7 Fictional Activists Who Will Make You Believe In Democracy Again

TV + Movies

Here are some fictional activists who might inspire you to rise up and create change with your bad self.

By Evan E. Lambert

Updated 2 hours ago, November 15, 2024

In case you’re feeling a little sad, confused, or scared these days due to *gestures vaguely*, we’ve got a tip for you.

Sometimes, the best treatment for negative feelings is to just ignore them! Drown yourself in listicles; add more movies to My List; eat a whole box of Cheez-Its. Incidentally, I’m also describing the semester in college when I took Organic Chemistry.

On the other hand, it might also help to look into activism opportunities. While you may feel powerless, you still have power in your words and actions. Use them. As Ovid once wrote, “Drops of water carve out stone.” Time and persistence effect change; punches don’t move mountains. That said, you should also read listicles! Here are some fictional activists who might inspire you to rise up and create change with your bad self.

Starr Carter in The Hate U Give

In this book-turned-movie, a sixteen-year-old named Starr Carter sees police shoot her unarmed best friend. While she starts the story as an anonymous witness, she eventually realizes that she can’t remain silent any longer and goes public with her testimony, becoming an activist in the process. In fighting for what’s right, Starr inspires readers and viewers to push back against racism, police brutality, and social injustice.

Zorro in Zorro, Zorro, and Zorro (There are like 50 Zorro movies)

Zorro is not just a sexy 1998 romance-thriller featuring the hottest brunettes of the ‘90s. It’s also a tale about a sexy, romantic activist who speaks truth to power. By defending the common people of Los Angeles during the early 19th century, Zorro takes names and raises hell. He also moves the needle ever so slightly to the left, Robin Hood-ing rich Spaniards and delivering power to the people. We might need more of that kind of energy in the coming years.

Magneto

Listen, I know that we’re supposed to consider Magneto the “villain” of the X-men franchise due to his hatred of humans. However, if the X-Men stories are a metaphor for contemporary politics, and the “humans” are stand-ins for the racists, misogynists, and homophobes taking away our rights, then Magneto is the goddamned hero. Magneto might go to extreme measures sometimes, but he also doesn’t stand idly by as humans systematically dismantle his personal liberties. Under totalitarian dictatorship, who would you put your weight behind – the guy who nearly dumped a football stadium onto the White House? Or the man who can read the mind of a random person in Utah?

Nathan and Sean in BPM

Though fictional, this French film follows the very real activists who fought for queer rights during the AIDS crisis in France. As they stage demonstrations, decry ignorance, and eradicate hate, the central pair – Nathan and Sean – must contend with the trials and tribulations of love. BPM is a titillating, poignant film that will inspire you to find joy in the dreariest of places.

Lisa Simpson

Are you surprised she’s on this list? Her gig as the first female President of the United States is already a meme. She’s the O.G. feminist freedom fighter; she has about 50 different causes. Her list of activist stints includes: founding an entire newspaper to protect freedom of speech; rescuing an entire building of puppies to shield them from euthanasia; sleeping on a tree to save the environment; rallying her classmates against climate change; and raising her voice against media portrayals of women. She may be a joke, but she’s a serious one; and if she can do all that, then you can, too. 

Maud Watts in Suffragette

Suffragette tells the inspirational story of a woman who succeeds in life despite having the name Maud Watts. It’s also about voting equality and the women’s rights movement or whatever, and stars Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep. While Maud’s character may be fictional, the characters and movement surrounding her are not, and Suffragette may just force you off the couch – if only just to cheer.

The Powerpuff Girls

You think I’m joking? In addition to having the powers of flight, super-speed, and super-strength, the Girls also deliver entertaining sermons about feminism. They literally destroy monsters with their woke, city-leveling rampages. Sugar, spice, and everything nice, my ass! Be like the Powerpuff Girls. Destroy Fuzzy Lumpkins. Also: check on your friends, delete X, and volunteer for a food bank.