Horror movies wouldn’t be any fun without the heroine–the last one standing: known in the industry as the “final girl.” We root them on, applaud their internal boogeyman-radar and feel relief upon their safety. In this article, we will explore 5 of the Best Horror-Movie Final Girls.
1. Laurie Strode (Halloween)
Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is one of the most iconic final girls in horror-movie history. She first appeared in the original Halloween movie in 1978, where she faced off against Michael Myers. The character was so popular that she appeared in several other Halloween sequels and was even given her own standalone movie in 2018. Fans love Laurie Strode for her bravery and resilience in the face of danger, making her the ultimate final girl.
2. Sidney Prescott (Scream)
Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, is the protagonist of the Scream franchise. She appeared in all four movies, fighting off the infamous Ghostface killer. Sidney is a complex character who has faced her fair share of trauma and heartbreak, but she never lets that get in the way of her fighting spirit. Fans love Sidney for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and bravery, making her one of the best final girls in the horror genre.
3. Ellen Ripley (Alien)
Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is the ultimate badass final girl. She first appeared in the 1979 film Alien and went on to appear in several other Alien movies. Ripley is known for her tough-as-nails personality, quick thinking, and willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Fans love Ripley for her resilience and her ability to outsmart the alien, making her one of the most beloved final girls in horror-movie history.
4. Nancy Thompson (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
Nancy Thompson, played by Heather Langenkamp, is the protagonist of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street movie. She faces off against the iconic Freddy Krueger and manages to outsmart him in the end. Fans love Nancy for her intelligence and resourcefulness, making her one of the best final girls in the horror genre.
5. Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day)
Jessica Rothe plays the character of Tree Gelbman, who becomes a final girl in the Happy Death Day movie franchise. She is initially a self-centered college student who is murdered on her birthday but wakes up to relive the same day over and over again, fighting to solve her own murder. Fans love Tree for her humor, bravery, and character development, making her one of the best final girls in recent horror movies.
