The Best Female Characters Of The 2010s

What a decade it has been for women. When looking over the course of the past 10 years, there is not only an increase in the strength and depth of female characters, but they are leading films more often, as well. While the film industry still has miles to go in the depiction and inclusion of women (Academy, I’m looking at you), there have been huge steps both in reality and fiction, women taking center stage on screen, as role models and in our hearts.

In a decade that has become a #MeToo world, women are speaking out for their rights and fighting to be heard. As the decade has progressed, these characters have left a mark on cinematic history – a mark that will not be easily forgotten.

Hermione

While her story began in the early 2000s, its conclusion in this decade was a culmination of feminism, strength and courage that was a shining example to girls young and old. Hermione was always the brains behind the operation. Her cunning mixed with bravery came in handy more often than not. As her character grew up, so did the mentality surrounding womenhood. She was never forced into relationships or asked to step down from the fight. She was always at the front lines, her behaviors encouraged by fellow characters – and the author that created her story.

In the online snippets J.K. Rowling has release in the years that followed the final film’s release, as well the play adaptation of her latest novel, Hermione proved once more for girls around her that there is no status quo to adhere to. There are no limits to the heights we set for ourselves. When the play finally hit bookstores, and an eventual stage production, Hermione had evolved – much like the women of the decade – to not only become Minister of Magic, but had become a new symbol of diversity for a future generation.

Jo March

Greta Gerwig needs her Oscar now – and so does Saoirse Ronan. Taking a timeless and beloved character like Jo March of Little Women and modernizing her for a generation is no easy feat, but with this powerhouse duo, Little Women has found revitalization and immense cinematic success. What this film does is to truly capture the spirit, nature and story of each of the March girls (including Marmee and Aunt March). There is depth, understanding and a true caress to the craft from every person involved. Yet, while Amy’s story was given true depth, Meg layers and Beth the true emotional send off she deserves, it was this Little Women‘s depiction that truly made Jo March a women of the decade.

The final scene where she negotiates not only for her own money, but stands on her own ground and claims her self worth, refusing to sell her copyright at any cost. While she does change the ending of her story, which is delivered to audiences in a satirical form that transcends the film further, Jo March knows what she has and what she can ask for her. While her character gives in, for Jo March there is no fancy, whim and succumbing to the world’s viewpoint of what women should do and be. She understands the economics behind success and making it in the world, and she continues to do it on her terms, changing the book’s ending only when the demands she requests are met.

Rey

Growing up, Star Wars had been a staple in my house, a TV viewing turned into a full on obsession. I loved every element of it, especially the order of the Jedi. Wanting to be a padawan myself, there was only the one male figure to emulate – Luke Skywalker. While Leia was a powerhouse all her own, it was the Jedi I would dress as for Halloween. It wasn’t until J. J. Abrams gave us Rey that I realized he had given more to the world than just another Star Wars film – he had given us a true female Jedi girls and women alike could not only relate to but strive to be.

Rey is fierce, unapologetic and loyal. While she is held back by her past initially, a need to wait for those who she truly knows will never return, she embraces her future and her destiny, reaching for what she knows is right. She lets go of the binds that tie her and walks out into the darkness ready to fight.

Though she never looses who she truly is; she does not give into the dark side, even as its tantalizing promise whispers in her ear. Rey knows where she comes from, maintaining the weapon of a scavenger, yet embracing her future and inner self, taking up the light saber as well. She does not change herself to fit an image, to fit what others say she should be. She is and remains Rey.

Wonder Woman

One of the most anticipated films before its release, its sequel is now one of the most anticipated of the coming year. One of the only straight out of the box female heroes of DC cinema, Wonder Woman was a success from the moment she entered the screen. She represented what superhero films for women could be, laying the groundwork MCU would pick up from when they later delivered Captain Marvel, and future superhero films to come.

With a female director behind the camera, the story of Wonder Woman was no longer told from the strictly male perspective, giving her a fresh and clean take. This was not about a scantily clad outfit but rather a woman who could rock it, defeat evil and symbolize strength and protection. She understands the need to protect her home, but understands that there is more to the world than the egocentric nature of people.

And while Wonder Woman itself proved what a female character can be, rather than should be, she also showed the power and dedication that can elevate a film. How a love for a character and story can truly create magic – something the DC cinema has not achieved since the conclusion of Christopher Nolan‘s Dark Knight Trilogy.

The Women of Crazy Rich Asians

There are so many strong women in Crazy Rich Asians that bring diversity and culture to mainstream audiences, giving way to new idols to emulate and obsess over. And with two more sequels on the way, there is only more to savor. And thank God, because I can not get enough.

Crazy Rich Asians broke the mold, showing that rom-com film does not need to be led by its leading lady and male suitor, but rather that one woman can lead, flanked rather by the strength of the women around her that support and inevitably make her who she is. The range of womanhood showcased was not the only strength here though.

Typically, the man shows up, says something sweet, and couple get together, the wicked future step-mother either vanquished or left to fume over the union quietly for all eternity. Crazy Rich Asians turned this romantic trope on its head, the smart and charismatic Rachel Chu instead going face to face with the mother pulling all the strings. There is no running to the boyfriend, complaining to him, looking to be saved. Instead, a one-on-one chance to show your worth and value – as well as your confidence in what you can add to the family. Constance Wu captures this spirit, the need to prove ones self, yet leaving vindictive behavior at the door and playing fair, beating the opponent at their own game.

bok bok bitch!

Katniss Everdeen

Katniss Everdeen, a reluctant warrior, whose fear never held her back as her heart always directed her to do what was right. An early induction for the decade, Katniss Everdeen was a fighter until the end, whether she was prepared to be or not. This was the role model to truly kick off the decade, a bar that had been set for who a female character was, how she should be depicted and the depth that should be maintained on screen.

Where the first film in the late 2000s was below expectations, in the hands of Francis Lawrence, the following three films were powerhouses each, giving Jennifer Lawrence the chance to bring the full capacity of Everdeen to screens and audiences. Everdeen looked into the eyes of those who would oppress and harm, and made no apologies for what she knew what was right.

When you look at the whole of Katniss, there is a sacrifice of self, her mentality and emotions poured into a cause she unknowingly started but consciously ended. She gave herself not as a woman but as a human being fighting for what was right. She was a hero and does not remain memorable because she is a female character, but because of the actions, growth and strength of conviction she displayed.

Offred and the Handmaids

If this wasn’t only the most influential group of women this decade, I don’t know which one is. Premiering at a time when #Metoo had kicked off, woman found not only their voice through the strength of others, but through the adaptation of a classic novel. Yet, not only did they find their feelings and a quiet battle on screen, they found their leader in the fictional character of Offred – a young Handmaid forced to provide children to her owner, yet who quietly (at first) finds the strength to maintain her identity and strength.

In a time when women are rising up, finding strength in the bravery of others, The Handmaid’s Tale became the face of female oppression and prejudice. There was a truth each of these women represented, a sad truth that mirrored the stories women were finally feeling the safety and opportunity to share. As political debates raged, women’s rights hung in the balance and men of power fell, the women of The Handmaid’s Tale became more than just an adaptation, they became the face of the latest push for equality.

In the years since its premiere, women have donned the red cloaks and and white bonnets, protesting those who would continue to oppress, silence and propagate inequality. While the series will inevitably find its end in years to come, the impact of its story and its women will have a lasting effect on the minds of women for generations to come.

Catwoman

This may be a strange find on the list of the strongest women of the decade. Many look at Catwoman as the sexualized villain, many call backs of the name rushing memories of Michelle Pfeiffer to the forefront. Yet, when I think back over the last decade, I find myself thinking of redemption, change, strength and power and the characters that not only depicted them, but were them.

Some of the best heroes are flawed, my immediate thoughts moving to Iron Man – the face of the MCU. Pride being a top contender, Iron Man became the ultimate story of redemption and heroism. His character experiences a variety of change and growth over the years – something we not only find relatable in our hero’s story but desirable. But as heroes are praised for their redemption, heroines are many times looked down for it. Audiences have a tendency to want our females to be reflected as perfect, and many times, cinema propagates that. For Catwoman, she was given such a layered growth in the Dark Knight Rises, the means behind each of her actions and choices all her own, understandable, empathetic and someone we could root for.

Much of her behavior was born out of social status and a need to survive. This is never looked down on by Bruce Wayne, never criticized for what she needed to do to survive in a city that throws people away at the drop of a hat. Rather, she was given the chance and room to grow. She was allowed to find her own path and choose to take it, rather than being told exactly what is right and what should be done. We love characters who journey on a path of redemption, and when they obtain it, especially on their own terms, that moment truly satisfies. And in the depiction of a woman in today’s evolving society, this is an achievement that should be recognized.

Furiosa

Gritty, furious and strong-willed, Furiosa is a force to be reckoned with despite her disabilities. Brought up in a world of strict brutality and male dominance, Furiosa is a woman of her own, fighting a system and fighting for change. She is willing to risk her life to save others and to bring this change about.

Mad Max: Fury Road seemed to be a film continuing the story of Mad Max, George Miller’s return to the franchise became quietly, yet forcefully, the story of a woman fed up with the mistreatment of the women in her community, and determined at all costs to make a change in anyway possible.

In a decade where male led films were simply replaced with females in an attempt to pander to audiences’ cries for more female led films, many have fallen flat, unable to grasp the concept that you can not just swap out one for the other. The Hustle, Ocean’s Eight and Ghostbusters each continued to look through the lens from the male perspective, neglecting to take account of the gender they were attempting to bring to the foreground.

Fury Road, however, was able to bring a strong female character to the forefront without waving an increased female presence in the faces of audiences. While still from the male perspective, there was still consideration for what a female in this setting, in this time could be and would be like. She was the character that could truly, and did truly, surpass Mad Max, bringing a female face to the front of the franchise.

Leslie Knope

Knope, I am not kidding. Leslie Knope was by far one of the strongest female characters of the past decade. A powerhouse of ambition, excitement and determination, Leslie Knope climbs through the ranks of Park and Rec – and she does it on her own terms. Ron Swanson does his best to drain her of her ambition, to stunt her growth and attempts for change, but Knope – she can not be deterred.

Leslie Knope is one of the most relatable characters for change, especially as she is set in an environment all to familiar. We can see ourselves in her shoes, fighting for change. She does it with a smile on her face, not because that is how she should, but rather because that is how she has decided to embrace life.

She also does not settle for the status quo, always raising her sights, always looking ahead to the future. As she achieves one goal, she sets another. There is a resilience and a determination that makes her achievements possible and gives way to one of the strongest female characters on TV this past decade.

Moana

We shape our ideas of gender and gender roles at a young age, from the moment we are introduced to specific colors, specific games, toys and programming. As a species, we are drawn to categorizing and fitting individuals into a presumed image. As the years have passed, the importance of breaking these constraints in our children’s programming has been put into harsh light, a change in the depiction of females slowly breaking through the mold. With the release of Moana, children (and adults!) were given one of the strongest animated female characters since Mulan.

A young girl destined to lead her people, Moana is raised as many girls were and still are today. She is told how to behave, what her future should be and what she can and can not do. Yet, as her world begins to fall into darkness, she knows what must be done, rather than what should be done. Defying her father, she ventures out beyond the reef, making those who refuse to listen to hear and learning that many times its is a change in perspective that truly holds the answers.

The women of Game of Thrones

It is hard to pick just one of the outstanding female characters from Game of Thrones – actually impossible. Game of Thrones was a huge success, and while many times criticized for its depiction and treatment of its female characters, Game of Thrones has been showcasing strong females since its start. Cersei was always strong, quietly biding her time, waiting for her moment to come. Sansa Stark always knew as a young girl what she wanted and where she wanted her life to take her – her desire to be Queen coming to fruition in the final moments of the series. Arya Stark was always strong, independent and resilient – each of these encouraged by her father.

While many were strong straight out of the gate, others were given arcs to break free, growing stronger as the series continued. Daenerys, the strength always quietly waiting beneath the surface, grew in strength and power. Starting off as a bartered item, her bother giving her hand in marriage in exchange for an army, Daenerys grew to be the breaker of chains, the mother of dragons, the one who would end the tyranny of the Lannisters. Sansa too would grow from the ideals of court life at the palace to be the leader her beloved North needed. While they always looked to the men for their leadership, Sansa would prove by series end that their leader had always been there.

Audiences were not only given strong female characters, many that would grow as the series continued,  but HBO and their actors continued to grow themselves. As the series continued, the nudity and rape began to decline, actresses refusing to strip for the sake of the audience and HBO listening to the needs, requests and demands of their cast. With strong depictions of women on screen, comes the backbone of strong women that bring them to life.

The women of Marvel

For just over a decade, the MCU has dominated theaters around the world, each new installment inducting a plethora of new characters, adventures, mysteries and even sometimes tragedy. Yet, as each year passed, especially as Phase 2 kicked off, Marvel began to look beyond the shield of heroes, finding success and fan devotion in the heroines brought to life on screen.

What started with Black Widow (and arguably Pepper), slowly yet surely crescendoed into a mass of feminism, strength, resilience and power. As Thor hands his hammer to Jane and Black Widow finds her solo film on the horizon, the women of Marvel have laid a solid foundation of female superhero depictions over the last decade.

As Doctor Strange opens the portals for every Avenger to culminate to fight, there is a moment where the heroines take full stage, banding in unity and strength to take on Thanos. It is in this moment, the true scale of the MCU’s push for diversity can be fully realized – and they aren’t stopping there.

Having watched all the films within a short period of time in preparation for Captain Marvel (the first female centric film of the franchise), I had noticed the increase in the depth of character, the inclusionary attempt to not only bring women to the foreground, but further diversity as well. Ant-Man and Wasp showed age has no limits for a strong female. Black Panther gave a platform for a cast of color to shine brighter than the films before it.

While many will look at an individual role to define a decade, Marvel is unique in that you can see a change, you can see the effort. It was slow, yet progressive. While it can be argued there is still a long way to go, as we look ahead to a new decade, there seems to only be a further progression on the horizon.

Conclusion

As the decade closes out, the push for female centric films and depth seems to be far from waning. As we look to a new year and a new decade, the anticipation continues to grow as the release of Black Widow, Mulan, Wonder Woman 1984, Birds of Prey, A Quiet Place 2 and more  – and those are only next year. There is a call for stronger females, for a better perspective, and slowly but surely, the call is being answered.

Who are your favorite female characters of the decade? Let us know in the comments below!