This collection showcases some of the most memorable films where women take centre stage with firearms in hand, breaking stereotypes and delivering high-octane action. These films not only entertain but also empower, showcasing the strength, skill, and resilience of female characters in a genre often dominated by men. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, or just looking for strong female leads, this list has something for everyone.

La Femme Nikita (1990)
Description: This French film, remade in English as "Point of No Return," features Anne Parillaud as Nikita, a young woman trained by the government to become an assassin. Her transformation from a troubled youth to a deadly operative is both thrilling and poignant.
Fact: The film inspired a TV series of the same name, which ran for five seasons.


Salt (2010)
Description: Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy. Her journey to clear her name involves intense action sequences where she expertly handles various firearms, making this film a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was originally written with a male protagonist in mind, but was rewritten for Jolie. The character's name, Salt, was chosen to reflect her ability to adapt to any situation.


Hanna (2011)
Description: Saoirse Ronan plays a teenage assassin raised in the wilderness by her ex-CIA father. Her quest for identity involves intense action sequences where she proves her deadly skills.
Fact: The film's score was composed by The Chemical Brothers, giving it a unique, driving sound.


Haywire (2011)
Description: Gina Carano, a former MMA fighter, plays a black ops super soldier who turns against her employers. Her physical prowess and gun handling make for a gripping action film.
Fact: The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh, who is known for his diverse range of films.


Colombiana (2011)
Description: Zoe Saldana stars as Cataleya, a young woman trained as an assassin to avenge her parents' murder. Her journey is filled with high-stakes action and gunfights.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to "Léon: The Professional," but it evolved into its own story.


The Heat (2013)
Description: While primarily a comedy, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy's characters are FBI agents who handle guns with comedic flair, making it a fun addition to the list.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life dynamic between two female FBI agents.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: Charlize Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 agent sent to Berlin during the Cold War. Her brutal, balletic fight scenes and gunplay are both stylish and intense.
Fact: The film is based on the graphic novel "The Coldest City" by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart.


Red Sparrow (2018)
Description: Jennifer Lawrence stars as Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina turned Russian intelligence operative. Her training includes seduction and espionage, but her ability to handle weapons is equally impressive.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Jason Matthews, a former CIA operative.


The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Description: Geena Davis plays a schoolteacher who discovers she's actually a former government assassin. Her rediscovery of her past includes some of the most memorable gunplay scenes in cinema, showcasing her lethal skills.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a vehicle for Bruce Willis, but the role was rewritten for a female lead when Willis passed.


Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Description: Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge, includes some of the most iconic scenes of a woman with a sword and guns, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie but was split into two volumes due to its length.
