Game of Thrones’ 10 Most Badass Women—You Won’t Believe Who Takes the #1 Spot!

In a show famed for its brutal politics and cutthroat power struggles, the women of Game of Thrones consistently matched (and often outshone) their male counterparts in grit, intellect, and sheer force of will. As debates continue years after the finale, Collider’s recent ranking of the series’ most badass women has reignited fan discussion—especially for putting Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen at number one, a decision both celebrated and contested given her character’s polarizing end.

Collider’s 2025 Badass Women Ranking

Here’s how Collider, in its May 2025 list, stacked up the show’s fiercest female characters:

1. Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke)
   Mother of Dragons, liberator of cities, and contender for the Iron Throne. Despite her tragic downfall and controversial turn in the show’s final episodes, Daenerys’ impact on Westeros (and pop culture) was undeniable. Her advocacy for the oppressed and rise from exiled princess to would-be queen justified her top spot, according to Collider.

2. Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie)
   The first woman knighted in the Seven Kingdoms, Brienne’s unwavering loyalty, combat prowess, and steadfast honor made her a fan favorite. Some argue her ending didn’t do her justice, but her legacy as an unbreakable warrior remains.

3. Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner)
   From naive noblewoman to Queen in the North, Sansa’s arc is a masterclass in survival and leadership. She outmaneuvered the worst of Westeros and emerged as one of the show’s most capable rulers.

4. Arya Stark (Maisie Williams)
   The unstoppable assassin who trained with the Faceless Men and famously killed the Night King, Arya embodied independence and tenacity throughout the series.

5. Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey)
   The ultimate schemer and perhaps the show’s most complex villain, Cersei’s intelligence and ambition left a permanent mark—ending in an infamous, if ignoble, demise.

6. Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg)
   The Queen of Thorns went out on her own terms, confessing to Joffrey’s murder in a final mic-drop moment. Fiercely loyal and razor-sharp to the end.

7. Missandei of Naath (Nathalie Emmanuel)
   More than just Daenerys’ advisor, Missandei’s intelligence and compassion shone through, with her final word—“Dracarys”—echoing as a call for vengeance.

8. Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley)
   A devoted mother and political force, Catelyn’s influence and sacrifice resonated far beyond her shocking end at the Red Wedding.

9. Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer)
   Clever and strategic, Margaery expertly navigated the deadly royal court, challenging Cersei at every turn before her tragic death in the Great Sept.

10. Ygritte (Rose Leslie)
    Wildling, archer, and Jon Snow’s unforgettable love, Ygritte was defined by her fierce loyalty to her people and her willingness to fight for freedom.

Why Daenerys at #1 Is a Surprise—and What It Means

Daenerys’ placement at the top is described as a “surprise” given the controversy surrounding her character’s arc in the show’s final season. Many fans felt her descent into ruthless violence was too abrupt and undermined her legacy as a liberator. But Collider’s ranking makes the case that her overall journey—from abused exile to the most powerful figure in Westeros—remains unmatched in terms of scale and symbolism. Her blend of compassion, ambition, and the willingness to shatter the wheel set her apart, even if her end remains divisive.

Other Rankings, Other Stories

It’s worth noting that not all outlets agree. For example, MovieWeb’s own top 10 list put Lady Olenna Tyrell at number one, with Arya Stark and Brienne of Tarth close behind, and Daenerys at sixth. These discrepancies highlight just how subjective the idea of “badass” can be—shaped by personal taste, interpretation of character arcs, and feelings about the show’s ending.

Conclusion: The Power—and Debate—of Thrones’ Women

Whatever the order, one thing is clear: the women of Game of Thrones were the beating heart of the series, driving many of its most memorable moments. Whether you cheered for Daenerys’ fiery charge, Arya’s quiet determination, or Olenna’s sharp wit, their legacies endure—and the debate over who reigns supreme is far from settled.