How They’ve Changed, Check Out these 18 Famous Female Characters, then and now
18View galleryIf you’re having a nostalgic moment and you might find yourself reminiscing over the movies and tv shows of your younger days. The shows that made a mark on you. They introduced characters with almost mythic qualities, indeed, some were goddesses, witches, and superheroines
#1 Wonder Woman
It’s impossible to miss Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman today, but the hero has a long history. Debuting in October 1941 as Princess Diana of Themyscira, she emerged as a symbol of feminine power for an America needing a champion.
Inspired by creator William Marston’s wife, Elizabeth, and their partner, Olive Byrne, Wonder Woman became a fresh voice for the feminist movement. While Lynda Carter’s television version was the definitive portrayal for decades, Gadot has powerfully redefined the iconic role, which others like Michelle Monaghan and Lucy Lawless have also brought to life.
#2 Princess Dianna (Lady Di)
A different kind of luminary emerges directly from the pages of recent history. Princess Diana captivated the globe during the 1980s, famously infusing her royal duties and public image with a modern spirit of independence.
She became a role model for women worldwide, inspiring a vast number of television shows and movies dedicated to her life. Countless productions have explored her personal struggles and sought to explain her tragic and mysterious passing. One of the more recent portrayals was by Naomi Watts in 2013.
#3 Alice
We’re talking about the one from Wonderland, of course, conceived by the celebrated author Lewis Carroll. The character of Alice possesses such strength that she has inspired countless stage and screen adaptations.
Her cinematic history began as early as 1903, when Alice appeared in a silent film directed by Cecil Hepworth, with May Clark playing the title role. Still, it was Disney’s truly memorable 1951 animated version that firmly established the character in our collective consciousness.
#4 Carrie
Stephen King is renowned for crafting some of the most terrifying tales available. His stories often feature a grand conflict between good and evil, weaving together elements of light, darkness, and justice with captivating intrigue. Nearly every Halloween, you’re likely to spot a version of Carrie, typically donned in her blood-soaked prom dress.
The character of Carrie White resonates deeply with anyone who has ever experienced insecurity, awkwardness, or a profound feeling of being an outsider who just doesn’t belong.
While a 2013 film adaptation starred Chloë Grace Moretz as Carrie White, it was Sissy Spacek’s earlier performance that truly brought a sense of believability to the role. She portrayed a character for whom you immediately felt empathy.
#5 Laurie Strode
At first, hearing the name may not raise any hairs, but this character hails from one of the most memorable horror films of all time. The incredible performance by Jodie Foster is a big reason why.
The landmark thriller by John Carpenter created an unrivaled horror franchise. It has since spawned other incarnations including Rob Zombies 2017 Remake casting Scout Taylor Compton in the role.
#6 Sarah Conor
In a dystopian future dominated by AI-powered robotic executioners, who is the woman destined to rise up and rescue humanity from complete destruction? The answer is none other than the legendary figure, Sarah Connor. Today, with advancing technology and constant privacy violations, the role of Sarah Connor feels more relevant than ever.
The character, in many respects, embodies a fierce lioness, relentlessly driven and willing to do anything to protect her son. While both Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke delivered commendable performances, it was Linda Hamilton who stamped the definitive, indelible image of the heroine onto our minds. Save us from the machines, Sarah Connor—you’re our only hope!
#7 Marry Poppins
Since we’re saving the universe, let’s look at a role that started saving folks one family at a time. This timeless character originally portrayed by the genius Julie Andrews in the 1964 Disney film reminds us all of a good witch, our favorite babysitter, and your best friend all rolled into one.
#8 Selene
Kate Beckinsale is credited with the forceful depiction of a formidable vampire warrior committed to eradicating the Lycan species. This character’s drive stems from the savage murder of her family, and the noteworthy film series delves into significant depth for a female protagonist within the horror genre.
Regardless of your interest in vampire and werewolf lore, this movie franchise is worth exploring. Although Kate has reportedly expressed disinterest in returning for another installment, we can still hold out hope that she might reconsider.
#9 Cruella De Vil
In 1956, Dodie Smith created the fictional villain Cruella De Vil for her children’s book, 101 Dalmatians. Disney soon acquired the story idea, adapting it into a memorable cinematic classic.
Glenn Close delivered an outstanding performance in the first live-action iteration of the tale. A newer adaptation, starring Emma Stone, has also been released. This character effectively demonstrates that there’s nothing quite as terrifying as a malevolent, wealthy woman who wants to make fur coats out of puppies.
#10 Irene Adler
On the subject of classic characters, one of the most prolific stories that spawned several franchises came from the tales of Sherlock Holmes.
#11 The Grand High Witch Eva Earnst
Roald Dahl was certainly skilled at creating memorable characters. The formidable and terrifying Grand High Witch, the primary antagonist in his marvelous story The Witches, was masterfully realized by Eva Ernst.
Dahl first published the tale in 1983, earning the Whitbread Book Award within the same year. Both Anjelica Huston in 1990 and Anne Hathaway in 2020 delivered unforgettable performances, each portraying the villainous witch who planned to transform all children into mice.
#12 Lara Croft
Let the adventure begin. Never has a female character inspired so much action. Lara Croft truly sets the space. Born from a video game, the character has since been responsible for the super successful franchise.
#13 Jean D’Arc
Perhaps no figure on this list is as revered as Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. Her extraordinary character resonates so deeply due to her significant role in actual history.
This historical hero has been depicted on film by numerous actors in various productions, with cinematic portrayals tracing back to the 1930s. Ingrid Bergman’s performance is considered a classic, while Milla Jovovich offered a more contemporary interpretation in The Messenger.
#14 Meg, Margarett March
The oldest of the March sisters, Meg is the central figure in the classic tale Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Janet Leigh played Meg in the 1949 film adaptation and since then the role has been filled by Emma Watson, Willa Fitzgerald, and others.
#15 Cleopatra
Perhaps one of the most notable female characters of all time Cleopatra stands unparalleled in her ancient status. Ruler of ancient Egypt, Famous lover to Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar, forget about Rome, she conquered the world.
Throughout the years, the role of Cleopatra has been portrayed by many women and all are underscored by their ethereal beauty. But perhaps the most notable performance is captured by the mesmerizing gaze of Vivan Leigh and her star-lit eyes.
#16 April O’Neil
Comic fans can surely appreciate one of the genre’s unsung heroes: April O’Neil, a pivotal character in the massively popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.
When the comic first launched in 1984, she was introduced as a computer programmer who developed a close friendship with the turtles, acting as their key ally. The 1990 live-action film saw Judith Hoag take on the role, reimagining O’Neil as an ambitious young reporter. More recently, the character has also been portrayed by Megan Fox
#17 The Wicked Witch Of The West
For anyone out there who has seen the golden age MGM classic production of The Wizard of OZ, probably has seen the image of Margaret Hamilton haunt their nightmares a time or two.
#18 Superman
Perhaps the most iconic superhero ever created, this character defines the genre. Debuting in 1938, he is Kal-El, the last survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, who was raised on Earth as Clark Kent. By day, he’s a mild-mannered reporter, but as Superman, he fights for truth and justice.
The character has been portrayed countless times, becoming a cultural touchstone. While many actors have donned the famous cape, Christopher Reeve’s portrayal is often considered the classic standard, with Henry Cavill recently bringing a modern intensity to the role.
