When you think about the biggest action stars in Hollywood, your mind might go to some great male actors. But we’re here to remind you not to overlook some amazing actresses who have made their name as female action icons.
While there haven’t been as many action movies with strong female characters in the lead, the trend is changing in recent years, with more women in leading action roles. It’s important to recognize all the hard work, training, and effort that goes into playing an action role. So, let’s take a look at some actresses who have become female action icons.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is probably best known for her action role in The Avengers movies. She plays the part of a Russian spy and assassin Natasha Romanoff and is also known by her alias Black Widow. She’s got so many action-packed scenes in the Marvel movies and has pulled off some impressive stunts. Her character got her own movie Black Widow this year. Johansson also played an action lead in the movie Lucy, which was released in 2014.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot plays DC Comic’s Wonder Woman. She played this role in Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman: 1984 (2020). In both movies, she carries the lead action role so well and performs stunts and action scenes in a way that has us on the edges of our seats. Gal Gadot is no stranger to action, though, because she is also an Israeli military vet.
Angelina Jolie
Angela Jolie is an incredible actress who has made a name for herself in the industry. She has played many different kinds of roles but is no stranger when it comes to action movies. She played the role of adventurer Lara Croft in two Tomb Raider movies. Jolie has also played action leads in the movies Salt (2010) and Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005).
Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale is one of the first actresses we think of when we think of female action icons. She’s been acting for over two decades now and has played many action roles. She is best known for her role as Vampire warrior Selene in the Underworld franchise. Her character is on a journey to avenge her family in the four films and has many action-packed scenes.
Zoe Saldana
Almost all of Zoe Saldana’s movie roles have been action parts. She is best known for her role as Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The green-skinned superhero has many action and fight scenes, and Saldana does them effortlessly. She also played the role of Uhura in J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies and had an action role in James Cameron’s Avatar.
Nobody does an action movie better than these five actresses. They’ve shown incredible talent and skill in their action roles, and we couldn’t be prouder to call them our female action icons.
