Growing up in a male-centric world, it can be hard to find strong female characters to look to as role models. Here are five must-watch animated films with powerful female leads whose stories will inspire every little girl out there!
Mulan
The savior of China and the best daughter of all time, Mulan risked everything to protect her family and save her friends. Mulan was one of my personal heroes as a child — she’s a fearless warrior and genuine delight.
Moana
‘Moana’ is curious girl, daughter of a chief and as her father says ‘is destined to take his place and lead the tribe’. But even as a little girl, Moana is drawn to the ocean like a moth to a flame. Aware of an upcoming danger, she ventures alone into the ocean to find Maui-the demigod to save the tribe. No love story, no hero, just a damsel who solves her own distress, thank you!
Tiana, The Princess and the Frog
Tiana is an aspiring small business owner who doesn’t let anything get in her way — she’s arguably one of the most hardworking Disney princesses. With a big heart and fierce determination, Tiana proves that you can make your own dreams come true.
The Breadwinner
A 2017 Oscar nominated film,’The Breadwinner’ is set in Afghanistan where the Taliban rule under the Sharia law. A 11-year-old girl, Parvana is shouldered with a responsibility of feeding her family as her father is arrested by the soldiers of Taliban. Disguising herself as a boy, in the society that saw women and girls as second-class citizens with no rights, a fearless Parvana ventures a dangerous path to find her father and bring him back home.
Pocahontas – Pocahontas
Featuring one of the most famous rebellious female characters in Disney animated history, Pocahontas spends her private time rapid river kayaking and diving into lakes from the heights of waterfalls. The film is notable for being the first Disney film that has a non-white female protagonist. Besides being one of the most adventurous of the Disney princesses, Pocahontas is memorable for being an introspective character. Thwarting her family’s wish that she enters into an arranged marriage, after much personal conflict, she courageously decides to act contrary to conventional wisdom and be true to her adventurous spirit.
