Harper Hall
12 Female-Led Action Movies That Deserve Way More Buzz
Action movies with women in the lead role have delivered some of the most thrilling and creative stories in cinema, yet many of these gems have flown under the radar.
From martial arts masterpieces to stylish revenge thrillers, these films showcase incredible talent, stunning choreography, and gripping narratives that rival any blockbuster.
Whether you’re a fan of classic kung fu or modern survival stories, these underappreciated movies prove that female-led action deserves a spotlight just as bright as any other genre film.
1. Lady Snowblood (1973)
Long before Kill Bill hit theaters, this Japanese revenge masterpiece was rewriting the rules of action cinema.
The story follows a woman trained from birth with one singular purpose: to avenge the brutal murder of her family.
What makes this film stand out is its stunning visual style, with blood-red snow and striking compositions that influenced countless directors.
The swordplay is both elegant and brutal, creating fight scenes that feel like deadly ballet.
Quentin Tarantino openly borrowed from this movie, but the original remains a haunting, artistic achievement that deserves recognition on its own merits.
2. Yes, Madam! (1985)
Hong Kong action cinema exploded in the 1980s, and this high-octane thriller put two legendary martial artists front and center.
Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock team up as no-nonsense law enforcers dismantling a dangerous criminal operation.
The fight choreography is absolutely jaw-dropping, featuring real martial arts skills without the heavy reliance on wires or CGI that came later.
Every punch, kick, and flip feels authentic and earned.
This movie proved that women could carry action films with the same intensity and physical prowess as their male counterparts, paving the way for future generations of action heroines.
3. La Femme Nikita (1990)
Luc Besson crafted something special with this French thriller that blends heart-pounding action with genuine emotional complexity.
A troubled young woman is given an impossible choice: face life in prison or become a trained government assassin.
What separates this from typical spy movies is how it explores the psychological toll of living a double life.
The action sequences are explosive and stylish, but they’re balanced with quieter moments of humanity.
This film spawned multiple remakes and a TV series, yet the original maintains a raw, artistic edge that later versions couldn’t quite capture.
4. Wing Chun (1994)
Michelle Yeoh returns to this list with a delightfully entertaining martial arts adventure that mixes humor with spectacular fight choreography.
She portrays the legendary kung fu master defending her village from bandits and troublemakers.
The film balances serious martial arts sequences with playful comedy, creating a tone that keeps audiences engaged throughout.
Yeoh’s physical skills are on full display, with intricate fight scenes that showcase authentic Wing Chun techniques.
Unlike darker revenge tales, this movie celebrates the joy of martial arts while delivering plenty of impressive action that holds up decades later.
5. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Imagine waking up one day and discovering your entire life is a lie, and you’re actually a highly trained killer.
That’s exactly what happens to the seemingly ordinary suburban mom at the center of this explosive thriller.
Geena Davis delivers a phenomenal performance, seamlessly switching between confused housewife and lethal operative.
The action sequences are intense and creative, featuring shootouts, explosions, and sharp one-liners that capture the best of ’90s action cinema.
Despite being overshadowed by other films at the time, this movie offers everything fans want: smart writing, great chemistry between leads, and relentless entertainment value.
6. Run Lola Run (1998)
Sometimes an action movie doesn’t need martial arts or gunfights to get your heart racing.
This German thriller proves that a woman running against the clock can be just as thrilling as any car chase.
The film follows three different scenarios as Lola sprints across Berlin trying to save her boyfriend’s life in just 20 minutes.
The pulsing electronic soundtrack and rapid-fire editing create an urgent, breathless experience.
What makes this truly special is its innovative storytelling structure, showing how small decisions can dramatically alter outcomes.
It’s a masterclass in momentum and visual creativity that influenced countless filmmakers.
7. Haywire (2011)
Director Steven Soderbergh cast real-life MMA fighter Gina Carano in this brutal spy thriller, and the authenticity shows in every bone-crunching fight scene.
She plays a betrayed operative who must fight her way through former allies.
The combat is refreshingly realistic, avoiding the flashy, over-choreographed sequences common in Hollywood action films.
Each fight feels dangerous and physical, with Carano’s actual fighting skills bringing genuine intensity.
Though it didn’t make huge waves at the box office, action enthusiasts recognize this as one of the most grounded and well-executed spy thrillers of the 2010s.
8. The Assassin (2015)
This Taiwanese wuxia epic is a visual poem wrapped in a tale of deadly swordplay and conflicting loyalties.
Set in 9th century China, it follows a highly skilled assassin struggling between her duty and her conscience.
Director Hou Hsiao-hsien creates breathtaking imagery, with every frame looking like classical Chinese painting come to life.
The action is sparse but precise, with brief bursts of swordplay that feel earned and meaningful.
While its slow, meditative pacing won’t appeal to everyone, patient viewers are rewarded with one of the most artistically accomplished action films ever made.
9. Revenge (2017)
This French survival thriller transforms a harrowing premise into a stylish, empowering action showcase.
After being left for dead in the desert, the protagonist becomes a fierce force of vengeance against her attackers.
The cinematography is stunning, using the harsh desert landscape to create both beauty and brutality.
What could have been exploitative instead becomes a story of survival and strength.
The action escalates brilliantly, with visceral sequences that don’t shy away from the physical reality of combat.
It’s a bold, unflinching film that earned cult status among action fans who appreciate its artistic approach.
10. The Villainess (2017)
South Korean action cinema reached new heights with this absolutely wild assassin thriller.
The opening sequence alone, filmed in breathtaking first-person perspective, is worth the price of admission.
The story follows a deadly assassin navigating betrayal, manipulation, and her quest for redemption.
But honestly, the plot takes a backseat to some of the most inventive and spectacular action choreography you’ll ever witness.
From hallway fights to motorcycle sword battles, this movie pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in action cinema.
It’s exhausting, exhilarating, and criminally underseen by Western audiences who would absolutely love it.
11. Wingwomen (2023)
This recent French offering brings a fresh, fun energy to the heist genre with two skilled thieves trying to escape their criminal past.
Of course, one last job pulls them back in.
The chemistry between the leads drives the film, mixing sharp humor with genuinely impressive action sequences.
It’s lighter in tone than many entries on this list, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on thrills.
The action is slick and modern, with well-executed stunts and fight choreography that proves you don’t need a massive budget to deliver entertainment.
It’s a breezy, enjoyable ride that deserves more attention.
12. Fear the Night (2023)
Maggie Q proves she’s still one of the most capable action stars working today in this tense survival thriller.
She plays a former soldier forced to defend her sister’s bachelorette party from armed intruders.
The confined setting creates claustrophobic tension as the group must use limited resources and quick thinking to survive.
The combat is brutal and close-quarters, emphasizing tactical thinking over flashy moves.
While it flew under most people’s radar, this movie delivers exactly what action fans want: a capable protagonist, high stakes, and well-executed fight sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
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