Lately, I feel so inspired by the leading ladies in TV and film that I get lost in the characters and in the story. Know what I mean? Badass can be defined in so many ways – from the women whose characters have battled disease to the toughest, most bold characters out there – the big screen and your TV screen have the power to leave you feeling completely inspired. I, for one, am glad to see women making their mark in roles that are strong, powerful, and a far, far cry from any damsel in distress. Here’s a list of some of my favorites in some of their most unforgettable roles. My advice is to grab a bucket of popcorn over the weekend and settle in for some thrilling cinema. Got a favorite? Let me know! I’d love to check it out.
20 Inspiring Leading Ladies That Are Redefining the Hollywood Starlet
- Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones
- Monica Potter as Kristina Braverman in Parenthood
- Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in Scandal
- Jessica Chastain as Maya in Zero Dark Thirty
- Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo
- Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl
- Melissa McBride as Carol in The Walking Dead
- Samira Wiley as Poussey in Orange is the New Black
- Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars in Veronica Mars
- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent in Maleficent
- Cate Blanchett as Valka in How to Train Your Dragon 2
- Sigourney Weaver in Aliens
- Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill
- Scarlet Johannson as Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2
- Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider
- Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones
- Robin Wright as Claire Underwood in House of Cards
- Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland
- Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife
- Kiernan Shipka as Sally Draper in Mad Men
Who’s your favorite badass leading lady?
