These '90s female leads were like a triple threat: charisma, strength, and smarts all rolled into one! They didn't just steal the show—they practically demanded it.
The 90s were an awesome time for female leads in movies, with some roles becoming absolute legends. You probably already have a few names popping into your head, but there are also some less obvious ones that deserve a shout-out for their incredible characters and performances. So, let's dive in and check out some of the best female protagonists of the 1990s!
Let's talk about one of the most iconic movies of the 90s that cleaned up at the Oscars – The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Directed by Jonathan Demme, this film won the “Big Five” awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. And, you guessed it, Jodie Foster’s performance as Clarice Starling was a major reason for its success. Clarice was the ultimate 90s protagonist—driven, smart, and always learning about herself and others. Foster’s portrayal was spot-on from start to finish, making Clarice an unforgettable character and easily deserving of the top spot on our list.
For many fans, Marge Gunderson is the role that defines Frances McDormand’s career. Directed by her husband Joel Coen and his brother Ethan, Fargo (1996) gave us one of the best female protagonists of the 90s – and maybe of all time. Marge is sharper than her colleagues and incredibly down-to-earth. She’s dedicated to her job and genuinely cares about the people around her, all while making us laugh with her iconic Minnesotan accent. McDormand’s performance in this role was so stellar that she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress! Marge Gunderson is definitely a character that will stick with you. So, what’s your favourite Marge moment?
Juliette Binoche got a lot of praise for her role in Three Colors: Blue, but if you ask us, Three Colors: Red has the better protagonist. Irène Jacob plays Valentine Dassault, a character that’s really interesting and full of emotion from start to finish. The movie itself was up for several Oscars, which helped show off how great Valentine is as a character. If you haven't seen the Three Colors trilogy, Red is definitely one to check out.
Some fans might say that Thelma and Louise (1991) focuses more on Thelma, but let's be honest—they're co-protagonists. Their names are both in the title! Geena Davis (Thelma) and Susan Sarandon (Louise) were both up for Best Actress at the Oscars, which is pretty impressive. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film also got nods for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing and even won Best Original Screenplay. The story of two best friends on a wild road trip that takes some unexpected turns was definitely worth the praise. Thelma and Louise are great characters with a fantastic dynamic, and they totally deserve their spot at number four.
Pam Grier made a big comeback with Jackie Brown (1997), thanks to Quentin Tarantino. After her famous '70s roles in Coffy and Foxy Brown, she totally shined as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant who gets caught up in a tricky situation. Jackie uses her smarts and charm to navigate through the mess and come out on top. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely worth a watch!
Also, gotta give a nod to Rose DeWitt Bukater from Titanic (1997) with Kate Winslet, Cher Horowitz from Clueless (1995) with Alicia Silverstone, and Lola from Run Lola Run with Franka Potente. They’re all amazing in their own ways and totally worth a mention!
