Every Actor Who Has Played Supergirl in DC’s Live-Action Ranked

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Though her history might not be as extensive as that of her Kryptonian cousin, Superman, Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, has still left a lasting impact on comics and other media ever since her debut in 1959. Unlike Superman, Kara was a child when Krypton was destroyed, and she escaped with her parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, in Argo City-a part of Krypton that continued to exist as it floated through space. Eventually, just like her cousin Kal-El, Kara was sent to Earth. Since then, she’s been known by various names, including Kara Kent, Kara Danvers, and Linda Lee, or combinations of these, and she’s appeared in many films and television shows. However, not all actors have portrayed Kara equally well.

Honorable Mention – Milly Alcock, The DCU

So far in the DCU, Kara Zor-El has only shown up briefly at the end of Superman and with a very quick cameo in Peacemaker Season 2, so it’s too early to rank her among the best Supergirls. However, actress Milly Alcock is starting off strong in the role of the Kryptonian. The DCU’s version of Kara is largely inspired by the character in the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics, where she begins as a rebellious and mischievous young woman. Alcock perfectly captured this personality in her single scene in Superman, getting a laugh from audiences when she playfully called her cousin a “bitch” and enjoyed Krypto’s playful behavior. It’s still too early to say if Alcock will become a great Supergirl, but we’re excited about her solo movie next year and her potential future within the DCU.

4) Sash Calle, The Flash (2023)

The DCEU’s The Flash movie had several issues, and the way it presented Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) was among them. We liked seeing her fight the Russians – that scene was visually impressive – but Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl as a dark and serious character didn’t make her particularly likable or memorable. Her characterization felt similar to the more intense version of Superman played by Henry Cavill, however, Cavill still managed to create moments in the earlier DCEU films where audiences could connect with his Kal-El. It’s important to remember, though, that Calle’s Supergirl wasn’t the main character, and she had much less time on screen to develop. Ultimately, her version of the character felt a bit simplistic.

3) Helen Slater, Supergirl (1984)

Following the success of three Superman movies with Christopher Reeve, Helen Slater played Supergirl in a film released in 1984. However, unlike Superman (1978), Supergirl wasn’t well-received by critics or audiences. Despite this, Slater convincingly portrayed Kara’s innocence and kind heart, similar to Reeve’s performance as her onscreen cousin. While the film suffers from a weak script and outdated special effects, Slater still delivers a strong performance, giving Kara a natural elegance and confidence that was uncommon for female leads at the time.

2) Laura Vandervoort, Smallville

Laura Vandervoort’s portrayal of Kara brought a welcome energy to the seventh season of Smallville in 2007. She was portrayed as self-assured and always inquisitive, providing a captivating contrast to Tom Welling’s more subdued Clark Kent. She also modernized the character, bringing her into the 21st century. While Slater’s Supergirl came across as innocent and otherworldly, Vandervoort made Kara feel more relatable throughout her time on the show. Kara embraces her fate faster than Clark does, and consistently displays confidence and resilience, even when the show’s writers placed her in awkward or demeaning scenarios.

1) Melissa Benoist, Supergirl and The Arrowverse

After years as a supporting character, Supergirl led her own television series starting in 2015, initially on CBS and then as part of the Arrowverse on the CW from 2016 to 2021. Melissa Benoist portrayed a Kara Zor-El who had spent her formative years on Earth, and she skillfully balanced Kara’s human vulnerabilities-including feelings of guilt and regret-with the noble qualities of a Kryptonian hero. The show’s six-season run is a testament to Benoist’s talent for portraying a hero who was both relatable and inspiring. Like other shows in the Arrowverse, Supergirl could be quite over-the-top and playful; there was even a musical crossover episode with The Flash. However, Benoist consistently managed to keep her portrayal of Kara grounded and authentic, without seeming detached from the show’s more fantastical elements. She truly brought a compelling mix of strength and vulnerability to the role.

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2025-09-29 23:17