25 of the best movies featuring extremely strong women (2023)

SCENARIER: Alison Rollins, Christina Kim, Amanda Whitbeck, Lynn Whitbeck, Rachel Whitbeck

Regardless of what society has told us all our lives, women are powerful, brave and extremely strong. This also applies to real life and it is so important to see these women in our media as well. This summer, we'll be sharing some of our favorite movies with inspiring female characters.

We have selected 25 films that highlight the strength, intelligence and endurance of women from all walks of life. The films span all decades and genres, and the characters range widely in terms of race, country of origin, gender, sexuality and ability. Whether to fightsexual harassment in the workplaceor an invading army of warriors, these are women who have shown what women can achieve.

extraterrestrial(1979-1997) - Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Ripley is an inspirational figure in all areasextraterrestrialmovie theater. In the first film in the series, I could identify with the characters immediately. She is resourceful and decisive in a difficult situation. Ripley befriends a young girl, a lone survivor they find in a colony they are investigating. Her strength of character is revealed when she takes it upon herself to save a child despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Takes actions aware of the risks to themselves. Strong women are brave and Ripley is courage personified. - Lynn

Black Panther(2018) - Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), Shuri (Letitia Wright), Okoye (Danai Gurira), Ramonda (Angela Bassett)

Although not the main characters, all the women in this film are evil. My favorite is Shuri, who is basically the smartest person in the world and invented all the technology using Vibranium. But all the women in the film are strong women who use their power for the greater good. - Alison

Cinderella(1950) - Cinderella (Ilene Woods)

I'm Eli WDown to the boneCinderella isn't necessarily the first woman that comes to mind when you think of strong female characters. She should be. Like many others, I went through a phase where I thought Cinderella was a weak woman wallowing in a miserable situation until a man came to her rescue. But like many others, I realized that Cinderella was strong as hell and waited for no one. Despite years of emotional abuse and slavery from her own family, Cinderella herself never became evil or cruel. She worked hard to sew her own dress to survive what she had never had – a night off. When it was destroyed, her own wishes were physically embodied in a fairy godmother, giving her a much needed break. So she happened to land the prince? That doesn't make them any less powerful. - Rachel

Danish girl(2015) - Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) and Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander)

While I have a problem with a cis man playing a trans woman, Eddie Redmayne gave a strong performance portraying Lili slowly accepting and living as a woman in her 20s and 30s, no less! Her wife Gerda accepts Lila's transformation and tries to help Lili as best she can while deflecting questions about what happened to her "husband" and keeping her away from mental hospitals.Danish girlshows how difficult it can be to adjust in a transphobic society, but also shows how happy women can be when they can be themselves. - Rachel

That's right, Rachel.Danish girlis such a powerful, moving film and one of my favorites in recent years. It's sad how transphobic our society is and movies like this are really insightful about an entire community of people who deserve our respect and love. Lili is so strong and Gerda is a good ally. - Amanda

Erin Brockovich(2000) - Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts)

In short, Erin Brockovich has guts, and lots of it. She is dark and flawed, yet caring and sincere. She is characterized by her ability to connect, listen, research and build relationships. It allows her to unwaveringly bring the truth to light and exercise justice. - Lynn

Captain Marvel(2019) – Carol Danvers alias Captain Marvel (Brie Larson)

Captain Marvelis a new genre of female-led films that pretty much rejects what we usually see with heroines on screen. Carol Danvers doesn't even need to be called a "heroine," a despicably gendered term: the trailers for the film claimed she was a "heroine" herself. The strength of this film is that Carol is not what we expect from the main character. He laughs and smiles throughout the action, expressing anger and frustration instead of quiet sadness, and brims with confidence as he does with his photon energy powers.

Captain Marvel never hesitates to throw herself into battle, displaying a boldness and panache that characterizes her character that has never been seen before in a film of this caliber. This film does not confront the viewer with a life-changing revelation. It depicts a confident woman who saves the world while having fun. - Lynn

Hidden characters(2016) - Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) og Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer)

Hidden charactersit was huge when it came out, and for good reason. I think all of us at Petite2Queen chose this movie as one of the best movies with strong, inspiring female characters. Even better they wererightWomen who have proven how smart, hardworking and capable women – and especially black women – really are. It is empowering andintersectional feministI love how Katherine, Mary and Dorothy showed what black women can achieve when they are allowed to reach their full potential.Hidden charactersthis is one of my favorite new movies in recent years. - Amanda

I sawHidden charactersat least five times since he left. I love seeing these three women use their strengths to fight their own battles and empower all black women. Dorothy Vaughan in particular fights for her whole team. Love it! - Rachel

I love that movie! It dispels the myth that women are not good at maths and science. It's a story of strength: women leading the way, seizing opportunities and achieving their dreams through hard work and diligence with grace. - Lynn

Holidays(1938) - Linda Seton (Katharine Hepburn)

Holidaysis a true classic starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Each of the four films they made together are amazing.Holidaysfeatures protagonist Linda Seton. Linda refuses to conform to her family's perception of her role in society. She has incredible strength of character to stand up to the people she truly cares about and loves. She is brave and takes a leap of faith to throw off the shackles of conformity and start a new life. - Lynn

the hunchback of notre dame(1996) - Esmerelda (Demi Moore)

It's one of those movies I didn't like as a kid, but after re-watching it a few years ago, I realized how great it really is. Esmerelda is a Roma dancer living in 15th century Paris, whose society is oppressed by the rulers. She consistently advocates justice for all marginalized people and rejects Frollo for his misogynistic sexual harassment. Esmerelda is definitely one to look up to, especially in today's political and social climate. justice for all! - Rachel

I agree - Esmerelda is very inspiring and strong throughout the film, always defying oppression and standing up for what is right. Although she is not the first "Disney Princess" most people think of, she is one of my favorites. I would also like to express my gratitude to Pocahontas, who shows similar strength in promoting peace between two opposing, even hateful, sides. - Amanda

Hunger Games(2012-2015) - Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence)

When Katniss volunteers as a tribute, she shows great courage as well as unconditional love for her sister. Katniss also becomes a symbol of strength and unity between the districts. He is a strong leader throughout the series. - Alison

calm(2016) - Maddie Young (Kate Siegel)

This thriller/slasher follows a deaf writer as she fights for her life against a serial killer. Despite the odds, Maddie is intelligent and resourceful, consistently defying the killer's expectations that he can be killed easily. Not only does she overcome the "obstacles" she has against him, Maddie also uses the skills and gadgets she's acquired as a result of her hearing loss to her advantage.calmshows that women with disabilities are not helpless or powerless, but are prepared to accept whatever comes their way. - Rachel

calmis a great movie and I think the only one on this list that is horror and the only one where the main character is disabled. Maddie may be deaf, but she still excels at dealing with a serial killer. This is a wonderful film that shows the power of women with disabilities. - Amanda

The Last Jedi(2017) - Rey (Daisy Ridley)

be a giantstar WarsHeck, I even watched the three prequels (only once) and was excited for the latest episodes. Rey was amazing, she had everything a General Leia fan could ask for. IfThe Last JediWhen I opened it, my daughter and I watched it in the early hours of the first day. What separates me from Rey is that she stays true to her values. She is ready to talk and explore her paradigm. He challenges himself to ask questions and grow. Despite all this, Rey knows what's most important and stays true to herself. - Lynn

Natural blonde(2001) - Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon)

My mom loves this movie and has been watching it with my sister since it came out. what i love about itNatural blondeIn this way, Elle Woods proves that women are not only about looks. Sure, she's pretty, girly, loves the color pink, and is obsessed with fashion, but she's also smart, hardworking, smart, resourceful, and really kind. She is strong and proves her worth to everyone who doubts her - from a lame ex-boyfriend to university professors. Women can be successful and intelligent as well as feminine and cheerful; they are not mutually exclusive! It's a modern classic that everyone - men and women alike - should check out. - Amanda

I also love that Elle is able to form an alliance and even a friendship with a woman she initially fought with because of Warren's love. Forget about petty rivalries! Elle Woods is beyond that. - Rachel

Lilo i Stitch(2002) - Dwarves (Tia Carrere)

Nani is a wonderful woman. After losing her parents, she works hard to keep her sister Lilo in her care. Working hard to find a job after Lilo and Stitch (mostly Stitch) caused her to lose her job as a waitress, Nani still makes time for Lilo, reminding her that "Family means no one else is left behind or forgotten." - Rachel

Miss Agent(2000) - Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock)

Another movie I watched over and over again with my mom and sister,Miss Agentsends a strong message about how amazing and talented women are, even if they fit other stereotypes of ruthless women. Women can be strong and intelligent whether they work for the FBI or join the FBIMiss AmericaCompetition. Gracie Hart starts out with internalized misogynistic views, but quickly realizes how wrong that attitude is. All women, regardless of their appearance or profession, are strong. - Amanda

Although Gracie is portrayed as a grumpy, insensitive woman, it is her kindness that helps her the most in her investigation. It also teaches women that sexual harassment is never okay and how to fight back. Go Grace! - Rachel

Pani Sloane(2016) - Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain)

I love that this movie shows a woman who is successful in her career - and who is quite male dominated. The titular Elizabeth Sloane is a lobbyist fighting the arms industry. It is not an easy task, but thanks to incredible intelligence, ingenuity and determination, he finally achieves an amazing feat. I also love the shocking ending! - Amanda

Mulana(1998) - Mulan (Ming-Na Wen)

Mulanawas such an important film to me as a child. This is the first time I've seen a Disney girl take matters into her own hands and bravely go into battle - disguised as a man and with only a cricket and an incompetent dragon god to help! It takes some time, but in the end, Mulan is a better fighter than any other man! One of the best things everMulanais that a standard male army cannot defeat the Huns using traditional warfare tactics; Rather, Mulan's use of her more "feminine" abilities resulted in defeating the enemy. Perhaps partly because they had underestimated this young woman; but still shows that femininity and women are powerful and strong. Also a great Disney characterHighlightedis Merida. - Amanda

Next to Merida, Mulan is one of my favorite Disney characters. She is willing to risk her life to protect her father. Contrary to the expectations of most of her deceased ancestors, Mulan manages to protect her father and save China! He's not bad! - Rachel

Norma Rae(1979) - Norma Rae Webster (Sally Field)

I will never forget the image of Norma Rae jumping to her feet and holding the union sign above her head. It was strong and real. This film has always stuck in my mind as a story of unbridled will and overcoming incredible challenges. It speaks to me about how each of us can change the world with determination, passion and courage. - Lynn

Nordland(2005) - Josey Aimes (Charlize Theron)

Based on a book that in turn is based on a true storyNordlandmarks a watershed moment in the recognition of workplace sexual harassment in the United States. Faced with opposition from almost everyone - including her own father - single mother Josey Aimes begins working in the local iron mine where her father works. She pays six times more than her job as a hairdresser - which represents the pay gap between so-called male and female jobs. But since almost all of her colleagues are men who think she doesn't fit in there, she is subjected to massive sexual harassment. She has fought long and hard to enforce policies that protect her and other employees from such harassment. It is especially a fantastic and inspiring filmrelevant given the #MeToo movement. - Loving

Ocean's 8(2018) Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), Nine Ball (Rihanna), Lou (Cate Blanchett), Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), Rose (Helena Bonham Carter), Tammy (Sarah Paulson), Constance (Awkwafina), Amita (Mindy) ) Kalinga)

This movie is so funny. Each of the main characters are masters at what they do, and Debbie Ocean is the mastermind behind the Heist of the Century. All theseoceansThe movies have male characters and it's nice to see all women doing things that we usually see in movies with men. - Alison

The princess and the Frog(2009) - Tiana (Anika Noni Rose)

only thenThe princess and the Frogonce, but it struck me how hardworking Tiana is. Battling sexism and racism in 1920s New Orleans, he works long hours and has big budgets to fulfill his father's (and his own) dream of opening a restaurant. She is pragmatic and down to earth and unlike any other fairytale princess I have ever seen. - Rachel

Rabbit-proof fence(2002) - Molly (Everlyn Sampi), Daisy (Tianna Sansbury) og Gracie (Laura Monaghan)

I chose this movie because the main characters are extremely brave and persistent against all odds. It tells the story of three young mixed-race Aboriginal girls who, after escaping from the re-education camp they were sent to for forced integration into white society, travel 1,500 miles to return to their hometown. These girls show great strength and determination. And it was loosely based on a true story! - Alison

star Wars(1977–2017) - Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher)

The scene where Princess Leia takes the blaster from Han in the cell is one of my favorite scenes. He takes control to save himself and his "saviors". Ten years after publicationstar Wars, we still had women cowering and whining like iPrincess Bride. Leia was and is a role model: intelligent, capable, determined and fearless. - Lynn

Down to the bone(2017) - Ellen/Eli (Lilly Collins)

Ellen, later known as Eli, may not seem like a strong woman. For most of the film, he refuses to adequately address his struggle with anorexia. But the fact that Eli is still alive when her own cleverness puts her in mortal danger is a sign of great strength to me. There is nothing harder to win than fighting your own brain, but he finally finds the strength to fight a good fight for him. - Rachel

A wrinkle in time(2018) - I (Burza Reid)

Meg Murry is no damsel in distress; In fact, it's the other way around. He tries to save his father from an evil alien named It. Plus, Meg learns to trust who she is instead of conforming to what she thinks society expects of her. - Alison

What do you think of these women? Did watching these videos inspire you as much as we did? Tell us what you liked about it - and be sure to let us know which movies you'd add to the list! We would love to hear your feedback and expand our list of encouraging videos.