#5 Laurie Strode
The name Clarice Starling might not send chills down your spine right away, but her presence in cinema history is unforgettable. Immortalized by Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Clarice became one of the most iconic heroines in the thriller and horror genre. Foster’s Oscar-winning performance brought intelligence, vulnerability, and determination to the young FBI trainee who dares to face Hannibal Lecter, one of the most terrifying villains ever put on screen.
Although John Carpenter is often associated with groundbreaking horror franchises like Halloween, Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs carved its own landmark place in the genre. The success of the film led to additional portrayals of Clarice, with Julianne Moore taking on the role in Hannibal (2001) and Rebecca Breeds later starring in the TV series Clarice (2021). The character endures as a symbol of courage, resilience, and brilliance within a world consumed by fear.