Presenting: The Most Badass Feminist Action Flicks of All Damn Time

Excuse me ma'am, do you love watching strong women kick ass and take names? Same, which is why I turn to feminist action movies for a healthy dose of ✨female empowerment.✨ Like a powerful feminist anthem, action movies with female leads will remind you that femininity and strength go hand in hand—and the world in which women are always relegated to the role of damsel in distress or sexy sidekick is O-V-E-R. Yes, Bond girls are hot and sometimes even have agency, but I like my action stars with a lil more dimension, mmkay?

Even the Mission Impossible movies eventually learned that it's always better when the women get in on the action–but let's be real, those movies will always be about Tom Cruise. I feel the same way about The Matrix. Trinity rules, but they're about Neo. Let's shine a light on the female action heroes who are the true stars of the show. The main characters, if you will. Whether you're in the mood for a movie about female assassins, agents, vigilantes, villains, spies, superheroes, or anything in between, I've got the perfect pick for you. There are classics and newer obsessions. And while, admittedly, many of these women-led action films involve spandex ensembles and pointy high heels, they thankfully don't ALL solely rely on all the typical female action star tropes. All I'm ever asking for is a little variety. As long as some of these protags look comfortable I'll suspend my disbelief for less practical 'stumes in other movies.

The best female action movies say🖕to the male gaze and misogyny, and if you're in the mood for some badassery, then these fun, feminist flicks are for you. Plus, as a bonus, many of these movies were directed by women, too. We love to see it.