Uhura isn’t just a standout in the Star Trek universe—she’s a game-changer for TV history. First brought to life by the groundbreaking Nichelle Nichols and later by the fierce Zoe Saldana (among others), Uhura showed the world that a woman could be smart, capable, and commanding on the bridge of a starship.
As the USS Enterprise’s communications officer, she’s all about brains, calm under pressure, and rock-solid professionalism. Uhura helped break barriers and boldly go where few characters—especially women of color—had gone before. Her legacy reminds us that strength and smarts have no gender, and that the best teams are built on diversity, respect, and a shared mission… preferably with warp speed.
Vesper Lynd
This is probably our favorite Eva Green role. Okay, maybe second. Next to her role in that 300 sequel. You know, boobs, man. Eva Green’s turn as Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale is a master class in brains, charm, and gut-punch emotion. Sent by the British Treasury to keep tabs on Bond during his high-stakes poker showdown, Vesper doesn’t just hold her own—she matches 007 play for play. Beneath the dazzling gowns and razor-sharp wit, she’s carrying secrets, heartbreak, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. In short: she’s the rare Bond companion who steals the spotlight—and our hearts—without ever breaking a sweat.
Rogue
Rogue is one of Marvel’s most compelling characters—a tough, no-nonsense fighter with a power that’s as much a curse as it is a gift. Played with real heart by Anna Paquin in the X-Men films, Rogue gives us a front-row seat to what it’s like to feel isolated, misunderstood, and still push through. Her story taps into something deeply human: the struggle to accept ourselves, flaws, fears, and all.
That said, fans of the comic book version will notice some big differences. Paquin’s Rogue is quieter, more reserved, and definitely more serious than her sassier, Southern-fried comic counterpart. But whether you prefer the bold comic book firecracker or the movie’s more vulnerable take, one thing’s for sure—Rogue reminds us that real strength comes from owning who we are, even when it’s complicated.
Elektra
Elektra Natchios—usually just Elektra—is one of Marvel’s most iconic and deadly characters. A Greek-born ninja assassin (yes, that’s as cool as it sounds), she’s best known for her lethal skill with twin sai and her complicated, on-again-off-again romance with Daredevil. As tough as she is beautiful, Elektra walks a razor’s edge between love and violence, heroism and hired blade. Created by legendary comic writer Frank Miller, she became such a fan favorite that Marvel once promised not to bring her back without his blessing, though, as comic book history goes, that promise got a little fuzzy over time.
Jennifer Garner first brought Elektra to life on screen in Daredevil (2003) and got her own spinoff in Elektra (2005). Fast forward to 2024, and she’s back—surprise!—for a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. To prep for her return, Garner hit the gym hard, diving into boxing sessions and intense workouts with her longtime stunt double, Shauna Duggins. She even gave fans a peek at her training journey on social media. Moral of the story? Elektra doesn’t age—she just sharpens her sai.
Abigail Whistler
In Blade: Trinity, Jessica Biel’s Abigail Whistler proves that vampire hunting isn’t just a boys’ club. As the fierce, bow-wielding daughter of legendary hunter Abraham Whistler, she’s all skill, grit, and don’t-mess-with-me energy. Whether she’s slaying bloodsuckers or standing her ground in a world full of danger, Abigail shows us that passion and determination can take down even the scariest of enemies.
To prepare for the role, Jessica trained hard in archery and got really good at it. So good, in fact, that during one scene she accidentally fired an arrow straight into a camera lens… shattering equipment worth over $300,000. Oops. But hey, when your aim’s that good, some collateral damage is bound to happen.
Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
With Brie Larson lighting up the screen, Captain Marvel soared into the MCU as a bold, no-nonsense symbol of strength and self-discovery. Carol Danvers isn’t just a hero—she’s the first woman to lead her own Marvel film, and she does it with a cosmic punch and a whole lot of heart. Her journey is all about reclaiming her power (literally and figuratively) and showing us that becoming your best self sometimes means rewriting the story others tried to give you.
Funny enough, Brie Larson almost said no to the role—she liked flying under the radar. But once she signed on, she went all in. She trained with U.S. Air Force pilots and dug into what made Carol tick, especially her resilience and laser-sharp focus as a former pilot. The result? A hero who doesn’t just blast through spaceships—she breaks boundaries.
Xena
Xena, the iconic Warrior Princess, first kicked her way onto TV screens in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys back in the mid-‘90s, before earning her own hit show, Xena: Warrior Princess—and let’s be honest, she completely stole the spotlight. Played by the fierce and fabulous Lucy Lawless, Xena rocked a leather skirt and metal armor combo that became instantly legendary. With her trusty chakram and serious combat skills, she set off on a quest for redemption, determined to make up for her dark past by helping those in need (and looking absolutely badass while doing it).
Gen Xers, you know what I’m talking about—this is the life-sized poster you probably had on your wall. Fun fact: the role was originally offered to Vanessa Angel, but she had to bow out due to illness, making way for Lucy Lawless to step in and absolutely own it. In 2006, Lucy even donated her Xena costume to the National Museum of American History—because, yes, it’s that iconic. She’s also become a beloved LGBTQ+ icon, thanks to her outspoken support for gay rights and her own belief that Xena was a lesbian. Warrior, legend, trailblazer—Xena’s still got us shouting, “Ayiyiyiyiyi!” all these years later.
Alice
Brought to life by Milla Jovovich in the Resident Evil film series, Alice is the ultimate post-apocalyptic powerhouse. Tough, resourceful, and fiercely determined, she takes on the sinister Umbrella Corporation after they unleash a virus that turns most of humanity into flesh-hungry zombies. Against impossible odds, Alice becomes a symbol of grit and hope in a world gone full-on nightmare mode.
Fun trivia? The badass outfit Alice wears in Resident Evil: Extinction was actually designed by Milla herself through her fashion label, Jovovich-Hawk, because surviving the apocalypse doesn’t mean you can’t look good doing it. Oh, and while most fans know her as Alice Abernathy, early drafts of the script reveal her original name was Janice Prospero. Either way, she’s still the queen of zombie-slaying cool.
Seven of Nine
Seven of Nine, played by Jeri Ryan in Star Trek: Voyager, is one of the franchise’s most unforgettable characters—and not just because of the sleek Borg look. Once a Borg drone, she begins a powerful journey of rediscovering her humanity after being separated from the collective. Watching her navigate emotions, relationships, and personal freedom is like watching someone reboot their soul—and it’s surprisingly moving (and often awkward in the best way).
Seven’s story dives into big questions about identity, strength, and what it really means to be human. She blends brains, badassery, and vulnerability in a way that shows femininity and power aren’t mutually exclusive. Plus, her ongoing tug-of-war between cold logic and messy emotions? Totally relatable, even if you’re not part cyborg.
Kate Austen
And she’s got two entries, ladies and gents… Evangeline Lilly’s take on Kate Austen in Lost gave us a heroine who was as tough as she was complicated. A skilled tracker with a knack for surviving just about anything, Kate holds her own on a mysterious, monster-filled island—all while wrestling with a seriously messy past.
Her story isn’t just about staying alive (though she’s pretty great at that too)—it’s about learning to face your demons, trust others, and maybe even forgive yourself. Kate’s journey is equal parts action, heartache, and personal growth, reminding us that sometimes getting lost is the first step to finding who you really are.
Felicity Shagwell
Heather Graham’s bubbly turn as Felicity Shagwell in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me brings the laughs—and a whole lot of charm. As a CIA agent with brains, confidence, and killer moves, Felicity proves she’s not just there for the punchlines (though she delivers those flawlessly too).
Yes, she’s gorgeous, but she’s also sharp, savvy, and totally in control—flipping classic spy-girl stereotypes on their head. In a world of groovy gadgets and outrageous villains, Felicity holds her own and then some, showing that smarts and sex appeal aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re a seriously fun combo.
Phoebe Halliwell
Alyssa Milano lit up the screen as Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed, blending supernatural sass with a whole lot of heart. As the youngest of the Halliwell sisters, Phoebe juggles powerful premonitions, demon-fighting duties, and plenty of personal drama—all while staying fiercely loyal to her family.
Sure, she’s stunning (no denying that), but it’s her emotional depth and growth that really make Phoebe shine. She reminds us that even when you’re dealing with magic, monsters, and the occasional trip to the underworld, staying grounded in who you are—and who you love—is the real magic trick.
Willow Rosenberg
Long before she was sharing awkward stories about band camp or marrying Marshall Eriksen, Alyson Hannigan was casting serious spells (and stealing hearts) as Willow Rosenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her performance added just the right dose of magic, humor, and heart to the cult classic series.
Willow starts out as the shy, nerdy best friend, but don’t let the bookish vibes fool you. Over the seasons, she transforms into one of the most powerful witches in the Buffyverse. Her journey is full of friendship, growth, love, and a few dark detours that remind us just how tricky power can be. Through it all, Willow shows that finding yourself is a little messy, often magical, and always worth the ride.
Éowyn
Miranda Otto’s unforgettable performance as Éowyn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy brings to life a warrior spirit that refuses to be boxed in. As the noble Lady of Rohan, Éowyn starts off stuck on the sidelines—but not for long. She breaks free from the expectations placed on her and rides straight into battle, proving that bravery isn’t about titles or tradition—it’s about heart.
And let’s not forget that iconic moment: “I am no man.” Chills, every time. Éowyn’s story is a powerful reminder that true strength doesn’t care about gender—it comes from standing up for what you believe in, sword in hand and fear in check.
Trinity
Trinity, the leather-clad legend from The Matrix franchise, is the kind of character who can throw a punch, hack into the Matrix, and look effortlessly cool doing it—all while zipping around in slow motion. Played by the always-sleek Carrie-Anne Moss, she first shows up in the original film and quickly proves she’s way more than just a sidekick. Over time, she becomes Neo’s partner in more ways than one—both in love and in saving humanity.
In the video game Path of Neo, Trinity is voiced by Jennifer Hale (because even digital Trinity still needs to sound badass). Whether she’s defying gravity or defying the system, Trinity remains one of the most iconic sci-fi heroines ever to rock a pair of shades.
Ellen Ripley
Ellen Ripley, played by the legendary Sigourney Weaver, isn’t just a sci-fi icon—she’s the sci-fi icon. As the fearless lead of the Alien film series, Ripley broke the mold and redefined what a female action hero could be. Smart, tough, and absolutely done with your alien nonsense, she shattered gender stereotypes in horror, action, and science fiction all at once—and made it look easy.
Her impact? Massive. In 2011, Total Film ranked her the #1 greatest female character of all time. The American Film Institute named her one of cinema’s top heroes. Entertainment Weekly, Empire, and Premiere all put her near the top of their all-time best characters lists. Even sci-fi author John Scalzi called her “clearly the best female character in sci-fi film.”
And let’s not forget Sigourney Weaver’s performance—it was so powerful in Aliens that she snagged an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. That was a big deal, especially at a time when the Academy barely acknowledged genre films. Ripley didn’t just survive the Xenomorphs—she conquered Hollywood while she was at it.
Olivia Pope
Kerry Washington absolutely owns the screen as Olivia Pope in Scandal—think power suits, white coats, and a phone that never stops buzzing. She’s the D.C. “fixer” who can unknot any political mess while juggling love triangles and an identity crisis on the side (just your average Tuesday, right?). Olivia’s wild ride reminds us that the baggage we haul around can turn into battle armor, letting our messiest struggles fuel our biggest comebacks.
Carol Peletier
Melissa McBride’s take on Carol Peletier in The Walking Dead is nothing short of badass. She starts off quiet and timid, but fast-forward a few zombie apocalypses later, and she’s baking cookies one minute and blowing stuff up the next. Carol’s journey from soft-spoken survivor to fearless warrior proves that even the most unassuming people can have a serious inner fire, especially when surrounded by walkers and drama. Oh, and Maggie? That’s in another article…
And this needs a part 2 as we didn’t include Furiosa portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlize Theron (who’s got roles that are worth featuring here), Honor Blackman’s Pussy Galore, Teri Hatcher‘s Lois Lane, Kristin Kreuk, and the likes. So watch out for the second part.