#8 Selene
Kate Beckinsale carved her place in pop culture history with her unforgettable role as Selene, the fierce vampire warrior at the heart of the Underworld franchise. Dressed in her signature black leather and armed with both supernatural abilities and unyielding determination, Selene became an instant icon of gothic action cinema. Her personal vendetta against the Lycans—rooted in the brutal murder of her family—gave the story emotional weight, elevating her beyond the typical “action heroine” into a layered and compelling character.
The Underworld films, first released in 2003, blended horror, fantasy, and action in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide. They introduced a rich mythology of warring vampire and werewolf clans while showcasing a rare female lead who was both vulnerable and ruthlessly powerful. While Beckinsale has hinted she may not return for another installment, fans continue to hope Selene’s saga isn’t over. After all, few characters balance elegance and ferocity quite like her.