Several beautiful actresses have taken on some impressive roles over the years, but certain characters really make an impact. Whether they are cunning or cute, vengeful or vivacious, fierce or fiery, these female characters have become recognized as some of the hottest femme Fatales in cinema. Which character would you add to this list?
Naomi Lapaglia, The Wolf of Wall Street
Sure, the actual movie plot might have been about the rough world of Wall Street finance, but who was paying attention to the plot? With award-winning actress Margot Robbie on-screen as Naomi Lapaglia, the rest of the movie didn't really matter. No one does pretty in pink quite like Robbie in this flick...
Arwen, Lord of the Rings
Fantasy films are all about challenging the audience's idea of the real world. In this world, for instance, elves are super hot. Played by Liv Tyler, Arwen made a whole generation of nerds fawn over her. The view of elves changed from being Christmastime workers to ethereal godesses. Not a bad switchup!
Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts plays an escort who becomes a girlfriend to a millionaire overnight in this modern Cinderella story. Straight men and women alike found something to love about this film. Audiences either liked her looked before or after the Rodeo-drive trip, but everyone can admit that Roberts was jaw-dropping the entire flick...
Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's
Holly Golightly might not have been the most typical it-girl of the cinematic world, but she was certainly one of the most impactful. In one of Audrey Hepburn's most everlasting roles, Holly was an untethered New Yorker with an eye for the unusual. Maybe the weirdness was part of her undeniable appeal...
Maggie Pollitt, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
Maggie Pollitt is just one of Elizabeth Taylor's many successful characters, but something about her seductiveness gives this film a leg up on the competition. Though the character might seem desperate, she's also assertive and powerful. Much like a cat on a hot tin roof, you won't be able to resist heating up with Liz on-screen!
Princess Leia, Star Wars
Princess Leia made every guy in the world shoot his shot for the stars. Though the movie was marketed as a family-friendly watch, no one could deny that this bikini made Princess Leia the object of fantasy. Carrie Fisher brought an amazing life and body to this role that is not easily forgotten.
Selene, Underworld
Science fiction and women in tight, unreasonable bodysuits go hand in hand. British actress Kate Beckinsale plays this fictional protagonist of the Underworld film series, and she does it all while looking absolutely gorgeous. It must be tough to fight crime and fit in a full makeup routine, but Selene makes it work!
Latika, Slumdog Millionaire
Freida Pinto came onto the scene in this movie about a teen boy who appears on a game show to win enough money to change his life. His longtime girlfriend in the movie, Pinto portrays a strikingly beautiful teenager from the slums in India. As Dev Patel's character can attest, no one can ever let this girl get away...
Black Widow (Claire Voyant), The Avengers
Black Widow gets a viewer's heart racing...in more ways than one! This action star is played by doe-eyed actress Scarlet Johansson. Though she is deadly, no one will be silent when they see her appear in the Marvel cinematic universe. Hulk certainly has eyes for the right girl...wow!
Santanico Pandemonium, From Dusk Till Dawn
Salma Hayek is an award winning actress known for both drama and comedic roles. However, her performance as a table dancing, vampire high priestess of evil shows that even good actresses can be bad. Everyone in theaters across America wished that they were the snake on Salma's shoulder...
Elizabeth Swann, Pirates Of The Caribbean
Elizabeth Swann sounds more like a prima ballerina than a swashbuckling pirate, but the latter was way more enticing to watch play out. Keira Knightley grew up on the sets of Pirates of the Caribbean, and she definitely brought a little something extra to the role. This Disney movie franchise was one she was born to be in...
Cataleya Restrepo, Colombiana
Zoe Saldana could be playing a piece of gum on the bottom of a shoe and it would somehow still be hot. However, her role as a contract killer just about tops every fantasy. Who wouldn't be happy to get taken out by an assassin as (literally) breathtaking as Ms. Saldana?
Luisa Cortés, Y Tu Mamá También
Even though Luisa Cortés speaks Spanish, her beauty needs no translation. Even without subtitles, her acting skills are obvious in the film. Julio and Tenoch connect with this adult woman in the midst of their adolescence, and what ensues is a coming of age that leaves audiences awestruck.
Barbarella, Barbarella
Jane Fonda delivers a masterclass in intergalactic hotness in this film. The titular character roams around the 41st-century galaxy with no one but her blind guardian angel, Pygar, to help her along the way. Even without the interesting plot, the movie would have still sold out theaters thanks to this leading lady...
Jessica Rabbit, Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Just because Jessica Rabbit is a cartoon character, doesn't mean she wasn't drawn to be drop-dead gorgeous. The animated lady is the wife of Roger Rabbit and has been widely popularized for her sex appeal. Not only that, but her glittery dress makes her seem even cooler and richer than any real-life actress...
Madison, Splash
Madison is a girl who is out of this world...in more ways than one! There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but this mermaid made jaws drop when she appeared onscreen beside Tom Hanks. This character is often also credited with popularizing the name Madison for girls. That's some serious sea power!
Catwoman, Batman Returns
Everyone knows that to play Catwoman, an actress has to be quite a fox. However, it was Michelle Pfeiffer who really made the role her own in a way no one else could. Dressed head to toe in all black leather, this cat woman looked both ferocious and fierce. Certainly a worthy villain for the do-gooder Batman...
Catherine Tramell, Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone made a whole generation of audiences cower in fear. The axe-wielding novelist character wore an iconic white dress and uncrossed her legs, revealing that there was more to this character than meets the eye. If you want to watch something that will scare and seduce you, check out this flick...
Foxy Brown, Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown certainly lives up to the fox in her name. Pam Grier pretty much just battles bunches of bad guys in this '70s classic, and she does so in the coolest outfits. Her catchphrase, "I"m a whole lot of woman" perfectly encapsulates why her character is so hot. She really is a whole lot of woman!
Honeychile Rider, Dr. No
Bond girls are often just given the reputation of being a pretty thing for the main character to look after. However, Ursula Andress as Honeychile Rider broke those eye-candy stereotypes when she showed up in the sand in this scene. No one could argue with her acting skills or her breathtaking beauty...
Alex Owens, Flashdance
Jennifer Beals plays a sweaty welder in a jumpsuit, which doesn't exactly sound like the epitome of hotness, but just wait until she gets dancing. Portraying Alex Owens, this average jo is secretly a dancer in sheep clothing. She's a perfect 10 both on and off the dance floor, making her a surprising babe.
Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
The 2001 romcom "Legally Blonde" is one of Reese Witherspoon's most iconic roles of all time. The vivacious pink-clad leading lady headed to Harvard to hit the books, but not without looking like the beauty queen she was. Elle Woods was all things beautiful and smart, plus she invented the "bend and snap," so that's pretty much all you need to know.
Maria Elena, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Penélope Cruz has no visible flaws in real life, but in this film, she manages to get pretty close when she plays a psycho ex hellbent on revenge. With other actresses including Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, and Patricia Clarkson in the credits, this is sure to be a movie no viewer could forget. Wowza!
Camille Montes, Quantum of Solace
Olga Kurylenko plays this hardened assassin in Quantum of Solace. Even though she has dirt on her face for more than half of the film, she makes it look very cool, grungy, and not at all gross. The model turned supermodel turned actress certainly makes this movie a must-see for any action fans.
Sugar Kane, Some Like It Hot
Marilyn Monroe can make any character into a sex symbol, but none became quite as popular as the very sweet Sugar Kane. The starlet plays a nightclub singer in this hilarious one-liner comedy. Even though she had much less screentime, she was the clear leading lady in the eyes of many viewers.
Héloïse, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
Popularized through indie film lovers, this movie made some huge waves after its debut. Adèle Haenel's performance as the bride-to-be-or-not-to-be was one that stunned audiences. Her striking beauty wasn't too hard to look at either. For any film lover, this character was one to be fawned over.
Emmeline Lestrange, The Blue Lagoon
Brooke Shields can make any film exponentially hot, but who would ever think that even shipwreck survivors could be made gorgeous? Shields plays a shipwreck survivor who is destined to spend her whole life wearing very little clothing on a beach. Some people just have all the bad luck, huh?
Elena Montero, The Mask Of Zorro
Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Elena in this wild action film. Not only does she make jaws drop with her incredible looks, but she is also a sword wielding heroine. To put a little more icing on the cake, this character is also a philanthropist who speaks in fluent Spanish. That's the definition of international love!
Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman
It makes sense that the mythical crime-fighting Wonder Woman would have to be a pretty wonderful woman. Gal Gadot brings this heroine to life in her take on the unstoppable superhero with bone-breaking good looks. Whether she's in disguise or in her superhero costume, Gadot makes this character into a hottie!
Mikaela Banes, Transformers
Mikaela Banes in Transformers gave new meaning to the concept of the girl next door. Even though the movie is about a dorky kid and his yellow car robot, it's really Mikaela who keeps viewers coming back for more. Meghan Fox played a mechanic with an eye for adventure and quickly became the object of fantasy.
Shosanna Dreyfus, Inglourious Basterds
Even though she's pretending to be a cinema operator, Mélanie Laurent is really an obvious ten. Starring alongside Hollywood hotties like Brad Pitt and Diane Kruger, this film is not only packed with action but with some great on-screen chemistry. Unfortunately, none of them knew how to spell the title correctly...
Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
What is it about women in danger while wearing skimpy outfits that make some of these action starlets so attractive? Based on a video game, this movie got terrible reviews based on the plot. Luckily, Angelina Jolie as the Tomb Raider made every minute of this film worth watching.
Lisa, Weird Science
No one likes a nerd, but nerds certainly know what everyone likes. In this film, a computer-created dream girl played by Kelly LeBrock is coded into existence by a down-on-his-luck geek. Lisa is either an act of God or a miracle of science, but either way she is amazing to see on the computer and big screen.
Fanny Chenal, A Good Year
Marion Cotillard takes on the coveted role of this small-town cutie who changes her life around and becomes a workaholic. She goes from Frenching to finances, from reports to revenge, from beauty to brains, all in under two hours. Who wouldn't risk everything for a chance with this beauty?
Jennifer North, Valley Of The Dolls
Jennifer North has everything...except talent. Sharon Tate plays this beautiful chorus line girl wihtout a tune she can sing. Apart from leading a wild lifestyle, this character also has a short lived career making "art house" films. Her turbulant life eventually spirals out of control, which makes for great screentime.
Séverine Serizy, Belle De Jour
In this film, actress Catherine Deneuve plays Séverine Serizy, a housewife bored with her day-to-day life. Not only that but between her masochistic fantasies and loving husband, this beautiful woman can't seem to reconcile with either. She combats these feelings by working at a high-end brothel.
Dr. Madeleine Swann, Spectre
French actress Lea Seydoux has been on the eyes and minds of casting directors everywhere since she made her Bond girl debut in 2015. Swann is both beautiful and brainy, with a certain something that makes her a character no one will soon forget. Who wouldn't mind getting fooled by this babe?
Adelina Sbaratti, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Sophia Loren wanted to drive crowds crazy, and she certainly did so with her striptease from Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Aside from supporting her beloved with black market cigarettes, this starlet is also a wealthy socialite and a down trodden prostitute. The best part? She looks great as all three!
Marie "Slim" Browning, To Have and Have Not
Lauren Bacall is nearly unrivaled when it comes to onscreen beauties. The esteemed actress plays an American in France who passes her days by singing, pickpocketing, and pretty much anything else she enjoys. Slim has a stunning gaze and enthralling performance, she could make France her playground overnight.
Mary Jackson, Hidden Figures
The best characters are ones who can look good while doing good. Mary Jackson, played by singer Janelle Monáe, is both quick-witted and one incredible looking lady. Based on the mathematician of the same name, this role was as enticing as she was entrancing.
Danielle, The Girl Next Door
The Girl Next Door stars Elisha Cuthbert as Danielle in this 2004 film. The neighborhood is turned upside down when the high school hottie turns to act in adult films. Through her crazy adventures with school, parents, and boy-next-door Matthew, this character was one not easily forgotten.
Linda Barrett, Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Played by Phoebe Cates, this 19-year-old actress played the effortlessly cool teen Linda Barrett. As the cooler, edgier friend to Stacy Hamilton, Linda was well known in the tabloids for her sultry pool scene. Though Stacy was the main character, Linda got her time to shine in the spotlight as well.
Nancy Callahan, Sin City
In this film, Jessica Alba plays a dancer in a series of quartet neo-noir tales. Joined with castmates like Jaime King and Brittany Murphy, this movie is stacked with some all-star bombshells. however, it's Alba who dances her way off the screen and into the hearts (and minds) of viewers all over.
Tina Carlyle, The Mask
Cameron Diaz has been one of Hollywood's favorite blondies for several decades, but her role as Tina Carlyle in The Mask put every other role to shame. Playing a nightclub singer, her voice wasn't the only thing that got the audience's attention. Her red dress became one of the most iconic looks for women to this day!
Lisbeth Salander, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Rooney Mara as a gothic hacker/detective might not be everyone's definition of sex appeal, but there's something there for sure. In this American version of the book-to-film adaptation, Mara brings an extra edge to this on-edge character. She's not exactly a Victoria's Secret model, but her secrets are definitely intriguing...
Gloria Cleary, Wedding Crashers
Played by Isla Fisher, this character is a perfect example of prioritizing hot over crazy. Gloria is a little bit obsessed with Jeremy when they first meet, but after a while, he learns to love the whole package (and it's a pretty attractive package). This is a wild love story with an even wilder character arc!
Alice, Closer
Natalie Portman continually shocks audiences not only with her stunning features but also with her unmatched performances. After one of the most unconventional of meetings, she and Dan (played by Jude Law) fall into a whirlwind romance that leaves everything up for debate. Jane or Alice, both characters are beautiful
Lily, Black Swan
No one puts Mila Kunis in a corner! Once newcomer Lily challenges Natalie Portman's Nina for the role of the lead ballerina in a production of Swan Lake, nothing will ever be the same. Two dancers audition, but only one will take the stage. May the best beauty win...
Felicity Shagwell, Austin Powers
Felicity isn't exactly the typical definition of a bombshell babe, but she certainly has an extra spark to her that not a lot of leading ladies have. She's a special agent, after all, so she has to have a special twist! With high boots and short shorts, it's no wonder that she's the apple of Austin's eye.
Hermione Granger, The Harry Potter Series
Emma Watson was cast as Hermione Granger when she was just a child. Over time, fans grew up with the starlet and fell in love with her adorable doe-eyed personality. When she's not saving the day from evil or magic, she's being the loyal girlfriend to Ron, which is something everyone can admire.
Sarah Marshall, Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Kristen Bell stars as the titular and unforgettable Sarah Marshall in this famous comedy. It's easy to understand why no one could get over her, she's gorgeous! When she and her ex end up on the same vacation, things go awry, but everything works out in the end. It's just not in the way you might expect...
Mia Wallace, Pulp Fiction
Mia Wallace, played by actress Uma Thurman, is not one to be messed with. Though Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta make a perfect pair as a couple of best-friend hit-men, it's Mia who really steals the show. Not only that, but her look is still being worn as a Halloween costume almost 30 years later.
Amy Dunne, Gone Girl
You can take the girl away from the crazy life, but you can never take the crazy out of the girl. Rosamund Pike stars opposite Ben Affleck in this horrifying drama of a love long lost. Though she's got nothing but insanity behind the eyes, you can still tell why Ben's character stayed with her for so long...
Mia Thermopolis, The Princess Diaries
There's nothing more enthralling to watch than a larger than life makeover, such as the one Anne Hathaway goes through in this film. When Mia discovers she is an heir to royalty, she must learn the walk and talk of higher living. However, her frizzy curls and glasses have to go, and she transforms into a modern beauty...
Ramona Flowers, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays this edgy archetype of a manic pixie dream girl. Scott Pilgrim's object of affection constantly changes her appearance throughout the film as her hero fights off evil exes. However, this gothic girl was a dream for anyone who grew up on comic books and video games...
Anastasia Steele, Fifty Shades of Grey
This steamy flick brought actress Dakota Johnson onto the celebrity scene, and there's a good reason why. When Anastasia Steele becomes the partner of a rich and unhinged man, she has no idea what she's getting herself into...or does she? Fans fell in love with both Anastasia and Dakota after this film...
Rose, Titanic
Before there were Jack and Rose, there was just Kate Winslet. Rose is the uppity rich girl aboard the Titanic, itching for some new adventure. She gets the chance of a lifetime to fall in love when she meets poor Jack, who won a trip on the doomed ship. TOgether, they make sparks fly right off the screen...
Sophie, Mamma Mia!
Amanda Seyfried has been a beauty her whole life, but never as much as when she starred in the Mamma Mia movie adaptation of the famous musical. Right before her marriage, Sophie must discover who her real father is based on her mother's old diaries. Taking place in Greece, the scenery is almost as pretty as her!
Jane Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Jane Smith lives an ordinary life as a housewife...or so the world around her might think. Truth be told she is an undercover assassin, hiding her identity from her husband. Get this, he is also an undercover assassin! Once they both get the same target though, things go from hot to heavy very quickly...
Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Who would ever say that the justice system doesn't have to be cute? Certainly not pink and perky Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon. This bombshell blonde gets accepted to Harvard to win back her boyfriend, but ends up finding herself. The best part is, she does it all in fashionable pantsuits and heels.