5 Awesome Sci-Fi Leading Ladies

Leia revolutionized the sci-fi heroine into more than a mere damsel in distress. She is a Rebellion leader who never backs down from a fight and cares fiercely about the galaxy. Her sharp mouth both entertains and shows how much she stands by her beliefs. The late, great Carrie Fisher gave a performance that fans will forever remember, balancing toughness and caring. Also, Leia’s iconic hairstyle with the two large buns will forever be a favorite with “Star Wars”  and sci-fi fans.

2. Katniss Everdeen – “The Hunger Games”

Katniss is a true example of a survivor. Not only does she survive the Hunger Games, but she survives a childhood full of suffering and fighting against a fascist regime. From the moment when she volunteers to take her little sister’s place in the Hunger Games, the audience knows that she will never turn her back on her loved ones, even if it means sacrificing herself. No matter how much she suffers, she always pulls through. 

3. Ellen Ripley – “Alien”

“Alien” is the sort of movie that most people would expect to have a male protagonist, especially in the 1970s. Ellen is a tough soldier who can hold her own against terrifying aliens, and she earns the respect of her crewmates. In the sequel, “Aliens,” she becomes a mother figure to the young Newt, doing whatever it takes to protect her. Ellen would go on to inspire countless sci-fi heroines after her in movies, TV shows, and even video games. It’s hard to understate her influence on sci-fi. 

4. Captain Amelia – “Treasure Planet”

Not all Disney heroines are princesses. The highly underrated Disney movie “Treasure Planet” reimagines the classic “Treasure Island” as a sci-fi space adventure that still has a nineteenth century aesthetic. Amelia is a no-nonsense space captain with a dizzying vocabulary, and she never backs down from a fight. Her catlike alien design is endlessly fascinating. Disney should really consider ditching their princess collection and replacing it with a more inclusive heroine collection. That way, today’s kids could become more familiar with the awesome Amelia. 

5. Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow – Marvel Cinematic Universe

Yes, superhero movies count as sci-fi. While Black Widow is surrounded by people with extraordinary powers, she doesn’t let that stop her from fighting alongside them. In fact, her lack of superpowers makes her especially heroic. Her torturous life as a Widow has toughened her, but she buries a strong heart beneath it all. It’s a real shame that “Avengers: Endgame” killed her off, even if it was in a heroic sacrifice, since she could be an awesome force in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.”

There are Lots of Awesome Sci-Fi Heroines

Of course, there are far more than just five amazing sci-fi heroines. There are plenty of others who could have made this list, such as Rey Skywalker from the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, Sarah Connor from “The Terminator,” and Neytiri from “Avatar.” Women’s History Month is a good time to sit back and watch some sci-fi movies while enjoying the amazing leading ladies. It’s time to celebrate the women in cinema and in real life. Have a happy Women’s History Month!