When you think of female characters, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Sidekick? Stereotype? Dependent? Unconfident? For most people, this is the case. Today’s media has led us to believe that the female character is nothing but a nuisance. However, could it be that there is some representation of the true female mindset? Without these strong female leads, women would be simply cast aside, so let’s not forget that girls can kick butt too.

1. Buffy Summers

Let’s face it, Buffy made human/vampire relationships a thing before they were cool. Everyone else just jumped on the bandwagon. Also, at least her vampire lovers didn’t sparkle and had a much better character development. Moreover, Buffy is more than just a vampire slayer, she is the master of all that is great about women. For one, she’s strong, but also passionate about what she does, even if there are reasons for her to run away from her problems. She’s also not afraid to risk her life for the people she loves. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. She’s saved the world. Seven times.

2. Veronica Mars

She’s the teenaged, angsty version of Sherlock Holmes. If you think your significant other is cheating on you, who do you call? Veronica Mars. If you realize your dad is alive after living fifteen years in the dark thinking he’s been dead the entire time, who do you call to help find him? Veronica Mars. She’s everyone’s favorite marshmallow and it can’t get any sweeter than that.

3. Jessica Jones

She’s the female superhero we’ve all been waiting for. Not only does she have her own private investigation service, but she’s also got super strength and some sort of flying ability. If I ever decide to give Wolverine a break as my favorite superhero, Jessica Jones will surely take his place.

4. Debra Morgan

She’s a foul mouthed, extroverted detective for the Miami Metro Police Department. Not only does she catch murderers, but she can hold her own as well. Did I mention her brother is a serial killer?

5. Princess Leia

In a galaxy far, far away, a fearless leader was born. Don’t let the title fool you, Leia is definitely no damsel in distress. In fact, the role was switched when she rescued Han from his cryogenic prison.

6. Charlie Bradbury

For all those Supernatural fans out there, who know who this character is. Portrayed by Felicia Day, indefinitely the perfect role model, Charlie is quirky as they come. Besides being totally confident in herself, she’s also tech savvy and can even crack a demonic code for our favorite demon hunters, Sam and Dean. Someone call the Geek Squad, I think we have your new president.

7. Fa Mulan

If you’re like me, then you absolutely love all that is Disney. Now, I may be partial to this one considering Mulan is my favorite Disney film of all time, but who can blame me? She stole her father’s armor, put her family’s honor on the line, and saved China all while pretending to be a man. In addition, she even found love along the way. That’s way more than I can say for myself.

8. Amy Pond

There are four reasons Amy Pond is awesome: she has red hair, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she gave up her own life for the man she loved, and she was one of the Doctor’s companions. That is all that needs to be said.

9. Katniss Everdeen

She competed in The Hunger Games twice and is somehow still sane. The odds were definitely in her favor.

10. Liv Moore

Once a doctor, now an assistant to the coroner, Liv focuses on one thing in life: keeping her family safe. And if that means keeping her newly zombified life a secret, then that’s what it has to be. Liv is strong-willed, passionate, and can help solve murders by eating the brains of the dead, which gives her visions of events that happened before the victim’s big dirt nap.

11. Meredith Grey

Meredith has survived drowning, a bomb threat, a hospital shooting, a plane crash, a miscarriage, her best friend’s departure, the death of coworkers, the death of her husband, and is somehow still standing on two feet. She’s on this list by default.

12. Hermione Granger

We all know and love her. She’s intelligent and strong and she helped Harry Potter defeat Voldemort. Not many people can put that on their resume.

There are two lessons to be learned here: you may not have the opportunity to save the world or solve any murders (unless that’s your job), but you can bake cookies and that’s pretty darn close. Yes, the bar has been raised to a higher standard. Good luck, Hollywood. You’re gonna need it.