If the success of the Marvel and DC franchises over the last fifteen years has demonstrated anything, it’s that audiences love superhero movies. What fans love even more as of late is how superheroines are starting to take center stage, leading in feature films and on television series. These are some of the best woman-led superhero movies and television shows for a dose of girl power.
Black Widow
2021’s Marvel release Black Widow stars Scarlett Johanson as Natasha Romanoff. Fans of the character from the Avengers movies were thrilled to see Romanoff get her own feature film. Currently the highest-grossing domestic movie of 2021, the story focuses on Black Widow as she confronts her complicated family dynamic while reconciling her identity as an Avenger and her past in the shadowy organization that trained her and is now hunting her.
Stargirl
DC’s Stargirl series, created by Geoff Johns for The CW, follows Courtney Whitmore as she builds a new team of superheroes to combat the Injustice Society of America. The show centers around her transformation from an average teenager to a bright, energizing leader after she discovers the Cosmic Staff. Brec Bassinger shines in the role, alongside a talented cast including Anjelika Washington, Amy Smart, and Luke Wilson.
WandaVision
In the first television series created by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elizabeth Olsen reprises her role and takes center stage as Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch). The limited series drew critical acclaim for its unique referential style, as it explored past TV sitcom eras that parallel the themes of grief and nostalgia that Wanda navigates throughout each episode.
Wonder Woman
Released in 2017, Wonder Woman was the first female-led superhero movie in over 10 years. Featuring Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, audiences are transported to her home island of Themyscira where they meet an array of Amazon warriors who are integral to shaping the main character. This is a no-holds-bar big-budget superhero action movie, and it’s a thrill to see a heroine at its helm.
Supergirl
Perhaps one of the best-known female superheroes, fans have watched Supergirl for six seasons since 2015. The series stars Melissa Benoist who brings Supergirl to life as she embraces her powers and finds her true potential and strength as a hero. The series ended this year but has been critically praised for the themes addressed in its storylines and performances.
With so many great female heroes in both the Marvel and DC franchises, these are just a few examples of the superheroines currently gracing our screens.