To close out Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of movies’ most memorable Black girl heroes. These are the women who embody “Black Girl Magic,” unapologetically dominating the big screen. Get your crew together because it’s time to give some love to the best Black movie heroines.
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‘Dreamgirls’: Effie, Deena and Lorrell – Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles and Anika Noni Rose
The Dreams’ path to success was an emotional roller coaster. They didn’t necessarily stick it out through thick and thin, but when they really needed each other, they knew their sisterhood was strong enough to keep them together.
‘Girls Trip’: Ryan Pierce – Regina Hall
From the outside it looks like Ryan has the perfect life. Sadly, her marriage is in trouble and she’s trying to figure out how to navigate the next chapter of her career. In the end, she chooses to bet on herself and kick her trifling husband to the curb.
‘Wish’: Asha – Ariana DeBose
When Asha discovers that the citizens of Rosas are being lied to by the king, she doesn’t hesitate to stand between him and the people. She’s the kind of brave, independent hero kids need as a role model.
‘Black Panther’: Okoye – Danai Gurira
Yes, Okoye is Wakanda’s best warrior, but her true commitment to her people and King are revealed when she doesn’t hesitate to choose them over her own husband. You know it’s breaking her heart, but she does it “without question.”
‘Foxy Brown’: Foxy Brown – Pam Grier
Let’s be honest: We wouldn’t have any of the other performances on this list without the trailblazing work of Pam Grier.
‘The Marvels’: Monica Rambeau – Teyonah Parris
Not only does Monica save the entire multiverse, she inspires Carol and Kamala to be better heroes. She’s the heart and soul of the team.
‘Waiting to Exhale’: Bernadine – Angela Bassett
Don’t pretend like you haven’t had a moment where you told someone off and in your head you were walking away like Bernadine.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Queen Ramonda – Angela Bassett
As devastated as we were to lose T’Challa, we knew Wakanda was in good hands because Ramonda wasn’t about to take mess from anyone. That scene in the UN is such a badass way to let everyone know who’s in charge now.
‘The Woman King’: Agojie Warriors
We were going to single out Viola Davis’ Nanisca, but honestly, all the Agojie warriors need to be celebrated. Pro Tip: Guys, if you walk in the room and all the women are sitting around watching this movie, just leave the house because your presence is not needed.
‘The Color Purple’: Sofia – Danielle Brooks
Whether you choose Oprah Winfrey or Danielle Brooks’ performance as Sofia you can’t go wrong. However, there’s something special about the way all these women get together to belt out “Hell No.”
‘Thor: Ragnarok’: Valkyrie – Tessa Thompson
In “Thor: Ragnarok,” Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie saves the movie. She kicks both Thor and Loki’s asses, drinks them under the table and helps defeat Hela. She’s totally the obvious choice to be King of Asgard.
‘Set It Off’: Cleo – Queen Latifah
Though it’s heartbreaking every time we watch it, Cleo’s defiant death scene feels like the call to arms you would see in a classic gladiator movie. They never broke her and she went out on her own terms.
‘Hidden Figures’: Katherine Johnson – Taraji P. Henson
Every major cultural breakthrough was made because a Black woman was standing behind everyone else doing the real work to make sure the goal was accomplished. We would’ve never gone to space without Katherine Johnson and her co-workers.
‘The Princess and the Frog’: Tiana – Anika Noni Rose
Disney’s first Black princess is one of its best ever. Tiana doesn’t need to be rescued. In fact, she saves Naveen multiple times. She’s a hard-working heroine who stays focused on her goals and we love her for it.
‘Fences’: Rose – Viola Davis
There’s such a beautiful dignity in the way Rose keeps her family together. As the men around her get lost in their own drama, she holds everything together without begging for glory.
‘If Beale Street Could Talk’: Sharon – Regina King
The support system that Sharon provides for her daughter is the embodiment of what Black women do for their community every day, all day.
‘The Old Guard’: Nile – KiKi Layne
Nile is a hero long before she discovers she’s immortal. But the badass way she storms into the lab to save the rest of her friends should be KiKi’s action hero introduction reel forever.
‘No Time to Die’: Nomi – Lashana Lynch
I’m sorry, did you think James Bond was the only 007 that mattered? If we don’t get a spinoff franchise starring Lashana Lynch, what is the point of these spy movies?
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