These days, there’s no shortage of badass female TV characters breaking all the tropes about the damsel in distress. Because these ladies don’t need rescuing—in fact, they’re more likely to rescue you! Here are the top female leads who have earned the public’s adoration and epitomize female strength and empowerment.
Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones
Despite living in a world that seeks to deprive her of her rights, Daenerys boldly asserts her power. She started her life sold into marriage by her brother but transformed into a formidable leader who would go on to free the enslaved, command armies, and, yup, walk through fire, making it clear that she was born to rule.
Eleven from Stranger Things
You can’t deny that Eleven’s psychokinetic powers and ability to destroy a room are part of what make her so impressive, but the most underrated part of this character’s badassery is how she reclaims her autonomy after being raised as an experiment, growing to define herself on her own terms and learning that choosing yourself is the real power move.
Jessica Jones from Jessica Jones
We love this kind of badass and rebellious woman—she’s messy and human, just like us. Rather than being overly polished, her strength is raw and driven by anger, trauma, and survival. Her power, in addition to her superhuman strength, stems from her ability to establish boundaries and her refusal to submit to control, a legacy of the abuse she endured.
Alex Parrish from Quantico
Alex Parrish’s resilience and ability to stay strong amid chaos make her the ultimate modern action heroine. She’s physically formidable in combat and skilled at espionage, but we admire her strong sense of morals just as much. She won’t let institutions define whether she’s innocent or guilty and always claims her own narrative while juggling betrayal, suspicion, and surveillance.
Octavia Blake from The 100
This character experienced one of the most epic transformations, as far as TV characters go. She went from a child living secretly under floorboards to a warrior, a fearless leader, and ultimately, a vital part of humanity’s survival across harsh landscapes. Even when faced with impossible choices under pressure, she could make a decision and live with the consequences, no matter what it cost her.
Lagertha Lothbrok from Vikings
If we’re looking at the warrior woman archetype, Lagertha Lothbrok might as well be the blueprint. She plays many roles, including a mother, a ruler, a shield-maiden, and a strategist. She has impressive fighting skills, a strong sense of self-respect, and will never shrink herself for another, especially a man.
Detective Rosa Diaz from Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Although she won the hearts of viewers with her deadpan humor, we never forget just how tough this leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding badass is. She’s intense, emotionally guarded, and values her privacy. She’s not afraid to stand up to authority, and her quiet strength is an inspiration to us all.
Lexa from The 100
As the strategic and powerful commander of the Grounder Clans, Lexa was accustomed to putting her community’s needs ahead of her own, regardless of the consequences. Her emotional restraint and calm authority make her even more powerful in a way that isn’t egotistical or impulsive. She’s also an icon representing queer women in power.
Mazikeen from Lucifer
The demon and bounty hunter Mazikeen is a beautiful blend of vulnerability, loyalty, and chaos. She refuses to dilute herself for anyone, and as far as combat goes, she’s deadly. Her badass energy stems from her balance of softness and strength, and her healing journey doesn’t make her any less fierce and dangerous.
Jessica Huang from Fresh Off The Boat
Moms are the original badasses, and Jessica Huang is leading the charge in that regard. She doesn’t need fighting skills to cement her badass rep—her ambition, intensity, and ability to prioritize her goals unapologetically do that all for her. She refuses to assimilate on anyone else’s terms (or be diminished) and is one of the most inspiring women of color on TV.