#20 WatchMojo's Top Tens

During my continued research on youtube, I came across collections of videos created by WatchMojo. They have compiled several Top 10 videos containing scenes of sexualised movie, TV and cartoon characters, and a compilation of the worst things James Bond has done. I thought some of these would be an excellent way to collect more images that I could use in my research. However, I would like to note that WatchMojo videos are a little hypocritical. They cover characters that have been needlessly sexualised and 'Top 10 Sexiest Female Villains,' for example, displaying a cover image of half-naked female villains.

The Top Ten Needlessly sexualised female movie characters are the ones that seemed to be the most useful to me in terms of collecting scenes and images. They seem to be compiling films where female characters are sexualised for no reason, which pairs well with my project so far.

They discuss how a sexy character can add an essential element to film but whether we need to consider whether it is necessary. The issue here is that there seems to be confusion between a character that is sexy and sexualised. When a character is hyper-sexualised in a film, they are regularly gazed upon, and the focus is on their sexuality rather than other aspects of character. There is nothing wrong with having a 'sexy' male or female character as such, and this project is not a call for the removal of sex or female sexuality from film. Female sexuality has been historically repressed unless it is beneficial to men. Women and female characters need to be able to own their sexuality. However, that shouldn't be the sole purpose of a character's existence, and a character should have more depth than their sexuality alone.

There is also a difference between a character being sexualised and sexual objectification. A sexualised character can be sexualised without objectification. It is the objectification of women that presents women as less than men.

(Left to Right) Catwoman Costume (2004).

Note. Catwoman (2004) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

Note. Catwoman (2004) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

(Left to Right) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).

Note. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

Note. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

WatchMojo has compiled their list by specifically selecting female characters that have been sexualised for no reason. They have chosen to exclude characters that fit the femme fatale role; however, I think it needs to be brought to attention that the femme fatale role itself is pretty problematic in many cases. They have also chosen to remove characters design to be 'sexy'. This suggests to me they were presented to be sexy and only that.

(Left to Right) LeeLoo in Bandages (1997).

Note. LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 3. (2015, July 29).

Note. LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

Note. LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 1.

LeeLoo - The Fifth Element (1997).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

#10 LeeLoo - The Fifth Element (1997)

Throughout the film, she has two main costumes: bandages and a skimpy outfit designed to show off the actresses figure.

(Left to Right) Swordfish (2001).

Note. Swordfish (2001) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

Note. Swordfish (2001) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

#9 Ginger Knowles - Swordfish (2001)

Halle Berry's topless scene seems out of place. The film is an action crime thriller about a computer hacker. She didn't need to be topless for the story. Critics complained it was only added to give Swordfish more buzz.

Christmas Jones (1999).

Note. Christmas Jones: The World is Not Enough (1999). (2015, July 29).

#8 Christmas Jones - The World is Not Enough (1999)

Bond girls are supposed to be sexy and are regularly overly sexualised. As an astrophysicist, Christmas could have provided more depth to the film, but instead, they focused on her sexuality.

Loana (1966).

Note. One Million Years BC (1966). (2015, July 29).

#7 Loana - One Million Years BC (1996)

Loana's costume, particularly compared to the costumes worn by male actors, accentuated her feminine figure. She does not look like a cavewoman slightest.

(Left to Right) Princess Leia - Gold Bikini (1983).

Note. Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

Note. Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

Princess Leia - Gold Bikini (1983).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

#6 Princess Leia - StarWars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

There was an exploration of her character; however, she was exploited in the third film, where she was presented in the famous gold bikini outfit. While this pandered to the male gaze, the film didn't need it for the storyline, and it seems like cheap exploitation of a strong female character.

I have seen other arguments for the inclusion of this costume in the film. The view is that Princess Leia was captured as a sex slave, which is why she would be dressed in this way and that the fact that she uses the chain that imprisons her to fight her way out is empowering. I agree with the use of the chain as a symbol of empowerment; however, reducing a solid female character to a visual object often happens in films and is harmful to audiences. It is empowering for her to overcome her captures in this way, but why was this needed other than to show that even a strong female can be reduced to nothing but a sex object. I think that sends the wrong message.

Black Widow - The Avengers (2012).

Note. Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (2012). (2015, July 29).

#5 Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow - The Avengers (2012)

Comic books are known to sexualising female characters. They are regularly drawn with large breasts that barely fit into their costumes. Black Widow's costume was toned down from her costume from the comics; however, it still seemed quite impractical for fighting. WatchMojo also notes that a few shots seem to pause on her longer than the same shots as his male counterparts. It could be argued that with superheroes the costumes for the male actors are tight as well. The issues here is that I need to consider both sides and make the comparison.

Tinkerbell (1953).

Note. Tinkerbell (1953). (2015, July 29).

Tinkerbell (1953).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

#4 Tinkerbell - Peter Pan (1953)

Disney's Tinkerbell has an exaggerated hourglass figure and is wearing very little.

(Left to Right) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).

Note. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 3. (2015, July 29).

Note. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

Note. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

#3 Lara Croft - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

The video game franchise could be blamed mainly for this one; however, the film had a chance to focus on her skills and intelligence as an archaeologist but instead exploited her body.

Lola Bunny - Space Jam (1996).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

#2 Lola Bunny - Space Jam (1996)

Lola Bunny is presented as an object of sexual desire despite this being a family-friendly movie. She is subjected to the gaze of all the male characters in the film, even Michael Jordan. She is hyper-sexualised for no reason other than for visual pleasure.

Honourable Mentions

Dr Carol Marcus -Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

Dr Carol Marcus - Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

I have discussed this one previously; however, this scene is highly problematic. There was no reason for the inclusion of the Captain blatantly ignoring the concept of consent or the exploitation of the actresses body in this way.

Ellen Ripley - Alien (1979).

Note. WatchMojo. (2018).

Ellen Ripley - Alien (1979)

Clear shot of her bum in extremely skimpy underwear. Was this needed?

(Left to Right) Mikaela Barnes (2007).

Note. Transformers: Car Scene (2007) - Image 2. (2015, July 29).

Note. Transformers: Car Scene (2007) - Image 1. (2015, July 29).

Transformers - Male Gaze (2007).

Note. Transformers: Car Scene (2007) - Image 3. (2015, July 29).

#1 Mikaela Banes - Transformers (2007)

Megan Fox is playing a character that is supposed to be in high school, yet she is clearly hyper-sexualised.

Bibliography

Catwoman (2004) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Catwoman (2004) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Christmas Jones: The World is Not Enough (1999). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Dr Carol Marcus: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Ellen Ripley: Alien (1979). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Image 3. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

LeeLoo: The Fifth Element (1997) - Image 3. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (2012). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

One Million Years BC (1966). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Swordfish (2001) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Swordfish (2001) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Tinkerbell (1953). (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

WatchMojo.com. (2015, July 29). Top 10 Needlessly Sexualised Female Movie Characters [Video]. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

WatchMojo. (2018). Top 10 Needlessly Sexualized Female Movie Characters. Viva. https://vocal.media/viva/top-10-needlessly-sexualized-female-movie-characters

WatchMojo.com. (2019, December 4). Top 10 Worst Things James Bond Has Done [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5527KB43OQ&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

WatchMojo.com. (2020, April 17). Top 20 Needlessly Sexualized Movie Characters [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5527KB43OQ&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - Image 1. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - Image 2. (2015, July 29). [Screenshot]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOoeQE4H2F0&ab_channel=WatchMojo.com