What is it about a woman’s character that makes her unforgettable? Is it her strength? Her nuance? The way she inspires—or upsets—the world around her? Over the decades, TV and film have introduced us to women who have moved beyond characters to become cultural touchstones. Whether battling aliens, defining what it is to lead, or simply going about quietly challenging injustice, these women have shifted the topography. Let’s count down ten of the most iconic, most influential, and most memorable female characters to ever grace the screen.
10. Dolores Umbridge – Harry Potter Series
Dolores Umbridge is possibly the most despised character ever designed—and that’s exactly why she’s so often remembered. Behind her saccharine-sweet smile lies a cold authoritarian, a much scarier character than Voldemort in her insidious own right. Her starched uniform and pinched smile hide a ruthless heart, making her one of cinema’s greatest villains. You can’t help but remember her. Even though you might wish you could not.
9. President Mackenzie Allen – Commander in Chief
Even before a woman started moving towards the White House in the real world, Geena Davis portrayed America’s first president on network television. As President Mackenzie Allen, she brought authority, compassion, and authenticity to the role. Her performance started to change the way men and women thought about what leadership could—and should—be. For many viewers, it wasn’t just fiction; it was a vision of possibility.
8. Scout Finch – To Kill a Mockingbird
These few young characters have made an impact as much as Scout. She shows us the inequality and nuance of a highly polarized world through her eyes. Her honesty, courage, and unvarnished viewpoint lend To Kill a Mockingbird its emotional resonance. Generations of girls have found themselves reflected in Scout and matured into adults still defined by her quiet, forceful sense of right and wrong.
7. Trinity – The Matrix
Cool, calm, and perpetually in charge, Trinity turned the action-hero template upside down. She didn’t simply hold her own against Neo—she established what a sci-fi heroine might look like. With her lean appearance, deadly capabilities, and unbreakable aura, she was instantly iconic. Trinity didn’t simply battle the system—she redefined the rules.
6. Daenerys Targaryen – Game of Thrones
Daenerys evolved from a fearful girl in exile to a queen ruling over dragons and armies. Her journey is one of the most discussed in television history—half empowerment fantasy, half cautionary tale. Whether people adored or abhorred her last twist, there’s no doubt about her influence. She made audiences experience it all: wonder, optimism, terror, and sorrow.
5. Erin Brockovich – Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts put Erin Brockovich’s real-life fight onto the big screen with unvarnished grit and charm. She wasn’t refined. She wasn’t flawless. But she was tenacious. Confronting corporate behemoths with nothing more than instincts and sheer determination, she illustrated that bravery isn’t predicated on a law degree—merely heart, compassion, and unwillingness to give up.
4. Ellen Ripley – Alien Series
Ellen Ripley revolutionized everything. When sci-fi heroes were virtually men-only, Ripley proved that women could be just as tough, intelligent, and irreplaceable. She wasn’t merely enduring aliens—she was redefining a whole genre. Ripley opened doors for generations of female action heroes and is still the gold standard.
3. Mary Poppins – Mary Poppins
Whimsical, wise, and quotably quotable, Mary Poppins is not only a nanny—she’s a phenomenon. She came into our lives with her magical carpetbag and practical, no-nonsense demeanor, scattering joy and lessons in her wake. She is more than a children’s character—she is an iconic representation of balance, kindness, and surprise adventure.
2. Katniss Everdeen – The Bow-Wielding Hero of Panem
Katniss was not a hero by choice—she was only trying to save her sister. But that act of selflessness ignited a revolution. Armed with a bow and a passion in her heart, she was the voice of her generation. Her bravery was not limited to fighting, but also came from compassion, devotion, and passive defiance. Katniss showed us that real courage comes from love.
1. Hermione Granger – Harry Potter Series
At the top of our list is the most brilliant witch of her generation. Hermione Granger didn’t merely excel at her exams—she educated an entire generation that intelligence, readiness, and integrity are the true magic. She’s the bond that kept the trio solid, the heart behind so many heroic acts, and a personality that clicked with every age group. The fans didn’t merely look up to her—they aspired to be like her as children. And frankly, who wouldn’t?
These ten characters are not merely iconic—they’re revolutionary. They’ve given rise to discussions, pushed boundaries, and reminded us that the strongest stories usually start with a woman refusing to be underestimated.