There have been some truly amazing actresses to suit up as Supergirl over the years, but who has delivered the greatest performance as Kara Zor-El?
Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-El, has had a lasting impact on both the big and small screen. She was first introduced in 1959 in DC Comics and made her live-action debut in the 1984 film Supergirl, played by Helen Slater. Since then, she has been portrayed by various actresses in different mediums, including Melissa Benoist in the hit CW series.
Supergirl’s legacy lies in her representation of female empowerment and resilience. She is a symbol of hope, courage, and strength for young girls and women everywhere. Through her various iterations, Supergirl has proven that women can be just as capable and heroic as their male counterparts. Her influence has inspired many female superheroes that followed in her footsteps, including Batgirl, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel.
Supergirl has also been a role model for young people, promoting values of courage, kindness, and justice. Her stories have tackled important social issues such as discrimination and inequality, and her unwavering determination to fight for what is right has made her a symbol of hope for many.
Beyond her impact on popular culture, the character has also made a difference in the real world through appearances in various campaigns to promote social and political causes, including women’s rights and environmental activism.
Supergirl has had a tremendous impact on society, inspiring generations of fans to be their best selves and fight for what is right. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape popular culture and inspire new generations of young people for years to come as will the performances from the many amazing actresses who have stepped into the role over the years and played Kara Zor-El on both the big and small screen.
In celebration of the character, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on all the actresses who have brought her to life over the years.
**Note: This particular ranking only includes the actresses who have played the character in live-action mediums.
7. Adrianne Palicki
Adrianne Palicki’s portrayal of Supergirl in Smallville deserves a mention when ranking the actresses who have played the iconic superhero, despite her character not being the real Kara Zor-El. Palicki’s interpretation of the character brought a refreshing and nuanced take on the familiar hero.
While her character technically ended up not being the real Supergirl, Palicki’s performance left a lasting impression on the viewers. She brought a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to her portrayal, making her character more relatable and compelling.
Her turn as Kara in Smallville was a breakout role for Palicki, showcasing her acting skills and setting her on a path to success in the industry. While her time on the show may have been short-lived and she wasn’t technically the real Kara, her impact on the portrayal of the character is undeniable and deserves recognition when considering the actresses who have played Supergirl.
6 & 5. Malina Weissman and Izabela Vidovic (Tie)
Malina Weissman and Izabela Vidovic’s performances as young Kara in the TV show Supergirl were outstanding. They both brought a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the character, while also displaying strength and determination that is essential to the character’s nature. Their chemistry with the other actors and their ability to convey complex emotions was impressive, especially considering their young age.
However, it’s difficult to compare their performances to those of other actresses who played the character in larger arcs. Melissa Benoist, for example, has played Kara in Supergirl for several seasons, and her portrayal of the character has become iconic. Her performance has evolved over time, showing Kara’s growth and development as a hero and as a person. It’s hard to rank Weissman and Vidovic’s performances against Benoist’s because they didn’t have the same opportunity to explore the character’s arc.
Similarly, other actresses who have played Kara in different iterations of the character, such as Helen Slater or Laura Vandervoort, have had more time to develop their performances and explore the nuances of the character. While Weissman and Vidovic’s performances were exceptional, it’s challenging to compare them to the depth of those other performances.
Weissman and Vidovic’s performances as young Kara in Supergirl were superb, and they brought a fresh perspective to the character. However, it’s difficult to rank them against other actresses who have played the character in more extensive story arcs.
4. Sasha Calle
From the moment Sasha Calle was announced as the DCEU’s Supergirl, fans were thrilled to see what Calle would bring to the role as Supergirl prepared to take flight in the DCEU.
The future looked incredibly bright for Calle and the character with The Flash serving as her introduction into the DCEU and the plan being for the character to be fleshed out further in a Supergirl film. Sadly, with the shift in the DC strategy, it appears Calle’s tenure in the role will be a one-and-done style role with The Flash being our sole chance to see Calle suiting up as Kara Zor-El.
With just The Flash to go off of, it was hard to justify ranking Calle’s Supergirl too high on this list due to the simple fact that we didn’t truly get to see all that much of her within the movie. However, what we did see from her character was absolutely incredible and left us wanting more.
Calle brought such a unique and unexpected approach to the character with the DCEU’s Supergirl not quite being the immediate shining beacon of optimism and hope that we’ve seen from other iterations of the character. That choice made sense though when you look at the circumstances in which this universe’s Kara had to deal with — when we meet her she’s being held captive by the Russians and is in really bad shape.
Once Calle dons the Supergirl suit and joins forces with The Flash to help try to save the universe and stop Zod, we get to truly see the character come to life delivering some standout moments from the film.
It’s a shame that we won’t likely get to see more of Calle’s Supergirl as it feels as though we’ve only just scratched the surface of the character’s potential in the DCEU. And if this really was the only time we see her suit up as Supergirl, it was absolutely an unforgettable first (and last) impression!
3. Laura Vandervoort
Laura Vandervoort’s portrayal of Supergirl in Smallville was nothing short of exceptional. She brought the character to life with her effortless charm, charisma, and sheer talent. Vandervoort’s interpretation of Supergirl was a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength, making her a fan favorite among viewers.
Throughout the series, Vandervoort’s Supergirl was an integral part of the storylines, often coming to Clark Kent’s aid when he needed it the most. Her character arc was well-written, and Vandervoort delivered a nuanced performance that highlighted Supergirl’s inner turmoil as she struggled to come to terms with her Kryptonian heritage and her role as a protector of Earth.
One of the most impressive aspects of Vandervoort’s performance was her ability to convey Supergirl’s physical prowess convincingly. Whether she was soaring through the sky or engaging in intense fight scenes, Vandervoort’s athletic ability and dedication to the role were evident.
Vandervoort’s portrayal of Supergirl was also notable for her chemistry with other characters on the show, particularly her interactions with Clark Kent (Tom Welling). Their relationship was a highlight of the series, and Vandervoort’s performance added depth and complexity to their dynamic.
Her talent, dedication, and passion for the character made her an invaluable addition to the show, and she will always be remembered as one of the most iconic versions of Supergirl to grace the small screen.
2. Helen Slater
Helen Slater’s memorable role as Supergirl in the 1984 film of the same name established her as an icon in the superhero genre. Slater’s portrayal of Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin from the planet Krypton, was both powerful and endearing, capturing the character’s sense of responsibility and unwavering determination to save the world.
Slater’s performance was praised for its authenticity and charisma. Her ability to balance Supergirl’s heroic feats with her vulnerability and empathy made her character all the more relatable and inspiring to audiences of all ages. Slater’s Supergirl was a symbol of hope and strength, and her unwavering dedication to protecting humanity resonated with viewers around the world.
The film itself was not a box office success, but Slater’s portrayal of Supergirl was loved by fans and critics alike. Her performance has since become a classic in the superhero genre and has influenced subsequent portrayals of Supergirl in film and television.
Slater’s portrayal of Supergirl has also inspired a new generation of female superheroes and has paved the way for more diverse representations of women in the superhero genre. Her legacy as Supergirl continues to endure, and her character remains an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds.
1. Melissa Benoist
Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of Supergirl has been nothing short of iconic. From the moment the show debuted, she brought a level of depth and nuance to the character that has made her one of the most beloved superheroes on television today.
Benoist perfectly encapsulates everything that Supergirl stands for: hope, courage, and a fierce determination to do what’s right. She imbues the character with a sense of vulnerability that makes her relatable, even as she’s flying through the air and saving the day.
One of the things that set Benoist apart is the way she balances the emotional weight of the character with the physical demands of the role. Whether she’s fighting off a villain or navigating complex interpersonal relationships, she brings a raw authenticity to every scene she’s in.
But perhaps what makes Benoist’s performance truly iconic is the way she’s able to capture the essence of Supergirl’s spirit. She embodies the character’s unwavering commitment to justice and her belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. It’s this sense of optimism and hope that has endeared Supergirl to fans for decades, and Benoist’s portrayal has only added to that legacy.
Melissa Benoist’s performance as Supergirl was nothing short of extraordinary. She took on a beloved character and breathed new life into her, creating a performance that will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most iconic portrayals of a superhero on screen.