But Clover and her creation have influenced writers and directors ever since the term was first introduced.

Here are 18 fictional women who created and broke the mold for horror heroines on screen.

That’s an intense tour of duty in humanity’s war against the Xenomorphs.

American actress Sigourney Weaver on the set of Alien, directed by Ridley Scott. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty

The final girl from whom all subsequent final girls have sprung.

She’s killed Michael more than once.

But he underestimates his opponent if he thinks he can wear Laurie down.

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After all, she’s died and come back, too three times, in fact.

Sally Hardesty - The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

No horror heroine goes outlookingfor trouble.

Conditions on the set ofThe Texas Chain Saw Massacrewere notoriously dangerous.

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by David M Moir/Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock (5885613t) Neve Campbell Scream - 1996 Director: Wes Craven Miramax USA Scene Still

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But certain characters do stand out.

(Sorry, Cryptkeeper, but you’ve been outclassed.)

That makes her best friend Needy, played by a bespectacledAmanda Seyfried, the protagonist.

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by New Line/The Elm Street Venture/Kobal/Shutterstock (5882371h) Heather Langenkamp A Nightmare On Elm Street - 1984 Director: Wes Craven New Line/The Elm Street Venture USA Scene Still Horror Les Griffes de la nuit

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(She’s still terrified of her BFF, but for different reasons.)

But although she’s insecure and often emotionally fragile, Bev refuses to give in to the fear.

The ending of Bev’s story depends on which version ofItyou’re reading or watching.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, lobbycard, Marilyn Burns, 1974. (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)

LMPC via Getty

But it’s always a cathartic journey watching this frightened girl transform into a fearless woman.

She’s also Deaf and mute.

They can handle themselves and Stuntman Mike, too.

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Jada Pinkett Smith in the movie Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight

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WHBDC2 WEDDING NIGHTMARE READY OR NOT 2019 de Matt Bettinelli-Olpin et Tyler Gillett Samara Weaving. COLLECTION CHRISTOPHEL © Eric Zachanowich - 20th Century

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REC, (aka [REC]), Manuela Velasco, 2007. ©Filmax/Courtesy Everett Collection

EVERETT COLLECTION

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fox Atomic/Kobal/Shutterstock (5884096d) Amanda Seyfried Jennifer’s Body - 2009 Director: Karyn Kusama Fox Atomic USA Scene Still Comedy

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Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (6897838m) Sennia Nanua The Girl with all the Gifts - 2016

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Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Warner Bros/Moviestore/Shutterstock (10778501g) Jessica Chastain ‘It Chapter Two’ film - 2019 Directed by: Andy Muschietti

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Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Moviestore/Shutterstock (5550560g) Sharni Vinson You’re Next - 2011

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2G5J524 PAS UN BRUIT HUSH 2016 de Mike Flanagan Kate Siegel John Gallagher Jr. Prod DB © Netflix - Intrepid Pictures - Blumhouse Productions

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Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Universal/Moviestore/Shutterstock (10778540g) Lupita Nyong’o ‘Us’ film - 2019 Direcrted by: Jordan Peele

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2JHM13Y MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD, ROSARIO DAWSON, ZOE BELL, TRACIE THOMS, DEATH PROOF, 2007

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