If you loved the intense action, gripping revenge plot, and stunning cinematography of 'The Villainess' (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, complex female leads, and jaw-dropping fight sequences. Whether you're a fan of revenge sagas or high-octane action, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

La Femme Nikita (1990)
Description: Centers on a female criminal transformed into a deadly assassin, exploring themes of identity and redemption. The film combines stylish action with emotional depth and a cold, detached tone.
Fact: The film inspired multiple adaptations, including a U.S. remake and a TV series. It was director Luc Besson's breakthrough in international cinema.


Lady Snowblood (1973)
Description: A classic revenge tale featuring a female assassin with a tragic past. The film's stylized violence and poetic storytelling set a benchmark for the genre.
Fact: The film heavily influenced Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series. It was based on a manga of the same name.


Oldboy (2003)
Description: A dark, revenge-driven narrative with visceral action and psychological depth. The film's visual style is striking, blending brutal violence with poetic cinematography.
Fact: The famous hallway hammer fight scene was shot in one take. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.


Salt (2010)
Description: Follows a highly trained spy on the run, blending high-stakes action with a twist-filled plot. The protagonist's skills and moral ambiguity mirror those of a classic assassin narrative.
Fact: The role was originally written for a male actor, with Tom Cruise considered before Angelina Jolie was cast. The film's climax features a daring escape from the White House.


Hanna (2011)
Description: Focuses on a young girl trained as an assassin, blending coming-of-age themes with brutal action. The film's fairy-tale-like atmosphere and relentless pace are distinctive.
Fact: The Chemical Brothers composed the film's electronic score. Saoirse Ronan trained in martial arts and weaponry for the role.


Haywire (2011)
Description: Features a female operative betrayed by her own organization, leading to a series of brutal, realistic fight scenes. The film's stripped-down, no-nonsense approach to action stands out.
Fact: Gina Carano, a former MMA fighter, performed all her own stunts. The film's action sequences were designed to highlight her combat skills.


The Raid 2 (2014)
Description: Delivers brutal, hyper-violent action with intricate fight choreography and a relentless pace. The story revolves around an undercover operative navigating a dangerous criminal hierarchy.
Fact: The film's fight scenes were rehearsed for months before shooting. It features one of the most intense and lengthy prison yard brawls in action cinema.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: Features a highly skilled female assassin with intense, stylized action sequences and a gritty, neon-lit aesthetic. The film blends espionage with brutal hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing a cold, calculating protagonist.
Fact: The film's action scenes were choreographed by the same team behind John Wick. Charlize Theron performed most of her own stunts, including a famous one-take stairwell fight scene.


Lucy (2014)
Description: A woman gains extraordinary abilities and becomes a lethal force, combining sci-fi elements with intense action. The film's visual style and themes of transformation and power are central.
Fact: The film's premise is loosely based on the myth that humans only use 10% of their brains. It was shot in multiple countries, including Taiwan and France.


John Wick (2014)
Description: Known for its relentless, high-octane action and a protagonist driven by revenge. The film's visual style emphasizes sleek, kinetic fight choreography and a dark, atmospheric underworld setting.
Fact: Keanu Reeves underwent extensive firearms and martial arts training for the role. The film's 'gun-fu' style was inspired by Hong Kong action cinema.
