Being a girl is tough. Being a girl and finding a female protagonist you can look up to can be even tougher. While we may live in a society that makes it hard for women to step out of the sex-pot role, there are some seriously amazing female characters who defy gender norms and make us proud to be girls.

Here is a list of just a few of these awesome women:

1. Daenerys Targaryen.

There is no denying the Mother of Dragons is one bad-ass chick. Dani, everyone's favorite Queen, is no stranger to proving to men that women are just as capable, if not more. At least when it comes to ruling the Seven Kingdoms. She is confident, calculating and definitely not someone to mess with. Unless get char-broiled is your type of thing.

2. Leia Organa.

Transitioning from Princess to Rebel to Commander, no one does it quite like Leia. Quippy and compassionate, Leia is not only a hero to the Resistance, but a hero to every girl who has put her hair up in buns and hoped to be just a little like everyone's favorite Princess.

3. Buffy Summers.

When you're the one girl in all the world chosen to fight the forces of evil, goodness knows you better be one tough chick. And my girl Buffy certainly doesn't disappoint. She faces down the horrors of the night along with the struggles of being a teenager, a best friend and she manages to handle all the boy-drama on top of it.

4. Leslie Knope.

Sure, she's only the head of the Parks Department for a small town in the middle of Indiana, but that certainly doesn't take away from the awesomeness that is Leslie Knope. She is charmingly nerdy, way too smart and probably has the biggest heart of any other female on the list. At the end of the day, aren't we all wishing Leslie Knope was our BFF?

5. Jessica James.

Jessica James is probably one of the best female protagonists introduced in recent years. She is hilarious, charismatic and so real it hurts. If this is the trend for future female leading roles, I am beyond with it.

6. Veronica Mars.

What's better than a crime-fighting super sleuth? A teenage girl who doubles as a crime-fighting super sleuth, duh. Veronica juggles home life, school, extracurricular activities and OH YEAH, solves freaking murders. One episode will leave you clamoring to open up your own detective agency.

7. The Bride ("Kill Bill").

If your husband left you and your unborn child for dead on your wedding day, what would your reaction be? Hopefully something similar to that of "Kill Bills protagonist, The Bride. If being pissed at your SO hasn't already motivated you sign up for that martial arts class, watching The Bride lay ruin to everyone in her path will definitely have you checking Groupon.

8. Juno MacGuff

What makes Juno one of my favorite female protagonists is probably how realistic and relatable she is. Juno finds herself in a position many young women face, an unexpected pregnancy. Juno's story of self-discovery and coming to terms with the consequences of her actions along with her unapologetic attitude make her one of my faves.

When you need a little inspiration or help getting over whatever is frustrating you, turn to one of these badass women and remind yourself how awesome it is to be a girl!

These are just some of my favorite females in TV and Film, which of your favorites did I leave off? Comment below and let me know!