These 13 Women In Film and TV Remind Us Of Our Power
One of the aspects I adore about film and TV is that we aren't just watching, but we are growing and connecting with characters that resonate with us, from whom we can draw inspiration and lessons. In honor of Women's History Month, we are celebrating the women who have captivated our screens with their power.
Clarke Griffin from The 100
“Wanheda,” also known as Clarke Griffin or the Commander of Death, is the leader of her people. She’s forced to make unimaginable sacrifices, sometimes even deciding who lives and who dies. From the beginning, Clarke understood that the survival of The 100 was crucial to the survival of their people. Even though many of The 100 wanted to teach the council a lesson, she knew what was really at stake. Clarke is a warrior, and her people looked to her, but that often meant that when she made decisions others didn’t agree with, she was targeted. As she says, “I bear it so they don’t have to,” but what does it mean to carry life and death in your hands?
Clarke experiences so much pain, the most out of all The 100. She’s loved, lost, fought battles, survived, and been a prisoner. She has been known as Clarke of the Sky People, Destroyer of Worlds, Prisoner 319, Wanheda, Commander of Death, Princess, and she was even a possible commander at one point. Clarke did everything in the name of her people, fighting for their lives, and, even though the adults didn’t want to admit it, she was their leader.
Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Though some people may think living a life for a man makes one weak, Queen Charlotte shows us a strength like no other. She lives not for a man, but for a love that is deep and pure. It is her desire not just to be his wife but to be his queen. Though she didn’t choose the life she lives, she chose to be Venus. She chose to be his partner and, despite it all, it is her strength and love that holds the crown.
We met her as a lonely, bitter woman finding new life in her battle with the gossip monger Lady Whistledown, but we get to know her as Charlotte and watch as she discovers the darkness in a palace she now calls her home. She keeps her palace walls high, as she must, while also making sure she gives her people what they need — a queen. Being the first Black woman to become queen, she holds great responsibility to ensure the future of women and men who look like her. When she could have crumbled and chosen to run, she stayed. She took on the responsibility, though she did not always understand it, and she is now living it. She did not go over the wall, which makes her not only a powerful woman, but a woman of great strength and honor.
Bridgerton returns to Netflix for season 3 on May 16.
Georgia Miller from Ginny & Georgia
Georgia Miller is quite literally a Georgia peach, with her compelling energy that makes men weak in their knees. She is a woman who took control of her life, no longer allowing things to just happen to her. Instead, she wanted to happen to life. Though you may not like her tactics, she is a survivor. Georgia understands the reality of life, especially since it has not been easy for her.
Georgia imagined a life for herself and fought for it — what is more powerful than that? She saw what she wanted and chose to give it to her kids because she wasn’t given that kind of unconditional love and protection. Despite her horrible childhood, Georgia is a loving mother who sacrifices everything for her children. She is raw and authentic and brings life to every room she walks into. And though she knows other people look down on her as a single mom with no degree and a messy past, Georgia holds her head high and shows everyone that she is capable. The scene where Georgia unloads her past onto her daughter, saying, “I did what I had to do, and I’ll do it again. I have no remorse,” was impactful and shows the complexity of her character. She isn’t an evil person, but she is able to go to greater lengths than most. Georgia Miller embodies resilience, making her journey a testament to the power of motherhood, survival, and the fierce love that drives her.
Ginny & Georgia is streaming on Netflix.
Leticia "Letty" Ortiz from the Fast & Furious series
It would be easy to categorize Letty as just another spicy Latina, but that would miss the mark entirely. Letty embodies the ride or die energy we all need. She is a loyal soldier and nothing can put her down. Letty has fought battles even she was unsure she could win, but she always brings her confidence. She is no damsel in distress and isn’t afraid to put herself in the line of fire.
She takes control of her life and, though her husband Dom may not always be eager to send her into danger, it’s okay, because she probably isn’t going to listen to him anyway. Letty is one of the only street racers who can keep up with Dom. She’s in command when she’s behind the wheel and is willing to take risks to secure the safety of those she loves. She’s a force to be reckoned with and though she may have a rough exterior — especially when the ladies are getting a little too comfortable with her man — she has a big heart.
Fast and The Furious can be streamed on Prime Video.
Santana Lopez from Glee
Santana Lopez is a Glee icon. Not just for her sharp words or her incredible voice, but because she was a gay awakening for so many people. As a Latina woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she was one of the few characters on TV at the time who served as representation for the community. Santana’s story is not only uplifting but inspiring, giving women around the world so much motivation to step into who they are. We watched as Santana struggled with her identity and her love for her best friend Brittany. Despite her outward confidence and strength, she feared the idea of being out as she knew it would not only change her life but her relationships. We saw her world get turned upside down when she was outed by Finn, after she insulted him in eight different ways. And though in the end, she found herself, she was initially left feeling out of control and powerless, which is not a feeling she was familiar with.
The power of Santana is that she wasn’t just the "bitch" she often labeled herself as. She was a vulnerable individual. She may not have wanted to show emotion, but. when she did, it made her a more compelling and relatable character. Let’s be honest, when you think of a badass, Santana comes to mind. She spoke her mind freely, without remorse, and if feelings got hurt along the way, well, that was often her intention.
Naya Rivera who played her passed on July 8, 2020 but she will always be remembered as a legend.
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games series
Katniss Everdeen doesn't claim to be all-knowing or overwhelmingly powerful, but I think that's the allure of her character. She volunteers as tribute in place of her sister, not because she believes she can win, but because she would rather sacrifice herself than see her sister in the games. Indeed, Katniss is undeniably badass, demonstrating her willingness to lay down her life for the people who are important to her.
The thing that truly sets Katniss apart is that she isn't a born leader. Katniss is just a girl who becomes a beacon of hope through her vulnerability. She plays the game and she plays it well. She captivates the masses, bending them to her will with her genuine acts of bravery and compassion. Katniss navigates the game with skill and, though she deeply values human life, she understands the grim reality of sacrifice, especially when it comes to her own survival. The Capitol was not ready for a tribute with so much grit and fierceness. Her most significant strength doesn't lie just in her physical skills, but in her heart. She is the Mockingjay.
The Hunger Games can be found on AMC+.
Katherine Pierce from The Vampire Diaries
Katherine Pierce, also known as Katerina Petrova, is a survivor. She’s the leverage, that thing everybody wants — she’s the freaking moonstone. And, well, that was basically her whole life. At 17, she was forced to give her baby up before she was exiled to England. There, she met one of her first loves, Klaus Michaelson, who was actually just searching for the doppelgänger to break his curse. Realizing she was nothing more than a sacrifice, Katherine ran, unwilling to die for Klaus’ selfish gain. However, before making her escape, she turned herself into a vampire. One thing to know about Katherine is that she only cares about herself — her life, her survival, and her feelings, making her dangerous for the men who fall in love with her, like the Salvatore brothers.
The greatest thing about Katherine is that she doesn’t give up and she’ll do anything to ensure her future. She may be selfish, but she does have moments of compassion, as long as it doesn’t totally affect her survival. Never forget, if it’s you or her, she will always pick herself. Though it seems unreasonable, Katherine wants to live and she does. She’s completely okay being alone, even finding adventure in it. She compells entire towns to bend to her will and protect her secrets and has men such as Damon and Stefan Salvatore pine after her for hundreds of years after she was “captured.” If you’re not familiar, it was said that she was in a tombstone for years with vampires captured by the towns founders. However, Katherine always has a backup plan, even if it means sacrificing those who trusted her, so no, she wasn’t in the tombstone. And we could be mad at her for it, but let’s face it, she was free while other vampires were rotting away. Katherine is a lone wolf, but she is an alive lone wolf, and that's what matters. Katherine is easily the most manipulative person on TV but at least her hair looks good while doing it.
The Vampire Diaries is streaming on Netflix.
Wanda Maximoff from the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The balance between hero and villain is very delicate. Too many moves on one side or the other can decide your fate, but Wanda Maximoff has mastered the art of both. Without a doubt, Wanda is one of the most powerful Marvel characters, if not THE most powerful. She wasn't always this frightening, but after Hydra's experiments on her using the Mind Stone, she transformed. From the moment we met Wanda, her powers were undeniably brilliant, capable of mind-controlling even the most formidable Avengers. As we watched Wanda's story unfold, she subtly became more powerful. We act as if it’s no big deal that she overpowers Vision in Captain America: Civil War. In the beginning, Wanda isn’t seeking power, nor is she driven by revenge. She is just a girl who has lost more than she can bear.
Up until this point, we have not seen Wanda through a villain's lens, but watching the love of your life die twice does change one’s perspective. This led her down the most inevitable path of destruction. Wanda creates a world for herself with her one true love Vision and their children, showing us that she has the power to alter the fabric of reality with ease. If that’s not scary, than what is? The emergence of Scarlet Witch has to be the most badass moment we’ve seen from Wanda, from dream walking to defeating Earth-838's Illuminati she proves she is a threat to all.
Olivia Pope from Scandal
Olivia Pope is a powerhouse in Scandal. She is definitely not some saint that we should worship, but she has a few tricks up her sleeve that remind us women that to get respect, sometimes you have to demand it. She is power-hungry and always ensures she is the strongest player in the room at all times. She speaks fast, clear, and direct. She doesn’t just look at you, she looks through you, and that's her power. Olivia Pope is who you want on your side in any legal battle. The people around her trust her. She is their leader not because she is making them rich, but because they know if you want to be the best, you have to work with the best.
And though a woman should not be measured by her beauty, we must admit that Olivia Pope is stylish and beautiful. This makes her life a little more complicated as she's always wrapped up in the men she is sleeping with. Her struggle with love and relationships allows us to humanize her. It's a reminder that even the most powerful women have their weaknesses. But don’t be fooled! Just because she's a feeling human doesn’t mean she takes disrespect. We should all remember the time told Fitzgerald Grant, “If you want me, earn me!" If there’s one thing you should take from Olivia Pope, it’s that you are only as powerful as you allow yourself to be. Take charge. Be confident enough in yourself that you to will be able to say, "It's handled."
Princess Tiana from The Princess and The Frog
Though she may be an animated character, Tiana is a woman I have admired for some time. Seeing oneself reflected as a princess is a defining moment for many young girls and Tiana has filled the hearts of many by being the first Black Disney princess. What elevates her story even further is that it centers not on the love or acceptance of a man but on the love of family and self-determination. Tiana lost her father in war at a very young age, yet he remained a prominent figure in her life. She lived to realize the dream she shared with him, embodying his spirit through her endeavors.
Tiana's status as a princess stems not merely from marrying a prince but from her heart and hard work to make her dreams a reality, setting her apart as one of the most relatable Disney princesses. Though she may not have been looking for love, love found her. Prince Naveen is drawn to Tiana because of her hopes, dreams, and aspirations for herself and the world around her. Tiana serves as a reminder to young girls everywhere that working hard to achieve your dreams doesn't lessen their value. If anything, it makes the moment of success that much sweeter.
The Princess and The Frog is streaming on Disney+.
Cristina Yang from Grey's Anatomy
Cristina Yang may not have her name in the title, but she sure is one of the best characters to come out of Grey's Anatomy. Cristina came to us as the unattached, motorcycle-riding, surgical machine and left us as a loving, determined, still cold at times, surgical genius. Dr. Yang's character is so well-written that I can confidently say she is one of the most complex characters ever written. Despite her growth throughout the seasons, Cristina's essence remained consistent, mirroring the reality of human life where change is gradual and grounded in core beliefs. Her love for surgery defined her from beginning to end. Even when she found herself wanting what others desired, such as motherhood, marriage, or even a wedding, it was never about what she imagined for herself but a sacrifice she was willing to make for love.
Dr. Yang is a brilliant surgeon and her greatness lies in her self-determination and discipline. You may consider her ruthless and unfeeling, but I would argue she is one of the most emotionally raw characters. We have seen her fall, but we have also seen her rise. It may be easier to notice her cold exterior, but she has a lot more emotional depth than she's given credit for. When George lost his dad, she was the only one who understood. “I am sorry you had to join the club,” she says in this small but powerful moment. If you do not understand Cristina Yang, I will leave you with this quote from Craig Thomas: “Mediocre surgeons will see you and feel themselves wilting in your shadow. Do not shrink to console them. None of these people have the capacity to understand you. They never will.”
Grey’s Anatomy is available on Netflix and Hulu.
Miep Gies from A Small Light
In our history books, the figures who played supportive roles to our heroes often remain overshadowed. A Small Light brings attention to Miep Gies, who helped hide Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. For two years, Gies was instrumental in keeping Frank and her family safe, away from Nazi detection. Even after the Nazis discovered their hiding place, Gies preserved Anne Frank's diary, ensuring that the world would come to know "The Diary of Anne Frank."
Gies was selfless and kind, yet this didn't mean she lacked strength. Her courage and moral conviction stand as a powerful testament to the impact of those who support and protect others despite having to put themselves at risk too. Gies had no advantages, no power that secured the safety of her friends, and yet still found a way to sacrifice so much in the name of protecting others. Her power lied in him kindness.
A Small Light can be found on Hulu.
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson from Hidden Figures
Picking just one of these women to highlight would be wrong, as each of these women have shown great power. Hidden Figures was a remarkable movie about feminism, particularly highlighting the strength and resilience of Black women. It narrates the story of three phenomenal African American mathematicians at NASA in the 1960s: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, portrayed with grace and depth by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe.
These women stand as a testament to the idea that societal attempts to belittle the contributions of women are not a reflection of their worth but of society's own shortcomings. Being underestimated turned into their strength, not only motivating them to work harder, but also allowing their brilliance to shine even brighter. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were committed to their roles. Unbeknownst to the men in charge, it was the intelligence and contributions of these women that were crucial for NASA's success in its space missions. This story goes beyond just showcasing power. It's a narrative about resilience. These women were intelligent, vibrant, and humorous, who worked tirelessly to achieve their education and professional goals. Hidden Figures is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedication, intelligence, and perseverance can have, breaking barriers and changing the course of history.
Hidden Figures is available on Disney+.
