8 Horror Movie Franchises That Spawned Legendary Final Girls

Final girls remain crucial figures in the horror genre, with certain franchises giving rise to iconic survivors who will be eternally remembered in horror film history. These franchises have not only terrified audiences but also introduced unforgettable heroines who have become synonymous with the series they inhabit. From the slasher flicks of the 1970s and ’80s to the self-referential meta-horror of the 1990s and beyond, these franchises have continually reinvented themselves while maintaining the core elements that made them successful. The longevity of these series can be attributed to the strength of their final girls.

The best horror franchises have explored themes of survival, trauma, and the nature of evil, often through the lens of their resilient female protagonists. The films have spawned countless sequels, remakes, and imitators, but the original entries remain touchstones of the genre, thanks in no small part to the iconic final girls who have come to define them. As horror continues to evolve and new franchises emerge, the legacy of these trailblazing series and their unforgettable heroines remains a vital part of the genre’s history and future.

8
Black Christmas (1974)

Final Girl: Jess Bradford is portrayed by Olivia Hussey

The pioneering horror film Black Christmas, introduced the iconic final girl, Jess Bradford, portrayed by Olivia Hussey. The movie follows a group of sorority sisters stalked by a serial killer hiding in their attic during winter break. Jess stands out as a groundbreaking heroine, facing personal struggles that remain relevant today. In a bold move for the time, the film depicts Jess’s decision to terminate her pregnancy, showcasing an unwavering determination that was not commonly portrayed in horror films. As the last surviving sorority girl, Jess confronts her temperamental boyfriend, Peter, believing him to be the killer.

Although mistaken in her assumption, Jess’s courage and resilience set her apart from other final girls in the genre. Released just a year after Roe v. Wade, Black Christmas and its portrayal of Jess Bradford’s character make a significant statement about women’s rights and autonomy. Jess’s strength and tenacity in the face of both personal challenges and a terrifying masked killer make her a unique final girl within horror cinema. The Black Christmas franchise changed the slasher genre, and remains an underappreciated gem that paved the way for future slasher films.

7
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Final Girl: Sally Hardesty is portrayed by Marilyn Burns

Inspired by a true story, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Marilyn Burns portrays Sally, a character who unwittingly becomes one of the earliest examples of a final girl in horror cinema. Throughout the course of a single afternoon, Sally witnesses the brutal slaughter of her companions, including her boyfriend and brother, at the hands of the depraved Sawyer family. The film’s unflinching depiction of violence and Sally’s harrowing ordeal set it apart from its contemporaries. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre presents a raw and unrefined vision of the “other” in the form of the cannibalistic Sawyer family.

Sally’s desperate struggle for survival reaches a crescendo when she is forced to partake in a grotesque dinner with her tormentors, surrounded by the remains of her friends. Although Sally’s character is largely reactionary, relying more on luck than skill to survive, her depicted ordeal has left a significant mark on the genre. The film’s haunting final scene, featuring a blood-drenched Sally laughing hysterically as she escapes in a getaway car, serves as a testament to the irreparable trauma she has endured. As one of the first true final girls, Sally’s character laid the groundwork for future survivors of horror.

6
Hellraiser (1987)

Final Girl: Kirsty Cotton is portrayed by Ashley Laurence

Kirsty Cotton stands apart from traditional final girls in the slasher genre. Navigating a nightmarish world where desire and damnation intertwine, Kirsty repeatedly finds herself entangled with the Cenobites, led by the iconic Pinhead. Unlike many horror heroines, Kirsty’s relationship with her tormentor is ambiguous, as Pinhead suggests she harbors a subconscious yearning for the Cenobites’ brand of pleasure and pain. This unsettling dynamic truly makes the Hellraiser franchise different from its contemporaries, focusing more on the darker aspects of human nature.

Kirsty’s finest hour comes in Hellbound: Hellraiser II, where, despite being confined to a hellish psychiatric ward, she displays remarkable courage and selflessness. Not only does she strive to save her deceased father from the Cenobites’ clutches, but she also rescues another young woman from their grasp while ensuring that the hospital’s villains meet a fitting fate. This growth in Kirsty’s character, transitioning from victim to hero, shows her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. Although her development is somewhat undermined in the lackluster Hellraiser: Hellseeker, Kirsty remains a compelling final girl.

5
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Final Girl: Julie James is portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt

Julie James finds herself haunted by a deadly secret when she and her friends flee the scene after accidentally hitting a pedestrian. A year later, a hook-wielding fisherman stalks the group, seeking revenge. As the mystery unfolds and the death toll mounts, Julie’s quick thinking and determination become her defining traits. While her survival may be partially credited to some implausible plot twists, Hewitt’s portrayal imbues Julie with charm and relatability.

Navigating a tangled web of secrets and lies while evading the relentless killer, Julie displays a tenacity that solidifies her place among notable final girls. With another sequel on the way, Julie James plays a significant role in the lasting appeal of I Know What You Did Last Summer, a quintessential ’90s slasher that continues to captivate viewers with its mix of suspense, drama, and adolescent turmoil. Julie’s character contributes to the film’s enduring status as a beloved entry in the slasher canon.

4
Alien (1979)

Final Girl: Ellen Ripley is portrayed by Sigourney Weaver

In the classic sci-fi horror Alien movies, Sigourney Weaver breathes life into the unforgettable Ellen Ripley, a character who redefines the concept of the final girl. Initially envisioned as a male role, Ripley’s gender becomes irrelevant in the face of her unparalleled intelligence and quick wit. As an inscrutable extraterrestrial threat wreaks havoc on her space tug’s crew, Ripley emerges as the voice of reason, steadfastly adhering to protocol and refusing to allow the alien parasite aboard.

With her crewmates succumbing to panic and hidden agendas working against her, Ripley relies on her instincts and resourcefulness to survive. She cleverly recognizes the ship’s cat as a sign that the alien is close by, using this knowledge to navigate the treacherous path to safety. Weaver’s portrayal infuses Ripley with a raw authenticity that transcends the role, crafting a character that resonates long after the final credits roll. Her triumph over both the nightmarish alien creature and the duplicitous android solidifies Ripley’s position as the pinnacle of final girls in horror cinema.

3
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Final Girl: Nancy Thompson is portrayed by Heather Langenkamp

Nancy Thompson is the resilient and resourceful heroine of the A Nightmare on Elm Street series whose battle with the infamous Freddy Krueger transcends the silver screen. Nancy forgoes the role of the helpless victim in favor of a proactive and determined fighter. As Krueger stalks the children of Elm Street, Nancy arms herself with knowledge taken from survivalist books and a steely resolve to confront her tormentor head-on. Nancy’s fierce determination and quick wit prove a formidable match for Freddy’s malevolence, as she ingeniously lures him into the waking world to defeat him.

The intense, personal nature of their conflict elevates the franchise, transforming it from a series of increasingly outlandish dream sequences into a profound exploration of good versus evil. This dynamic reaches its peak in New Nightmare, where the line between fiction and reality blurs as Langenkamp herself becomes the target of a malevolent entity seeking to cross over into the real world. Through this meta-narrative, Craven and Langenkamp craft a haunting and allegorical tale that resurrects the true terror of Freddy Krueger while cementing Nancy’s status as an iconic final girl.

2
Scream (1996)

Final Girls: Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers portrayed by Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox

Sidney Prescott is the perfect example of a fully realized final girl whose journey spans multiple films. What sets the Scream series apart is its focus on Sidney as the central figure, never allowing the iconic Ghostface killer to overshadow her importance. The films ensure that Sidney remains the heart and soul of the films, making it easy to root for her survival against the ever-present threat of the masked murderer. Neve Campbell’s portrayal of Sidney showcases a character who evolves with each installment, from a typical ’90s teenager in the first film to a battle-hardened survivor in the sequels.

Sidney’s arc challenges tired horror movie tropes, particularly the notion that promiscuity leads to death, as she loses her virginity and lives to tell the tale. Her transformation from victim to proactive fighter is a testament to her strength and resilience. Alongside Sidney, the Scream films boast a memorable cast of supporting characters, including Gale Weathers, an ambitious journalist who becomes an integral part of Sidney’s story. Gale’s own character development, from a ruthless reporter to a loyal friend and survivor, adds depth to the series and complements Sidney’s journey, making her another powerful final girl within the franchise.

Together, Sidney and Gale represent a powerful duo of women who refuse to be defined by their trauma, instead choosing to confront their demons head-on. Their status as the ultimate final girls is well-earned, as they not only survive multiple encounters with Ghostface, but also emerge as fully-fledged characters. Their ability to adapt in the face of unimaginable horror make them true icons of the genre, setting a high bar for final girls in the years to come.

1
Halloween (1978)

Final Girl: Laurie Strode portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis

Laurie Strode redefined the horror landscape by introducing a new kind of heroine – the final girl – and she set the standard for others to follow. In a world where senseless evil lurks behind a mask, Laurie’s survival depends not on arbitrary moral codes, but on her own ingenuity and unshakable resolve. As the shape of terror looms ever closer, Curtis’s performance captures the essence of primal fear, transforming the familiar into the stuff of nightmares. Across decades and countless retellings, Laurie’s story evolves, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

She becomes a mother, a warrior, a woman haunted by her past, but determined to reclaim her future. In the face of unrelenting horror, Laurie turns the tables, becoming the hunter, the one who becomes the stalker. She shatters the mold, rewriting the rules of a genre that had long relegated women to the role of helpless victim. Laurie Strode is more than a final girl; she is an icon, a symbol of resilience in the face of the unimaginable. Her legacy is a reminder that even in the darkest of hours, hope endures.