Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of awesome women role models from TV. When you think of young women on TV, you think of the classic shows like Lizzie McGuire or That’s So Raven, but the ones that always stuck with me were always the female cartoon characters — particularly the ones with powers or who are just simply badass. Here is a list of some of my favorite characters and shows with main character(s) that were among my favorites.
1. Raven from Teen Titans
I was obsessed with the show but especially with Raven. She was the definition of cool and I wanted to be her. I would run around the house chanting “Azarath Metrion Zinthos” so I could feel powerful like her.
2. Sam, Clover, and Alex from Totally Spies
I will honestly be shocked if you didn’t watch this show. It was the perfect mix of drama, comedy, romance, and action. It was so fun to watch and it was enjoyable to see the girls balance their school life with their undercover life. I also loved all the gadgets they had — I mean, remember that laser lipstick?
3. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup from The Powerpuff Girls
But are you really that surprised? Who DIDN’T love this show? Kindergarteners with superpowers? Someone give me some of that Chemical X. Sadly, I still haven’t learned about Chemical X in any of my chemistry classes, so that’s a bust.
4. Jenny from My Life as a Teenage Robot
This was such an original show and I’m so glad it was around when I was a kid. I mean, a teenage robot who just wants to live out her teenage life but can’t because she’s made to protect Earth? To be honest, I often wanted to be a robot because of her.
5. Kim Possible from Kim Possible
I know, I know, very typical of me to list. But, what can I say? I’m your basic average girl… and I’m here to save the world. You can’t stop me because… this is my article. But you can call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me!
6. Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon
I adored this show and I drove my brother mad by singing the theme song annoyingly over and over. This show broadcasted so many powerful female characters who fight to protect the silver crystals and the solar system. And I was so happy to watch Olympic medalist Evgenia Medvedeva skate to the theme song for her ISU World Trophy competition!
7. Toph from Avatar: the Last Airbender
For anyone who didn’t watch this show (which you seriously should), Toph is an earth bender. But what sets her apart is how she learned to master earth bending despite her blindness. She was hands down the most powerful earth bender on the show. She was so tough that she discovered metal bending. If that doesn’t bend your mind I don’t know what will!
8. Mulan from Mulan
I know it’s not from a show, but I would be upset with myself if I didn’t include her in the list. I absolutely love this movie — in fact, it’s my favorite Disney movie. Mulan embodies everything I want to be, but doesn’t fail to express her insecurities. If you didn’t scream when Shan Yu said, “Looks like you’re out of ideas,” to which Mulan outsmarted him and replied, “Not quite,” then I don’t want to be friends with you. Sorry, not sorry.
Cover image source: Pexels