40 female led comic book movies

For decades now, actresses the world over have donned costumes, been granted unique abilities, and have commanded the screen to appear in a collection of comic book movies. Some of these films have been super hero epics, others have been animated adventures, and one or two have been comedic camp capers.

Sure, not all of them have been great, and it’s fair to say that some are a bit ropey (to say the least), but all have added something to the rich tapestry of the comic book movie genre. Whether it’s Catwoman, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or Josie and the Pussycats, there is something for everyone to dive into and enjoy.

Want to be given the details of these films? Of course you do – which is why this post contains a list of 40 female comic book movies!

Below you will find the titles of a whole host of these movies which either star, or co-star strong and powerful female characters. Take a look at the list, and see which movies you may wish to check out.

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Black Widow (2020)

First up, is the action-adventure picture Black Widow, from Marvel Studios. In this movie, Natasha Romanoff (aka the Black Widow), heads off on a solo mission after she becomes a target of the mysterious assassin, the Taskmaster.

But this mission is far more personal than Romanoff first realises, and it puts her on a collision course with members of her long-lost family. This includes her ‘sister’ who is also a fellow Black Widow.

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Supergirl (1984)

Next up is a spin-off movie from the very popular Superman movie series of the 1970s and 1980s. The movie is of course, Supergirl, a fantasy adventure picture about Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El.

In the movie, Kara comes to Earth where she is granted super human abilities. Helen Slater takes on the title role, while Faye Dunaway, Peter Cook, and Brenda Vaccaro take on villain duties.

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Barb Wire (1996)

Directed by David Hogan, and based on a comic book character of the same name, Barb Wire is an action movie about a nightclub owner, mercenary, and bounty hunter, living during a period of Civil War in the US. Pamela Anderson takes on the title role, leading a cast that includes Temuera Morrison, Xander Berkeley, and Udo Kier.

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Tank Girl (1995)

Based on the British comic book of the same name, Tank Girl is a science-fiction adventure story about an anti-hero who fights an oppressive corporation. Set in a drought-ravaged world, Tank Girl stars Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts, and Malcolm McDowell.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, King T’Challa has passed away, leaving his family and friends to take over the role of protector of Wakanda. But when a new threat emerges from an unlikely place, a new Black Panther is needed, leaving sister Shuri to step up to the plate and assume the role.

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Wonder Woman (1974)

Bit of a forgotten one for you now, because while this television movie is a Wonder Woman film, and it takes the accolade of being the first Wonder Woman movie to be produced, it is a very different take on the character than you might expect. As you can see from the accompanying image, the Wonder Woman here is blonde and she wears a tracksuit, however, it is Diana Prince you see before your eyes!

Deviating significantly from the standard Wonder Woman mythology to try an entice audiences with something a little different, this (somewhat bizarre) approach to the character sees Diana reworked as a superspy. Cathy Lee Crosby takes on the role of Wondy, while Kaz Garas plays Steve Trevor, and Charlene Holt plays Hippolyta.

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Captain Marvel (2019)

Based on the long-running Marvel Comics character of the same name, Captain Marvel is a superhero origin story about a pilot who is granted phenomenal abilities, thanks to some alien intervention. Brie Larson takes on the role of Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, in a movie that was hugely successful at the box office during its initial release, taking over $1.3 billion.

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Elektra (2005)

Based on the comic book character of the same name, and devised as a loose spin-off movie to 2003’s Daredevil, Jennifer Garner takes on the lead role in this martial arts action flick, about a woman who is brought back from the brink of death and transformed into a sai-wielding assassin. Rob Bowman directs, while the support cast includes Goran Višnjić, Terence Stamp, and Kirsten Prout.

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Birds of Prey (2020)

Margot Robbie takes on the role of Harley Quinn to lead this ensemble picture, about a rag-tag group of women, who find themselves with a common enemy – the villainous Black Mask. Joining Robbie on screen is Mary Elizabeth Winstead as The Huntress, Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya, Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary.

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The Kitchen (2019)

Based on the DC/Vertigo comic of the same name, and set during the 1970s, The Kitchen is a crime movie about the wives of Irish American mobsters, who take over organised crime operations in New York. Andrea Berloff directs, while the cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss.

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The Old Guard (2020)

Charlize Theron takes the lead in this super hero tale about an immortal group of mercenaries. The film is based on the comic book of the same name, with Gina Prince-Bythewood on directing duties.

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Witchblade (2000)

Based on the comic book series by Top Cow, Witchblade is a television movie about a homicide detective who becomes the reluctant inheritor of a weapon that gives her superhuman abilities. Yancy Butler stars in this largely forgotten comic book caper from the beginning of the century.

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Wonder Woman (1975)

Up next is another Wonder Woman television movie, but this time around it is about a hero who looks a lot more familiar! The Wonder Woman here is played by Lynda Carter, who appears as the star-spangled super hero in a tale set during World War II.

This movie – which originally ran under the title, The New Original Wonder Woman – was so popular, it helped to launch a television series. That series ran for three seasons, and for decades was the most recognisable version of Wonder Woman on the planet.

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X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

In X-Men: The Last Stand, the X-Men find themselves up against a battle for survival and a fight against one of their own! Former friend, Jean Grey (as played by Famke Janssen), has risen from the grave to become the deadly Phoenix – a powerful mutant with the ability to wipe out everything and everyone.

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X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Set in a different timeline to X-Men: The Last Stand, but still dealing with a similar threat, X-Men: Dark Phoenix offers an alternative take on the Jean Grey/Phoenix storyline. Sophie Turner takes on the role of Jean in this picture, as she does battle with an alien threat, as well as conflict coming from both Magneto and her fellow X-Men.

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Sheena (1984)

Tanya Roberts plays the title role in this oft-forgotten action-adventure movie, about Sheena – Queen of the Jungle! Directed by John Guillermin, the film is based on the comic character of the same name and is considered a cult favourite from the ‘80s.

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V for Vendetta (2006)

Natalie Portman takes the lead in this next movie – a dystopian political thriller, based on the DC/Vertigo comic of the same name. In the movie, Portman plays the role of Evey Hammond, an employee of a state-run television network, who becomes involved with a masked anarchist terrorist by the name of V.

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Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013)

Based on the French graphic novel of the same name, Blue is the Warmest Colour is an LGBTQ+ romance movie about a teenager who falls in love with an aspiring painter. The movie – directed by Abdellatif Kechiche – stars Léa Seydoux and Adéle Exarchopoulos.

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Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

In Ant-Man and the Wasp, the title characters find themselves taking on a mysterious new foe by the name of the Ghost. Paul Rudd plays Ant-Man, while Evangeline Lilly is the Wasp, in this action-comedy from director Peyton Reed.

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Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Another adventure for Ant-Man and the Wasp, only this time the action sees the titular duo transported into the mind-boggling subatomic universe known as the Quantum Realm. Here they must face the time-bending villain known as Kang, who has the potential to destroy all time and space.

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Wonder Woman (2009)

Another origin tale for Wonder Woman, only this time told via the use of animation. The majority of this movie takes place on Themyscira, with Diana learning about herself, her fellow amazons, and the world around her.

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Casper Meets Wendy (1998)

In this family-friendly prequel to 1995’s Casper, the friendly ghost crosses paths with a good little witch by the name of Wendy. A young Hillary Duff takes on the role of Wendy, while the support cast includes Cathy Moriarty, Shelley Duvall, and Teri Garr.

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Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Rachel Leigh Cook, Tara Reid and Rosario Dawson front this cult comedy, based on the comic book (and cartoon series) of the same name. Josie and the Pussycats pokes lots of fun at the music industry and features the funniest boy band ever committed to the screen.

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Wonder Woman (2017)

Gal Gadot takes on the role of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman for this live-action period picture, which focuses on the origin of Wonder Woman. Set during World War I, the movie depicts Wondy’s first adventure outside of Themyscira, as well as her initial meeting with Steve Trevor.

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Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

More from Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman in this ‘80s-set comic book romp, which focuses its story around wish fulfilment. Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig take on villain duties for this camp caper from director Patty Jenkins.

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Catwoman (2004)

Halle Berry takes on the title role in this action-adventure movie, inspired by the Catwoman comics. In the film, Berry plays the part of Patience Phillips – a graphic designer who unwittingly becomes caught up in a plot involving a shady cosmetics company and a dangerous new beauty product.

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Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

In this animated offering, Batman finds himself up against a new vigilante in the shape of the mysterious Batwoman. But is Batwoman a friend or foe, and who is she under the cowl?

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Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)

Another animated Wonder Woman tale, this time focusing on the formation of the super villain group, Villainy Inc. Rosario Dawson takes on voice duties for Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, while Jeffrey Donovan voices Steve Trevor.

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Barbarella (1968)

Based on the French comic book series of the same name, Barbarella is a sci-fi movie about a space-traveller sent to find a scientist, who has developed a world-threatening weapon. Jane Fonda plays the title character, while Roger Vadim directs.

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Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)

In this animated Marvel team-up movie, Black Widow and the Punisher take centre-stage in a story about super soldiers. Directed by Kenichi Shimizu, Avengers: Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher also features appearances from other iconic Marvel heroes, including Iron Man, Hawkeye, and the Hulk.

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Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)

In animated adventure movie, Batman and Harley Quinn, the Caped Crusader has to enlist Harley’s help while working on a case involving Poison Ivy and the Floronic Man. The late (and much missed) Kevin Conroy provides voice over duties for Batman, while Harley is voiced by Melissa Rauch.  

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Catwoman: Hunted (2022)

In Catwoman: Hunted, Catwoman finds herself in the crosshairs of both Batwoman and Black Mask when she sets out to steal a valuable jewel, in this animated super hero tale. Elizabeth Gillies voices Catwoman/Selina Kyle, while Stephanie Beatriz voices Batwoman/Kate Kane, Kirby Howell-Baptiste plays Cheetah, and Jonathan Banks takes on Black Mask.

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LEGO DC Super-Hero Girls: Super-Villain High (2018)

One for the younger members of the household now, with the animated super hero adventure movie, LEGO DC Super-Hero Girls: Super-Villain High. This family-friendly little tale sees various DC heroes take on a collection of dastardly super villains!

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Vixen: The Movie (2017)

Originally created as a webseries, before being edited into a feature-length film, Vixen: The Movie is an animated picture about a super hero who can access the strength and speed of any animal on the planet. The movie is sent in the Arrowverse, and features the vocal work of Megalyn Echikunwoke, Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, and Grant Gustin.

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The Marvels (2023)

Carol Danvers returns to the big screen in this action-adventure movie, only she’s not alone – this time Danvers is joined by Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau. Nia DaCosta directs, while Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, and Samuel L. Jackson star.

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Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)

In this animated ensemble film, a collection of Marvel heroes (including Ms. Marvel, Quake, America Chavez, and Squirrel Girl) share the screen for a big team-up adventure, ideal for young audiences.  The voice cast includes Kathreen Khavari, Chloe Bennet, Cierra Ramirez, and Milana Vayntrub.

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Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996)

In 1996, popular TV star Melissa Joan Hart took on the role of teen-turned-witch, Sabrina Spellman, for the television movie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Based on the Archie Comics character of the same name, the movie followed the story of Sabrina, as she discovers she has magical powers.

Due to the popularity of the film, the story was later reworked and turned into a long-running television show, which also starred Hart.

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Annie (1982)

Based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip by Harold Gray, as well as the stage show of the same name, Annie is a musical comedy-drama, about a young girl looking for her forever home. Set during the Great Depression, the film stars Aileen Quinn as Annie, with Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan, and Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks.

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Vampirella (1996)

Talisa Soto takes the lead in this direct-to-video cult super hero movie, about a vampire who teams up with a special unit to save humanity from a horde of blood-suckers. Jim Wynorski directs.  

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Ghost World (2001)

And finally, Ghost World is a black comedy about two teenage outsiders who face difficulties in their friendship when one takes an interest in an older man. Based on the comic book of the same name, Ghost World stars Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson.

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Recap

OK, so those are all the women-led comic book movies, but how many have you watched? Well, should you fancy working your way through the films, here is a list of all the movies mentioned above to save you from having to scroll back up!

• Black Widow (2020)
• Supergirl (1984)
• Barb Wire (1996)
• Tank Girl (1995)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
• Wonder Woman (1974)
• Captain Marvel (2019)
• Elektra (2005)
• Birds of Prey (2020)
• The Kitchen (2019)
• The Old Guard (2020)
• Witchblade (2000)
• Wonder Woman (1975)
• X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
• X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
• Sheena (1984)
• V for Vendetta (2006)
• Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013)
• Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
• Wonder Woman (2009)
• Casper Meets Wendy (1998)
• Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
• Wonder Woman (2017)
• Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
• Catwoman (2004)
• Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)
• Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)
• Barbarella (1968)
• Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
• Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)
• Catwoman: Hunted (2022)
• LEGO DC Super-Hero Girls: Super-Villain High (2018)
• Vixen: The Movie (2017)
• The Marvels (2023)
• Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996)
• Annie (1982)
• Vampirella (1996)
• Ghost World (2001)

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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about women-led comic book movies. For more posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.