10 Stellar Sci-Fi Films With Empowering Female Characters
Science Fiction films have come a long way since the days of films like Planet of the Apes where the only woman dies in the first 10 minutes. Now, female characters are becoming much more common and even seen as the lead role. Representation in media is important, and strong female characters give young woman heroes to look up to.
Let's celebrate female empowerment with these inspiring women on the big screen in some of the best Sci-Fi films.
1. Ellen Ripley in Alien
Alien is an iconic sci-fi horror film where you guessed it, almost everyone gets eaten. Everyone agrees that the Alien franchise is one of the best sci-fi franchises, especially with a female lead. Winona Ryder absolutely kills it. She outsmarts the alien at every turn and we can rely on her to save the day. Her character and wardrobe choice also show us women can be smart and practical and not just there for looks.
2. Samantha in Her
In Her, we watch as a man falls in love with his personal assistant, who is actually just a voice on his phone. The AI in Her is the only non-human on this list, but she does act as an inspiration for women. Throughout the movie, she shows independence and searches for meaning outside her relationship with the main character. She teaches us that while love is pleasant, we can always strive for more in our lives.
3. Louise Banks in Arrival
Based on the fantastic short story, Arrival is a great film where a linguist learns how to communicate with an alien race that comes to Earth. Louise struggles with difficulty in her personal life but puts it aside to focus on humanity's greatest challenge. The twists revealed at the end make her decisions and sacrifices even more meaningful.
4. Jyn Erso in Rogue One
Rogue One is perhaps of the best films in the Star Wars universe. We follow Jyn Erso, who goes on a journey to help the Resistance fight the Empire following in the footsteps of her father. Unlike other females characters in Star Wars who are famous royals or politicians, she's an ordinary person. While she starts as an underdog, she eventually completes the most important mission that explains the whole Star Wars franchise that follows.
5. Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road
In the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max: Fury Road, women have little to no freedom and basically act as property. Sure, Max is technically the lead, but Imperial Furiosa rocks in the spotlight. It's one of Charlize Theron's best performances. She risks her life to save her fellow women with Max's help. While watching her we can all learn how to take charge and take no shit.
6. Leeloo in The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element is a classic sci-fi film and you'll fall in love with Leeloo right away. We follow her on her journey as she learns about humanity and why we're worth saving (or not). It's got everything from comedic moments to action scenes. She might not technically be the lead character, but she still manages to steal the show from her counterpart, Bruce Willis.
7. Zoe Washburne in Firefly
Firefly is a classic TV show that ended too soon. We watch as a group of space cowboys goes on dangerous missions to survive in the harshest elements. It was eventually was wrapped up properly with the film Serenity. Throughout the show and movie, Zoe Washburne kicks ass. She exudes confidence and shows us what it means to be in a healthy relationship with her husband while still being independent.
8. Dolores Abernathy in Westworld
While it is technically a series and not a film, Westworld is a fantastic show by HBO that everyone should watch. We explore Westworld, a place where AIs are so lifelike that you can hardly tell them apart and there are not laws or repercussions. Dolores is one of the main characters and we see her develop and lead a full rebellion against humans.
9. Paprika in Paprika
Paprika, a Japanese Sci-Fi Thriller, is a fantastic film that will blow your mind when you watch it. Throughout the various dream sequences, the animation constantly outdoes itself. As for Paprika, she's another strong character whose true identity comes into play towards the end of the film. She's powerful and enigmatic throughout the film.
10. Dizzy Flores in Starship Troopers
Starship Troopers is a brilliant science fiction film and satire about going to war with aliens. It follows young soldiers as they join the army and go up the ranks. In the beginning, Dizzy may be a side character whose sole purpose is to fawn over the main character. However, as the film progresses she evolves into a total badass as she slays aliens left and right.
In Conclusion
Women are badass and deserve more recognition. This list is just a few of the female characters in films for us to look up to, and as time progresses, we will see plenty more. What female characters inspired you as a woman?
Opinions and Perspectives
Minimalist_Happiness_222
3y ago
Furiosa's dedication to helping others despite her own struggles was powerful.
Kalb_Chronicle
4y ago
I think Arrival's Louise Banks is the most realistic portrayal of a professional woman in sci-fi.
TwilightPhantom
4y ago
These characters really show how far sci-fi has come with female representation.
HipHop_Fanatic_808
4y ago
The article should've mentioned Rey from Star Wars too. She's quite inspiring.
Livia_Crystal
4y ago
Jyn Erso brought such humanity to the Rebel cause. Made the whole saga more relatable.
EvelynRodriguez
4y ago
Samantha's evolution in Her really challenges our understanding of consciousness and identity.
HollywoodInsider
4y ago
I found Dolores fascinating but including a TV character does feel like cheating.
Aurora_C
4y ago
Louise Banks proves that intellectual strength can be just as compelling as physical prowess.
RebeccaF
4y ago
Starship Troopers was so satirical that Dizzy's character development surprised me. She became more than a stereotype.
InnerPeaceInMotion
4y ago
Zoe Washburne showed us that being tough doesn't mean you can't also be loving. That really stuck with me.
BoxOfficeSuccessWatcher
4y ago
The way Leeloo learns about humanity throughout The Fifth Element is actually quite beautiful.
IndieFilm_Guru12
4y ago
Furiosa didn't need romance to be compelling. That's sadly still rare in female characters.
HackerMind
4y ago
I'm glad someone mentioned Paprika! Japanese sci-fi often gets overlooked in these discussions.
Broadway_Diva_777
4y ago
Jyn Erso's sacrifice meant so much more because she chose it. No destiny, just determination.
BatSignalOn
4y ago
The practical effects in Alien made Ripley's performance even more impressive. Can't imagine facing those creatures!
Vivian-Bryant
4y ago
These characters have really influenced how I see myself as a woman in STEM. Especially Louise Banks.
PilatesPower
4y ago
I found Samantha's journey in Her quite profound. The way she grows beyond her programming is fascinating.
IndieMusicGeek
4y ago
The fact that Ripley wasn't originally written as a woman makes her character even more impressive. It shows gender shouldn't matter for good roles.
BollywoodDanceAddict_20
4y ago
Zoe from Firefly is severely underrated. She balanced being a warrior and a wife beautifully.
Vampire_Diaries_Fan
4y ago
I wouldn't exactly call Dolores empowering. Her character arc is more about revenge than actual empowerment.
HologramHero
4y ago
The way Furiosa fights for freedom without losing her humanity really resonated with me. Such a powerful character.
StreamingReelMaster_25
4y ago
I really connect with how Louise Banks approaches problems in Arrival. Using communication instead of violence is such a powerful message.
Rachel_33
4y ago
Honestly, Dizzy Flores felt like a waste of potential. She deserved better character development before her end.
Hirsi_Hotline
4y ago
I think Samantha from Her is an interesting choice. She shows that female empowerment isn't just about physical strength.
RetroEcho
4y ago
Paprika is such an underrated film! The dream sequences are mind-bending and her character adds so much depth to the story.
AstronautDreamer
4y ago
I appreciate how these characters show different types of strength. Not all of them are physically tough, but they're all powerful in their own ways.
ToriXO
4y ago
The Fifth Element is one of my favorite movies but Leeloo's character always felt a bit too male-gazy for me. Great performance though.
UrbanKnight
4y ago
Jyn Erso was fantastic but I felt her character development was a bit rushed in Rogue One. Still, she carried the movie well.
Zoe
4y ago
I don't agree with including Dolores from Westworld since it's a TV series not a film. There are plenty of other movie characters they could have chosen.
Joker_Fanatic_2019
4y ago
You're absolutely right about Arrival. Amy Adams portrayed such a complex character dealing with both personal loss and humanity's future.
MTV_Generation_1985
4y ago
Interesting list but I'm surprised Trinity from The Matrix isn't included. She was groundbreaking for her time.
RosalieXO
4y ago
The article missed mentioning Sarah Connor from Terminator! She's definitely one of the most iconic female characters in sci-fi.
Cheerful-Spirit_28
4y ago
I think Louise Banks from Arrival is often overlooked. Her intellectual approach to the aliens was so refreshing compared to the usual shoot-first mentality in sci-fi.
HappinessBlueprint
4y ago
Furiosa was incredible in Mad Max. The way she commanded every scene without saying much really showed Charlize Theron's acting prowess.
MidnightWarrior
4y ago
Actually, there's an error in the article. Sigourney Weaver played Ripley, not Winona Ryder. Ryder was in Alien: Resurrection as Call, a different character altogether.
Sienna_Morris
4y ago
I love how Ripley from Alien broke the mold for female characters in sci-fi. She wasn't sexualized or made into a damsel in distress. Just pure survival instinct and intelligence.