Written by: Matt Molgaard

There’s a bit of irony in the fact that filmmakers push males as the hero so often in horror films, when the heroine represents the ultimate overcoming of obstacles; theoretically, the female has significantly greater odds combating her plight. Fortunately, directors and scribes have learned to appreciate and capitalize on the irony and beauty of a woman emerging as the toughest figure in a chaotic conundrum in which masculinity seems the safest bet.

Over the decades we’ve seen some powerful females capitalize on intelligence and instinct to surface as the one genuine threat to many an antagonist. In truth the roots run deep, but this isn’t a historical piece, this is an article designed to credit the absolute toughest of the tough, and that’s exactly the direction in which we’re heading now…



6. Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld: Awakening): I think projecting the idea that you can whip serious ass when your physical beauty borders on complete and absolute flawlessness is awe inspiring. Therefore, it’s all the more important that I acknowledge the relevance and impression that Kate’s left on the genre. Her work as Selene, the vampire death dealer who’s quick to feast on just about anybody in the wrong place at the wrong time in three of four Underworld films is nearly sublime. The fact that Kate portrays a true anti-hero only seems to add to the mystique.



5. Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Resident Evil: Retribution):  Like Beckinsale, Jovovich has been leading a successful horror franchise for years; obviously, Resident Evil. As Alice, Milla is afforded the opportunity to slaughter the undead with everything from her bare hands to high tech weaponry, and boy does she look amazing while doing so. What’s so spectacular about Milla however, is the level of realism she brings to the screen. Don’t get me wrong, post-apocalyptic zombie invasions aren’t exactly realistic: it’s the manner with which Milla, or, Alice for that matter responds that is very, very natural. At the core of the character, Alice is a likeable individual as well… you know, thinking about it, Alice is the perfect female bodyguard!    




4. Neve Campbell (Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4): I’m sure many of you will be surprised that Neve placed so low on this list, but keep in mind that, not only do I have my personal (valid, in my mind) reasons, but, she was also a great enough performer to make this list, period. Sidney Prescott of Scream fame is now the most pronounced scream queen since Jamie Lee Curtis. There’s a good reason: she’s tough as nails, beautiful in a girl-next-door sense, intelligent, resilient and her instincts rarely betray her; perfect recipe for an official scream queen. Despite the decline that the Scream franchise has traveled, one thing has always remained consistent: Neve Campbell (the secret love of my life).



3. Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (Cold Prey, Fritt vilt II, Hansel and Gretal: Witch Hunters): I know what you’re thinking: who the hell is that? Well, let me say this: watch the first two Cold Prey films and you’ll know exactly who she is. Arguably the only woman on this list who could rival Sigourney Weaver in regards to physical presence, Ingrid is absolutely stunning in her portrayal as Jannicke in the first two Fritt Vilt (Cold Prey) films. These are two of the finest slashers you can find on the market today, and sadly, they remain insanely underappreciated. Jannicke is the perfect heroine, as she’s tough but relatable from the jump, and her killer instinct is nearly unparalleled. A gorgeous young lady is Berdal, and I’d highly recommend seeking out her work if she’s an unfamiliar commodity to you personally. Two significant genre films and she places third on this list; that should say a lot.




2. Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween, Halloween 2): I may catch a little backlash for not listing Jamie at number one, but I promise there was thought invested in this list, and I promise, it wasn’t easy choosing between my number one and two picks. First, Curtis slowly evolved into a rugged heroine, she didn’t begin as one; second she’s just not as tough as Berdal, or my number one pick (oh the suspense!). Jamie brought Halloween’s Laurie Strode to frightening life. A witty young lady with one killer survival instinct, Jamie won crowds over early. She’s since reprised her role as Strode numerous times, and surfaced in a few other genre entries as well. Great natural looks, solid on screen presence, a personality to die for… yeah, Jamie’s got the goods, still to this day!



1. Sigourney Weaver (Alien, Aliens, Alien 3): Be honest with yourself: Alien was an absolutely terrifying feature when it hit cinemas in 1979. And no star shined quite like Sigourney, who portrayed the sturdy Ripley. Ripley’s got every base covered: she’s big, strong, unforgiving, intelligent, courageous and bold. This is one character I’d never want to tangle with, on screen or off. Sigourney reprised her role as Ripley thrice more, and while she’s not attached to the newest installment (a prequel, Prometheus), she’s firmly carved her place in horror history, and it’s not about to be surpassed. Oh, and for the record, Sigourney certainly didn’t stray from the genre, as she also appeared in noteworthy efforts, Ghostbusters l & II, The Village, Snow White: A Tale of Terror, and Copycat. Sigourney Weaver… now that’s a legitimate top pick! 

There are plenty of other leading ladies who may soon slide into lists of this nature, such as Michelle Rodriguez, Amber Heard, Radha Mitchell and Naomi Watts. We’ll see where the next few years lead us!