Miranda Priestley is one of the most wonderfully engaging and yet horrible characters of all time. Her perfectionism draws people to work at the fictional Runway magazine, but once there, they have to meet her impossibly high standards. A badass boss from hell. | © 20th Century Studios
Dana Scully is a skeptic, doctor, and scientist who is strong and brave. She goes toe-to-toe with every other character, and for that we love her! | © 20th Century Studios
Elle Woods is a fashionable sorority girl who tries her best to stay a beacon of positivity and empathy. Taking risks and remaining true to herself, she breaks down stereotypes about female characters and becomes a fantastic lawyer. | © Amazon MGM Studios
Emilia Clarke's Daenerys Targaryen evolves from a meek young girl mistreated by her narcissistic brother to a powerful and determined leader. Her story balances idealism and ambition, making her one of the most compelling and unpredictable characters. Just ignore the final season. | © HBO
Rey, one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise, rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful force in the galaxy. She beats far more skilled opponents, and not simply because she is so powerful, but also thanks to her intelligence and cunning. | © The Walt Disney Company
Moana is an adventurous character and a determined leader who sets out on a glorious journey to save her people. Moana’s journey proves that leadership comes from trusting yourself and embracing the unknown. We love this message. | © The Walt Disney Company
Surprised? Don't be. Professor Minerva McGonagall is a badass, and if you don't believe us, reread or rewatch the defense of Hogwarts. She's also famous for her sharp intellect, fierce sense of justice, and unwavering loyalty. All of this combines to make her a beloved character and memorable teacher. | © Warner Bros. Entertainment
Trinity from The Matrix is, at least first, cold, calm and lethal. But over time we see more of her loyalty, and belief in love, which drives her journey through the surreal world of the Matrix. And, let's face it, she also knows how to fight like a badass. | © Warner Bros. Entertainment
Black Widow, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, is one of the hottest and most badass female movie characters of all time. She is trained as a lethal assassin, but sheds her dark past to become a key member of the Avengers. | © Marvel Comics
Catwoman is an anti-hero from a rough, humble beginning, who does everything she needs to survive. She is a beautiful, tough-as-nails, independent woman, and if that isn't the definition of a badass then we don't know what is. | © DC Comics
Wednesday Addams is the dark, deadpan daughter of the quirky Addams family, best known for her intelligence and sense of humor. She is unafraid to speak her mind, and she loves everything macabre. We can't get enough, especially thanks to Ortega's excellent portrayal. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Lara Croft is an iconic character who redefined the role of women in action films. She is smart, determined, hot, and dangerous. Although, we have to admit, Lara Croft still needs a great film to do her justice. | © CDE Entertainment
"I volunteer as tribute!" Katniss Everdeen is a fantastic female protagonist, who sacrifices herself to save her little sister. She isn’t perfect, which we love, as it makes her an even more compelling character, but she's definitely done enough to qualify as badass. | © Lionsgate Studios
Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in battle, and for that alone she's our favorite Disney Princess. With bravery, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, she challenges gender roles and proves that true strength comes from within. | © The Walt Disney Company
Beatrix Kiddo, also known as The Bride, proves that she's more than a handy swordmaster. Once a deadly assassin, The Bride tries to find justice after waking from a coma, years after a hideous betrayal. The second film is weaker, but The Bride remains a badass. | © Lionsgate Studios
Portrayed by Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman embodies strength, justice, and compassion. An Amazonian warrior princess combines godlike power with belief in the goodness of humanity; she battles for peace and defies traditional gender roles. This is a more traditional badass, but a badass nonetheless. | © DC Comics
Clarice Starling is outstanding in The Silence of the Lambs, and that's saying something, given this might be the best horror film of all time. She faces the chilling psychological games of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and continues to work with him despite being understandably terrified. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Hermione Granger is full of drive and passion, and is unapologetic about it. She shows that being a badass doesn't just mean you can throw a good punch, it also means you stand up for what you believe is right, and you go for what you want. | © Warner Bros. Entertainment
Sarah Connor starts as an ordinary young waitress thrust into an extraordinary situation. But throughout the franchise, she refuses to give up fighting, both for her life and the lives of those she cares about. This is a wonderful example of a badass from humble beginnings. | © StudioCanal
Princess Leia Organa leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Empire, and for that alone she deserves our respect. But it helps that she's also a fearless warrior who stands her ground, and that she's Force-attuned. | © The Walt Disney Company
Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, is one of the most iconic protagonists whose strength, intelligence, and resilience redefined female leads in cinema. She proved that women can command the screen in the toughest of battles. A legend. | © 20th Century Fox
The film industry has given us countless unforgettable female characters who left a mark on pop culture. In this article, we will count down the 25 most iconic female movie characters who have made a lasting impact on the industry.
