This collection celebrates the strength, skill, and empowerment of women in cinema through the lens of martial arts. Each film features a female protagonist who is not only adept in various forms of combat but also embodies resilience and determination. These movies not only entertain but also inspire, showing that women can be just as formidable in action as their male counterparts.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Description: Geena Davis stars as Samantha Caine, an amnesiac schoolteacher who discovers she's a former assassin with lethal martial arts abilities.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a female lead in such an action-heavy role.


Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Description: This film features Yu Shu Lien, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, who is skilled in Wudang martial arts. Her character embodies grace and power, fighting alongside other martial arts experts.
Fact: It was the first foreign-language film to win the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar and was nominated for Best Picture.


The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Description: Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, showcases her martial arts skills in this sequel, particularly in the famous highway chase scene.
Fact: The film used "bullet time" photography to capture the martial arts sequences in a visually stunning manner.


DOA: Dead or Alive (2006)
Description: Based on the video game, this film showcases various female fighters competing in a martial arts tournament on an island.
Fact: The film features real-life martial artists like Holly Valance and Jaime Pressly, adding authenticity to the action scenes.


Chocolate (2008)
Description: Featuring Yanin "Jeeja" Vismitananda as an autistic girl with extraordinary martial arts abilities, this film blends action with emotional storytelling.
Fact: Jeeja trained for months to perform her own stunts, showcasing her real-life martial arts skills.


Haywire (2011)
Description: Gina Carano, a former MMA fighter, stars as Mallory Kane, a black ops super soldier. Her real-life fighting skills are on full display, making her role authentic and intense.
Fact: Steven Soderbergh directed this film, known for his unique approach to action sequences.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: Charlize Theron plays Lorraine Broughton, a top-level MI6 spy who uses her martial arts skills to navigate a dangerous mission in Berlin.
Fact: The film's action sequences were choreographed by David Leitch, who also co-directed "John Wick."


The Villainess (2017)
Description: This South Korean film follows Sook-hee, an assassin trained in various martial arts, on her quest for vengeance.
Fact: The opening sequence is a single, uninterrupted 10-minute shot showcasing intense action choreography.


Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Description: Uma Thurman stars as The Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge on her ex-colleagues. Her journey is filled with intense martial arts sequences, showcasing her mastery in various styles.
Fact: The film was inspired by the martial arts movies of the 1970s, and Quentin Tarantino wanted to pay homage to the genre.


The Protector (2005)
Description: While not the main protagonist, the character Pla, played by Petchtai Wongkamlao, is a skilled martial artist who helps the hero in his quest.
Fact: The film features Tony Jaa, who is known for his Muay Thai expertise, but Pla's role adds a unique female martial artist perspective.
