Powerful Warrior Women in Pop Culture

Female warriors are more prominent than ever in pop culture these days. From Rey in Star Wars™ to Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, these fighters have taken center stage. This is partially due to more female-led narratives, especially in dystopian YA, or more dynamic Final Girls in the horror and sci-fi genres. Critical Role’s increased popularity has audiences craving content from characters like Yasha, Vex, and Beau. Additionally, Ellaria Sand, Arya Stark, and Brienne of Tarth carried Game of Thrones on the edges of their swords. Now, protagonists like Naru from Prey are deservedly front and center on the silver and small screens.

So, what’s with this uptick? Well, fortunately, we have a lot better female role models in media. Where female warriors used to only be scantily clad sex fantasies, there’s now an entire spectrum. Like real women, these characters represent so many facets of femininity while still sticking to their genre tropes … or breaking unnecessary barriers. There’s no putting these women in boxes or under glass ceilings because they’ve got fists, guns, and blades that can reckon with any obstacle.

Below, meet 10 of the strongest warrior women in pop culture — movies, television series, and comic books from then and now. Did your fave make our list?

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Red Sonja

Dynamite Comics’ Red Sonja is a famous warrior from the Hyborian Age. Often partnered with Conan the Barbarian, Sonja is a ruthless, ambitious, and bloodthirsty queen who gained powers from the goddess Scáthach. Sonja’s backstory is tragic and tied to sexual assault; while it may at first feel like an awful tope, it is important to tell stories about the dangers women face daily. Of course, Sonja’s humble origins and horrific experiences lead her to fight like the She-Devil she is against monsters and men alike.

In the new 2025 adaptation, Red Sonja is a huntress and barbarian who unites other warriors in order to save their kingdom. The film touches on one of the most controversial elements of Red Sonja: her silver chainmail bikini. While the “garment” is initially tied to a king who tries to own and enslave Sonja, she eventually owns her signature look. Okay — slay.

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Okoye (Marvel)

Okoye leads the Dora Milaje. This elite group of female warriors protects their king, the Black Panther, at any cost. They are supremely skilled, agile, and merciless. Okoye especially showcases her loyalty by turning against her lover in favor of protecting the throne. For Wakanda, she moves without question. Without hesitation. In battle, Okoye displays incredible abilities with her spear. And when the Dora operate as a cohesive unit, you better hope you’re not their target!

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Lady Death (Coffin Comics)

Lady Death is one of the many legendary ladies of Coffin Comics. This antihero is essentially the face of the franchise, and many of the stories are built around her character and involvement in the world. She is a mortal turned infernal warrior and spellcaster. No longer human, she finds her home in Hell. Unfortunately for her, that means enemies such as Hellwitch abound. On the other hand, allies like La Muerta are also ready with guns blazing.

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Sorsha (Willow)

Sorsha is a princess. She is the daughter of an evil queen, and spends most of her life supporting her mother’s reign of terror. Although emotionally manipulated and abused by Queen Bavmorda, Sorsha still finds comfort in learning horseback riding, archery, and sword training. These skills become her primary focus in Willow when she joins the rebel army. A vision on the battlefield, Sorsha confronts her mother with weapons and wits. Her confidence has inspired young audiences since 1988.

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Dejah Thoris

Dejah Thoris is a Red Martian and wife to warrior John Carter. A princess by birthright, Dejah is brave and eloquent. While her earliest designs suggest certain cheesecake tendencies, writers have taken care to make Dejah Thoris more than a damsel in distress or love interest. Thankfully, her main personality traits are no longer “gorgeous” and “easily kidnapped.” In the latest versions of her and John Carter’s stories, Dejah puts her life on the line for her people, saves her husband’s life, and also studies science.

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Ellen Ripley (Aliens)

A warrior isn’t restricted to the sword and sorcery genre! By definition, warriors are combatants experienced in warfare. They are engaged in some sort of struggle or conflict and display the skills necessary to overcome said conflict. In that case, Ellen Ripley is a warrior in heart, body, and blood. The Alien protagonist may use a flamethrower instead of traditional weaponry or magic spells, but she certainly gets the job done. Could you even cut through a Xenomorph with a steel blade…?

Ripley is a spectacular addition to the warrior woman list. She doesn’t worry about her appearance or clothes — which are also practical. Additionally, Ripley is strong and capable on her own, playing into the Final Girl horror trope as well, but in a way that is believable because she’s so physically powerful.

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Mulan (Disney)

Mulan is simply one of the best Disney princesses. She’s also an incredible warrior. In order to protect her father, Mulan pretends to be a man and joins the army. There, she undergoes brutal training that hones her body into an instrument of violence — though she never loses her heart. Combined with her combat capabilities, Mulan’s love of her people leads her to be both their savior and a soldier of the highest caliber.

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Wonder Woman (DC)

When we think of warrior women, Wonder Woman comes to mind immediately. She is a Daughter of Themyscira. Born on a remote island, she knows nothing of the world of men — only the incredible power of a matriarchal society. Raised by and among women, Diana Prince values justice, compassion, and mercy above all. But she’s also not afraid to get her hands dirty with an oppressor’s blood. Made of muscles and mythological divinity, she and her mothers, aunts, and sisters are the epitome of modern warrior women.

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Éowyn (The Lord of the Rings)

“I am no man.” With this line uttered, Éowyn cements her place on every single ranked list of female warriors. Born a princess, she is forbidden from fighting for her kingdom alongside other women. But Éowyn is determined to defend Rohan. Disguising herself, she sneaks into battle laden with armor and a sword she’s barely used. Yet her courage makes up for anything she lacks in training. And in the end, Éowyn defeats a fierce enemy — the Witch-king of Angmar — that no man could.

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Xena

From 1995 – 2001, Xena impressed audiences worldwide when she eschewed traditional tropes. While her armor in Warrior Princess is slightly impractical, the aesthetic feels more suited to the female gaze, not a lewd male one. Her design speaks volumes about who was able to write, direct, and control this character’s costuming offscreen — people who believe women are more than objects, that is. Xena’s story is also awesome, demonstrating a warrior on a quest for redemption who isn’t defined by a love interest. Now that’s progress.

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Who are your favorite female warriors in pop culture? Share your powerful picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!