Top 10 Women Who've Played Superheroes in Movies
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VOICE OVER: Matthew Wende
Written by Briana Lawrence
When the city needs saving, you're in good hands with these ladies. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Actresses Who've Played Superheroes in Movies.
For this list, we'll be looking at the actresses who've embodied our favorite super-powered characters on the big screen, but they don't have to be solely considered superheroes, as we're including supervillains and antiheroes to the mix. However, we won't be looking at any actresses who are portraying characters we haven't seen in action yet, and we'll only be looking at one actress per role.
Have an idea you want to see made into a WatchMojo video? Check out our suggest page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest and submit your idea.
When the city needs saving, you're in good hands with these ladies. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Actresses Who've Played Superheroes in Movies.
For this list, we'll be looking at the actresses who've embodied our favorite super-powered characters on the big screen, but they don't have to be solely considered superheroes, as we're including supervillains and antiheroes to the mix. However, we won't be looking at any actresses who are portraying characters we haven't seen in action yet, and we'll only be looking at one actress per role.
Have an idea you want to see made into a WatchMojo video? Check out our suggest page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest and submit your idea.
When the city needs saving, you’re in good hands with these ladies. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Actresses Who’ve Played Superheroes in Movies.
For this list, we’re looking at the actresses who’ve embodied our favorite super-powered characters on the big screen. To keep things interesting, we’re including supervillains and antiheroes in the mix. However, we won’t be looking at any actresses who are portraying characters we haven’t seen in action yet, and we’ll only be looking at one actress per role.
#10: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince
DC Extended Universe (2013-)
Remember when people were upset about the casting of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman? They all sang a different tune when she stormed into battle against Doomsday. The geek world may’ve been divided in their opinion of Batman’s blockbuster fight against the Man of Steel, but one thing was certain: Gal Gadot kicked ass as the Amazonian princess. Not only was she powerful; she also brought awe-inspiring confidence into battle. And, if “Batman v Superman” didn’t sell you on her performance, the her solo film definitely did.
#9: Zoe Saldana as Gamora
“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise (2014-)
Not even pelvic sorcery can sway Gamora. She’s got plenty to deal with as the adopted daughter of that villain the MCU has been hinting at for years. Zoe Saldana is the perfect balance of deadly, no nonsense assassin with just enough personality to pull her away from the cold-hearted killer stereotype. At first, you don’t see her fitting in with the rest of the Guardians. Then again, you don’t expect ANY of them to mesh well. Soon, though, she’s got you hooked on a feeling.
#8: Ellen Page as Shadowcat / Kitty Pryde
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Talk about a character getting the shaft in the movie adaptations. Even so, Ellen Page worked with what she had and rocked her portrayal of Kitty Pryde. Despite most people’s opinions of “The Last Stand”, at least we can say she was one of the most charming elements of the film. After all, you gotta respect a girl that takes on the Juggernaut. We were hoping to see more of her in “Days of Future Past” since, in the comics, she’s the one who goes back in time... but we said the character gets the shaft for a reason...
#7: Halle Berry as Storm / Ororo Monroe
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
The casting choice that’s still debated today, many would say that like Ellen Page, Halle Berry did the best she could with what she had. She’s probably the most emotionally stable member of the team as she carries a sense of grace and wisdom with every step she takes. She always knows what she’s fighting for, and even steps up to take over the school after the quote, unquote, “death” of Charles Xavier. After all the mutant turmoil, angst, and love triangles, we have to give Storm props for keeping a cool head... and to Berry for being a fangirl.
#6: Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
Oh Tony, you’ve crossed the wrong woman. Elizabeth Olsen plays the extremely powerful Scarlet Witch, a woman with immeasurable telekinetic powers that can bring the mightiest Avenger down to his or her knees. But having such a power comes at a high price as we watch Olsen perfectly portray someone who is dealing with a deadly ability that could do a world a good or a hell of a lot of damage. It’s clear that she is a valued member of the team, but we’re not quite sure if it’s safe to keep someone so dangerous around... and neither is she.
#5: Famke Janssen as Dr. Jean Grey
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
This is an example of what many would call a perfect casting choice. No matter what movie we see Famke Janssen in now; we’ll almost always associate her with Jean Grey. Say what you will about the first series of movies - but Janssen absolutely nails Jean’s personality. From her growth as a mutant, to her romance with Scott, the love triangle with Wolverine, and, of course, the fiery Phoenix, Famke is always dead-on. The third movie may’ve left something to be desired, but Janssen was, and still is, a frightening representation of ultimate, uncontrollable power.
#4: Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique / Raven Darkhölme
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Ah Mystique, the lady mutant face of the X-Men movie franchise… and Jennifer Lawrence had some pretty big, blue shoes to fill. Rebecca Romijn’s transformation into Mystique is damn near legendary in the geek movie world, but looking back, there’s a real downside to her character. We never really get to know much about her. But with Jennifer Lawrence, we understand her motivations beyond being a gorgeous, ass kicking adversary. Romijn showed us that Mystique was not to be messed with, but Lawrence shows us what it means to be mutant and proud.
#3: Chloë Grace Moretz as Hit-Girl / Mindy Macready
“Kick-Ass” franchise (2010-)
Who doesn’t love a violent, foul-mouthed little girl who’d rather get knives for her birthday instead of puppies and dolls? We weren’t quite sure what to expect when Chloe Grace Moretz donned that purple wig, but it certainly wasn’t a bloody action scene set to The Dickies’ “Banana Splits.” With Hit Girl, we learn how to take a bullet, how to swear, and how to be the biggest 11-year-old badass in a movie. Not even an entire hallway of armed men, Mother Russia, or the fear of being a teenager surrounded by catty high school girls can stop her.
#2: Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
As Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson has become one of the deadliest heroines on the big screen. Johansson plays a S.H.I.E.L.D agent who doesn’t need superpowers to hang with the big boys. No matter how dangerous the battle, she’s front and center, skilled in weaponry and with a dizzying mastery of hand to hand combat. We’ve been dying for a Black Widow movie since that crazy chair fight in “The Avengers,” but until we get one, we’ll happily watch her steal the spotlight in everyone else’s movies... seriously though, when’s her movie coming out?
Before we get to our number one super-powered female, let’s suit up for these honorable mentions:
- Anna Paquin as Rogue / Marie
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
- Olivia Munn as Psylocke
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
- Malin Åkerman as Silk Spectre II / Laurie Juspeczyk
“Watchmen” (2009)
#1: Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman / Selina Kyle
“Batman Returns” (1992)
If you thought Jennifer Lawrence had a tough task as the second Mystique, Anne Hathaway would like to sit down and have a talk with you. Then again, we’re pretty sure every woman who has become “The Cat” has felt the pressure of being one of the leading ladies of Gotham. As Selina Kyle, Michelle Pfeiffer was many people’s first taste of a female character in a superhero movie that wasn’t just a screaming love interest. After being pushed around by her boss -- literally -- we watch her empowering transformation into Catwoman and cheer for her as she finally puts herself first – even if she does go a little too far.
For this list, we’re looking at the actresses who’ve embodied our favorite super-powered characters on the big screen. To keep things interesting, we’re including supervillains and antiheroes in the mix. However, we won’t be looking at any actresses who are portraying characters we haven’t seen in action yet, and we’ll only be looking at one actress per role.
#10: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince
DC Extended Universe (2013-)
Remember when people were upset about the casting of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman? They all sang a different tune when she stormed into battle against Doomsday. The geek world may’ve been divided in their opinion of Batman’s blockbuster fight against the Man of Steel, but one thing was certain: Gal Gadot kicked ass as the Amazonian princess. Not only was she powerful; she also brought awe-inspiring confidence into battle. And, if “Batman v Superman” didn’t sell you on her performance, the her solo film definitely did.
#9: Zoe Saldana as Gamora
“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise (2014-)
Not even pelvic sorcery can sway Gamora. She’s got plenty to deal with as the adopted daughter of that villain the MCU has been hinting at for years. Zoe Saldana is the perfect balance of deadly, no nonsense assassin with just enough personality to pull her away from the cold-hearted killer stereotype. At first, you don’t see her fitting in with the rest of the Guardians. Then again, you don’t expect ANY of them to mesh well. Soon, though, she’s got you hooked on a feeling.
#8: Ellen Page as Shadowcat / Kitty Pryde
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Talk about a character getting the shaft in the movie adaptations. Even so, Ellen Page worked with what she had and rocked her portrayal of Kitty Pryde. Despite most people’s opinions of “The Last Stand”, at least we can say she was one of the most charming elements of the film. After all, you gotta respect a girl that takes on the Juggernaut. We were hoping to see more of her in “Days of Future Past” since, in the comics, she’s the one who goes back in time... but we said the character gets the shaft for a reason...
#7: Halle Berry as Storm / Ororo Monroe
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
The casting choice that’s still debated today, many would say that like Ellen Page, Halle Berry did the best she could with what she had. She’s probably the most emotionally stable member of the team as she carries a sense of grace and wisdom with every step she takes. She always knows what she’s fighting for, and even steps up to take over the school after the quote, unquote, “death” of Charles Xavier. After all the mutant turmoil, angst, and love triangles, we have to give Storm props for keeping a cool head... and to Berry for being a fangirl.
#6: Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
Oh Tony, you’ve crossed the wrong woman. Elizabeth Olsen plays the extremely powerful Scarlet Witch, a woman with immeasurable telekinetic powers that can bring the mightiest Avenger down to his or her knees. But having such a power comes at a high price as we watch Olsen perfectly portray someone who is dealing with a deadly ability that could do a world a good or a hell of a lot of damage. It’s clear that she is a valued member of the team, but we’re not quite sure if it’s safe to keep someone so dangerous around... and neither is she.
#5: Famke Janssen as Dr. Jean Grey
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
This is an example of what many would call a perfect casting choice. No matter what movie we see Famke Janssen in now; we’ll almost always associate her with Jean Grey. Say what you will about the first series of movies - but Janssen absolutely nails Jean’s personality. From her growth as a mutant, to her romance with Scott, the love triangle with Wolverine, and, of course, the fiery Phoenix, Famke is always dead-on. The third movie may’ve left something to be desired, but Janssen was, and still is, a frightening representation of ultimate, uncontrollable power.
#4: Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique / Raven Darkhölme
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
Ah Mystique, the lady mutant face of the X-Men movie franchise… and Jennifer Lawrence had some pretty big, blue shoes to fill. Rebecca Romijn’s transformation into Mystique is damn near legendary in the geek movie world, but looking back, there’s a real downside to her character. We never really get to know much about her. But with Jennifer Lawrence, we understand her motivations beyond being a gorgeous, ass kicking adversary. Romijn showed us that Mystique was not to be messed with, but Lawrence shows us what it means to be mutant and proud.
#3: Chloë Grace Moretz as Hit-Girl / Mindy Macready
“Kick-Ass” franchise (2010-)
Who doesn’t love a violent, foul-mouthed little girl who’d rather get knives for her birthday instead of puppies and dolls? We weren’t quite sure what to expect when Chloe Grace Moretz donned that purple wig, but it certainly wasn’t a bloody action scene set to The Dickies’ “Banana Splits.” With Hit Girl, we learn how to take a bullet, how to swear, and how to be the biggest 11-year-old badass in a movie. Not even an entire hallway of armed men, Mother Russia, or the fear of being a teenager surrounded by catty high school girls can stop her.
#2: Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
As Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson has become one of the deadliest heroines on the big screen. Johansson plays a S.H.I.E.L.D agent who doesn’t need superpowers to hang with the big boys. No matter how dangerous the battle, she’s front and center, skilled in weaponry and with a dizzying mastery of hand to hand combat. We’ve been dying for a Black Widow movie since that crazy chair fight in “The Avengers,” but until we get one, we’ll happily watch her steal the spotlight in everyone else’s movies... seriously though, when’s her movie coming out?
Before we get to our number one super-powered female, let’s suit up for these honorable mentions:
- Anna Paquin as Rogue / Marie
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
- Olivia Munn as Psylocke
“X-Men” franchise (2000-)
- Malin Åkerman as Silk Spectre II / Laurie Juspeczyk
“Watchmen” (2009)
#1: Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman / Selina Kyle
“Batman Returns” (1992)
If you thought Jennifer Lawrence had a tough task as the second Mystique, Anne Hathaway would like to sit down and have a talk with you. Then again, we’re pretty sure every woman who has become “The Cat” has felt the pressure of being one of the leading ladies of Gotham. As Selina Kyle, Michelle Pfeiffer was many people’s first taste of a female character in a superhero movie that wasn’t just a screaming love interest. After being pushed around by her boss -- literally -- we watch her empowering transformation into Catwoman and cheer for her as she finally puts herself first – even if she does go a little too far.
