Action Films with Tough Girls: A Curated List

Description: Anne Parillaud stars as Nikita, a junkie turned government assassin. Her transformation from a troubled young woman to a deadly operative is both stylish and compelling.

Fact: The film inspired the American TV series "Nikita" and its subsequent adaptations. It was also remade in Hollywood as "Point of No Return."

Description: Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy. Her journey to clear her name involves some of the most intense action sequences, showcasing her as a formidable force in the spy world.

Fact: The film was originally written with a male protagonist in mind, but Angelina Jolie's involvement led to a gender swap. Also, Jolie performed many of her own stunts.

Description: Saoirse Ronan plays Hanna, a teenage assassin raised in the wilderness by her ex-CIA father. Her journey to find her identity and confront her past is filled with intense action and emotional depth.

Fact: The Chemical Brothers composed the film's score, giving it a unique, driving rhythm. Ronan underwent extensive physical training for her role.

Description: Gina Carano, a former MMA fighter, plays a black ops super-soldier who goes on the run after being betrayed. Her real-life fighting skills make the action sequences incredibly authentic.

Fact: The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh, who was inspired by Carano's fighting prowess. The movie features a notable cast including Michael Fassbender and Ewan McGregor.

Description: Zoe Saldana plays Cataleya, a young woman trained as an assassin to avenge her parents' murder. Her journey from a child to a professional killer is both tragic and thrilling.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a sequel to "Léon: The Professional," but it evolved into its own story. Saldana trained extensively in martial arts for the role.

Description: While primarily a comedy, this film features Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy as two mismatched cops who take down a drug ring. Their dynamic and action-packed scenes make it a unique addition to the list.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life dynamic between McCarthy and director Paul Feig. It was also one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies of its time.

Description: Charlize Theron plays Lorraine Broughton, a top-level MI6 spy who kicks, punches, and shoots her way through Berlin during the Cold War. Her blend of style and brutality makes this film a standout in the genre.

Fact: Theron did most of her own stunts, including a 10-minute single-take fight scene. The film also features a soundtrack of 80s hits.

Description: Jennifer Lawrence stars as Dominika Egorova, a Russian intelligence officer trained in seduction and espionage. Her journey from ballerina to spy is both seductive and deadly.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by former CIA officer Jason Matthews. Lawrence learned Russian for the role, although she used a dialect coach to perfect her accent.

Description: Geena Davis stars as a schoolteacher who discovers she's actually a former government assassin. Her journey to reclaim her identity is filled with explosive action and dark humor.

Fact: The film was directed by Renny Harlin, who was married to Davis at the time. It was also one of the first action films to feature a female lead in such a physically demanding role.

Description: Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride, a vengeful assassin, is iconic. This film is a love letter to martial arts and revenge flicks, with The Bride's quest for retribution being both brutal and balletic.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie, but due to its length, it was split into two volumes. Also, the anime sequence was directed by Kazuto Nakazawa.