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devil652_ , Terminator 2: Judgment Day Report

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Terminator 2

Final score:

227points

POST

Jeff White 11 months ago

How could I have forgotten about this? Absolute perfection. If it wasn't for Aliens, this would be the best ever.

38points

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "The Addams Family"

AdOk1965 , The Addams Family Report

Final score:

203points

POST

Heather Evans 11 months ago

Gomez .. last night you frightened me ... ... do it again

81points

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Laura Dern, Jurassic Park. Seeing a strong woman in science at such a young age had a profound impact on me, and I truly think it’s one of the reasons I am a scientist today.

mmart482 , Jurassic Park Report

Final score:

186points

POST

Fynne 11 months ago

It’s great that they included female role models in these movies

32points

Xitxarel•lo Panda 11 months ago

Yup :). I love movies with strong women starring

4points

Sonia Bailey 11 months ago

I always loved the fact that she takes the lead, and it's left to Dr. Grant to look after the children - turning that trope on it head. Plus that scene with Ian Malclom!!

6points

Nikole 11 months ago

Ooo good call! I actually never thought of it like that.

2points

Alexej Dvorak 11 months ago

It seems she left such an impression that the OP didn't even remember her name and just put "#actresses character".

1point

D. Pitbull 11 months ago

See... I find it interesting that ... so.... first Jurassic Park Movie... you got Dr. Sattler. Intelligent, got her sh** together, butt-kicker, thinks before she acts, etc. Then the REST of the movies... every single female character is ... kind of an annoying, short-sighted, self-righteous idiot. What the heck happened.

1point

VonBlade 11 months ago

On the tiny chance anyone hasn't seen the Laura Dern song from the Spirit Awards : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlQotkWWDQI

0points

Feelings are fake 11 months ago

No this was weak

-1point

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Hidden Figures. Wonderful movie about the women working for Nasa in the 60's who were human computers; they calculated the numbers by hand for the first flight to the moon.

Furiousa in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Danielle in Ever After.

Nightsong1005 , Hidden Figures Report

Final score:

186points

POST

V33333P 11 months ago

Yes yes yes to all these yes

32points

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right X files. I can't believe I haven't seen that yet.
She was highly intelligent with a strong confidence that couldn't be beaten down by the sexists in the early seasons nor the crushing but invisible power of the Syndicate.

andrewnormous , The X-Files Report

Final score:

185points

POST

Jeff White 11 months ago

Good choice. Thanks.

19points

artpayne , The Silence of the Lambs Report

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right The Silence of the Lambs

Final score:

179points

POST

Jeff White 11 months ago

Her character was written to be too untested, too tentative. But Ms Foster's portrayal of that character was brilliant

46points

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "Fargo"

u/Mr_Saturn1 added:

Awhile back on twitter someone asked to name movies that features a female protagonist who is competent at her job, in an established relationship with a man (the relationship does not start during the events of the film) and her partner does not criticize her work or encourage her to give up. The only movie people could name that fully satisfied these requirements was Fargo.

AdOk1965 , Fargo Report

Final score:

166points

POST

Xitxarel•lo Panda 11 months ago

And she was pregnant. I love that movie

61points

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Rachel Weisz playing Evie in The Mummy.

"Take that, Bembridge Scholars!"

AmoebaGal , The Mummy Report

Final score:

152points

POST

Zaphod 11 months ago

Weisz and Fraser reminded me of Nick and Nora Charles from the Thin Man movies. I love thosa movies.

31points

hypnos_surf , Buffy the Vampire Slayer Report

#10

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

It set the foundation for the TV series which did a strong female lead that didn’t have to take being a strong woman so seriously to make the point.

Not a movie, but Xena and Gabrielle deserve an honorable mention.

Final score:

150points

POST

Helena 11 months ago

A thousand times yes

26points

Le_Baked_Beans , Edge of Tomorrow Report

#11

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Emily Blunt in Edge of Tomorrow

Final score:

145points

POST

Xitxarel•lo Panda 11 months ago

Better than Tom cruise

59points

#12

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Mulan, the Disney animated one.

AndTheyCallMeAnIdiot , Mulan Report

Final score:

141points

POST

Sonja 11 months ago

Oh they thoroughly destroyed her in the remakes. She was perfect in the animated movie. Smart, strong, great character arc and development, she was brilliant.

50points

#13

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Fried Green Tomatoes gives you a selection of them.

cmerry , Fried Green Tomatoes Report

Final score:

141points

POST

Heather Evans 11 months ago

Ahhh the best rainy Sunday afternoon movie

31points

#14

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Brave. As a young girl it was very validating to seeing a princess who was competing as well as winning against men. I also really like the movie because Merida isn’t perfect, and you can definitely tell that she’s a 16 year old girl, especially watching it while I’m older. She’s a teen girl who’s doing her best to prove to her parents that she is strong and can take care of herself. I also really like this movie because Merida isn’t afraid to yell and strongly state her opinion. The women in my life are often very strong people as well as outspoken, and I really love seeing that represented in media, and Brave is really the “strong female” trope done right.

Street_Seaweed3388 , Brave Report

Final score:

141points

POST

Sonja 11 months ago

I like it because they didn't try to make her perfect. She had her flaws. And she had room to grow

41points

#15

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Legally Blonde.

pearlbibo , Legally Blonde Report

Final score:

139points

POST

11 months ago

I will forever love the scene where she questioned the murderer and got them to confess using her knowledge of perms.

61points

RedWestern , Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Report

#16

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Harry Potter

Hermione, Ginny and Luna are all completely different, but I would describe them all as strong female characters.

Final score:

133points

POST

Sonja 11 months ago

In the books, yes, in the movies, not do much. Also McGonagall is dear to my heart

95points

#17

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Kill Bill

Imagnome- , Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Report

Final score:

121points

POST

Zaphod 11 months ago

This is one of my favorite movies. The scene in the Japanese garden is epic!

22points

Ripe-Melon , Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Report

#18

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet but Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Final score:

119points

POST

Nea 11 months ago

My favorite movie :) love her!!

16points

#19

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right My Cousin Vinny.

reddit.com , My Cousin Vinny Report

Final score:

111points

POST

Heather Evans 11 months ago

Come on, Marissa is so fabulous in this movie!!!

30points

TheycallitLeBigMac , Steel Magnolias Report

#20

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Steel Magnolias.

Final score:

108points

POST

Chewie Baron 11 months ago

A billion times yes.

29points

#21

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "Arrival"

AdOk1965 , Arrival Report

Final score:

107points

POST

Helena 11 months ago

I love this movie.

23points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

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I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. Looking at pets and memes is the best part of my work. I love to travel and want to see the world. Still looking and exploring stuff I like and want to do so thats exciting... and sometimes not

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What do you think ?

POST

Fynne 11 months ago

Thanks BP staff for supporting women, while not being offensive to men

45points

Auntriarch 11 months ago

Very well noted Fynne

7points

Miki 11 months ago (edited)

Samantha Carter! SG-1. Strong and smart af! Oh! and half of female characters in battlestar galactica (newer one), especially Laura Roslin.

25points

Rocket Surgeon 11 months ago

Yes to both of these. Sam is da woman, and I loved how BSG had boxing matches where it didn't matter what gender was fighting what gender, they just went all out at each other.

9points

H Wiley 11 months ago

Oh, you beat me to it. Came here to say it. Dont forget Dr Elizabeth Weir and Teyla.

3points

the quickening 11 months ago

New Battlestar Galactica is so good. I was in love the moment this seriously ill, middleaged woman put a military man in his place and singlehandedly saved the human race by convincing them to stop fighting a hopeless battle and flee.

1point

Brocken Blue 11 months ago

Yes!!! SG1 cemented my love of scifi shows as a teen, and Sam Care was a big reason why. And I love how Starbuck was a spectacular pilot and a flawed human in ways that had nothing to do with her being female. Such good characters all around!

1point

D. Pitbull 11 months ago

Yes! And Amanda Tapping is absolutely lovely. I got her autograph at a convention... and when choosing a 'pro-photo' for signing, she graciously suggested some of the group shots ... and I was like "Nah... c'mon... I don't see RDA, nor any of the other dudes here. Why get a pic with them in it?"

0points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

No Princess Leia? (OK, forget about Return of the Jedi; I'm only talking Star Wars.) ... she was the original Hollywood warrior princess, absolutely overturning the princess trope. She took command of her own rescue, and then of the remnants of the Republic. Consider every good Harrison Ford role consisted of him humorously responding to tropes, from "why did it have to be snakes" to taking a gun to a sword fight. But despite his comments, it's not *funny* when the damsel-in-distress becomes kick-a*s; she just assumes command so effectively, even Han falls in line (until he completely bails and returns). The movie itself fails the Bechtel rule (is that the right name?), but that has little to do with Leia being anything less than boss.

17points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

Come to think of it, how about Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark? Jones never quite yields to her like Solo did, but she was doing a damned good job of getting out of trouble on her own, especially considering Jones himself needed the most literal case of God-from-a-box ever. Compare to how cringy the "dumb blonde" schtick from Temple of Doom was.

11points

Rider 11 months ago

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Kathrine Janeway in ST Voyager. Kerri Russell as Jenna in Waitress.

7points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Also if we're allowing Anime, Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.

7points

David Paterson 11 months ago

Yes!

1point

Dan Flo 11 months ago

Annihilation. A team of scientists and doctors facing the unknown. All of them are women. The Expanse - Drummer, Draper, Naomi, Madam Secretary-General Avasarala...

5points

Powerful Katrinka 11 months ago

Yes, to The Expanse! One of the many reasons I love it so.

1point

Fat Harry 11 months ago

How about Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"? Not the movie portrayal by Mary Badham, but the strong character from the book.

4points

TechPanda 11 months ago

For anyone looking for a similar movie but outside of America, I highly recommend "King of Boys" and its sequel, "Return of the King". It's a Nigerian political thriller. It's also available on Netflix.

4points

FaceTime Audio 11 months ago

Pride and Prejudice, both book and movie, portray a smart and independent woman in a restricted society. The Suffragette is great. The Old Guard is great (Charlize Theron AND Kiki Layne. Brilliant casting). Barbie (obviously).

2points

JB 11 months ago

Surprised The Pelican Brief (Book Author: John Grisham) didn’t make it on here. Brilliant novel and Julia Roberts was outstanding in the role of Darby Shaw in the movie.

2points

SkyDragonAerial (Aro/Ace, Cassgender) 11 months ago

Show, not movie, but Leverage! Parker and Sophie are so cool, and they carry the team imo. (No hate on the boys, but they're not as cool as the girls)

2points

H Wiley 11 months ago

That iswhy Nate left Parker in charge. She was a leader.

0points

Zedrapazia 11 months ago

That's a nice one, I enjoyed this read! Please next do one for the other side with male characters that aren't portrayed as the typical Rambo but still good.

2points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

What about I spit on your grave

1point

SheHulk 11 months ago

Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson) in person of interest!

1point

Sonja 11 months ago

I also saw a rare exception in the action movie genre that didn't turn the wife of the protagonist into an enemy behind the lines: Nobody. It's really enjoyable to watch because the main character is strong without having to portrait his wife as the btch holding him back. I liked it a lot because it also had a great male character for a change

1point

Deep One 10 months ago

Most of Angelina Jolie's movies; Salt, all of the Laura Croft Movies. Same for Milla Jovovich's movies.

0points

Uncle Schmickle 11 months ago

These are all crappy modern movies. How about looking at the "real" movie stars of the 1930s and 40s ? There were so many strong and believable women in them.

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

Lori Petty in "Tank Girl" has to be one of my favorites!!!

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Kristi S. 11 months ago

Not a movie,but "Yellowstone"- Beth Dutton!

0points

Thirumeninathan Murugan 11 months ago

100 - the series

0points

Grace Skerp 11 months ago

Helen Mirren, Red "The CIA used to be tougher than this" as she FAFOs a bunch of them. Come to think just about any alpha female she's played.

0points

Definitely a Human 11 months ago

Chihiro / Sen from Spirited Away

0points

SheamusFanFrom1987 11 months ago

While not a hero per se (quite the opposite actually), I think Tina Turner as Aunty Entity showed a classic example of girl bad-assery while at the same time, questioned whether the girl ran the world (or at least Bartertown) way too hard. To me it shows that anyone, man or woman, can die a hero or live long enough to be a villain.

0points

Scott Rackley 11 months ago

China Syndrome was better than a whole lot of these

0points

Nikole 11 months ago

A show, but freaking Olivia Benson

0points

for ducks sake 11 months ago

Drew Barrymore in Ever After

0points

Lara Verne 11 months ago

Ghibli movies.

0points

Crouching hippo hidden panda 11 months ago

Great list. I’ve seen a lot of them, going to make sure I get around to seeing the others

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

More recent ones: 9 to 5 (Tomlin, Parton & Fonda), Chicago (Zeta Jones & Zellweger), TV: Veronica Mars (Bell)

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

There are some classics with powerful leads: Casablanca (Ingrid Bergman), To Catch a Thief (Grace Kelly), The Desk Set (Katherine Hepburn), What's Up Doc (Barbara Streisand), Gentleman Prefer Blondes (Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe), Love Me or Leave Me (Doris Day).

0points

Himory TheDreamer 11 months ago

World of Warcraft (the game, I heard differently from the books) does strong female characters well. Draka, Talanji, Alextrasza, even Jaina, though I don't like her much, is a very strong character.

0points

BookFanatic 11 months ago

This was awesome. I think I upvoted everyone. lol

0points

Kayleigh Smith 11 months ago

If have to say Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

0points

Momo Skarsgård 11 months ago

I think Beth from Hostel 2 belongs on the list as well.

0points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

YESSSSSSSS BETH IS SUCH A BADASS I LOVE HERRRRRRRRR

0points

i love hawaiian margarita pizz 11 months ago

Jo from Nymphomaniac. she is very open to her sexuality and has sex on her own terms. also, nearly all the female leads in Kelly Richardt's films.

0points

functional human 11 months ago

Not like rey

0points

Deanna Crichley 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Lagertha from Vikings.

0points

Juririn 11 months ago

I would add Miss Sloane (2016) to this list ☝

0points

JoyfulZebra 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Emily Blunt's character in "The English" (an amazing, but heartbreaking miniseries) fits this real well.

0points

11 months ago

I'm surprised suits isnt on here. if anyone hasnt watched it already i reccomend they do. it is honestly amazing, and jessica is so iconic.

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Oh! I have another one! I've been watching For All Mankind and the character Molly Cobb, played by Sonya Walger, is a favorite of mine. No nonsense, "I'm going to be the best damn astronaut I can be."

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

No love for Cynthia Rothrock? That make me feel sad. And old. Very old.

0points

Tiff Day 11 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

POST

Fynne 11 months ago

Thanks BP staff for supporting women, while not being offensive to men

45points

Auntriarch 11 months ago

Very well noted Fynne

7points

Miki 11 months ago (edited)

Samantha Carter! SG-1. Strong and smart af! Oh! and half of female characters in battlestar galactica (newer one), especially Laura Roslin.

25points

Rocket Surgeon 11 months ago

Yes to both of these. Sam is da woman, and I loved how BSG had boxing matches where it didn't matter what gender was fighting what gender, they just went all out at each other.

9points

H Wiley 11 months ago

Oh, you beat me to it. Came here to say it. Dont forget Dr Elizabeth Weir and Teyla.

3points

the quickening 11 months ago

1point

Brocken Blue 11 months ago

1point

D. Pitbull 11 months ago

0points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

17points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

11points

Rider 11 months ago

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Kathrine Janeway in ST Voyager. Kerri Russell as Jenna in Waitress.

7points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Also if we're allowing Anime, Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.

7points

David Paterson 11 months ago

Yes!

1point

Dan Flo 11 months ago

Annihilation. A team of scientists and doctors facing the unknown. All of them are women. The Expanse - Drummer, Draper, Naomi, Madam Secretary-General Avasarala...

5points

Powerful Katrinka 11 months ago

Yes, to The Expanse! One of the many reasons I love it so.

1point

Fat Harry 11 months ago

How about Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"? Not the movie portrayal by Mary Badham, but the strong character from the book.

4points

TechPanda 11 months ago

4points

FaceTime Audio 11 months ago

2points

JB 11 months ago

Surprised The Pelican Brief (Book Author: John Grisham) didn’t make it on here. Brilliant novel and Julia Roberts was outstanding in the role of Darby Shaw in the movie.

2points

SkyDragonAerial (Aro/Ace, Cassgender) 11 months ago

Show, not movie, but Leverage! Parker and Sophie are so cool, and they carry the team imo. (No hate on the boys, but they're not as cool as the girls)

2points

H Wiley 11 months ago

That iswhy Nate left Parker in charge. She was a leader.

0points

Zedrapazia 11 months ago

That's a nice one, I enjoyed this read! Please next do one for the other side with male characters that aren't portrayed as the typical Rambo but still good.

2points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

What about I spit on your grave

1point

SheHulk 11 months ago

Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson) in person of interest!

1point

Sonja 11 months ago

1point

Deep One 10 months ago

Most of Angelina Jolie's movies; Salt, all of the Laura Croft Movies. Same for Milla Jovovich's movies.

0points

Uncle Schmickle 11 months ago

These are all crappy modern movies. How about looking at the "real" movie stars of the 1930s and 40s ? There were so many strong and believable women in them.

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

Lori Petty in "Tank Girl" has to be one of my favorites!!!

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Kristi S. 11 months ago

Not a movie,but "Yellowstone"- Beth Dutton!

0points

Thirumeninathan Murugan 11 months ago

100 - the series

0points

Grace Skerp 11 months ago

Helen Mirren, Red "The CIA used to be tougher than this" as she FAFOs a bunch of them. Come to think just about any alpha female she's played.

0points

Definitely a Human 11 months ago

Chihiro / Sen from Spirited Away

0points

SheamusFanFrom1987 11 months ago

0points

Scott Rackley 11 months ago

China Syndrome was better than a whole lot of these

0points

Nikole 11 months ago

A show, but freaking Olivia Benson

0points

for ducks sake 11 months ago

Drew Barrymore in Ever After

0points

Lara Verne 11 months ago

Ghibli movies.

0points

Crouching hippo hidden panda 11 months ago

Great list. I’ve seen a lot of them, going to make sure I get around to seeing the others

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

More recent ones: 9 to 5 (Tomlin, Parton & Fonda), Chicago (Zeta Jones & Zellweger), TV: Veronica Mars (Bell)

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

0points

Himory TheDreamer 11 months ago

World of Warcraft (the game, I heard differently from the books) does strong female characters well. Draka, Talanji, Alextrasza, even Jaina, though I don't like her much, is a very strong character.

0points

BookFanatic 11 months ago

This was awesome. I think I upvoted everyone. lol

0points

Kayleigh Smith 11 months ago

If have to say Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

0points

Momo Skarsgård 11 months ago

I think Beth from Hostel 2 belongs on the list as well.

0points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

YESSSSSSSS BETH IS SUCH A BADASS I LOVE HERRRRRRRRR

0points