Black Girl Magic! Our Favorite Black Movie Heroines

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.”

Let’s be honest: We wouldn’t have any of the other performances on this list without the trailblazing work of Pam Grier.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The support system that Sharon provides for her daughter is the embodiment of what Black women do for their community every day, all day.

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.

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?