30 Best Action Movie Heroines of All Time, Ranked by How Iconic They Are

Given that some authorities mark 1903’s The Great Train Robbery as the first action film, it’s evident that the genre has been around for quite a while now. Still, and in spite of early, sadly underappreciated silent stars like Pearl White and Helen Holmes, it was not until the 1970s (with Pam Grier‘s iconic blaxploitation features, Carrie Fisher in Star Wars, and the dawn of the Alien saga) that action movie heroines truly entered the pop culture conversation. Fortunately, as times changed, more and more women in the industry took leading roles in promising action films and franchises, bringing to life memorable and compelling personalities, with many such characters being among the most memorable in film history.

These courageous and badass female characters have left a strong mark on viewers due to their strong determination, wit, and courage. From The Incredibles‘ Elastigirl to Terminator 2‘s Sarah Connor, these are the most influential, fearless action movie heroines that remain inspiring to audiences worldwide.

30 Marion Ravenwood — ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Played by Karen Allen

American archaeologist Abner Ravenwood’s daughter, Marion Ravenwood, is a beloved female character among Indiana Jones fans, and it’s quite easy to see the appeal. Portrayed by KarenAllen in a fan-favorite role, Marion is an intelligent and tough character who should not be simply seen as the protagonist’s love interest.

It is evident that Marion Ravenwood possesses many admirable qualities of her own, including street smarts and bravery, that cement the Indy girl as an unforgettable character in the franchise. Considering how big Indiana Jones is, it is only natural that the headstrong Ravenwood — who was the saga’s first heroine — also earns a spot among the best action heroines of all time.

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29 Rita Vrataski — ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

Played by Emily Blunt

While Emily Blunt has landed several memorable roles such as Emily Carlton in The Devil Wears Prada and the titular character in Mary Poppins Returns, Rita Vrataski remains one of her most defining, with many people recognizing her from the Doug Liman film. Blunt flawlessly brings Edge of Tomorrow‘s reserved and fearless deuteragonist to life.

The character of Vrataski is a stand-out aspect of the movie and arguably one of the most memorable fictional characters in science fiction. What makes her such a badass and admired personality is the fact that she is the most honored soldier in all of the United Defense force, notoriously known for killing over more than one thousand Mimic aliens in combat — it’s not for no reason that the heroine was nicknamed “The Angel of Verdun.” Blunt’s incredible efforts added to the story’s great writing could only have great results.

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28 Furiosa — ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

Played by Anya Taylor-Joy

Although Charlize Theron does a fantastic job at playing the complex Mad Max character in Fury Road, Anya Taylor-Joy also deserves some kudos for her recent, fantastic efforts in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. While Theron felt saddened that she could not partake in the film and reprise her role, she happily passed down the torch to Taylor-Joy, who revealed that the two are “due a very long dinner” to swap Furiosa “war stories.”

Taylor-Joy is unquestionably one of the most exciting young stars working today, so it’s not the least shocking that her efforts in the movie did not disappoint. Considering that Furiosa provides audiences with insight into the early life of the iconic leader, there is hardly any doubt that Taylor-Joy, who perfectly — and brutally — portrayed the strong-willed and pragmatic heroine, was impeccably cast.

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27 Storm — ‘X-Men’ (2000)

Played by Halle Berry

Halle Berry‘s incomparable character is one of the most treasured X-Men characters for a plethora of reasons. Part of her giant appeal has to do with her extraordinary powers: Storm is in control of the weather and atmosphere. For this reason, she is considered to be one of the most powerful mutants on Earth, as well as one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe.

Such a list would not be complete without Berry’s on-screen counterpart; Storm earns her place not only because she’s an extremely powerful character, but also due to her admirable personality traits, including her compassionate nature and empathy. On top of being an awesome character and valuable part of the team (she’s always ready to save the day), Halle Berry’s heroine is a groundbreaking trailblazer — after all, she was one of the first major Black superheroes and the first Black female superheroine.

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26 Leeloo — ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)

Played by Milla Jovovich

Although the Resident Evil franchise is perhaps Milla Jovovich‘s career-defining project, her incredible performance in Luc Besson‘s action sci-fi movie is also at the top of the list. Leeloo is doubtlessly a key character in the cult classic, having the crucial ability to unite the power of the four elemental stones to form the Light of Creation.

Leeloo’s superhuman strength is not the character’s only forte: though innocent, Jovovich’s on-screen counterpart is emotionally intelligent and strong-willed, let alone her genuinely fun personality. Even if Leeloo is arguably not as iconic as other female heroines on this list, Milla Jovovich’s second most memorable role is still a noteworthy and three-dimensional character that certainly deserves a place among the best.

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25 Elastigirl — ‘The Incredibles’ (2004) and sequel (2018)

Played by Holly Hunter

Set in an alternate and futuristic version of the 1960s, the first The Incredibles film introduces audiences to a superhuman family hiding their powers, attempting to live a mundane suburban life. Helen (voice of Oscar winner Holly Hunter), also known as Elastigirl, is the deuteragonist of the movie, and the main protagonist of its sequel, Incredibles 2.

As the name suggests, the main superpower of this iconic heroine (one of the earliest and most memorable female action heroes in animated movies) is elasticity, which allows the character to stretch various parts of her body to many different sizes and can also extend to shape-shifting. Furthermore, what makes Helen Parr so marvelous is her strong will and dedication, both traits that make her an incredibly effective leader.

24 Motoko Kusanagi — ‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Voiced by Atsuka Tanaka

The original Ghost in the Shell is rightfully regarded as one of the best anime features, and for very good reason. On top of its thrilling premise set in a near future where cybernetic enhancement is normal, it also features memorable characters, like its lead protagonist Motoko Kusanagi (voiced by AtsukoTanaka).

Although a controversial adaptation of the same name led by Scarlett Johansson found its way to the big screen, most fans of the source material were understandably disappointed by it. The original film, however, is equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking given the futuristic themes it tackles. To make things all the more exciting, its heroine is one of the most fearless and self-confident characters of all time.

23 Yu Shu Lien — ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000) and sequel (2016)

Played by Michelle Yeoh

Starring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon endures one of the best and highest-rated martial arts movies out there; Ang Lee‘s film features awesome action sequences on top of a compelling premise set in 19th century Qing Dynasty China, where a warrior (Chow Yun-Fat) gits his sword to his lover (Yeoh) for safekeeping. When it is stolen, the two embark on a quest to find it.

There are so many great aspects of this groundbreaking film, with Yeoh’s memorable performance as Yu Shu Lien essential to the film’s success. The character’s serene personality contrasts with her boldness to incredible results, leading Yeoh to effortlessly steal every scene she is in. Yeoh reprised the role in a 2016 Netflix sequel.

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22 Lorraine Broughton — ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Played by Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron’s Lorraine Broughton is not one to mess with in Atomic Blonde, an engaging, sometimes brutal action thriller by DavidLeitch that follows the elite spy as she is forced to put her lethal skills to practice in order to stay alive during a seemingly impossible mission.

There is no doubt that Theron knows how to bring a badass character to life like few actors in movie history, and Broughton is no exception; with mind-blowing hand-to-hand combat skills and a quiet but assertive and charismatic personality to match, this atomic blonde is probably unlike any character viewers have ever seen.

21 Okoye — Marvel Cinematic Universe (2018-)

Played by Danai Gurira

Black Panther introduced Marvel fans to Chadwick Boseman‘s titular character, which turned out to be one of the most beloved, technologically innovative, and instantly iconic in the long-running franchise. Given that it also demonstrated Wakanda and presented viewers the people that inhabit it, it is only natural that the one of the most important personalities, the former General of the Dora Milaje (played by Danai Gurira in all her glory), stood out.

As the latest Black Panther film showcased, Okoye is currently one of the most well-written female characters in the MCU, as well as one of the most intriguing. The fierce and often serious natural-born leader — and people protector at heart — isn’t afraid to speak her mind. What’s more, on top of all these qualities, Okoye is incredibly funny whenever she wants to be.

20 Rey — ‘Star Wars’ saga (2015-)

Played by Daisy Ridley

Even though fans of the saga have mixed opinions of the writing Daisy Ridley‘s Rey was working with, there is no way to deny that she is an independent and strong spirit in the franchise. She was first introduced in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens as an orphan living alone on the desert planet Jakku, with Ridley reprising her role in the following two films. Another film starring Ridley was announced earlier this year.

While some fans lament the direction (or lack thereof) the sequel trilogy took, especially in its final installment, many admire Rey for being complex and endearing. Furthermore, Ridley’s on-screen counterpart is kind and caring but also knows how to fight and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty whenever she needs to, easily handling any new challenge.

19 Ilsa Faust — ‘Mission: Impossible’ series (2015-)

Played by Rebecca Ferguson

A new Mission: Impossible installment came out this year and global viewers seemingly couldn’t praise it enough. While Tom Cruise is obviously the protagonist of the iconic action series, Rebecca Ferguson‘s Ilsa Faust remains one of the most captivating personalities that occupy it.

Disciplined and strong-willed, Ilsa is a former intelligence operative employed by MI6 who worked for a criminal organization. Before helping Hunt and his team fight her former colleagues, she was known as The Syndicate. Moreover, the martial arts expert stands tall among the most memorable female fictional characters of recent times, and a highlight of a franchise that’s praiseworthy for presenting numerous terrific female characters. Her strong sense of duty and courage are notable traits.

18 Alice — ‘Resident Evil’ series (2002 – 2016)

Played by Milla Jovovich

It would’ve been a crime not to mention Milla Jovovich‘s iconic on-screen counterpart, Alice, in the Resident Evil franchise. Based on the Japanese video game franchise of the same name by Capcom, the survival horror/action hybrid saga follows Alice, former security operative of the Umbrella Corporation, who turned into an anti-Umbrella resistance fighter, as she navigates through different adventures.

In addition to her superhuman abilities, like extra speed and strength, Alice is a skilled fighter and marksman. Though some people believe that she is not as well-written as she had the potential to be, Jovovich’s character is a rational and and cunning personality with badass physical abilities to match. The actress built on an action heroine persona and presence first seen in The Fifth Element here. The Resident Evil movies should have been better, but the star always delivered a strong performance.

17 San — ‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Played by Yuriko Ishida

Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke is certainly everything critics and fans claim it to be and more. Centering on Ashitaka (YôjiMatsuda), a young Emishi prince, and his involvement in a conflict between the forest’s kami (gods) and the people who exploit its resources, this high-rated animation is, beyond any doubt, one of the studio’s most treasured.

Even though Ashitaka is the main protagonist of Princess Mononoke, it is San (Yuriko Ishida), the titular character, that captures viewers’ attention most of the time. On top of being courageous and protective (mostly over the forest and animals that inhabit it), the fierce, loving and compassionate San actively fights for important causes.

16 ‘Lara Croft — ‘Tomb Raider’ series (2001 – 2003)

Played by Angelina Jolie

Even though Alicia Vikander is the most recent big-screen Lara Croft (based on the most recent string of video games of the same name), Angelina Jolie was the first woman to ever step into the shoes of the iconic character on movie screens. And while the Tomb Raider films leave much to be desired, there is no denying that the actress was the perfect choice for the role.

Jolie’s performance in the films, which featured a groundbreaking use of a female lead character, is both inspiring and empowering to women all around the globe, given the fierce manner that the actress brought the three-dimensional character to life. Although kind-hearted and sweet-natured, Lara Croft is fearless, intelligent, and incredibly strong.

15 Selene — ‘Underworld’ series (2003 – 2016)

Played by Kate Beckinsale

In the dark fantasy action horror Underworld film series, Kate Beckinsale is the unstoppable Selene, a vampire Death Dealer hunting Lycans and one of the most powerful characters in the intriguing franchise.

The main protagonist of Underworld never backs down from a challenge. She is determined, cunning, resourceful, and truly capable of brutal acts of violence. Despite her killer superpowers, the quick and agile Selene is also a combat master.

14 Natalie, Alex and Dylan — ‘Charlie’s Angels’ series (2000-2003)

Played by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu

Though a reboot of Charlie’s Angels hit the movie theaters in 2019, the 2000 film remains the superior, more entertaining diversion (the original 1976 TV counterpart is definitely worth checking, too). Starring Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz, these two films follow the three women detectives as they embark on different quests, using their incredible material arts and tech skills — as well as undeniable charisma — as deadly weapons.

After being rebooted twice since (once on TV), there is hardly any doubt that the angels remain some of the most well-liked and referenced characters in pop culture. Charlie’s Angels‘ depiction of three self-sufficient, badass women on-screen is assuredly groundbreaking, especially considering that the story was first released in 1976, and that women weren’t expected to be financially and emotionally independent at the time.

13 Evelyn Wang — ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Played by Michelle Yeoh

Although pretty much any other movie starring Michelle Yeoh could take a place on this list, her most recent heroine, Evelyn, deserves extra praise. The character was introduced to viewers in Everything Everywhere All at Once, a bizarre, trippy, and genre-bending A24 flick that ultimately took home the Academy Award for Best Picture.

In the unforgettable movie, Yeoh’s bold and emotional performance as a Chinese immigrant who is swept up in a wild adventure after learning that she must save the world by connecting with parallel universes, earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. From attempting to keep her family together to saving the world, Evelyn is perhaps one of the most memorable heroines of recent times, across all genres.

12 Neytiri — ‘Avatar’ series (2009-)

Played by Zoe Saldaña

In 2022, a new and long-awaited Avatar sequel was released, and Zoë Saldaña reprised her role in the James Cameron sci-fi action adventure film. The actress plays the bold and brave Neytiri, the lead heroine who actively fights for those she loves with everything she’s got without thinking twice.

Being always willing to leap into combat to protect those she cares about isn’t the only good quality of this memorable on-screen personality. Having undergone great character development, Neytiri is truly a free-spirited yet determined woman who will go to great lengths to do whatever she believes is right.

11 Letty Ortiz — ‘Fast and Furious’ series (2001-)

Played by Michelle Rodriguez

The Fast and Furious franchise is nearing what could be the finish line— with Fast X: Part 2 reportedly months away— and there is no better way to celebrate it than by looking back at some of the most memorable personalities. Whereas Vin Diesel‘s Dom Toretto is at the top of the game, Letty Ortiz (MichelleRodriguez) remains one of the most talked-about female characters in the industry.

Arguably one of the most underappreciated MVPs of the Fast and Furious saga, Letty knows how to fight and takes no flack, never backing down from confrontation. If there is one thing that the franchise has taught audiences, it is that Rodriguez’s character is so much more than a love interest.