Who ever said role models had to be real people? Below is a compiled list of the top ten best role models for women. Each person has unique qualities to them, but ultimately, they all have good aspects that make them stand out from the crowd. Each person comes from different backgrounds and circumstances that enabled them to become the inspirational characters they are.

Hermione Granger- Harry Potter

No role model list would be complete without the brilliant Hermione Granger. Not only is Hermione incredibly intelligent and talented, but she is also a great friend. She is completely selfless and is always willing to help her friends. Hermione also has an incredible work ethic and a steadfast spirit.

Rory Gilmore- Gilmore Girls

While Rory has made her share of mistakes, she still remains a good role model. Rory was not handed things, she worked hard for them. In fact, Rory worked tirelessly to get into Harvard, her dream school. A reliant friend, Rory always had her friends' backs and encouraged everyone around her to do their best. Rory's can-do attitude and relentless determination are what ultimately led to her success. Not to mention the great relationship Rory had with her equally hard-working mother.

Tiana- The Princess and the Frog

Disney is very well known for their damsels in distress. However, they finally got it right in The Princess and the Frog. Tiana worked for her dreams and didn't let anyone get in her way. She worked for every penny that she earned. Tiana was also very understanding and saw the best in people. Although Tiana was focused on her goals, she did not abandon those who needed her like the good person she is.

Olivia Benson- Law and Order: Special Victims Unit

Olivia is an incredibly selfless person who fights for victims. She constantly goes above and beyond her job description to fight for the justice of others. Not only that but Olivia excels in a male dominated field. She does not take crap from anyone and is a complete badass while doing it.

Elle Woods- Legally Blonde

Elle may have gotten off to a rocky start (only trying to get into Harvard to follow a boy) but she quickly turned that attitude around. Elle proved that it is okay to be smart and like shopping. She also turned herself into someone to be taken seriously and developed a whole lot of self-respect in the process. Warren treated Elle horribly, but she taught herself that she deserved better. Elle was also the epitome of girl power.

Cristina Yang- Grey's Anatomy

You have to be at least a little cut-throat to get into Stanford and a top residency program. So, it's no wonder that Cristina is such a powerhouse. She works hard and doesn't let anyone treat her as if she is inferior. Even when her personal life was in shambles, Cristina pushed through and gained more strength for it. Cristina is a truly resilient person.

Annalise Keating- How to Get Away with Murder

Outwardly cold, Annalise is a truly selfless person. She risked jeopardizing her career, relationships, reputation, and freedom to keep her students safe. Annalise was not perfect, but she embraced her flaws and used them to fuel her resolve. Annalise was willing to give up anything for the people she cared for. She was also an incredible lawyer who had a near perfect rate for getting her clients off.

Mia Thermopolis- The Princess Diaries

The amount of growth Mia presents is truly awe-inspiring. Within the movie, Mia learns that popularity is not all it is cracked up to be and true friendship doesn't need to be bought. This truly was a coming of age story that taught valuable lessons about responsibility and friendship. Mia learned to be herself and just be the best version of that she could be.

Merida- Brave

The title speaks for itself. Merida defies every expectation made for her, which was unheard of during this time. She was not afraid to stand-up for herself and what she wanted. Merida also comes to realize the importance of her relationship with her mother. In addition, she was insanely talented when it came to archery, something thought to only be for men.

Olive Penderghast- Easy A

An immediate relatability can be found within Olive. She is subjected to slut shaming throughout Easy A. However, Olive embraces this identity for the sake of others. Olive let other people say that they slept with her so they could be more confident. She labels herself to show that what people said did not negatively affect her. She had more guts than anyone I know. She also did a really selfless thing to help out some outcasts. This whole experience gave Olive a whole new outlook on life and find her voice.