As a die-hard fan of action films and video games, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when recalling these two iconic movies from the early 2000s – Charlie’s Angels and Resident Evil. The former, with its trio of strong women led by Drew Barrymore, was a game-changer that still resonates today. I remember how excited I was when Drew bought the screen rights to the show, and the thrill of seeing them jump out of helicopters, drive fast boats, and do Kung Fu in their stylish outfits!
In recent times, action films have traditionally been dominated by male characters. However, an increasing number of powerful female leads have emerged, proving they can deliver action just as effectively as their male counterparts. Over the years, a plethora of exciting and impactful female-led movies have graced our screens, captivating audiences with their strength and elegance. These women have moved beyond the stereotype of the damsel in distress, shattering the glass ceiling of traditional cinema by rescuing themselves and portraying resilience effortlessly.
Are you on the hunt for exhilarating films featuring strong female protagonists? Look no further! From an amnesiac security operative fighting off hordes of the undead akin to Resident Evil, to Uma Thurman masterfully eliminating lethal assassins in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film Kill Bill: Volume 1, there’s an action-packed treat for every taste. Iconic actresses such as Sigourney Weaver, known for her role as the heroine in the Alien movie series, have paved the way for future portrayals, while stars like Margot Robbie have taken up the mantle, delivering a fiery performance as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey. So, let’s dive right in and explore some top action movies starring leading ladies!
14 Haywire (2011)
Under the guidance of director Steven Soderbergh, the film Haywire centers around Mallory Kane, a skilled government operative who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a treacherous global conspiracy. After being double-crossed by her own agency and marked for elimination, she must utilize her physical abilities and strategic intellect to engage in an exhilarating battle for survival. Gina Carano convincingly portrays Mallory Kane, leveraging her mixed martial arts background effectively and setting new standards for action films with female leads. Moreover, Carano infuses her character with a unique sense of vulnerability, making Mallory appear as a complex action protagonist rather than a one-dimensional heroine.
Gina Carano Takes on Realistic Fights
Distinguishing Haywire from other action films is its genuine fight sequences that resonate with real-life intensity, thanks to Carano’s professional fighting background. The film doesn’t offer the glossy, over-the-top fights you might see in Hollywood movies; instead, each strike, kick, and toss carries a palpable authenticity. Moreover, Mallory is a multi-dimensional character, boasting emotional depth that is frequently absent in action films. Despite being an accomplished assassin, she struggles with trust issues and navigates life cautiously, making her both complex and identifiable. Catch Haywire on Freevee.
13 Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Featuring breathtaking graphics, Alita: Battle Angel stands out as a remarkable addition to the female-led action movie genre. The story revolves around Alita, a discarded cyborg with a mysterious past, brought to life by Rosa Salazar’s captivating performance. This cinematic experience is crafted by blending motion capture and live-action, resulting in Alita’s quest for her own future amidst a dystopian world that seems intent on erasing everything she once knew.
Rosa Salazar Is an Ambitious Cyborg
Set against the lush backdrop of a cyberpunk world, Alita’s combat scenes are a blend of grace and aggression, with her robotic body seamlessly adjusting to diverse circumstances. Notably, Alita’s character is not devoid of emotion or indestructibility like typical action heroes; she shows fear, anger, and joy. From an innocent girl to a battle-hardened warrior, driven by her innate sense of justice, Alita’s character growth gives depth to her persona, making this film a notable contender in the realm of female-led action films. Watch Alita: Battle Angel on Hulu.
12 Salt (2010)
Excitingly engrossing, “Salt” features Angelina Jolie portraying Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative falsely accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Given her exceptional skills as an agent, she skillfully eludes capture. With international forces hot on her trail, Salt must work incognito to prove her innocence. The plot twists and turns like a puzzling enigma, keeping audiences guessing about Salt’s guilt or innocence until the very end.
Angelina Jolie Stuns as Salt
As a fan, I can’t help but rave about how “Salt” masterfully combines a gripping tale with pulse-pounding action sequences that leave you breathless. The edge-of-your-seat chase scenes on rooftops and the nail-biting hand-to-hand combat, showcasing Angelina Jolie’s athleticism and unyielding determination, are simply awe-inspiring. Jolie’s captivating performance allows us to follow Salt’s journey from a loyal spy to a fugitive on the run from her own agency, determined to clear her name. This seamless blend of storytelling and action makes “Salt” a standout in the genre of female-led action films. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss out – stream Salt on Netflix!
11 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In an unexpected turn, Charlize Theron’s character, Imperator Furiosa, steals the show in Mad Max: Fury Road. While this film is part of the renowned Mad Max franchise, it is Furiosa who emerges as the true hero. Set against a desolate post-apocalyptic backdrop, Max Rockatansky – now a captive of the fearsome warlord Immortan Joe – teams up with Furiosa for their shared survival. After an initial tussle and mutual suspicion, they might be the last chance to permanently thwart Immortan Joe’s rule.
Charlize Theron Embodies Imperator Furiosa
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for “Mad Max: Fury Road.” It doesn’t just serve up action-packed thrills; it takes viewers on an unforgettable cinematic odyssey. The action scenes are not only visually stunning but also pulse-racing, and the film cleverly weaves feminist themes into its high-speed chase sequences and brutal character conflicts.
10 Captain Marvel (2019)
In the year 2019, Captain Marvel made her debut on the big screen, marking a significant milestone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it delved into female-led stories for the first time. At the center of this cosmic turmoil stands Carol Danvers, beautifully portrayed by Brie Larson with an elegant mix of strength and determination. The story unfolds in the mid 1990s where Danvers is a regular air force pilot who finds herself entangled in a battle that transcends her grasp, eventually leading her to take command when the warring factions ultimately invade Earth.
Brie Larson Is an Incredible Hero
In her transformation from a U.S. Air Force pilot to a powerful cosmic superhero, Danvers is a character who embodies both emotional complexity and physical strength. Her journey to reconcile her past and embrace her future is consistently explored, making for a compelling narrative. The actress Brie Larson delivers a multifaceted portrayal of Danvers, showcasing her determination and resilience while also depicting her battles with memory and identity. As the inaugural solo female Marvel film, Captain Marvel has left an indelible mark on the representation of women in superhero movies, shattering conventions and setting new standards for future productions. Watch Captain Marvel on Disney+.
9 Birds of Prey (2020)
In 2020, the DC Extended Universe handed me, Harley Quinn – the vibrant and anarchic character – my own movie titled “Birds of Prey”. This film charts my journey post-split with the Joker, as I find myself in the crosshairs of Gotham City’s criminal overlord, Roman Sionis. With a reluctant heart, I join forces with Black Canary, Huntress, and detective Renee Montoya to protect a young girl from Sionis’ clutches.
Margot Robbie Became Harley Quinn
According to SlashFilm, Margot Robbie both starred in and produced an action movie. She initially proposed this concept to Warner Bros.
I proposed a concept for an R-rated movie featuring a girl gang, centering around Harley. Since she thrives on social interaction, I feel it’s essential not to cast her in a solo production.
The actress insisted that the “Birds of Prey” be directed by a woman, eventually selecting Cathy Yan to oversee the production; Yan expressed her desire for the role as a means of challenging patriarchal norms, according to The New Yorker. This empowering film was highly acclaimed for its thrilling action scenes and Robbie’s outstanding portrayal. Watch Birds of Prey on Max.
8 Atomic Blonde (2017)
Charlize Theron stars as the outstanding lead in the 2017 action-thriller “Atomic Blonde,” inspired by the graphic novel “The Coldest City.” This story centers around elite MI6 operative Lorraine Broughton, tasked with locating a covert list of agents being secretly moved to the West as the Berlin Wall is about to fall in 1989. The movie was helmed by director David Leitch, who finally received his first directorial credit for his work on this film following his unaccredited contributions to “John Wick.
Charlize Theron Did Her Own Stunts
For Charlize Theron, this heart-pounding image served as a deeply personal endeavor. Rather than delegating, she took on the majority of the stunts herself. As both actress and producer, she persistently pushed to bring this suspenseful production to life, challenging norms in the film industry for female-led movies. Speaking to Variety, she expressed:
It’s important to recognize the exceptional work of Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hamilton. They, along with many other women, have seized opportunities that challenge norms and shatter barriers. However, unfortunately, these moments of progress often do not continue indefinitely.
To take on the challenging character, the actress engaged no less than eight fitness coaches and even had sparring sessions with Keanu Reeves, who was also gearing up for his part in John Wick: Chapter 2. This action-packed movie was a massive hit both at the box office and among critics. Consider watching or purchasing Atomic Blonde on Apple TV.
7 Underworld (2003)
Len Wiseman’s 2003 action-horror movie titled Underworld delves into the hidden past of vampires and werewolves. The narrative revolves around Selene, a determined hunter who gets drawn deeper into the continuous struggle between opposing factions, only to develop feelings for a human that the werewolves are determined to seize. In this movie, the talented Kate Beckinsale portrays Selene, eager to establish herself as an action star and welcoming the shift in her career trajectory, having primarily worked on romantic films and historical dramas beforehand.
Kate Beckinsale Was Iconic as Selene
Contrary to some skeptical opinions from critics, the movie titled Underworld turned out to be a success among viewers, earning praise for its captivating actress’ performance, dark aesthetics, and engaging mythos and history. The BBC remarked:
It might be the concept, the vibe, or the energetic performance that makes it so intriguing, but there’s an enigmatic appeal to it that hints at the possibility of it gaining cult status.
Initially released, the movie later ignited a five-film series from 2009 to 2016. In this series, Beckinsale repeatedly returned to her role, captivating fans with her stunning style and intense performances. Why not watch or rent Underworld on Prime Video now?
6 Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino, known for his stylish portrayals of violence, directed the martial arts epic “Kill Bill: Volume 1” in 2003. Uma Thurman was cast as the Bride in this film, a character who seeks vengeance against a group of deadly assassins and their leader after they tried to kill her and her unborn child. Tarantino and Thurman developed the idea for the Bride during the making of “Pulp Fiction” in 1994, and they spent over a year writing the script between 2000 and 2001. The iconic director wrote the role with her in mind and often credited her as his inspiration during the creation process.
Uma Thurman Plays The Bride
Thurman drew significant inspiration for her powerful acting in ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ from the lead characters in the 1973 blaxploitation film ‘Coffy’ and the 1980 neo-noir crime thriller ‘Gloria’. She admired these characters as they portrayed strong women who handled weapons with grace. The success of ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ was both critical and commercial, with ‘Volume 2’ following six months later. Originally meant to be a single film, the story was eventually split into two movies, later combined into a complete narrative under the title ‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’. Here, you can witness Uma Thurman’s intricate performance in its entirety. Purchase or Rent Kill Bill Vol. 1 on Prime Video.
5 Aliens (1986)
In 1986, the renowned James Cameron helmed the timeless sci-fi action masterpiece “Aliens.” This story revolves around Ellen Ripley, who is jolted from her long slumber in hyper-sleep, a staggering 57 years after she miraculously survived an apocalyptic attack on her spaceship. Her mission now is to alert a team of deep space salvagers about the vicious extraterrestrial beings that once terrorized her, as they continue to pose a grave danger. Sigourney Weaver returned to portray Ripley in this blockbuster film, with Cameron stepping up to direct from Ridley Scott. Cameron aimed to set his projects apart from usual Hollywood action fare by featuring a strong female protagonist. He penned the script with an image of Weaver on his desk as inspiration.
Sigourney Weaver Is Incredible as Ripley
For her commanding performance, the star won the Saturn Award for Best Actress and also nabbed both Oscar and Golden Globe Award nominations. Weaver would effectively become the face of the Alien franchise, reprising her role for future films and other multimedia projects. Not only that, Weaver would become one of the most iconic female action leads in cinematic history, as her portrayal of Ripley would be referenced in dozens of movies and shows to come. Stream Aliens on Hulu.
4 Wonder Woman (2017)
In a powerful display, Gal Gadot utilized the Lasso of Truth and Bracelets of Submission when she assumed the iconic character of Wonder Woman in the 2017 movie directed by Patty Jenkins. The film, named after its title character, follows her mission to halt World War I with the assistance of American pilot Steve Trevor, whom she believes instigated the conflict due to a long-standing foe of the Amazons, Ares. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gadot expressed her excitement about embodying the cherished comic book hero.
It’s a great honor for me to have played such an esteemed, powerful female role. I truly admire her, as well as all she represents and embodies.
Gal Godot Dons the Role of Diana Prince
In the blockbuster hit, Wonder Woman, the film raked in an impressive $824 million and received acclaim from critics. They admired its thrilling action scenes, stunning aesthetics, captivating performances, and exceptional direction. Particularly noteworthy was Gal Godot’s portrayal, as she perfectly captured the look of the legendary DC character and brought to life her courageous spirit and deep emotions. Subsequently, she reprised her role in the less-celebrated sequel, Wonder Woman 1984. Watch Wonder Woman on Max.
3 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
2001’s action-adventure film, titled Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, features the charismatic Angelina Jolie as the lead character. This movie follows the story of a stunning and intelligent protagonist who is also an educated adventurer, as she travels worldwide in pursuit of ancient relics, racing against the enigmatic Illuminati. If these artifacts were to land in the wrong hands, their immense power could potentially bring about the end of all life on Earth.
Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft Was Meant to Be
The actress beat out fellow stars like Denise Richards, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sandra Bullock for the role, with her casting initially causing a stir among fans of the video game series, who felt she didn’t physically fit the role. Director Simon West, however, famously went to bat for the actress. Defying naysayers, Jolie’s performance went on to earn significant returns at the box office. She returned for the 2003 sequel Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, cementing Jolie’s action movie stardom. It continues its legacy as one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations to date. Buy or Rent Lara Croft: Tomb Raider on Apple TV.
2 Charlie’s Angels (2000)
In the year 2000, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu starred in the action comedy “Charlie’s Angels,” a modern take on the popular ’70s TV series. This film follows three distinct women who are private detectives in Los Angeles, working for an unseen boss named Charlie. In this light-hearted adventure, the trio of top-notch investigators join forces with their endearing assistant Bosley (played by Bill Murray), to thwart a wicked villain intent on sabotaging personal privacy.
Starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu
Before the film adaptation, Barbara Barrymore acquired the screen rights to the successful series and requested that unlike common action movies featuring gun-wielding villains, the Angels would engage in combat without relying on firearms. Diaz was invited personally by Barrymore to be part of the production, with her telling The Morning Call: “…the Angels would not use guns in their fight scenes.
She stated, “They’ll have girls leaping from helicopters, speeding in motorboats, performing Kung Fu, and dressing in lots of stylish outfits.” To which I replied, “Count me in!
The original “Charlie’s Angels” movie was a massive hit and sparked a sequel titled “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” in 2003. Despite some critics pointing out its lack of originality, the film’s flawless execution was undeniable, driven by the collective talents of its leading actresses. Watch Charlie’s Angels on Prime Video.
1 Resident Evil (2002)
Initially released in 2002, the first film of the Resident Evil movie series, inspired by the popular video game series, remains a cherished favorite today. In this sci-fi action horror movie, Milla Jovovich portrays Alice, an amnesiac heroine who’s a member of Umbrella Corporation’s special forces unit. They work together to curb a T-virus outbreak at a covert underground facility. Remarkably skilled in combat, Alice is a highly trained private security operative who battles hordes of zombies created by the sinister Umbrella Corporation. Jovovich took on this role because she and her brother were such devoted fans of the video game franchise.
Mila Jovovich Committed to Alice
Milla Jovovich took on most of her stunts in the movie, as she had learned karate, kickboxing, and combat techniques prior to playing the physically challenging character of Alice. The Resident Evil series produced five high-budget sequels, with Jovovich appearing in all of them. The Chicago Tribune stated:
In a unique manner, Resident Evil rejuvenates the zombie genre by conveying an anti-corporate theme, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with terrifying scenes and pulse-racing action.
Milla Jovovich became closely associated with the Resident Evil franchise, taking on her lead role in all subsequent movies until 2016’s “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”. Why not check out the series on Paramount+?
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2024-10-27 03:02