The 7 Best Female Characters In The MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is approaching its 15th anniversary, and as it gears up for a much-needed hiatus, James Gunn’s highly-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to provide the final send-off for everyone’s favorite cosmic a-holes. The Guardians movies stand out in the MCU for various reasons, with one notable aspect being the abundance of incredible female characters. From Gamora to Nebula and Mantis, Guardians boasts some of the most complex and well-defined female figures in the ever-expanding MCU.

While other corners of the MCU feature great female characters, it’s undeniable that the world’s biggest franchise has struggled to create three-dimensional figures, not just among females but overall. Fortunately, Marvel has introduced several memorable and layered female characters throughout its numerous movies and shows. From space warriors to Scarlet Witches, these characters have significantly elevated the MCU’s profile, becoming fan favorites and critical darlings alike.

1. Peggy Carter

Peggy Carter, the first lady of the MCU, laid the in-universe foundation for everything that made the MCU huge—from creating SHIELD to guiding Captain America. Hayley Atwell deserves immense credit for her commitment and cohesive portrayal of Peggy, even in minor appearances. Peggy’s recent spotlight in What If…? and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness finally earned her the praise she deserves.

2. Ms. Marvel

Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Kamala Khan in the Disney+ show Ms. Marvel has contributed to making it one of the MCU’s best television efforts. Ms. Marvel is relatable, spunky, and dynamic—an instantly sympathetic character that adds a breath of fresh air to the franchise’s landscape. Kamala’s presence is set to grow with her significant role in this year’s highly-anticipated event, The Marvels.

3. Shuri

Introduced in Black Panther, Shuri, T’Challa’s highly intelligent younger sister, immediately stood out as a scene-stealer. Shuri’s confidence and understated intelligence make her unique among the MCU’s geniuses. Letitia Wright’s portrayal of Shuri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever adds complexity to the character’s journey, dealing with grief and her responsibilities as Wakanda’s sovereign and the new Black Panther.

4. Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson, carrying the mantle of the MCU’s female representation for years, transformed Natasha Romanoff from an initial eye candy role in Iron Man 2 to one of the franchise’s most nuanced and three-dimensional characters. Despite challenging plots and constant objectification, Johansson’s dedication kept Natasha interesting and engaging. While Avengers: Endgame provided a fitting send-off, Black Widow served as a well-deserved victory lap for the character.

5. Gamora

In the MCU’s best trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Zoe Saldaña’s Gamora shines as the straight woman in the group’s dysfunctional found family. Saldaña’s performance grounds Gamora, especially amid the series’ zanier moments. Her storyline with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War is a narrative peak, leading to her much-discussed sacrifice—one of the franchise’s bolder moves. Despite the MCU’s usual antics undoing her death, Saldaña and Gunn are expected to provide a fitting and satisfying ending for Gamora.

6. Nebula

Gamora isn’t the only great female character in the Guardians series. Nebula, portrayed by Karen Gillan, stands out as one of the MCU’s best-written and portrayed roles. Gillan’s incredible performance brings depth to Nebula, a deeply traumatized character seeking vengeance and redemption. Nebula’s journey is a testament to Gillan’s stellar acting and Gunn’s uncompromising writing.

7. Scarlet Witch

The Scarlet Witch, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen, is arguably the MCU’s best character. Wanda Maximoff’s exploration of loss and struggle with overwhelming power is captivating. Olsen’s incredible performance in WandaVision, the MCU’s standout show, showcased the character’s depth in dealing with grief, acceptance, and trauma. Despite some questionable choices in Multiverse of Madness, Olsen’s understanding of the character saved Wanda from potential pitfalls. While the Scarlet Witch takes some time off, her loyal fans eagerly await her return.