Celebrating Women’s History Month: Iconic Women Protagonists in Film

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and strength of women across all walks of life—including the ones who have captivated audiences on the silver screen. Some of the most unforgettable characters in cinema have been fierce, determined, and complex women who defy expectations and carve their own paths. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on three heroines - The Bride from Kill Bill, Queen Ramonda from Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Sarah Connor from The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

The Bride (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2) – The Relentless Warrior

Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill saga introduced us to one of the most formidable protagonists in action cinema: Beatrix Kiddo, aka The Bride. Played with intensity and grace by Uma Thurman, The Bride is a master assassin betrayed by her former comrades and left for dead on her wedding day. Fueled by vengeance and an unbreakable will, she embarks on a journey to take down those who wronged her.

What makes The Bride so compelling isn’t just her martial arts mastery or her seemingly unstoppable resilience, it’s her humanity. Beneath the blood-soaked revenge plot lies a woman who has suffered deeply, lost her child, and yet continues forward with fierce determination. Her pain, skill, and cunning make her one of the most unforgettable heroines in cinema history. To this day fans are pining for a Kill Bill Vol III but only time will tell if that project will materialize.

Queen Ramonda (Black Panther & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) – The Regal Protector

Queen Ramonda, played by the incomparable Angela Bassett, is the very embodiment of wisdom, grace, and unshakable strength. As the matriarch of Wakanda, she carries the weight of leadership on her shoulders, guiding her people through immense turmoil—especially following the loss of King T’Challa. In both Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ramonda demonstrates unwavering resilience and a deep love for her family and country.

What sets Queen Ramonda apart is her ability to command respect and authority while also expressing profound emotion and vulnerability. She is not only a queen but also a grieving mother, a fierce protector, and a symbol of enduring strength. Her ability to navigate the political and emotional landscapes of Wakanda with wisdom and dignity makes her an extraordinary female lead.

Sarah Connor (The Terminator & Terminator 2: Judgment Day) – The Ultimate Survivor

When we first meet Sarah Connor (played by Linda Hamilton) in The Terminator, she is an ordinary young woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances. By Terminator 2: Judgment Day, she has transformed into one of the most hardened and capable warriors in cinematic history. Sarah evolves from a terrified target into the relentless protector of her son, John Connor, who is destined to lead humanity in the fight against Skynet.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. She doesn’t just accept her fate—she trains, she fights, and she does everything in her power to prepare her son for the battles ahead. Her grit, intelligence, and unwavering determination make her one of the most compelling protagonists in film history.

Why These Women Matter

What unites The Bride, Queen Ramonda, and Sarah Connor is their strength—not just in combat, but in spirit. They face insurmountable odds, endure loss and hardship, and emerge stronger. They define themselves through their own actions and decisions. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the stories of resilience, leadership, and power—both in reality and in fiction.