Fearless females: our favorite leading ladies from movies and TV

Emilia Clarke - Game of Thrones- 2011-2019

Khaleesi began the series by being forced into an arranged marriage, but eight seasons later, she was a powerful, respected queen with an almost indestructible army. Regardless of how she ended up using her army, she knew how to gain the trust and loyalty of those who decided to listen to her and choose her as their leader.

Carrie Fisher - Star Wars Saga - 1977-2017

Princess Leia proved that you don't have to raise your voice or be aggressive to lead an entire army. Best of all, her character changed the film industry in the late 70s, when Hollywood did not even contemplate powerful roles for women such as the Princess. Her legacy has endured over the decades and will continue to do so for many more.

Jodie Foster - The Silence of the Lambs  - 1991

Can a woman take over the investigation of a serial killer and negotiate directly with the greatest psychopath of all time? Of course, she can! Clarice Starling broke down many Hollywood taboos with one kick and did it in the best possible way: winning the Oscar for Best Actress.

Gal Gadot - Wonder Woman - 2017

During a duel between Batman and Superman, her unexpected appearance was a sensation, and Diana Prince stole the limelight. In a world dominated by men for decades, Wonder Woman was the first superhero to have a series of her own.

Winona Ryder - Heathers - 1988

Veronica Sawyer's unexpected move from "popular high school girl" to a serial criminal is something few people saw coming. Obviously, she is not a role model, but she is, in a way, an example of personal self-acceptance.

Nichelle Nichols - Star Trek Saga 1966-1991

Lieutenant Uhura was a true television revolutionary. Not only was she the first African-American female lead on a television series, but she also partook in the first interracial kiss ever broadcast on television. The kiss was with Captain Kirk, on November 22, 1968, in the episode called "Plato's Stepchildren." Nichelle Nichols stayed in the role of Uhura for 25 years.

Carrie-Anne Moss - Matrix Saga - 1999-2003

Trinity was another pioneer in the action genre when women didn't have as much of a place in it. Her character is at the same level as the protagonist, The Chosen Neo, and whose combat abilities surpass all. The opening scene, in which she floats in the air, is film history.

Scarlett Johansson - Black Widow - 2021

Everything suggested that Natasha Romanoff would be the first superheroine to have her own movie after her stellar appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, DC took advantage of Marvel's hesitation and snatched that honor from them with the aforementioned 'Wonder Woman.' Despite this, the Russian spy will make her solo debut in Phase 4 of the MCU after establishing herself as an essential member of The Avengers.

Reese Witherspoon - Legally Blonde - 2001

A classic story about how appearances can be deceiving. What starts as a superficial and selfish character ends up being a charming, optimistic, hard-working woman and, above all, a first-rate lawyer. For all these reasons, the character of Elle Woods earned a cult following.

Elliot Page - Juno - 2007

The story of Juno revolutionized an entire generation. A young woman becomes pregnant due to a night of passion with her best friend and decides to go through with the pregnancy despite the misgivings of those around her. Juno is a down-to-earth heroine who showed many women the power they have to make decisions for themselves despite what others may think.

Charlize Theron - Mad Max: Fury Road -2015

In a post-apocalyptic world where the law of the fittest reigns, the character brought to life by Charlize Theron, rises as a powerful warrior with one goal: to free the slaves of Immortan Joe. Compared by many people to Lieutenant Ripley, some consider her the best and most powerful female character of the 21st century.

Jennifer Lawrence - The Hunger Games - 2012

Nobody better than Jennifer Lawrence to play a young heroine who defied the established system. An unjust, cruel and bloodthirsty system that she faced alone to save her sister. Her courage and daring nature made her the visible face of a revolution. A revolution of people fed up with injustices, elevating Katniss Everdeen to the category of film legend.

Daisy Ridley - Star Wars Saga - 2015-2019

Star Wars has always been a benchmark for powerful female characters, as we have seen with Princess Leia. The latest trilogy in the intergalactic saga was completely dominated by Rey, a warrior whose combat skills only added to her immense charisma.

Uma Thurman - Kill Bill 1 & 2 - 2003-2004

The Black Mamba is betrayed and left for dead on her wedding day. After recovering, she can only think about one thing: taking revenge on those who destroyed what was going to be the best day of her life. Only Quentin Tarantino could come up with the idea of dressing Uma Thurman up in the yellow suit worn by Bruce Lee and turning her into a 6-foot ninja. The impact of the character was immediate, and she instantly became a feminine icon.

Linda Hamilton - Terminator Saga (1984-1991)

How do you fight against the most lethal android in history? One who has come from the future to kill your son and destroy humanity? Take note from Sarah Connor in the Terminator saga, first against the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and, in the second film, against the surprising T-1000 (Robert Patrick). A sci-fi legend who beat the most terrifying opponents.

Margot Kidder - Superman - 1978

The protagonist of Superman was the first to show that not every damsel who appeared in a superhero movie had to be saved. Her character made the Man of Steel have doubts, while her compassion and common sense helped him on many occasions. It laid the foundations for a change that was yet to come.

Judi Dench - James Bond Saga - 1995-2012

To the surprise of many, Judi Dench was the one who replaced the legendary Robert Brown as M in the James Bond saga. She was the first woman to bring the character to life, and the criticism did not take long to appear. The critics didn't calm down until 'GoldenEye' was released in 1995, and they saw that M was up to the task, even surpassing James Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, with her charisma.

Emma Watson - Harry Potter Saga - 2001-2011

Intellect, arrogance, and loyalty made Hermione Granger a feminine reference for several generations. First with the books, then with the film saga, the young Hogwarts student proved to be a powerful character unlike any other. Emma Watson's interpretation of the character elevated the character of Hermione even further -they could not have chosen a better actress for the role.

Emma Watson takes a break from acting: Take a look at her best roles so far

Frances McDormand - Fargo - 1996

Frances McDormand played Marge Gunderson, a character in the same category as Clarice Starling but with a completely different personality. Marge Gunderson was adorable and funny but also relentless in her police work in which, daily, she faced obstacles simply for being a woman. By the way, like Jodie Foster, Frances McDormand earned an Oscar for her role.

Idina Menzel - Frozen - 2013

Elsa was the first Disney princess who didn't have any need for a prince or a supporting male character in her story. This change of pace was a huge, massive success. Elsa has become the most powerful Disney princess in recent decades, and she has done so by being fair, just, and courageous when the situation requires it. And let's not forget that she forbade Anna from marrying a guy she had just met - that is the sign of a GOOD sister!

Anya Taylor-Joy -  The Queen’s Gambit - 2020

The internet and video games have all but been the death of board games, but thanks to Beth Harmon, there has been a resurrection. Chess was the best-selling game during Christmas 2020. If that isn't power, we don't know what is!