Sarah Connor from 'The Terminator' series is among the most influential. Her transformation from a normal woman to a warrior against the machines was a powerful narrative. It showed the strength and resilience of women. Aeryn Sun from 'Farscape' was influential in that she was a complex female character in a space - faring adventure. Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace from 'Battlestar Galactica' was also very influential as she was a strong female pilot in a post - apocalyptic setting, challenging gender roles in the military - like context of the show.
Ripley from 'Alien' is highly influential. Her character broke gender norms in the male - dominated science - fiction horror genre. She was strong, independent, and able to fend off the alien threats single - handedly. Leia Organa from 'Star Wars' also had a great impact. As a female leader in a galaxy far, far away, she inspired generations of fans. Dana Scully from 'The X - Files' was influential too. She brought a scientific perspective to the show's investigations of the unknown.