10 Must-See Female-Led Action Movies of the Modern Era

Classic mainstream action movies usually feature the men at the forefront as tough heroes and armed vigilantes flexing their muscles and martial arts skills to take down the big baddies. Meanwhile, most of the time in those same films, women tend to be relegated to femme fatale or damsels in distress, if they appear at all. But now, thanks to a wave of social change, the doors have been opened even more for women to take on the role of action heroine too.

Characters such as Ellen Ripley from stranger and Beatrix Kiddo of Kill Bill paved the way as female protagonists, and every year there are more and more action films that focus on women in their stories and also feature intense and violent action. Featuring characters as diverse as superheroes, fearless spies or underground assassins, these films feature memorable female action stars.

10 “Birds of Prey” (2020)

Birds of Prey (and the fantastic emancipation of one Harley Quinn) follows fan-favorite villain-turned-anti-hero Harley QuinnMargot Robbie) as she gets in trouble with crime boss Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor). Without the Joker’s protection after their breakup, she teams up with other women from Gotham’s underground to defeat him.

After eclipsing her role as Robbie in 2016’s Suicide Squad, audiences wanted more from her, and the result was this delightful action video that showed Harley’s side without her ex. With colorful sets, energetic action choreography and a cast including Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurney Smollet-BellAnd Rosie Perezthis kick-ass movie is one of the best in the DCEU.

9 “Explosive Blonde” (2017)

Starring Charlize Theron, explosive blonde revolves around Lorraine Broughton, a high-ranking MI6 spy tasked with investigating the death of a fellow agent and obtaining an invaluable list of double agents. On the eve of the fall of the Berlin Wall, she will have to move through a destabilized city and other ruthless spies in order to complete her mission while staying alive.

From stuntman turned director David Leitch, this spy thriller is aptly named as it is filled to the brim with incredible action, including a tense 10-minute one-take fight sequence. Gripping, stylish and violent, this film turns Theron into a true action star and is sure to keep audiences on their toes for years to come.

8 ‘Production’ (2022)

Prequel to Predator movies, Mining The action takes place on the Northern Great Plains in 1719, where a young Comanche woman named Naru (Amber Half Thunder) must prove himself as a warrior, protecting his tribe. With a highly advanced alien predator on the hunt, as well as French fur traders slaughtering the buffalo they rely on to survive, Naru must fight these problems to keep her community safe.

Thrilling, gripping and suspenseful, this prequel stays true to the original while also bringing something unique to the game in its setting and premise. One of the best female survival thrillers, this movie uses a simple premise to create a compelling storytelling filled with thrilling action, making it as legendary as its predecessor.

7 “Polite Society” (2023)

Polite Society focuses on teenage Riya Khan (Priya Kansara) with dreams of becoming a stuntwoman, training in martial arts to follow her aspirations despite being discouraged by those around her. When her older sister is about to get married and move away, she enlists the help of her friends to plan and execute an ambitious wedding heist to save her sister.

From We are parts of a lady creator Nida Manzur, this film combines action, comedy and drama to deliver a fun, action-packed tale of sisterhood and independence, full of heartfelt moments and serious witty action. At the premiere of Sundance, lead actress Samsara received praise for her breezy sassy performance in the infectiously hilarious film.

6 ‘Rage’ (2019)

fury is a martial arts film that focuses on Hai Fong (Veronica Ngo), a former gangster who left her criminal days behind by hiding in the countryside trying to raise and support her only daughter. When thugs kidnap her child, High returns to the cruelty of her past, going to any lengths to bring her family back home.

This hyperstylized high-octane film has been described as “Taken meets John Wick“, becoming one of the highest grossing Vietnamese films of all time. With an incredible lead role by Ngo and pure martial arts fights in Saigon City, fury deserves every accolade he has received.

5 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Further Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Letitia WrightShuri becomes the new heir to the throne after T’Challa’s untimely death. When the mysterious vibranium-rich underwater kingdom of Talokan, led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta), threatens Wakanda that Shuri must intervene to protect her kingdom.

In the first film, the women of Wakanda were represented as experienced, strong, and intelligent, capable warriors like Dora Milahe, royal diplomats like Queen Ramonda, and gifted scientists like Shuri. This Oscar-winning superhero tale captures the best aspects of the MCU with its incredible design, fast-paced action and compelling characters.

4 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Second part of the series The Hunger Games: Catching Fire sees the return of Katniss EverdeenJennifer Lawrence) and Pete Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) into a deadly arena where they will have to compete against past winners to stay alive. With the spark of revolution ignited in the latest film, they find themselves at the center of a grand plan against the Capitol.

In this film, the character Katniss is just as strong, a skilled archer as she was in the groundbreaking predecessor, becoming a symbol of determination and resilience. The science dystopia is even more filled with intense action, with higher stakes in a much more dangerous environment alongside fierce competitors willing to give everything for their lives and a stronger cause.

3 “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road The action takes place in a post-apocalyptic desert country where water and gas are scarce commodities, and society has completely turned into a continuous wasteland full of violent cults. Max RockatanskyTom Hardy) escapes from a prison run by Immortal Joe and joins Emperor Furiosa (Charlize Theron) when she rescues Joe’s captive wives, leading to an epic road fight.

The fourth installment in the Mad Max franchise, this epic desert epic takes a very different approach than previous films, crafting a strong narrative for its female characters that develops along with exhilarating action. Theron’s character has taken center stage as a compelling, ass-kicking hero whose backstory audiences will soon see in the upcoming prequel. furiosa led by Anya-Taylor Joy.

2 “Baby Killers” (2021)

IN Baby killersChisato (Akari Takaishi) and Mahilo (Saori Izawaare two teenage girls who are about to graduate from high school and are also highly trained assassins assigned to live together and work part-time to learn how to be independent. Despite their differences, they will have to put them aside when they get in trouble with the yakuza and work together to fight back.

This underground Japanese action comedy combines a charming life story with a world of assassins and yakuza, and the pair of teenage protagonists are as charming as they are deadly. Even at a slower pace than most action films, the film has all the makings of a future cult classic with some incredible action scenes with intense choreography and dynamic camerawork.

1 “Woman King” (2022)

The action takes place in the 1800s and is inspired by real events in the African kingdom of Dahomey. woman king focuses on the Agoji, an all-female unit of warriors protecting the kingdom. Viola Davis plays General Naniska, who must train a new generation of recruits to prepare them to fight enemies that threaten their way of life.

The historical epic showcases a side of history rarely seen in films, bringing Agotse’s story to the grand stage with a cast worthy of its stature. Along with a marvelous production, the lead actresses bring their warrior roles to life, and Davis gives his all to the impressively raw battle scenes that abound in the film.