Beautiful, Cunning, And Loyal Movie Characters Who Are Absolutely Timeless
In Hollywood, many beautiful characters have graced the big screen. But when it comes to these attractive leading ladies, more than just looks are thrown into cinema's well-formulated character equation. These women are cunning, loyal, smart, and, sometimes, they're even vengeful to the point of becoming handy with a weapon or two.
From Scarlett Johansson's super-spy assassin Black Widow to Sharon Stone's cunning serial killer Catherine Tramell, these leading ladies are nothing to mess with. Don't let their good looks fool you; these characters' loyalty runs deeper than their outward appearance. Don't believe us? Let this list of beautiful movie characters prove you wrong.
Arwen In Lord of the Rings
Even though a lot of Lord of the Rings fans weren't overly impressed by the casting decision of Liv Tyler playing elf princess Arwen, it's hard to argue that she didn't changed people's minds about elves. So long were tiny elves working on toys for the holidays, and Arwen was a warrior princess who wanted nothing more than to save those she loves.
What on-screen character isn't mesmerizing when they tell their father to stop messing around and re-forge a sword that has the potential to save Middle Earth? Hello, Arwen might be the reason Sauron lost the war (aside from the ring being destroyed) and we think that's beautiful.
Princess Leia In Star Wars
Carrie Fisher was only 19 when she starred as the infamous Rebel General Princess Leia in Star Wars: A New Hope. Of course, that isn't the last time we saw the princess as she fights alongside the rebellion until the very end of the Skywalker saga.
Although the entire franchise is marketed as family-friendly, a lot of people couldn't help but remark on a certain young Princesses prisoner outfit in Return of the Jedi. But we'd be lying if we said that's why she made the most beautiful character list -- it's totally because of her battle strategy, witty one-liners, and the ability to wear her hair as cinnamon buns.
Latika In Slumdog Millionaire
It's hard not to be mesmerized by the beautiful Latika in the critically acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire. Making her way into the ragtag team of Jamal and Salim as the third Musketeer, Latika finds herself in the hands of a horrid gangster who is using children to beg in the streets of Mumbai.
Latika's story is one of survival, one that makes her character that much stronger and more beautiful in the eyes of the audience. It doesn't hurt that she grows up to be a gorgeous woman, but that isn't the only trait that makes this character ethereal.
Holly Golightly In Breakfast at Tiffany's
First off, when a character is played by the one and only Audrey Hepburn, clearly they're being put on the list. And it helps reinforce Holly Golightly's status as one of the most beautiful movie characters because she is literally characterized as a cafe society girl, aka "one of the beautiful people."
Even though we're not 100 percent certain if she plays an escort or a socialite, one thing is for sure: she is cute as a button and has an irresistible smile that brings the strongest of men to their knees.
Black Widow In The MCU Films
Let's just get the obvious out of the way, Scarlett Johansson is a beautiful woman with a nearly perfect figure, lush red (or blond) hair, and a raspy voice that brings even the Hulk to his knees. Now, her character, Black Widow, in the MCU films is all of that, but in a spandex spy suit that says nothing less than "bring it on, but you're going to lose."
But her looks aren't what makes this character beautiful. It's the fact that she will do anything for her friends, including sacrificing herself so her closest friend can make it back to his family -- you go, lady Avenger!
Maggie Pollitt In Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
It's hard to pick one Liz Taylor character, but Tennessee Williams' Maggie Pollitt from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof takes the cake as one of the most beautiful movie characters of all time. She's seductive, feisty, and the survivor of a not-so-typical childhood -- but that just makes us love her even more.
Her classic beauty, charm, and overall determined demeanor make Maggie "the cat" Pollitt one complex character. And, yes, we are looking past the part where she is just with her husband Brick for his money and status and isn't feeling what one would call "fulfilled."
Cataleya Restrepo In Colombiana
Can we all agree that Zoe Saldana looks gorgeous in pretty much any movie she is in, even if her character happens to be blue or green? Well, nothing is different when it comes to her character Cataleya Restrepo in Colombiana, except for the fact that she is donning her natural skin tone.
The contract killing character is not only outwardly stunning, but she is a force to be reckoned with. Who can say no to a woman who knows her way around an assortment of weapons and wants nothing but revenge on the people who killed her family? This character is beauty incarnated.
Selene In The Underworld series
Just when people thought sci-fi vampire films were going to be forever centered around sparkling skin and teenage drama, Kate Beckinsale storms the big screen in a black leather bodysuit ready to fight off some lycans. Nothing says "beautiful character" quite like vampire hunter Selene tracking down and killing her mortal enemies.
Like some of the other ladies on this list, Selene is more than just her edgy good-looks. She's a vampire warrior who seeks revenge on those who murdered her family. And it's hard not to love someone who can keep their black leather pants polished while beating up some bad boys.
Vivian Ward In Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts plays escort-meets-Cinderella Vivian Ward in the much-loved romantic comedy Pretty Woman. And whether or not you enjoy Vivian's wardrobe pre or post-Rodeo Drive, one thing is for sure; she is so innocently beautiful. A lot can be said about a woman who is true to herself, just like Robert's character.
She doesn't care what people think of her, or that she earns money in questionable ways; Vivian always stays true to herself. The fact that a millionaire happens to take notice of her beautifully fiery personality and good looks is just the cherry on top of the penthouse suite's cake.
Madison In Splash
Although we're a sucker for a young Tom Hanks, actress Daryl Hannah stole the film Splash in the "looks department." Playing the beautiful mermaid Madison, Hannah makes you want to believe in the magical essence of the mythological creature.
Fishtail or legs, this mermaid is one of the most beautiful characters on the big screen. With long blond hair, an adventurer mentality, and a curious enough nature that allowed her to teach herself English with nothing more than television shows, it's safe to say Madison is the only fish in the sea worth our time!
Catwoman In Batman Returns
Of course, every lady who has put on the various black leather catsuits of the sultry character Catwoman has looked foxy to the extreme. But Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of the character in Batman Returns makes full-body leather look good. It's not easy to make a sewed up leather suit, complete with a mask and cat ears look good, but somehow this character makes it work.
Tack on the fact she kills the very man who wanted her dead at the beginning of the film, and you have a character who's meant to be a villain but turns out to be a beautiful hero in a lot of woman's eyes.
Naomi Lapaglia In The Wolf Of Wall Street
Based on a true story, The Wolf Of Wall Street follows the tale of wall street tyrant Jordan Belfort as he defrauds wealthy investors, making millions in the process. And while lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio is always fun to watch on-screen, most people were watching the fresh face of Margot Robbie, who plays girlfriend, Naomi Lapaglia.
Big blond hair, feisty personality, and a mentality that said, "I will always get what I want no matter the consequences," Naomi is more than a force to be reckoned with. And she is also one of the more outwardly beautiful characters to grace the big screen.
Lisa In Weird Science
Whoever made fun of nerds in grade school needs to rethink their reasoning since Weird Science computer geeks Gary and Wyatt were able to design and produce their ideal woman, Lisa. Nothing says "beautiful character" quite like a perfect body, perfectly curled 80s hair, and the ability to buy a Porsche even though she doesn't have money.
But it's more than her physical attributes that make this character beautiful. It's the fact that she wants to help Gary and Wyatt stand up to their bullies and outfit them in cool-kid clothing, so they feel better about themselves.
Santanico Pandemonium In From Dusk Till Dawn
It's no secret that Salma Hayek is a beautiful woman with a striking personality. So it makes sense that she can transfer that energy over to her character Santanico Pandemonium in From Dusk Till Dawn. Of course, there is more to the table-dancing vampire high priestess of evil than just her beautifully tanned skinned and long dark hair.
Yes, we know that title is a bit much, so you're going to have to watch the film to understand what we're talking about. Regardless, Santanico is fiery, ruthless, and knows exactly what she wants and how she is going to get it -- enslaving humans, anyone?
Elizabeth Swann In Pirates Of The Caribbean
We know Keira Knightley's role as Elizabeth Swan is a sore point for a lot of people, but there is one thing most people can agree on: she's quite a beautiful character. Everything from the beach wave hair to the subtle tan she gets after being kidnapped time and time again by pirates compliments the young woman very well.
It doesn't hurt that she becomes a sort of pirate in her own right, taking up arms to save Will. Well, at least we think that's why she fights. By the end of everything, we're not entirely sure why she became a pirate in the first place. Shrug.
Alex Owens In Flashdance
Nothing says "beautiful character" like 18-year-old Alex Owens working two jobs in hopes of pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Oh, and she has no formal dance training, so she's kind of winging the whole thing.
Not to mention the young character is gorgeous in her own right, not just because she is independent and wants to make her dreams come true on her own terms. Even though her rich boyfriend is the one who gets her an audition to a dance conservatory, Alex makes sure it's her skills and range that gets her into the school, and not his money or social status.
Wonder Woman In Wonder Woman
If we're honest, anyone who puts on the Wonder Woman costume is going to look fierce, and that definitely includes Gal Godot's portrayal of the Amazonian warrior. Not only is she stunning in her red, gold, and blue outfit, complete with a magical lasso, armbands, and shield, but she is also one of the strongest heroes in the DC universe.
Trained to be an unconquerable warrior, Diana Pierce, aka Wonder Woman doesn't take well to people telling her what to do and would rather save the world than stand by and watch its destruction. Pretty much, she's a stunning lady with a beautiful soul that can beat up any man.
Elena Montero/De La Vega In The Mask Of Zorro
Not only is Elena Montero, aka Elena De la Vega, a gorgeous Hispanic woman, but she is also a skilled swords-woman who can hold her own against the masked vigilante Zorro. With thick, dark hair and dark eyes, this character is the epitome of tall, dark, and absolutely stunning.
Throw in the 19th-century wardrobe, sassy attitude, and need to do the right thing, and we have a beautiful character through and through. Well, at least after she realizes her "father" is actually the bad guy who is trying to murder her real father. Yeah, the family drama is real in this movie.
Lara Croft In Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Since Lara Croft was already a bombshell sensation from the Tomb Raider video game, it's no surprise the studio landed on Angelina Jolie to portray the beautiful character. With a thick braid down her back, tight black shorts and a tank top, little to no makeup, and pouty lips, Lara Croft is an adventurer who could look good in nothing more than a burlap sack.
Aside from her looks, the character is ridiculously smart, an excellent shot, pretty much fearless, and has connections around the world we could only dream of. All in all, if we could be any "beautiful character," it would be Lara Croft.
Jessica Rabbit In Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Let's get this out of the way right now. Yes, Jessica Rabbit is technically a cartoon character; no, that doesn't mean she is any less beautiful. On the contrary, not many people, cartoons, or otherwise would have the confidence to rock a bright red dress and purple elbow-high gloves when they have bright red hair.
And yet, Jessica Rabbit throws caution to the wind and flaunts what her creators Gary K. Wolf, Richard Williams, Jeffery Price, and Peter Seaman gave her: "a combination of the ultimate male fantasy."
Foxy Brown In Foxy Brown
If there is one beautiful character to come out of 1970s cinema, it is the hardcore lady named Foxy Brown, played by Pam Grier. Now, this character isn't only physically gorgeous with her mocha skin and perfectly manicured hair, she also has a tagline that says everything, "I'm a whole lot of woman."
And she lives up to her tag line, being a fiercely loyal person who will stop at nothing to get revenge on those who killed her boyfriend, including her own brother -- gasp. Let's all agree that Foxy Brown is a beautiful character both inside and out.
Lisbeth Salander In The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Okay, so Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is far from your stereotypical "beautiful character," but she is beautiful in a completely different way. First off, we're totally feeling the piercings and tattoos that ooze angsty hacker and detective. They characterize Lisbeth so much more than any hairstyle or supermodel face could ever do.
Next, she is brilliant, making her one of the most beautiful characters to ever grace the big screen. Lisbeth might not be a Bond girl, but she's certainly able to hold her own in a fight and can outsmart the best of them.
Barbarella In Barbarella
If you didn't think intergalactic-bombshell was your type, please allow us to introduce you to Jane Fonda's title character in Barbarella. If you're unfamiliar with young Jane Fonda, please redirect your eyes to the image. As you can see, she has envious long blond hair, legs that go on for miles, and a face that would make the strongest person fall to their knees.
Throw in the fact that she is an astronaut on a special mission from the United Earth government to find an evil scientist, and you have one of the more beautiful characters to come out of 1960s cinema.
Mikaela Banes In Transformers
We get it, super-sized fighting robots who can turn into cars isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea. But when you throw in Megan Fox playing one of the leads, Mikaela Barnes, most people zero in on any and all things Transformers, especially considering she is a beautiful woman who just so happens to work with her hands in a mechanics shop.
But take away her looks, and she is one of the only truly loyal people Sam has, aside from Bumblebee. You also have to give the girl props for making it through the desert, running from evil Decepticons, all while keeping her makeup and hair mostly intact. Kudos.
Emmeline Lestrange In The Blue Lagoon
While the events that take place in The Blue Lagoon are questionable, something that is certain is the beauty of Brooke Shields' character Emmeline Lestrange. Trapped on an island as a young girl, viewers watch as Lestrange goes from "being trained" as a well-adjusted society girl to an island hippie.
Rocking un-brushed, bushy hair, tan skin, and a homemade bikini, people couldn't help but admire the youthful beauty of the character. Of course, it's hard not to admire a character that is so set in her ways, even after being stranded on a deserted island.
Catherine Tramell In Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone plays Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct, a beautiful criminal mastermind who just so happens to be a novelist and serial killer. Needless to say, the blond with the innocent smile sent more than one person to their grave, literally and figuratively.
The fact that she's a femme fatal character who just so happens to be a master manipulator makes her that much more intriguing. We're not saying that's a beautiful trait for a person to have, but, hey, she's one of the most beautifully evil characters ever created, according to film critics.
Honey Ryder In Dr. No
Played by Swiss actress Ursula Andress, Honey Ryder is widely considered to be the original Bond girl. Her infamous entrance into the film Dr. No showcased just how beautiful the character truly is: walking out of the ocean, holding two perfectly intact seashells while sporting a white bikini.
But this Bond girl isn't just eye-candy, even though she is gorgeous. Ryder is an independent and resourceful lady, running her own business in Miami, and noting multiple times that she doesn't need help from anyone. Seriously, who can do anything but tip their hat to this woman's personality traits?
María Elena In Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Seriously, only Penelope Cruz has the ability to make an emotionally psychotic ex-wife character look beautiful. The character of María Elena might be outrageous, but it's hard to argue with the outward beauty of the woman. She is lithe, with long, tanned legs, and thick dark hair.
Not to mention, she has such striking features that it's hard not to stop and stare when she walks past you on the street. But that doesn't get rid of the fact that the character believes the only way her relationship with her ex can work is if they bring in another partner to the equation. That's what we call a red flag.
Camille Montes In Quantum of Solace
As one of the Bond girls, it's no surprise that Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace is absolutely stunning, even if her face is smeared with blood and dirt. The fictional Bolivian bombshell isn't only beautiful, but she is also a fierce secret agent who can hold her own against anyone in a fight.
Then again, there is nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned. And Camille had been scorned hard by General Medrano, the man who killed her family. It says a lot when a character can look so savage that you forget she is in "the game" for nothing other than revenge.
Adelina, Anna, And Mara In Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
It's almost not fair for a studio in the 60s to use a young Sofia Loren in a film, especially when the characters she's going to portray in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow are a black-market vendor, lady of the night, and an adulteress.
And if that little aspect of the characters Adelina, Anna, and Mara character weren't risky enough for viewers, her epic tease as Adelina most certainly was! With a beautiful body, face, smile, and bedroom eyes, people can't help but admire the beauty of the three characters she portrays.
