You’ve heard of the final girl before right? It’s an iconic role in any horror movie, from slashers to psychological thrillers. The term was coined back in the 80s by Carol J. Clover and has shown up as a trope in many horror films since then, spreading throughout the genre and giving us so many badass women to look up to. Typically, its the last surviving female character of the film. She’s faced adversity, she’s faced the monster, and now, she has the rest of her life ahead of her….as long as there isn’t a sequel.
I’ve seen so many final girls over the years and as a young horror fan, I always enjoyed seeing a woman make it to the end. So, I’ve put together a short list of my favorite final girls, starting with my favorite, Jeryline.
#1 – Jeryline from Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight
True story, I saw this movie when it came out in the 90s and I always thought Billy Zane was so hot. I wanted to be Jeryline. She just looked so cool and when she danced with The Collector with her mouth full of blood, I knew she’d do anything to make it to the end. She’s the best final girl of all time in my opinion.
#2 – Nancy Thompson from Nightmare on Elm Street
Another one of my childhood favorites, Nancy Thompson was my role model for what a teenager should be like. Her boyfriend was a young and fresh Johnny Depp, she had great friends, and Freddy Kruger was obsessed with her, what more could you want? Watching her fight Kruger always made me laugh and cheer and I love seeing them face off.
#3 Ellen Ripley from Alien
There is so much feminine energy in Alien and Ripley makes you wish you were as tough as she is when she goes up against the xenomorph. She’s also a cat owner so that gets extra brownie points from me. This film made me more interested in Science Fiction than I thought I would ever be and I’m truly thankful it was made.
#4 – Dani from Midsommar
I know how it feels to be overwhelmed with emotions because something horrible happened, but still wanting to just move on with life. Dani took a chance on a trip with her boyfriend and sure, people died, but she found her people. I don’t think anyone deserves such goodness in their lives more than her. Plus, she doesn’t have to kill anyone on her journey to happiness (unless you count the boyfriend and I don’t :D)
#5 – Sienna Shaw from Terrifier 2
She really doesn’t know what the hell Art the Clown is but she knows she has to kill him. That’s why Sienna is one of my favorites. She was always destined for greatness but its like she awakens when Art truly starts to mess with her and the people closest to her. I also love her relationship with her brother, Jonathan, because it reminds me of my brother. I can’t wait to see what happens to her in the coming Terrifier films.
I hope you liked my list, but if I missed any of your favorites, let me know in the comments!
Christine N Rifkin - Author 
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