Superhero movies are the staple when it comes to blockbuster cinema. Still, for the longest time, the genre revolved around male saviors. The only female characters it introduced were mostly supporting roles, love interests, or sidekicks.
However, that is not the case now. With a growing number of female-led superhero movies entering the theatres, it has once again been proven just how powerfully women can carry the genre. Here are the 10 best female-led superhero movies of all time that have defined what a superhero story can really look like.
10. Lucy (2014)
Though we will always remember her for her iconic role in the MCU, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Lucy’ remains a hidden gem to fans of superhero movies. We get to see her in the role of an ordinary woman whose life takes a dark turn when a synthetic drug accidentally enters her body.
It unlocks extraordinary mental and physical abilities that only continue to evolve, trapping her in a brutal crime underworld. Though it isn’t based on any comic book, ‘Lucy’ is a brilliant mix of sci-fi and action, which makes a very original superhero story, led by an equally brilliant heroine.
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9. The Powerpuff Girls Movie (2002)
Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the childhood favourites who inspired generations. Based on the beloved animated series, ‘The Powerpuff Girls Movie’ explores the origin of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup.
After an accident transforms them into superheroes, they join forces to become the legendary trio. Their goal is to stop the villainous Mojo Jojo from taking over the entire world. Even today, we remember the movie for being full of humour, action, and heartwarming stories.
8. The New Mutants (2020)
This spin-off in the ‘X-Men’ film series definitely deserves more attention for introducing so many female superheroes to us, including Magik, Wolfsbane, and Mirage. It follows a group of young mutants held inside a mysterious medical facility.
They must confront both their dangerous powers and their deepest fears to get out. The movie’s troubled production definitely didn’t let it reach its full potential. But it still deserves recognition for bringing so many fan-favourite female mutants to our screens.
7. Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018)
Though it is more of a collaboration, Hope van Dyne firmly establishes herself as one of the MCU’s most capable heroes in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. Once again, Scott Lang reunites with Hope and Dr Hank Pym.
Hope suiting up as the Wasp gave her the opportunity to prove herself as every bit the hero. Though it was a shared adventure, the Wasp earned her place in the hall of fame of female superheroes.
6. Black Widow (2021)
After years of stealing the spotlight in every single Avengers mission, Natasha Romanoff finally received the solo adventure we all were eagerly waiting for. The film follows her as she confronts her darker past.
A dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises, and she also tries to deal with the broken relationships before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson brings an emotional depth to the legendary spy that immediately makes her such a unique superhero.
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5. Captain Marvel (2019)
Brie Larson’s portrayal of Captain Marvel forever remains iconic. Carol Danvers is a former U.S. Air Force pilot who gains extraordinary cosmic powers but loses her memories after she gets entangled in an intergalactic war.
As she tries to deal with the truth of her past, Carol embraces her new identity as Captain Marvel and becomes arguably the strongest female superhero in the MCU. ‘Captain Marvel’ was one of the first female-led superhero blockbusters by Marvel and proved how confidently she could become one of the leading figures in the franchise.
4. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
After more than a decade of delayed production, we got Rosa Salazar in the role of Alita, a cyborg who woke up in a dystopian future with no memory of her past. As she tries to piece together her identity, she discovers her extraordinary combat abilities.
Alita must learn to control and use her powers to protect those she loves, all while uncovering her origin and destiny. ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ will forever stand out for its breathtaking visuals. But we also must admit how perfectly Salazar was able to balance grounded emotions with unstoppable strength in her heroine.
3. The Old Guard (2020)
This Charlize Theron movie is proof that superhero stories don’t need conventional capes or huge comic book universes. As long as the story is genuine and there is a badass heroine to lead, a movie can contend against the biggest blockbusters.
‘The Old Guard’ follows Theron in the role of Andy, leader of a secret group of immortal warriors who have been protecting humanity for centuries. But now their own identity is threatened when a company discovers their existence and seeks to exploit their ability.
2. Birds of Prey (2020)
After breaking free from Joker’s shadow, Harley Quinn finds herself the target of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals. To protect a young girl hunted by crime lord Black Mask, she joins forces with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya.
Harley, as a leading superhero, is simply legendary in her own right, but it’s the focus on female friendship that truly makes the movie stand apart. The whole movie was a thrilling ride filled with style, action, humor, and more.
1. Wonder Woman (2017)
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman continues to be a template for blockbuster female-led superhero movies. Diana, Princess of the Amazons, finds her life on Themyscira changed forever when she leaves her island home to fight in the First World War.
At the same time, she starts to discover the true extent of her extraordinary powers to become the legendary Wonder Woman. Along with being a box office success, ‘Wonder Woman’ rightfully became a global phenomenon.
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