I’m feeling in need of a lift, maybe you are, too? Whether it’s simply a boost in confidence or inspiration to bring out your inner goddess (there’s one in all of us) that you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for detail on fictional characters that can inspire and empower us to be strong, confident and powerful, just as is the natural state of our inner goddesses.

*NOTE: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS*

Goddesses and Empowering Characters in Film & TV

As mentioned in the introduction, there is a goddess within all of us, no matter how you identify. Your inner goddess represents many things; harmony, empathy, the earth, strength, compassion, confidence, power, authenticity, to name a few.

Whatever resonates with you is what your inner goddess means for you. It’s as unique as you are, which is exceptionally cool, wouldn’t you say?

The number of strong feminine characters we find in cinema and television has been growing over the years (thankfully), in varying archetypes. We all love a badass. Characters like Black Widow, Sarah Connor, Peggy Carter and Ripley all come to mind.

I’m making space in this article for the characters that exude strength in both forthright and subtle ways.

Through their spiritual power, magical power or skills, but also through the caring of others, acts of compassion, depictions of self-love, fighting for justice and protecting their loved ones. The characters I talk about in this article are excellent examples of all of these traits, and more.

As you read on, you’ll see that not all of the characters are female, nor are they necessarily protagonists. As I said earlier, there’s a goddess within us all and that doesn’t strictly mean that we, or these characters, are female. 

Most of them are, though. But, they’re not all human. That’s right, friends. We’re delving beyond the physical form.

As for the characters listed that reside in the grey area of morality… well, often it’s the antagonist of the story that is more interesting than the protagonist. Some of which reside in the tasty grey area, either because they have a backstory the audience can empathise with, or simply because they are iconic for being on the dark side.

I’m looking at you, Feathers McGraw.

Time to feel empowered and light up our inner goddesses.

Calypso (Pirates of the Caribbean)

It’s only right to start things off by celebrating an actual goddess.

Known in her human form as Tia Dalma, Calypso is a sea goddess with immense power. We find out in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2006) that she was trapped in a human form by those that feared her. 

Her love connection with Davy Jones adds not only to her ferocity and depth as a character, but her power as a boundless goddess.

Woo Young-woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)

Goddess power in an unexpected yet superbly brilliant sense. Young-woo fights prejudice and adversity as an autistic lawyer, both in and out of the courtroom.

What is particularly powerful about Young-woo – aside from her capabilities as a lawyer – is her effortless ability to support her friends and uplift those around her. Even when they don’t always understand her.

I recommend Extraordinary Attorney Woo in my K-Dramas for beginners list because this character is so wonderful.

Eris (Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas)

Eris (like the constellation) is a goddess who frames Sinbad for the theft of an item of immense importance: the Book of Peace. Upon doing so, Eris lures Sinbad to her realm at the end of the world and brokers a deal with him that she knows – if all goes her way – will only benefit her.

Eris is an antagonist, yes, but she is a brilliant one. A goddess who knows what she wants and uses her ethereal powers to get it. She knows exactly who she is.

(I don’t encourage such behaviour, just so we’re clear).

Tigress (Kung Fu Panda)

I said they weren’t all going to be human characters, didn’t I? 

Tigress is a great example of physical AND spiritual strength. She grows through the Kung Fu Panda films, becoming more and more centred in who she is, not just in her martial arts skills.

She’s a tiger with integrity and authenticity.

Shoutout to Viper, too. A more gentle and compassionate soul who can use her enemies’ strengths against them in battle.

Anita (West Side Story)

A woman who knows what she wants and won’t take anyone else’s sh*t. Anita’s power comes from her ability to stand her ground and exude power in a society that tries to shrink her down.

Her inner goddess resonates no matter what.

Alexander Armstrong (Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

An emotionally intelligent man with a big heart who just so happens to be SUPER BUFF. Being vulnerable is powerful and it’s authentic. Alexander Armstrong is a beautiful balance of brawn and sensitivity. We love to see it. 

He even sparkles… literally.

You can find my recipe for Winry’s apple pie as featured in FMA: Brotherhood here.

Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess)

From a warrior raging war to a warrior who dedicates her time to protecting those who need it the most. The hint is in the title: Xena is a warrior princess!

A warrior princess who takes on gods in battle!

Fiona (Shrek)

Without a doubt, Fiona is an empowering character who goes from believing what she’s been told by society as truth to embracing and loving her true self entirely. She also trained herself in martial arts, so is a kickass.

I have to give a shoutout to Fiona’s Mum (the Queen), too. She literally headbutts three stone walls in a row and gets away with a mild concussion (Shrek the Third). Unreal.

For those who are interested, I have recipes for Shrek cookies and a Shrek chocolate and caramel tart that are delicious.

The Superwomen of Black Panther

All of them. Nakia, Shuri, Okoye, Ayo, Ramonda aka Queen Mother. All of these women are dripping with goddess energy and you can’t help but feel empowered by them.

Nakia is an incredibly brave agent working to protect those who can’t protect themselves. Shuri is a science genius who learns to stand in her own power. 

Okoye is one of the most skilled fighters in cinema and has endless devotion to her country. Ramonda is a literal queen and exudes power, grace and motherly protection. GODDESS ENERGY.

Dorothy Shaw and Lorelai Lee (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes)

Perhaps an unexpected duo to include in this list, you may think. Anyone who has studied the concept of the male gaze in cinema has likely come across this film from that perspective.

What I want to point out is one scene in particular in which Dorothy and Lorelai take all of their power back (pictured above).

Making their way to their dinner table, Dorothy and Lorelai are dressed in finery, shining like diamonds. As they are walking, the whole room stops to watch. What is truly fantastic is that the duo are staring back at everyone because they know their power.

They recognise their beauty and don’t shy away from it! Goddess energy.

Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

A character where balance is prevalent. Frieren is a childlike elf (despite her age), yet is the source of an incredible amount of power. A power that she is able to keep hidden from others. 

Frieren is a prime example of a character who is a balance between playfulness and gentle demeanour, and supreme power, skill and strength in battle.

My Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End inspired menu makes a great food spread, for those who are interested!

Jane Foster (Thor)

A character of intelligence, boldness and a sense of justice.

I wanted to include Jane in this list, not just because of the aforementioned attributes, but because of her journey. During a battle for her health, Jane goes searching for Mjölnir and becomes The Mighty Thor as a result. The fact that she is able to pick up Mjölnir is proof of how strong her inner goddess is.

Need I say more?

Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)

I had to include a demigod! Annabeth is a daughter of Athena: goddess of wisdom. She displays similar characteristics and skills as her Mum, making her a brilliant half-blood to go on quests with.

Despite her youth, Annabeth exudes confidence, knowledge and strength, especially in sticky situations.

Check out my recipe for Percy Jackson inspired blue chocolate chip cookies here!

Blanche Devereaux (The Golden Girls)

I’ve chosen Blanche specifically because she owns her sexuality, which is SO important to recognise and encourage. 

Blanche’s confidence radiates with the knowledge that she’s beautiful (not just on the outside) and despite her fears, remains rooted in her authentic self by celebrating her sexuality.

Who says you can’t eat cheesecake and be sexy?

Jessica Drew (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

Not only is she a wickedly cool superhero in her own right with a bike that motorcyclists everywhere probably envy, she’s also pregnant while she fights for justice. 

Mothers are incredible and motherhood is another dimension of our inner goddesses, whether or not we are mothers ourselves. It’s the attributes of motherhood that we can all radiate. 

Kathy Selden (Singin’ in the Rain)

Another unexpected one, perhaps? 

Kathy stays authentic throughout Singin’ in the Rain and never compromises herself for the sake of fame and fortune. Her authenticity, talent and ambition is what makes her such an empowering character. 

Something that is even more special when you consider the era that Singin’ in the Rain was made in.

Neytiri (Avatar)

There are so many attributes of an inner goddess that Neytiri radiates. She’s pure power. Pure strength. A mother, a leader, a friend to the wildlife of her planet. Neytiri is a protector. 

She has an understanding of her world both on a physical and spiritual level.

She’s also not confined by the society she lives in, as is made clear by her love for Jake.

Irene Adler (BBC’s Sherlock)

Yeah, Irene Adler features in a grand total of two episodes of Sherlock. That’s all we need to see how powerful she is!

She draws all the attention in any room and owns her power. Irene is also incredibly clever, to the point where she can infuriate one of the best fictional detectives there is.

Nobara (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Potentially borderline psychotic sometimes, but radiates her own power, which we love to see.

We also witness a super epic time when she gets to experience her first black flash, too.

Fancy eating Sukuna’s fingers without the side effects? You can find my recipe here.

Princess – later General – Leia (Star Wars)

One of the most iconic women in cinema. Leia is a fighter from the word go.

She’s a princess AND she throws herself into the war, knowing she can make a difference. Leia doesn’t become a revered general for no reason. Her way with others and caring approach is balanced with her strength and power as she fights for a better world.

The Muses (Disney’s Hercules)

The best narrators of any film EVER. The Muses of Greek Mythology, but they sing gospel and clearly know what’s up. Powerful women who represent the very idea of inspiration.

If anyone could give you a boost and reawaken your inner goddess, it’s The Muses.

Ji Eun and Sunny (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

Ji Eun knows she’s special somehow and she is entirely, authentically herself. 

Sunny’s power lies within her confidence and allure. Plus, she was royalty in a past life and that emanates from her in subtle ways.

Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings)

Galadriel has such an ethereal and powerful presence. She’s well known in Middle Earth and revered among the elves, as well as friends to the elves. Gandalf in particular.

Strength isn’t always physical, as Galadriel proves, though she is a skilled fighter in her own right. She has a strength that even the temptation of the One Ring can’t break.

Boa Hancock (One Piece)

Boa’s attitude is “everything revolves around me, I am the QUEEN”. She knows what she wants. Plus, she can literally turn those who love her to stone. Which is basically everyone.

The POWER of the Pirate Empress.

Moana

Disney have their empowering characters, too. Not only is Moana physically strong and capable, but she is emotionally intelligent, caring, compassionate and confident. 

Her leadership skills grow across the two movies and she instills a sense of calm and happiness in those around her.

She’s also mates with a demigod and gets a proper godly upgrade in Moana 2.

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)

The freakin’ mother of dragons. 

Enough said.

Unleash Your Inner Goddess

This list of empowering fictional characters isn’t finite. There are lots more figures in cinema and TV that can make us feel inspired and ready to take anything on.

As I said in the beginning of this article, there’s a goddess within all of us and whatever essence of our inner goddesses resonates with you is what your inner goddess wants you to embrace.

Live in your authenticity, live in your truth. Embrace your inner goddess, friends. I certainly do.

Feel free to add more empowering, goddess-like characters that you find inspiring in the comments!