7 Incredible Action Movies Featuring Female Leads

      Casey Chong presents seven female-led action films that deserve your attention…

      Though action films have typically been male-dominated, women have made significant contributions in this genre. From Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley battling the Xenomorphs in the Alien series to Uma Thurman’s The Bride on her bloody revenge spree in the two-part Kill Bill, along with Gal Gadot as the formidable Amazonian princess in Wonder Woman and Angelina Jolie’s bullet-bending prowess in Wanted, there are notable female performances. Here are some female-led action movies that you might have overlooked but are definitely worth watching…

      Point of No Return (1993)

      Often regarded as a lesser film compared to Luc Besson’s iconic La Femme Nikita and its two TV adaptations with Peta Wilson and Maggie Q, the 1993 American remake Point of No Return (also known internationally as The Assassin) received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. This is unfortunate, as director John Badham effectively translates Besson’s 1990 French classic into a stylish American version. The action sequences are well-executed with strong energy and clarity, particularly in the restaurant shootout scene, complemented by Hans Zimmer’s compelling score. Bridget Fonda shines in her role, showcasing her versatile acting range as Maggie Hayward transforms from a reckless drug user to a femme fatale assassin. The film also features strong performances from Gabriel Byrne as Maggie’s handler and Harvey Keitel as the unyielding Cleaner.

      Hanna (2011)

      Hanna stands out for both director Joe Wright, known primarily for period dramas like Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, and Saoirse Ronan in an espionage thriller. Ronan plays Hanna, a teenager living off the grid with her father Erik, portrayed by the stoic Eric Bana. Hanna isn’t an ordinary teen; she displays exceptional tactical skills in self-defense and weaponry and is fluent in several languages. Under martial arts expert Jeff Imada’s guidance, Ronan and Bana convincingly embody skilled fighters. Joe Wright makes a seamless transition from period dramas to contemporary action thrillers with Hanna. He skillfully frames action scenes with crisp, dynamic camerawork, while the story’s unique coming-of-age angle around Hanna’s character development might not appeal to fans of straightforward action but is what sets it apart from conventional espionage thrillers.

      Atomic Blonde (2017)

      Charlize Theron and David Leitch make a compelling duo. Having a background in action roles from films like Aeon Flux and Mad Max: Fury Road, Theron takes charge in Atomic Blonde. As a platinum-blonde undercover M16 agent in the Cold War era, she not only dons stylish ‘80s fashion but also brings remarkable dedication to the action scenes. Leitch elevates the stakes with an expertly choreographed long-take action sequence in which Theron's character battles adversaries using martial arts, firearms, and even a corkscrew. Theron’s standout performance steals the show in Atomic Blonde, despite the plot being somewhat convoluted. Nevertheless, Leitch’s stylish direction transforms Atomic Blonde into a visually stunning thrill ride, with Jonathan Sela's excellent cinematography capturing the distinct 1980s aesthetic alongside a soundtrack featuring iconic tracks from the era.

      The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

      In the early 1990s, Renny Harlin enjoyed significant success with hits like Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger, but his career faced challenges in the mid-90s. Unfortunately, The Long Kiss Goodnight didn’t achieve the success anticipated. Harlin reunites with Geena Davis after the major flop of Cutthroat Island, where she plays a seemingly ordinary schoolteacher who is, in fact, a CIA assassin. Davis excels as an action hero, taking down foes with guns and knives. The film benefits from a strong buddy-movie dynamic between Davis’s fiery lead and Samuel L. Jackson’s solid performance as private investigator Mitch Henessey. Working from Shane Black’s witty screenplay that combines sharp humor with the classic Christmas-themed action-comedy setting, Harlin directs with confidence, guiding Davis’s character arc and delivering high-quality action sequences, particularly in the explosive climax on the Niagara Falls International Bridge.

      Cutthroat Island (1995)

      Carolco Pictures, known for iconic hits like Rambo: First Blood Part II and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, experienced a painful decline with Cutthroat Island, intended to revitalize the pirate genre but ultimately becoming one of Hollywood’s most expensive failures. While the story may not be groundbreaking, Harlin's bold choice to cast Geena Davis as the lead, breaking away from the traditional male pirate archetype, is commendable. It may have been ahead of its time, making it difficult for '90s audiences to embrace a female pirate. Upon reflection, Davis’s performance as the adventurous Morgan Adams illustrates her capability in action scenes. Harlin delivers exhilarating set pieces, from thrilling horse-and-car