17 strong female movie characters to inspire your kids
If you’re a millennial like me, you probably grew up playing with Barbies and watching fairy tale movies where the princess sat in a tower, patiently waiting for some knight in shining armour to rescue her.
Meanwhile, the male characters got to be the brave, strong, world-saving protagonists. (Yeah, typical, I know!)
But every now and then, a movie would come along that flipped the script and challenged gender stereotypes – where the female lead wasn’t just a damsel in distress but a force to be reckoned with. A girl who would muster the strength and find the courage within herself to unsheath her sword and slay the dragon.
This fiercely independent woman was a character who stuck with us. She made little girls like me realise we didn’t want to just sit, look pretty and be ‘saved!’
No, we wanted the power to save ourselves. It was fun to pull out our wooden swords, invent time machines or dream of being the fastest racer!
These empowering women in film proved that strength wasn’t just about muscle but about resilience, intelligence, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
So, we thought it’s about time we list some of our favourite strong female movie characters. But first, let’s take a quick walk down memory lane.
Barbie versus Oppenheimer: A cultural shift
I remember the weekend Barbie and Oppenheimer hit theaters.
It became the global sensation known as “Barbenheimer”, but it wasn’t just a clash of two wildly different films – it was a cultural moment. While Oppenheimer explored the making of a weapon that altered history, Barbie took on the deeply ingrained societal expectations placed on women. (Of course, the cast, the humor, the relatable existential crises, and impeccable outfits helped!)
But that’s not my point here.
The point is that the record-breaking box office numbers proved that stories centered on strong female leads aren’t just profitable; they’re powerful narratives for little girls, impressionable teens and even millennial women like me – and frankly, they’re long overdue.
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What makes a strong female movie character?
When I was young, I ran around the yard pretending to be Lara Croft. I thought she was brilliant! Smart, but complex, resilient, brave, and, most importantly, not just written as “the girl version” of a male lead.
But when I say strong female protagonist, I don’t just mean a woman who can pack a great punch or bravely explore the unknown.
Young girls and women need to know that strength comes in many forms – intelligence, emotional depth, sheer stubbornness, and, yes, in some cases, simply the ability to survive an entire heist in stilettos. (Ocean’s 8 crew!)
Take Ellen Ripley (Aliens) – she didn’t just fight xenomorphs; she outsmarted them. If that’s not real strength, I don’t know what is! Like knowing when to run and when to set something on fire. Genius!
Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road) literally drove the plot forward (and stole the movie from Max himself), while Jessica Watson (True Spirit) believed in herself and was determined to sail solo around the world at only 16. At that age, I was struggling to parallel park and fretting about surviving college!
All these movies had a female protagonist who wasn’t just ‘tough.’ She was a complex character determined to be herself and achieve her goal. Their characters didn’t exist to simply support the male lead or “prove” that women can fight too. Instead, they had their own goals, weaknesses and flaws they had to overcome, and, of course, a great sense of humour. (You need those witty one-liners.)
So what defines an empowering woman in film?
Her ability to he herself unapologetically — whether that means fighting off Terminators or questioning her entire existence while roller-skating through L.A.
17 Strong Female Movie Vharacters
Action and adventure
Imperator Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015)
“Do as I say. Now pick up what you can and run” -Imperator Furiosa
Meet Imperator Furiosa. She’s the epitome of fortitude, courage, and female emancipation in Mad Max: Fury Road’s post-apocalyptic setting.
Furiosa’s voyage is a daring rebellion against social norms as a mute woman demanding retribution against the cruel Immortan Joe. As she battles to rescue the five women and take charge of her own fate, her character arc exemplifies the strength of female tenacity. (You go girl!)
Furiosa demonstrates that she is a formidable force in a harsh, merciless world with her savage fight sequences and unwavering will.
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games, 2012)
“If we burn, you burn with us”-Katniss Everdeen
If anyone has made archery look great, it’s Katniss!
This iconic, powerful female protagonist is initially pushed into a struggle for survival. Her character development in The Hunger Games transforms into intense defiance and selflessness. She defies the expectations society has of her and becomes the face of a revolt against oppression – all while being a teenage girl.
The development of her character, from reluctant participant to rebellious symbol of resistance, all the while protecting the male protagonist Peta, proves her to be strong but also human.
Lara Croft – Tomb Raider (Various Films, 2001, 2018)
“A famous explorer once said, that the extraordinary is in what we do, not who we are.” -Lara Croft
Archaeologist.
Adventurer.
Certified badass!
This woman isn’t just a video game icon – she’s one of the most fearless, intelligent, and capable female action heroes to ever hit the screen. Whether played by Angelina Jolie (2001) or Alicia Vikander (2018), Lara is resourceful, tough, and always ten steps ahead of her enemies.
She doesn’t wait around for someone else to decode ancient mysteries or fight off bad guys. She does it herself, all while pulling off impossible stunts and looking effortlessly cool.
And while male action heroes tend to rely on brute strength, Lara Croft’s power comes from her intelligence, survival skills, and relentless drive (though let’s be honest – she can throw a mean punch too).
Diana Prince (Wonder Woman, 2017)
“I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.”
Diana Prince is an Amazon, raised on the hidden island of Themyscira and trained to be a fearless fighter from birth. But when a pilot crash-lands on her shores and speaks of a devastating war consuming the world, she knows she can’t stand by and do nothing.
Leaving behind everything she knows, Diana steps into a world where women aren’t seen as warriors – let alone demigods. Nevertheless, she charges headfirst into battle, deflecting bullets and breaking barriers.
Whilst a more traditional representation of ‘strength’, being a superhero, Diana demonstrates that compassion and strength aren’t mutually exclusive.
She believes in love, in hope, in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. And she never stops believing that people, no matter how flawed, are worth saving.
Drama and biographical films
Jessica Watson – True Spirit (2023)
” I don’t consider myself a hero. I’m just an ordinary girl who believed in her dream. You don’t have to be anyone special to achieve something like this, you just have to find your dream, believe in it, and work really hard.” –Jessica Watson
Jessica Watson’s story in True Spirit is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and determination. Although fair warning, this movie will make you want to hit the beach or take up sailing!
Based on a true story, the film follows the journey of Jessica, an Australian teenager who, at just 16 years old, set out to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world. (Spoiler alert: She did it, but you probably knew that because she’s an Aussie hero!)
Battling treacherous weather, isolation, and moments of self-doubt, Jessica proves that strength isn’t just about physical endurance – it’s about mental fortitude and belief in oneself.
Her journey shows the power of perseverance, ambition, and defying expectations.
Despite the challenges, the lack of support and funding, and the criticism that she’s too young, she stands her ground. A brilliant reminder that true strength comes from pushing past fear, taking risks, and proving to the world (and yourself) that anything is possible.
Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich, 2000)
“I’m gonna walk out of here and there ain’t a thing you can do about it”. – Erin Brockovich
A real-life inspiration, Erin Brockovich’s narrative serves as a potent reminder of the influence a driven person can have.
As a single mum who steps into environmental advocacy, Erin overcomes a missing father and a world that often sees her as little more than a bubbly sorority girl. Despite having no formal legal education, her fight for justice against a large corporation demonstrates that true power comes from conviction and heart.
Her story is proof of the tenacity and power of women who defy gender norms in male-dominated fields.
Played by Julia Roberts in a performance that earned her an Oscar, Brockovich is initially underestimated because of her flashy wardrobe and brash attitude, yet she proves herself to be a relentless force for justice.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (On the Basis of Sex, 2018)
“It’s not a privilege, it is a Cage. And these laws are the bars!” RBG
Long before she became the ‘Notorious RBG,’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a young law student and attorney fighting against systemic gender discrimination – and winning.
On the Basis of Sex tells the story of her early career, showcasing how she took on a male-dominated legal system and rewrote history by proving that discrimination on the basis of sex hurts everyone.
Played by Felicity Jones, RBG is shown as a woman who refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer.
Whether balancing motherhood, law school, or a courtroom full of men underestimating her, she meets every obstacle with determination, intellect, and an unshakable belief in justice.
By the end of the film, Ruth Bader Ginsburg isn’t just fighting for herself – she’s fighting for all of us! (Something she continued to do till the end of her life!) And, of course, she did it with precision, logic, and a quiet but undeniable power.
Liz Murray – From Homeless to Harvard (2003)
“I knew at that moment I had to make a choice. I could submit to everything that was happening and live a life of excuses… or I could push myself. I could push myself and make my life good.” –Liz Murray
Is it possible for a homeless young girl who sleeps on a train to step into the halls of Harvard University?
That’s exactly the true story of Liz Murray.
Born to drug-addicted parents in the Bronx, Liz faced a childhood of poverty, instability, and eventual homelessness. After her mother’s death, Liz made the life-changing decision to turn her life around, hence the quote.
Despite having no stable home and working multiple jobs to survive, she completed four years of high school in just two years and earned a scholarship to Harvard. Her journey is a testament to resilience, self-determination, and the power of education.
Unlike traditional action heroines, Liz’s strength lies in her unbreakable spirit and refusal to let her circumstances define her future.
Katherine Johnson – Hidden Figures (2016)
“There are twenty, bright, highly capable Negro women in the west computing group, and we’re proud to be doing our part for the country. So yes, they let women do some things at NASA, Mr. Johnson. And it’s not because we wear skirts, it’s because we wear glasses.”
The 1960s were a massive decade for US space exploration. It was the time of the Mercury and Apollo space programs, which helped put a man into orbit and eventually on the Moon.
But behind these all-American achievements, and right in the thick of a racist climate, were three brilliant African-American women working as ‘human computers’ at NASA. Hidden Figures portrays that despite their impressive work, they were refused higher positions and dealt with discriminatory behaviour daily.
Katherine Johnson is one of the women assigned to trying to outperform Russian mathematicians. Ultimately, her crucial calculations help the mission succeed and make history.
She is the ultimate symbol of resilience, perseverance, self-belief, and sticking it to the man (literally).
Science fiction and fantasy
Hermione Granger (Harry Potter, 2001-2011)
“Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself” – Hermione Granger
Let’s be honest – without Hermione Granger, Harry and Ron wouldn’t have made it past their first year at Hogwarts.
Played by Emma Watson, Hermione is the brains, the heart, the strategist, and, frankly, the only one who actually read the instructions before attempting life-threatening magic.
From mastering spells before her classmates to leading Dumbledore’s Army and standing up for marginalised groups (hello, SPEW!), Hermione’s strength came from intelligence, bravery, and an unwavering moral compass.
And while the boys fumbled their way through chaos, she consistently pulled them out of trouble. She didn’t need saving; she did the saving!
Maya – Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
“I’m in this until the end.”-Maya
In Zero Dark Thirty (note, this one’s for older kids), Jessica Chastain’s Maya is the definition of relentless. This woman doesn’t know the meaning of ‘quitting.’
As a CIA analyst leading the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, she’s brilliant, unshakable, and completely unwilling to back down – even when faced with bureaucracy, danger, and the skepticism of her male colleagues.
She spends years piecing together intelligence, facing countless dead ends, and enduring unimaginable pressure, yet she never loses focus.
Her final scene, where she sits alone on a military plane, is one of the most powerful moments in modern cinema!
Maya is a reminder that strength isn’t always loud or flashy – it’s persistence, intelligence, and the refusal to accept anything less than the truth.
Strong female characters in animated films
Merida (Brave, 2012)
“This whole marriage is what you want! Do you ever bother to ask what I want?”- Merida
Now, here’s a princess we can relate to!
In Brave, Merida is the epitome of strength, bravery, and defiance.
As the daughter of Scottish King Fergus and Queen Elinor, she’s determined to carve her own path, refusing to be bound by the traditional expectations of her society. Skilled with a bow and arrow, Merida takes matters into her own hands, challenging the male-dominated field of her time and daring to rewrite her own destiny. (Can I just add here that the accents are just adorable?)
Her defiance of age-old traditions leads her to a chaotic turn of events in the kingdom, but her resilience and selflessness make her an inspiring and powerful figure.
Merida’s story is one of empowerment, where she proves that a woman’s true strength lies in her ability to stand up for what she believes in and fight for what she loves.
Mulan (Mulan, 1998)
“I will die doing what’s right!” -Mulan
Mulan didn’t just break gender norms. She shattered them with a sword and a well-timed avalanche.
In Disney’s 1998 animated classic, Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Chinese army.
She starts as an outsider, struggling to keep up with the men in training, but through sheer determination (and an unforgettable training montage set to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”), she becomes a warrior.
She outsmarts an entire army, saves China, and does it all without a prince swooping in to rescue her. Instead, she earns her place not because she’s pretending to be a man but because she’s Mulan – fearless, resourceful, and unapologetically herself.
Kim Possible (Kim Possible, 2002-2007)
“I can do anything.” –Kim
Before there was a superhero multiverse, there was Kim Possible – the teenage spy who could ace a math test, save the world, and still make it home in time for dinner.
Armed with her iconic “What’s the sitch?” catchphrase, a grappling hook, and an unshakable sense of confidence, Kim took on everything from evil villains to high school drama – all while rocking cargo pants like it was nobody’s business.
What made Kim a true powerhouse was that she was both unstoppable and relatable. (I mean, her last name is ‘possible,’ so…)
Sure, she was a crime-fighting genius, but she also dealt with embarrassing parents, awkward crushes, and the occasional high school meltdown. No matter how impossible the situation (or how ridiculous Dr. Drakken’s evil schemes got), Kim always figured it out – because saving the world was just another after-school activity.
Barbie (2023)
“I want to be part of the people that make meaning, not the thing that is made.” – Barbie
She’s not wielding swords or fighting aliens, but Barbie’s embarking on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal expectations, before ultimately embracing her individuality.
In Barbie (2023), Margot Robbie’s Barbie starts as the picture-perfect doll living in a perfect pink world, only to realise that reality is far more complicated than she thought.
What begins as a journey to fix her mysteriously flat feet turns into an existential crisis about identity, womanhood, and what it means to have agency over your own story.
Unlike the traditional dolls of the past, this Barbie questions, grows, and ultimately redefines herself.
She confronts the patriarchy (with a little help from Gloria’s feminist monologue), challenges expectations, and learns that being “stereotypical Barbie” doesn’t mean she has to fit into a single mold.
By the end, she chooses imperfection, complexity, and autonomy because being real is far more powerful than being perfect.
Coming-of-age stories
Elle Woods (Legally Blonde, 2001)
“I don’t need backups. I’m going to Harvard.”- Elle Woods
Now that’s the confidence girls need!
In Legally Blonde, Elle Woods defies every expectation placed upon her.
Played by Reese Witherspoon, Elle is initially seen as the quintessential bubbly sorority girl, more interested in fashion than academics. However, when her ex-boyfriend dismisses her intellect, Elle decides to pursue a degree at Harvard Law School, turning her journey into a comedic yet empowering tale of self-discovery and breaking barriers.
Despite facing gender discrimination and doubts about her abilities, Elle’s unwavering belief in herself propels her forward, showing that strength and intelligence come in all forms.
With a strong sense of who she is, Elle navigates the challenges of law school, challenging stereotypes and showing she can be both fashionable and brilliant.
Leia Organa (Star Wars, 1977)
“Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you can see it, you’ll never make it through the night.”- Princess Leia
Princess? Yes.
Damsel in distress? Absolutely not!
From the moment she appears in Star Wars: A New Hope, Leia Organa is running the rebellion, delivering snarky one-liners, and holding her own against the likes of Darth Vader and the Empire (while rocking space buns and a blaster).
She’s a leader, strategist, and fearless fighter who doesn’t wait around to be rescued. (In fact, she rescues herself and then takes over her own rescue mission because, honestly, Luke and Han were not moving fast enough.)
From leading the Rebel Alliance to taking down Jabba the Hutt with nothing but a chain and staring down the First Order as General Organa, the young woman proves that strength comes from resilience, wit, and never backing down.
Wrapping it up
All kids need to see strong women in film, regardless of their gender.
Young girls can be inspired to dream big and see themselves as capable of great things, whatever those may be.
Young boys learn to respect women as equals and appreciate what they bring to the table. They also see that ‘strength’ doesn’t require the hypermasculine image our generations grew up with, leading to healthier masculinity.
It takes character, compassion, resilience, humility, and self-belief.
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