The action genre as it's come to be known arose in the '80s, the era of excess that offered bigger everything, from explosions to guns. Most action films were male-dominated, with women occupying roles as damsels in distress, though very occasionally they would assist the male lead in saving the day.
Women were rarely given the opportunity to carry the entire action film, and Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley was the exception, not the rule. But by the '90s and early '00s, women were not only starring in their own action films, they were leading their own franchises. With the Underworld series each boasting six films a piece, there's plenty of proof that when it comes to action, gender is meaningless as long as the films are entertaining.
Updated on November 23, 2022 by Kayleena Pierce-Bohen: With the recent release of Black Widow finally getting her own movie, it seems like more female protagonists are leading action movies every year. These films might take place after an apocalypse, in the distant past, or in the near future, but wherever there are epic battles, choreographed fight sequences, and dramatic explosions, these women are there front and center.
Sarah Connor - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
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When she transformed from a terrified but tenacious waitress into a musclebound, gun-toting action star, Sarah Connor became one of the most iconic action heroines of all time. Terminator 2: Judgment Day saw the character hold her own beside the powerful T-1000 (the role that bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger had made famous in 1984's The Terminator) and prevent the cybernetic apocalypse.
Linda Hamilton went through a grueling training regimen to get her into peak fighting shape, a feat which impressed even Schwarzenegger himself. She finally received top billing in Terminator: Dark Fate for reprising her famous role, proving that Sarah Connor is unstoppable at any age.
Alice Abernathy-Marcus - Resident Evil (2002)
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Audiences can't discuss action movies without mentioning the character who vigilantly carried the genre on her shoulders for two decades — Alice from the Resident Evil franchise. Milla Jovovich, known for kicking extraterrestrial butt in The Fifth Element, moved on to zombies in the early '00s, and gave one of the best acting performances in a video game movie adaptation.
With each subsequent film, Alice, the secret operative activated to take down the Umbrella Corporation, fought to slowly stop the spread of the dreaded T-Virus. When she couldn't stop its infestation, she switched to survival mode, and fought tirelessly through the hordes of the undead until Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.
Trinity - The Matrix (1999)
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In 1999, a revolutionary film called The Matrix exploded into cinemas everywhere, forever changing the landscape of action movies with its stunning action sequences and innovative special effects. While much of the focus was on the protagonist Neo and the war he waged against the machines for humanity's salvation, he would never have accomplished so much as The One without Trinity.
The film opened with Trinity and her scorpion kick, setting the stage for some of the most exceptionally choreographed fight scenes of all time. Trinity was both a beautiful and deadly warrior for humankind, who made kung fu and black vinyl catsuits synonymous with true action movie entertainment.
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider (2001)
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The 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider saw Angelina Jolie make a name for herself in the action genre by taking on the part of posh archaeologist Lara Croft from the popular Tomb Raider video game series. She would follow up the blockbuster's success with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life.
Jolie's Croft was brazen and fearless, comfortable with all manner of weaponry, on adventures in any part of the world. Though the franchise was later rebooted with Alicia Vikander in the title role, and Tomb Raider is headed in a different direction, Jolie's charisma and sense of humor made the role the most memorable.
Selene - Underworld (2003)
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There were several female-led action franchises appearing in the early '00s, but few of them had the sleek and sexy aesthetic of Underworld. Focusing on an ancient war between vampires and werewolves, the warriors for either clan wore body-hugging leather, tall boots, and long, sweeping dusters.
Kate Beckinsale established herself as a force to be reckoned with as the mercilessly efficient Death Dealer Selene, one of the most renowned Lycan hunters in the world. Sworn to defend her vampire race at all costs, her love of the human Michael is the only thing to penetrate her cold heart. Beckinsale continued to star in the Underworld franchise for six films.
Wonder Woman - Wonder Woman (2017)
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As far as superhero films go, female-driven contributions haven't fared particularly well in the last several decades. Previously, films like Elektra and Catwoman were weighed down by unappealing action sequences and uninspired narratives, until a flurry of stunning examples like Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman, which saw the feature film debut of the famous Amazon played by Gal Gadot, not only had a compelling plot and a strong cast but some of the most stunning action sequences of any superhero film to date. It was followed up with Wonder Woman: 1984 with Gadot once again in the titular role displaying comion, charisma, and courage.
The Bride - Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)
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While many Quentin Tarantino films are known for their dynamic action sequences and rapid-fire dialogue, his Kill Bill series is one of the most compelling thanks to its focus on The Bride. As a woman hellbent on seeking revenge for being spurned and left for dead by her lover, Uma Thurman brought a chilling temperament to the character as cold as her steel katana.
The Bride's quest for vengeance leads to some of the most visually stunning action scenes in the genre and has remained a benchmark in the years since. Many of the depictions of hardened female assassins, from Red Sparrow to Black Widow owe credit to Thurman's iconic performance.
Yu Shu Lien - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
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With the A-list talents of Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat attached to the directorial vision of Ang Lee, the majestic action adventure Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became one of the most innovative films of the 21st century. The use of wire effects in the action sequences inspired countless other imitations, including in today's superhero films, and it remains one of Michelle Yeoh's best films to showcase her acting and martial arts abilities.
The film chronicled the attempts of one warrior (Yeoh) during the Qing Dynasty to deliver her lover's sword Green Destiny to safety, despite it being stolen by rivals on her journey. Yeoh commands every scene she's in with her graceful and deadly fighting style, and has remained a constant presence in the action genre ever since.
Furiosa - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
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Though Mad Max: Fury Road focused on the titular character, originally played by Mel Gibson in the classic '80s Mad Max franchise, not even Tom Hardy could pull attention away from Charlize Theron's Furiosa. As an Imperator in Immortan Joe's army, she was a war captain who helped his "Five Brides" escape and attempted to give them a better life.
Stolen from her home in the Green Place at an early age, Furiosa was brought to The Citadel originally to be one of Joe's wives, but being barren she was given to one of his Imperators. She was taught to ride a War Rig, and when her mentor died, she became the only woman in Joe's army. An exceptional warrior and driver, she became an invaluable ally to Max over the course of the film.
Ellen Ripley - Aliens (1986)
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Sigourney Weaver's exceptional performance as Lt. Ellen Ripley throughout the Alien franchise paved the way for the rise of dozens of action heroines, though not all of them capture her resilience, grit, and bravery. Selfless to the end, Ripley repeatedly went up against the most terrible horror in the known galaxy to protect humankind, in spite of the moronic decisions of those around her.
While Alien showed her to be a capable survivor, it wasn't until Aliens that she truly became an unstoppable force, and cemented her place as one of the greatest sci-fi heroes of all time and most iconic protagonists of any action film.
