What does Annie Hall, Scarlett O’Hara, Sabrina Fairchild and Erin Brockovich have in common? They are all great movie characters, the kind who shock you, awe you and make you laugh. Love them or hate them, but you can’t forget them. Want to know which are the greatest female movie characters of all time? Take a quick look through our list of these cinematic female characters ranging from a single mother struggling to raise her children to a nanny who is kind yet stern.
Creating a great character is not an easy task at all. And, the entire job becomes tougher when ideating female characters. Everything needs to be in place – the script, the costumes and most importantly the acting. But when they do, the results are something to watch out for. Within hours or even minutes, these characters are able to make us feel real and vivid as someone we came across in real life.
Whether they uncover deep conspiracies or simply the damsel in distress, each of these female movie characters has left a deep mark in our hearts. Find out if your favourites made our list of the greatest female movie characters of all time.
Sarah Connor in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’
Played by the Linda Hamilton, Sarah Connor doesn’t believe in running from the future but rather fights it. Hamilton underwent a brutal fitness program which lasted for 13 weeks and did a lot of judo, heavy-duty military training for this legendary role.
Image Courtesy:‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’
Scarlett O’Hara in ‘Gone with the Wind’
British stage actress Vivien Leigh attained Hollywood stardom as the spoiled and wilful Scarlett O’Hara with this movie. Scarlett recognizes her flaws and not really bothered by her manipulative behaviour or the lies she tells. 
Image Courtesy: ‘Gone with the Wind’
Mary Poppins in ‘Mary Poppins’
Played by legendary actress Julie Andrews as the no-nonsense nanny, Mary Poppins was loved for what she was – quirky, assertive and indomitable. She is kind yet stern and possesses a cheerful disposition. Mary Poppins in the movie made the children learn how to infuse fun into chores and give value to positive perspective.
Image Courtesy: ‘Mary Poppins’
Annie Hall in ‘Annie Hall’
The flight and giggly woman’s, played by Diana Keaton, relationship with Alvy is the focus of this famed movie. This ‘New York girl’ with a positive, fairly healthy outlook on life is something every woman should aspire for.
Image Courtesy: ‘Annie Hall’
Erin Brockovich in ‘Erin Brockovich’
Julia Roberts’ portrayal as a stressed-out single mother exposing corporate malfeasance in this Hollywood drama was convincing to the core. This Hollywood movie was well received by the critics and Roberts bagged the Academy Awards for Best Actress.
Image Courtesy: ‘Erin Brockovich’
Clarice Starling in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
Clarice, played by Jodie Foster, managed to establish herself as a powerful character despite the presence of Dr. Hannibal Lecter who was depicted by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Her brave confrontation of the psychotic serial killer, Buffalo Bill, is definitely worth a watch.
Image Courtesy: ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
Gilda in ‘Gilda’
Directed by Charles Vidor, Rita Hayworth’s portrayal in and as Gilda proves that she has the power to knock every man in the audience with her performance. Many say that ‘Gilda’ gets much attention for Hayworth’s beauty.
Image Courtesy: ‘Gilda’
Sabrina Fairchild in ‘Sabrina’
Audrey Hepburn embodied a style that was her own, knowing exactly what complimented her and insisted on selecting her own wardrobe for the movie. She displays her desire to do everything, see everything, sense everything and never stand aside and just watch.
Image Courtesy: ‘Sabrina’
Elizabeth Bennet in ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Keira Knightley starred as Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wright’s adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’. An unfailing attractive character, who is most admired for her spirited wit and teasing wit.
Image Courtesy: ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Sister Helen Prejean in ‘Dead Man Walking’
Portrayed by Susan Sarandon, the character of Sister Helen Prejean displays a moving depiction of what love and compassion is capable of creating. One of the most complex cinematic characters of all time, Sister Helen is humble, understanding and endowed with deep faith.
Image Courtesy: ‘Dead Man Walking’
Bridget Jones in ‘Bridget Jones Diary’
Yes, we can all relate to her. Bridget Jones, played by Renee Zellweger, doesn’t have the perfect job or the perfect apartment. She is consistently struggling with her weight apart from being involved with the wrong guy.
Image Courtesy: ‘Bridget Jones Diary’
Leigh Anne Tuohy in ‘The Blind Side’
Sandra Bullock’s performance as the tough and resilient Leigh breaking stereotypes and defying community makes her the star of this Hollywood flick.
Image Courtesy: ‘The Blind Side’
Minny Walker in ‘The Help’
Minny’s character stands out in this movie for her dimension and depth. Portrayed by Octavia Spencer, Minny is brave, kind and the perfect role model for women across the globe.
Image Courtesy: ‘The Help’
Lisbeth Salander in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’
Considered as one of the best female characters of all time, Lisbeth is antisocial, fiercely intelligent and hungry for justice. Portrayed by Rooney Mara, she is often unable to show her love for others.
Image Courtesy: ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’
Ellen Ripley in ‘Aliens’
It is rare for a movie to show a woman protagonist as strong, tough, maternal and desirable all at the same time. Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, as the hero in this action flick is capable of fighting for the people she loved.
Image Courtesy: ‘Aliens’
Did we miss out on any of your favourites? Please share your list in the comments below.
