11 Memorable Girls Who Survived Horror Films

In 'Ouija,' a group of friends, led by Olivia Cooke, must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark power of an ancient spirit board. While we don't know for sure who will survive, we'll put our money on Ms. Cooke, a likely prospect to join the list of most memorable girls who have survived horror films.

Sally in 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' (1974)

Traveling through Texas with her friends, Sally (the late Marilyn Burns) never gave a second thought to the dangers that might be lurking within big old houses. Very quickly, she puts aside her own fears and fights fiercely for her survival.

Laurie Strode in 'Halloween' (1978)

Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) is an ordinary high school girl, living in an ordinary small town -- until Halloween night, when her inner courage will be tested beyond anything she could have imagined. That's what makes this ordinary girl so extraordinary.

Nancy in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)

What makes this particular small-town resident stand out? Despite the atrocities that are visited upon Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) and her friends, she is determined to vanquish Freddy Krueger -- no matter the cost to herself.

Sidney Prescott in 'Scream' (1996)

By the mid-1990s, times had changed, and a modern high school teen like Neve Campbell's Sidney had no qualms about exploring her sexuality whenever she was good and ready. What hadn't changed, though, was the requirement that a young woman must overcome her own fears in order to survive.

Alice in 'Resident Evil' (2002)

As the film begins, Alice (Milla Jovovich) wakes up without any memories. Her skills and training slowly come out of hibernation, dazzling everyone with their ferocity, but driven primarily by her powerfully strong instinct for survival.

Rachel in 'The Ring' (2002)

A journalist and single mother, Rachel (Naomi Watts) has a natural desire to help out her sister following the mysterious death of her sister's daughter. Rachel launches an investigation that becomes increasingly bizarre. The question becomes, how far is Rachel is willing to go to protect herself and her son?

Amanda in 'Saw II' (2005)

Amanda (Shawnee Smith ) is, amazingly, the only known survivor of the deadly games staged by the serial killer called Jigsaw. Yet she shows up again, fighting for her life along with a group of strangers. This time, though, she has a secret weapon for survival.

Katie in 'Paranormal Activity' (2007)

When we think about young women who have survived horror movies, should we include characters like Katie (Katie Featherston)? She is definitely a survivor, and she will definitely do whatever it takes to deal with attacks upon her person, even when they're coming from a paranormal source. Katie is a Final Girl with a twist.

Nancy in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (2010)

In contrast to the original heroine of the series, the new Nancy (Rooney Mara) is even more proactive. This Nancy quickly assesses the danger presented to her friends, and makes it a mandate to track down and stop the evil Freddy Krueger.

Mia in 'Evil Dead' (2013)

Switching things around considerably from Sam Raimi's original film, the new version revolves around Mia (Jane Levy), whose friends want to help her recover from a severe drug addiction. But taking her to a cabin in the woods is a big mistake, and Mia is placed in a situation where survival is fraught with mortal danger.

Erin in 'You're Next' (2013)

Accompanying her boyfriend to a family reunion leads to murder and mayhem for the unsuspecting Erin (Sharni Vinson). But what the killers don't know is that the young woman has years of survival training under her belt -- and Erin's not about to let a few masked men get the better of her.