Top 10 Most Underrated Final Girls in Horror Movie History

The horror genre owes much of its appeal to its iconic final girls. These heroines, known for their courage, intelligence, and determination, face unimaginable evils and either triumph over or valiantly struggle against them. Despite the genre’s rich history of notable female leads, many deserving contenders remain underrated. Here are some of the best yet underappreciated final girls and horror heroines in film.

Casey Cooke, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy in “Split” (2016), is a standout character. Kidnapped alongside two other girls by Kevin (James McAvoy), Casey’s traumatic childhood has left her withdrawn. Nevertheless, she quickly showcases her intelligence and survival instincts. She is emotionally resilient and empathetic, helping her fellow captives and manipulating Kevin’s weaker alters. Her journey towards confidence and empowerment embodies the film’s theme that “the broken are more evolved.” Casey’s strength and ingenuity make her an underrated final girl.

Tess, played by Georgina Campbell in “Barbarian” (2022), is another excellent yet underrated heroine. A filmmaker trapped in a nightmare when she is imprisoned in her Airbnb’s basement, Tess’s story mirrors her struggle to prioritize herself after leaving a difficult relationship. As a moral and empathetic person, Tess learns to advocate for herself. Her character arc is immensely satisfying, with Campbell’s performance bringing Tess’s vulnerability and terror to life.

Rachel Carruthers, the foster sister of Jamie Lloyd in “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988), played by Ellie Cornell, is a resilient final girl. Initially a typical teenager, Rachel steps up to protect Jamie when Michael Myers attacks. Her bravery, practicality, and quick thinking make her a standout character in the series. The sibling bond between Rachel and Jamie adds depth to her character, making Rachel an underrated slasher heroine.

Taylor Russell’s portrayal of Zoey Davis in “Escape Room” (2019) demonstrates another form of heroism. An introverted science student and plane crash survivor, Zoey excels in the deadly escape room challenges through her intelligence and teamwork. Her resourcefulness and quick thinking make her one of the smartest and most resourceful final girls, deserving more recognition in the horror genre.

Virginia Madsen’s Helen Lyle in “Candyman” (1992) is a compelling protagonist. A grad student researching urban legends, Helen’s curiosity and bravery lead her to investigate Candyman (Tony Todd). Madsen’s performance, enhanced by director Bernard Rose’s unique techniques, and Helen’s ultimate heroism make her a great horror heroine, freeing the neighborhood from Candyman’s curse.

Amber Midthunder’s portrayal of Naru in “Prey” (2022) brings a refreshing perspective to the final girl trope. A young Comanche woman in the 18th century, Naru strives to prove herself as a hunter. Her intelligence, strength, and stealth help her triumph over a Predator, making her an exemplary and rare representation of Indigenous women in horror.

Alice Johnson, portrayed by Lisa Wilcox in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master” (1988) and “The Dream Child” (1989), is a powerful final girl. Starting as a shy teen with low self-esteem due to her traumatic past, Alice evolves into a confident Dream Master who battles Freddy Krueger. Her growth and layered character, reflecting both strength and vulnerability, highlight her importance in the series.

Adelaide Wilson, played by Lupita Nyong’o in “Us” (2019), is a unique and complex final girl. A devoted mother with a traumatic past, Adelaide faces her tethered doppelganger, Red, to protect her family. Nyong’o’s dual performance brings depth to Adelaide’s character, with their climactic fight showcasing her grace and hidden resilience. Adelaide stands out in Jordan Peele’s idiosyncratic horror film.

Jane Levy’s Mia Allen in “Evil Dead” (2013) redefines the final girl trope. A heroin addict trying to detox, Mia’s possession and subsequent struggle are blamed on her withdrawal symptoms. Her arc towards overcoming the curse and achieving heroism makes her a worthy successor to the franchise’s original hero, Ash.

Finally, Sharni Vinson’s Erin from “You’re Next” (2011) is one of the greatest modern final girls. Raised by survivalists, Erin’s quick instincts and resourcefulness shine during a deadly home invasion. Her ability to improvise traps and fight back scrappily against attackers cements her as a legendary and highly underrated final girl.

These characters demonstrate the diverse and captivating qualities that make final girls essential to the horror genre, yet many remain underappreciated. Their bravery, intelligence, and resilience deserve recognition and celebration.

Source: Collider