As a modern movie-goer, it can be easy to fool yourself into thinking that there are plenty of awesome female character grabbing the hearts of viewers everywhere. But while the insane success of movies like The Hunger Games elevate certain characters to savior-like status, other female characters are left in the dust. So, if you can find it in your heart to make room for more badass on-screen women, there are plenty of female movie characters who deserve more love if you know where to look. The 17 listed below are just the beginning.
Sadly, female characters in film are often marginalized in Hollywood. An institutionalized lack of female leads on screen coupled with the disproportionately few speaking roles given to women has made it so that good female characters can be hard to find. Add to that the fact that female-driven movies tend to be put into a "niche" category, and thus get less funding or a smaller release, and you've got a good amount of great female characters left flying under the radar. But, we're going to rectify this gross miscarriage of movie justice by honoring these 17 female movie characters who deserve more love, and showing them the affection they deserve.
1
Rogue — X-Men
Rogue has gotten a lot of love over the years, but the fact that she was cut out of X-Men: Days of Future Past tells me she still isn't getting the appreciation she deserves.
2
Chenille — 'Save The Last Dance'
Before she was Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington was dropping knowledge as teen mom Chenille in Save the Last Dance.
3
Peggy Carter — 'Captain America: The First Avenger'
Yes, Peggy technically got her own show (RIP Agent Carter), but many a Marvel Cinematic Universe films later, she remains the most engaging female love interest in the franchise. She may know her value, but I think some MCU audiences could stand to learn a thing or two.
4
Christina — 'Divergent'
Christina is played by Zoe Kravitz, so she's already super cool, but what makes her so awesome is that she reaches out to Tris in a hyper competitive environment, and becomes one of her most loyal friends.
5
Casey — '27 Dresses'
It would be easy to dismiss Casey from 27 Dresses as the typical best friend role, but thanks to actor Judy Greer, she's got more fire and personality than literally any one else in the movie.
6
Corey — 'Say Anything...'
Corey in Say Anything... is an iconic teenager with a broken heart, and her song "Joe Lies" deserves to be heard by millions.
7
Vanessa Loring — 'Juno'
Juno is often remembered for its wisecracking teenage heroine, but Vanessa Loring is really the heart of the movie.
8
Amber — 'Sucker Punch'
Sucker Punch is a strange, strange film, but the fact that it gave us an Asian action heroine like Amber should not be overlooked. (Blondie, we love you too.)
9
Cataleya — 'Colombiana'
Colombiana got lost in the shuffle of action movies, but just because it wasn't a massive hit doesn't mean the film's awesome lead female character, Cataleya (Zoe Saldana), should be forgotten.
10
Michelle — 'How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days'
Another best friend turned scene stealer, Michelle starts out as the clingy girlfriend in How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days and is later revealed as the only character actually willing to be in touch with her emotions.
11
Karen Krantz — 'Miss Congeniality'
Miss New York in Miss Congeniality deserves way more love for her no-nonsense attitude and her amazing coming out during the final ceremony.
12
Gazelle — 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'
Kingsman was a bit of a boy's club until Gazelle came on the screen. The badass female villain stole every single scene she was in, and did it all with precision.
13
Vikki Hiller — 'Down With Love'
Sarah Paulson's pre-American Horror Story role as a woman looking for love in the 1960s is highly underrated.
14
Cora Corman — 'Music And Lyrics'
Cora Corman from Music and Lyrics is hands down the best Britney Spears-inspired role on film to date.
15
Nancy B. Artingstall — 'Spy'
Spy deserves more love in general, but Nancy B. Artingstall specifically should get more praise.
16
Candace — 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower'
Candace's story in The Perks of Being a Wallflower is subtle, scary, and incredibly moving. If you're interested in her character, check out the deleted scenes that gave her a story she deserved.
17
Trudy Chacón — 'Avatar'
Trudy was the best part of Avatar, don't @ me.
And, to all the female characters out there not on the list, know that we love you all the same.
