The 2010s were rich in horror movie gems, and the tradition continues into the 2020s with powerful stories and memorable final girls. The term “final girl” refers to the last woman alive to confront the killer, ostensibly the one left to tell the story. As we’re just a few years into the decade, let’s dive into the ten best final girls in horror from the 2020s, so far.

1. Grace – “Ready or Not” (2019)

Although released just on the cusp of our decade, Grace’s tenacity in Samara Weaving’s performance sets a high benchmark for survival with her intense, darkly comic battle against her in-laws in a deadly game of hide-and-seek.

2. Dani – “Midsommar” (2019)

Dani Ardor’s emotional journey portrayed by Florence Pugh might first come across as a breakup movie but quickly morphs into a tale of grief and personal empowerment amidst a pagan cult’s horrific rituals.

3. Cecilia – “The Invisible Man” (2020)

Elisabeth Moss’s character deeply resonates as she portrays the psychological terror of gaslighting when Cecilia fights against her invisible abuser, challenging not just her sanity but also societal disbelief.

4. Millie – “Freaky” (2020)

This body-swap horror-comedy provides an unexpected final girl in Millie. Kathryn Newton brings vulnerability and strength as she cleverly navigates through her predator-prey scenario with a serial killer.

5. Lola Stone – “The Night House” (2020)

Rebecca Hall’s role as Lola delves into psychological horror mostly powered by grief and uncanny discoveries about her late husband, providing depth beyond usual horror tropes.

6. Rachel – “Fear Street Part One: 1994” (2021)

Kiana Madeira’s portrayal of Deena is raw and gritty; an LGBTQ+ protagonist who is equal parts vulnerable and courageous while facing an ancient evil that plagues her town over centuries.

7. Vos – “Possessor” (2020)

Andrea Riseborough plays Tasya Vos, an elite corporate assassin who takes control of other people’s bodies to execute high-profile targets. Her struggle to maintain her identity provides a chilling narrative.

8. Ollie – “Run Sweetheart Run” (2020)

Though possibly lesser-known, Shohreh Aghdashloo’s Ollie stands out for transforming from prey to predator on one terrifying night evading a supernatural entity.

9. Emily – “Till Death” (2021)

Megan Fox returns to horror with Emily, a woman handcuffed to her dead husband as part of his twisted revenge plot. Her will to survive in a frozen landscape elevates this thriller.

10. Sidney Prescott – “Scream” (2022)

Neve Campbell reprises her iconic role for this new decade entry, proving that Sidney is timeless as both an original final girl and one who evolves with each horrific challenge thrown her way.

These characters epitomize resilience and defy expectations, and they continue to set the standard for what it means to be a final girl in modern horror cinema.