Top 25 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Heroines - Part 1

Here at The Wheel in Space we like to think of ourselves as an equal opportunity blog-space. We pride ourselves on giving equal attention to all and we honor that tradition with a homage to the Heroines of Science Fiction and Fantasy Television and Film. If you enjoyed the recent "Battle Royale" series this latest installment of all things sci-fi and fantasy should be right up your alley. The science team took the data from the prospective candidates and ran it through our laboratory diagnostic facility, making sure to measure and log even the smallest detail. The result was the definitive ranking of the best heroines, earning these tops spots based on a variety of metrics including their skills, abilities, importance to their franchise, quality of their franchise, historical impact on the genre, and overall presentation.

25) Xena - Xena Warrior Princess



This warrior woman first emerged into fandom as a villain in the Hercules series, but her popularity was clear and her own series quickly followed, arguably dwarfing the fan following of her predecessor. Strong, confident, and never afraid to make out with her female side-kick, Gabrielle-- Xena was a formidable heroine during her time on the small screen.

24) Seven of Nine - Star Treck Voyager



The introduction of Seven of Nine brought new life into a limping franchise. With a striking appearance and a compelling back-story, "Seven" captivated an audience that was looking for something new. The character itself was a bold attempt at deconstructing the Borg (one of Star Trek's most notorious foes). Seven was a powerful warrior, a capable scientist and a decisive strategist. But her Borg past did not equip her with traits like compassion or empathy, making Seven one of the most drastic departures from female stereotypes inside a genre that is already known for breaking new ground.

23) Samantha Carter - Stargate SG-1



This rising military star was a valuable asset to the Stargate program. Appointed as the science specialist to the SG-1 team, "Sam" saved the lives of many soldiers and civilians alike in the last ten years. Having grown from a young captain to a seasoned colonel, Sam is the rock of SG-1. This is never more apparent when she takes a leave of absence from the Stargate program, leaving the team disoriented and often times placing themselves in more jeopardy than they otherwise would be if she had been their to guide them with her sound wisdom and logic.

22) Lora/Yori - Tron



This virtual reality character and her human counterpart get points for being the girl on the list you would most likely take home to meet your mom because she is so darn nice. It is no surprise that this movie's female lead makes the list, coming from a film that was decades ahead of its time. Tron took us into the world of virtual reality before such a thing even existed which makes Yori the very first "cyber-chick!" Yori stands by her leading men with unflinching nerve and even is prepared to sacrifice herself for the greater good. Welcome to the top 25, Yori.

21) Evelyn Carnahan - The Mummy



Evelyn is the picture of librarian geekiness. Clumsy, bookish, and socially awkward, but with a heart of gold and a determination that rivals anyone else on this list. Evelyn, faces off with some of the Mummy's most gruesome minions and lives to tell the tale. She leads the expedition of men without a second thought, and she charges into the depths of an ancient crypt like it was the play-zone at McDonald's. Perhaps Evelyn would have ranked higher if not for her lame male counterparts bringing her down.

20) Sylvia - Brotherhood of the Wolf



Sylvia is perhaps one of the most mysterious heroines on this list. For the majority of the film, she is assumed to be a well connected courtesan with knowledge of town secrets. As the story progresses you realize she is so much more. In a dramatic turn-around you learn that Marianne (who you assume to be a protagonist in the film) turns out to be a villain, and Sylvia a secret agent for the French government. Both tempting siren and formidable anti-hero, Sylvia manipulates the game better than anyone, saving our hero at the end and accomplishing her mission.

19) Lana Lang - Smallville



This small town girl started off as not much more than a damsel in distress but over the course of five seasons has turned into a formidable heroine. Overcoming vampirism, possession, and any number of other mystical force, Lana has time and time again managed to survive mortal peril. Most recently she has fearlessly sided with the evil Zod, but true Smallville fans can expect her to eventually see the light and will come to the aid of Clark and company.

18) Arwen - The Fellowship of the Ring



Elf wizard and warrior, Arewn's heroine status is elevated from book to film. She single handedly saved the fellowship from certain death when she selflessly took Frodo in her arms and ran from the Nazgul. But nerve wasn't enough to save Frodo. She flexed her mystical muscle, causing an tidal wave of water to take out the undead kings. Being the fiance to the King of all Gondor is no slouch position either. Arwen certainly earns her place on this list.