The Top 30 Most Inspiring Female Characters of All Time, According to Ordinary People

Watching movies is an exciting way to spend one’s time, but for many of us, it doesn’t end there. Movie characters and their actions can inspire us, make us think about important things, and even reconsider our life choices. Strong, wise, and kind characters that can serve as role models are one of the reasons why we re-watch our favorite movies again and again.

Movie lovers went to Ranker to vote for the female characters that inspire them the most, and here are the heroines who made it to the top 30. The winner surprised us, to be honest. What about you?

30. Sarah Walker

29. Elizabeth Bennet

28. Jordan O’Neill

27. Mary Poppins

26. Norma Rae

25. Marge Gunderson

24. Rose Tyler

23. Violet Crawley

22. Lara Croft

21. Imperator Furiosa

20. Alice

19. Sif

18. Katniss Everdeen

17. Freya

16. Clarice Starling

15. Daenerys Targaryen

14. Dana Scully

13. Lagertha Lothbrok

12. Xena

11. Buffy Summers

10. Wonder Woman

9. Arya Stark

8. Princess Leia

7. Artemis

6. Athena

5. Black Widow

4. Hermione Granger

3. The Bride

2. Sarah Connor

1. Ellen Ripley

What movie or TV show characters inspire you and why?