Women continue to make their mark in cinema by being a part of some of the most compelling, action-packed films. From cunning spies to fearless assassins, these films put female leads front and center. They fight, scheme, and survive with skill, intelligence, sometimes grace and loads of style. Whether they’re navigating dystopian wastelands in Furiosa, infiltrating dangerous organizations in Red Sparrow or Atomic Blonde, or taking revenge against those who wronged them in Ballerina, these characters redefine what it means to be a heroine on screen.
The stories these women tell are as diverse as they are empowering. This week, be reminded that kicking ass knows no gender. We’re highlighting films that celebrate women in action, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Ballerina
From the universe of John Wick: Eve Macarro (a former ballerina turned assassin) embarks on an quest for revenge when her father is murdered.
Director: Len Wiseman / Starring: Ana de Armas, Lance Reddick, Keanu Reeves
Lucy
When a young woman in is tricked into smuggling a synthetic drug through her body, the substance accidentally leaks into her system, giving her powerful mental and physical abilities. She is quickly pursued by criminals and seeks out a neurologist for help whilst using her new abilities to fight off those after her.
Director: Luc Besson / Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman
The Woman King
A dramatic retelling of the real-life Agojie (a group of all-female warriors in the 1800s) as they protect the African kingdom of Dahomey. Faced with an outside threat, they must train & fight against a foreign enemy.
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood / Starring: Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim
Tomb Raider (2018)
Based on the infamous video game, Lara Croft sets out to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. She embarks on a journey to a tomb on a mythical island where her father was last seen. She relies on her wisdom, wits, and combat skills to survive the unknown.
Director: Roar Uthaug / Starring: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The prequel to the epic Mad Max: Fury Road, a young Furiosa is captured thrust into a wasteland ruled by biker hordes and war lord. She faces the brutal wasteland and her captors as she fights to make her way back home.
Director: George Miller / Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
After being betrayed and left for dead by her former comrades, an assassin wakes from a coma after 4 years. Upon finding out she’s lost her unborn child, she embarks on a deadly quest against an those who contributed to her loss.
Director: Quentin Tarantino / Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu
Red Sparrow
After a Russian ballerina’s career-ending injury, she joins a secret intelligence program that trains operatives to uses manipulation and seduction as weapons. Once she emerges from the program and must work with a CIA officer in hopes of discovering a mole.
Director: Francis Lawrence / Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
The sequel to Charlie’s Angels (2000), the Angels must retrieve stolen rings that contain information of those in the witness protection program. They use their expertise in martial arts, disguise, and girl-power to track down those responsible for the leak.
Director: McG / Starring: Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore
Atomic Blonde
A MI6 agent is set to retrieve a list of double agents amidst the Cold War’s nearing end. She must use all of her skills to fight through the city and take down an espionage ring.
Director: David Leitch / Starring: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy
Jackie Brown
A flight attendant is busted for smuggling money for her arms dealer boss. Rather than work with law enforcement, she chooses to double-cross both parties, using her wit and intelligence to secure her freedom and hit a big payday.
Director: Quentin Tarantino / Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro
