1. Olivia Benson – Law and Order: SVU
Besides being one of the most badass detectives to ever grace our televisions, Olivia Benson is the perfect example of an extremely influential leading female character! She makes it her first priority to comfort SVU victims and stops at nothing to get them justice. From losing her partner (we miss you Elliot!) to being abducted and attacked by a psycho stalker (twice), Liv always remains strong and independent, and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in!Â
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2. Katniss Everdeen – The Hunger Games
Although Jennifer Lawrence can already be admired for her hilarious and outspoken personality, the roles that she chooses to play have the same effect! Katniss is fierce, loyal, and clever. She consistently leaves the audience in awe with her quick thinking and amazing arrow shooting skills. This leading lady volunteered to risk her life for her district and made it out alive…TWICE! Katniss’ bravery and skills are unbelievable and make her one hell of a role model!
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3. Hermione Granger – Harry Potter
Not only is she gorgeous, she is also one of the smartest wizards around! Hermione Granger is initially portrayed as a nuisance, but soon reveals that she is an essential key to keeping the wizarding world from the harm dark magic! Let’s face it, Harry would have never defeated “He Who Shall Not Be Named” without Hermione’s help, and who else would have kept Ron in line? The Harry Potter Series could not have flourished without Hermione’s charm and wit!
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4. Elizabeth Swann – Pirates of the Caribbean
Who would have ever thought Miss Swann would fall in love with a pirate.….or become one!? Elizabeth Swann makes a complete transformation from invoking the right of “Parlay”, to fighting off merciless ship captains (gracefully, of course). It must be nice to be sexy, intelligent, fearless, AND have multiple beautiful men pining for you! This woman was fed up with a lifestyle that was only concerned with tight corsets and socially acceptable marriages, and chose the pirate’s life instead. Way to stand up for what you want, Miss Swann!
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5. Olivia Pope – Scandal
If I was in some deep trouble, I definitely know who I would call! Miss Olivia Pope is one kick ass lawyer and can basically cover up anything. She is extremely brilliant, but loses her senses when it comes to President Fitz (we all have that one guy who makes us do the same, so cut her some slack!). Her reputation and life have been threatened repeatedly, but Olivia always seems to come out on top. She is stylish, sharp, and a total knockout! Olivia Pope gets $*!+ done, and does not fear anyone who causes trouble on her stomping ground (which just so happens to be ours too)!
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6. Carrie Bradshaw – Sex and the City
Where can you find great advice, great style and entertainment all in one place? Sex and the City, of course! Carrie Bradshaw uses the concrete jungle as her playground and has the best group of girlfriends to take on the world with her! Although she has faced hardships with friends, work, and relationships (we still love you Mr. Big!), Carrie taught us that there is nothing that a new pair of Jimmy Choo’s and a cosmopolitan can’t fix! She learned to never settle and to love herself first, which are two things that all women should admire.