Raising girls who are strong and confident can be challenging when gender stereotypes and entertainment role models begin to influence them as young as age six. Thankfully there are more and more strong female characters on Netflix to help bolster their sense of “girl power”.
If you haven’t explored all the shows on Netflix with girls who don’t mess around, take a look. There are a bunch!
Strong Female Characters on Netflix
Eleven on Stranger Things has been through more than any little girl ever should, but she’s a tough and determined fighter! This is a binge-worthy show for the whole family.
Violet from A Series of Unfortunate Events. She’s quick-witted and intelligent, and she has to be to outplay Count Olaf on a daily basis.
In Tarzan and Jane, Jane proves she’s no damsel in distress!
Elena on One Day at a Time, is a bold activist and shows immense strength and inner courage in her personal reveal during season one.
The other night in my Netflix suggestions, I saw a movie called Deidra and Laney Rob a Train, so I went ahead and watched it. I was happy to discover it was another example of strong female characters on Netflix. While robbing a train isn’t anything we want our girls to attempt, it’s the strength and determination of the female characters that stands out. They’re caught in a bad situation, but the sisters stick together and take charge. We can all appreciate that kind of grit and determination, right?
All of these strong female characters on Netflix are worth exploring, but parents should consider the child’s age when selecting an appropriate show. Some of them are fine for the whole family, but others might be best suited to older kids.
What strong female characters on Netflix do your kids enjoy watching?
Claudia Krusch says
There are so many shows on Netflix with strong female characters. Strangers Things was great and I love the girl who plays Eleven. I can not wait for Season 2.
Alissa Apel says
Mica just read all of A Series of Unfortunate Events this summer, and has enjoyed watching Violet in it.
Trisha McKee says
My daughter loves the show Stranger Things. I love that they are portraying women as stronger and smarter and more resilient than past characters.
Bea Alexandra says
I remember when Roseanne was considered a strong female for the times. She had her show named after her and was the matriarch in charge of all of her family’s lives. It was something I always think about.
Betsy Barnes says
My son loves Stranger Things! He keeps telling me to watch, it is the next on my list to binge!
Lisa Coomer Queen says
It is important that teach our girls to be strong and confident. These shows seem like they are great shows for this. Thanks!
Dina L says
I love Netflix and their original shows have several strong female characters! Jessica Jones really slays and I love Eleven from Stranger Things.
Yvonne Delgado says
I think I would like Tarzan and Jane best out of all the strong females mentioned in this post. I will watch it on netflix. I like strong female roles that don’t need to put men down to look strong.
Cassie Tucker says
I love that there are more strong female characters now. I remember when characters like Buffy and Xena were the only examples.
Crystal says
Got to say, I’m loving the abundance of strong female characters on TV and in movies. It’s a great time to show my daughters they can do anything!
Kristin says
We just got started with Stranger Things, but I’m totally loving Eleven! She’s a little warrior!
Rosey says
I haven’t seen Tarzan on Netflix yet, but I did just see the movie (I’m behind times, I know) and it was so good. Jane was def. not a helpless woman. 😉
Shannon Gurnee says
We love Netflix in our home! I love this post about the strong female characters in shows on Netflix. Thanks for sharing.
Laura B says
As fun and whimsical as princess movies are I also love entertainment that features strong female characters that inspire young girls to follow their dreams. Thanks for these suggestions, I need to add them to my watch list!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Little girls today need some positive role models more than ever. These characters look awesome and portray some good traits.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I think this teaches a great value for little girls. Having a strong character is a great way to empower women.
Monica (NYCTechMommy) says
Lately, my kid and I have been binge-watching Netflix series together. A Series of Unfortunate Events in a favorite. We haven’t checked out Tarzan and Jane yet but now after hearing about it here, we will! Thanks
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I always wanted my daughter to grow up to be a strong woman. I guess I did a good job because she is! Girls should be taught early on to stand up for themselves and not to think anything less. I will have to send the link to this post to my cousin. She’s got three young daughters, all under the age of 10.
Emily says
Some of these shows I have seen and others are new to me. I love the idea of a Tarzan and Jane with a strong Jane, my kids would enjoy seeing that one.
Jeanine says
I wonder if my kids have seen any of these, I don’t think so! I will have to check these out, strong female leads is where its at right now!
Cynthia says
We have Netflix and yet have not checked out these shows. I love sharing strong women with my daughters. I will have to look for them!
Pam says
I love finding strong female characters. I don’t think we have checked out any of these movies or shows.
Rebecca Bryant says
I Love my Netflix. I also like shows with strong female leads. they are really hard to find these days.
Stephanie Jeannot says
I used to love the show “One Day at A Time.” It was funyn and contributed good feelings to my day. I guess you can say, Olivia from “Scandal,” and Viola Davis’s role on “How to Get Away with Murder.
Alecia says
I’m not sure if it’s still on there but I think we’ve watched The Crood’s a million times. I love how Eep sticks up for herself and changes the whole family for the better.
Bill Sweeney says
I love that Netflix has programming with such strong female leads. I am astounded at some of the garbage that I still see aimed at my daughter’s age group.
Maureen says
There are so many fantastic films that showcase strong female characters roles. I really need to watch some of these, I had no idea they were on Netflix now!
Jen Rattie says
BOOYAH! This is awesome. So many people are all about princesses. Meanwhile, I’m over here telling my daughter that she can be another Sarah Connors if she wants. LOL
Colleen Lanin says
I love seeing strong female characters in shows. There are STILL too many images of girls who are too skinny and too dependent on others out there.
Marcie W. says
Hooray for girl power! I am all about introducing my daughters to strong female characters as a means of empowerment.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I think it’s so important to continue to find strong female leads for our girls to watch. They need to know how strong they can be.
Ashley says
Everyone says such great things about Stranger Things! I really need to sit down and binge it sometime.
robin Rue says
I keep meaning to sit down and watch One Day at a Time. It looks like an awesome show.