A montage of actresses who have played female action heroes. From top left: Michelle Yeoh, Uma Thurman, Tia Carrere, Linda Hamilton, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Sigourney Weaver, and Lucy Liu.
File:Are female action heroes truly empowering.webm
The following is a list of female action heroes and villains who appear in action films, television shows, comic books, and video games and who are "thrust into a series of challenges requiring physical feats, extended fights, extensive stunts and frenetic chases."[1]
Elizabeth Abele suggests that "the key agency of female action protagonists is their ability to draw on the full range of masculine and feminine qualities in ever-evolving combinations."[2]
Princess Fiona from the Shrek series (2001–2010),[4][5] Queen Lillian and the Fairy Godmother from Shrek 2, and Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty from Shrek the Third (2007)[6]
Elastigirl and Violet (2004)[7] from The Incredibles (2004)[8][9]
Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill (2003–2004)[8][16][9]
Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)[19]
Black Whip from Zorro's Black Whip (1944)
Blue from Jurassic World (2015), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020–2022), and Jurassic World Dominion (2022)[20]
Bugs from The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Carly Spencer from Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Captain Frankie Cook from Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)[8]
Charlene "Charly" Baltimore/Samantha Caine from The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996 film)
Cassie Sullivan from The 5th Wave novel series and film based on the series
Catti-brie from the Forgotten Realms novels by R. A. Salvatore
Daenerys Targaryen from the A Song of Ice and Fire series (1996–2011) by George R.R. Martin[40][41]
Emma Castairs and Cristina Rosales from The Dark Artifices series (2016–2018) by Cassandra Clare
Éowyn from The Lord of the Rings series (1954–1955) by J. R. R. Tolkien[37]
Gum Girl, Ninja-Rina, and Brainstormer from The Gumazing Gum Girl! series (2013–present) by Rhode Montijo
Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley from the Harry Potter series (1997–2007) by J.K. Rowling
Jael from The Female Man by Joanna Russ (1970)
Katniss Everdeen and Johanna Mason from The Hunger Games trilogy (2008–2010) by Suzanne Collins[9][19]
Modesty Blaise from Peter O'Donnell's comic strip (1963–2001) and book series (1965–1996)
Linh Cinder from The Lunar Chronicles series (2012–2015) by Marissa Meyer
Mara Jade from Star Wars Legends (1991–2012)
Molly Millions from Johnny Mnemonic (1981) and Neuromancer (1984) by William Gibson[42]
Nancy Drew from the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories (1930–2004), The Nancy Drew Files (1986–1997) and the Girl Detective (2004–2012) series by Carolyn Keene[43]
Pippi Longstocking from the Pippi Longstocking series (1945–2001) by Astrid Lindgren[44]
Polgara from The Belgariad (1982–1984) and The Malloreon (1987–1991) series by David and Leigh Eddings
Suzy Shooter from the Nightside series (2003–2012) by Simon R. Green[45]
Vin Venture from the Mistborn series (2006–present) by Brandon Sanderson
Visenya Targaryen from the A Song of Ice and Fire series (1996–2011) by George R.R. Martin
Isabelle Lightwood and Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments series (2007–2014) by Cassandra Clare
Tessa Gray, Cecily Herondale and Charlotte Branwell from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
Holly Short and Juliet Butler of the Artemis Fowl series (2001–2012) by Eoin Colfer
Literary villains
Grendel's mother from the anonymous Old English poem Beowulf[46]
The Others from The 5th Wave and film based on the novel: Nickname given by Cassie Sullivan. Extraterrestrial series that devastate humanity and mankind by unleashing a series of waves to kill them. They are sometimes known Silencers.
Maggie Greene, Carol Peletier, Rosita Espinosa, Magna, Yumiko and Connie from The Walking Dead
Aisha Campbell from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Delphine from Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers
Kat Hillard from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Zeo, and Power Rangers Turbo
Tanya Sloan from Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo
Ashley Hammond and Cassie Chan from Power Rangers Turbo and Power Rangers in Space
Maya, Kendrix and Karone from Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Kelsey Winslow and Dana Mitchell from Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue
Katie Walker and Jennifer "Jen" Scotts from Power Rangers Time Force
Taylor Earhardt and Alyssa Enrilé from Power Rangers Wild Force
Tori Hanson from Power Rangers Ninja Storm
Kira Ford from Power Rangers Dino Thunder
Elizabeth "Z" Delgado and Sydney "Syd" Drew from Power Rangers S.P.D.
Angie Diaz as Vida "V" Rocca, Udonna and Madison "Maddie" Rocca from Power Rangers Mystic Force
Veronica "Ronny" Robinson and Rose Ortiz from Power Rangers Operation Overdrive
Lily Chilman and Master Guin from Power Rangers Jungle Fury
Summer Landsdown and Gemma from Power Rangers RPM
Emily Stewart, Lauren Shiba and Mia Watanabe from Power Rangers Samurai and Power Rangers Super Samurai
Emma Goodall and Gia Moran from Power Rangers Megaforce and Power Rangers Super Megaforce
Shelby Watkins and Kendall Morgan from Power Rangers Dino Charge and Power Rangers Dino Super Charge
Hayley Foster and Sarah Thompson from Power Rangers Ninja Steel and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel
Zoey Reeves from Power Rangers Beast Morphers
Amelia Jones and Izzy Garcia in Power Rangers Dino Fury
Peggy Matsuyama from Himitsu Sentai Gorenger
Helena Kyle, Barbara Gordon and Dinah Redmond from Birds of Prey
Ilsa Pucci and Ames from Human Target
Mary "Zed" Martin from Constantine
Sarah Essen, Barbara Kean and Renee Montoya from Gotham
White Canary and Hawkgirl from Legends of Tomorrow
Emily Locke from Powerless
Lyta-Zod from Krypton
Thunder and Lightning from Black Lightning
Starfire and Raven from Titans
Abigail "Abby" Arcane from Swamp Thing
Angela Abar, Laurie Blake and Lady Trieu from Watchmen
Crazy Jane, Elasti-Woman, and Madame Rouge from Doom Patrol
Marie Moreau, Mini Cricket, Cate Dunlap and Indira Shetty from Gen V
The females from Sweet Tooth
Lucienne from The Sandman
Crystal Palace, Jenny the Butcher, Night Nurse, Esther and Niko from Dead Boy Detectives
Naomi McDuffie from Naomi
Leota Adebayo and Emilia Harcourt from Peacemaker
Duela Dent, Robin, Harper Row, and Stephanie Brown from Gotham Knights
Sofia Falcone in The Penguin
Tina McGee in The Flash
Echo and Bonnie from Echo
G'iah, Maria Hill and Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion
Layla El-Faouly from Moon Knight
The females from Runaways
The females from Legion
Echo, Yelena Belova and Laura Barton from Hawkeye
Jessica Jones in The Defenders
Kamala Khan, Nakia Bahadir and Aisha in Ms. Marvel
Peggy Carter from Agent Carter
Tandy Bowen from Cloak & Dagger
Elektra Natchios from Daredevil
Sharon Carter and Karli Morgenthau from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Medusa and Crystal from Inhumans
Colleen Wing, Joy Meachum and Mary Walker from Iron Fist
Jessica Jones, Trish Walker and Jeri Hogarth from Jessica Jones
Ravonna Renslayer, Verity Willis and Miss Minutes from Loki
Mercedes "Misty" Knight, Mariah Dillard and Tilda Johnson from Luke Cage
Melinda May, Daisy Johnson / Quake, Jemma Simmons, Barbara "Bobbi" Morse and Elena "Yo-Yo" Rodriguez from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot
Karen Page and Sarah Lieberman from The Punisher
Jennifer Walters from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Wanda Maximoff, Monica Rambeau and Agatha Harkness from WandaVision
Any female from What If...?
Kimiko Miyashiro from The Boys
Animated television series
See also: female action heroes and villains in the section for anime.
Marissa Faireborn from The Transformers (1984–1987)
Millie from Helluva Boss
Sam from Totally Spies! (2001–2014)
Sari Sumdac from Transformers: Animated (2007–2009)
She-Ra from She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985–1987)[11]
Sophia Paramount from Bob Morane
The Gems from Steven Universe
The princesses from LoliRock
Yumi and Aelita from Code Lyoko
Ladybug, Alya, Chloé Bourgeois and any young female with kwamis from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Calamity Jane from The Legend of Calamity Jane
April O'Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Jennifer Julian and Rebecca Wong from Chris Colorado
The females from Alienators: Evolution Continues
Penny from Inspector Gadget and Gadget & the Gadgetinis
Luea from Kong: The Animated Series
The twins sisters from Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action!
Calamity Jane from Lucky Luke
Cyana Baarha from Malo Korrigan
Stacey Bonner and Seattle Montoya from Stargate Infinity
Giga-Woman from Captain Biceps
Megan from SpieZ! Nouvelle Génération / The Amazing Spiez!
Dale Arden and Thundar from Flash Gordon
Miss Lestrade from Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century
Sixe from Tripping the Rift
Marianne Flambelle from Marianne 1ère
Mia and her female friends from Mia and Me
Niko from Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers
Juge J.B. McBride from Bravestarr
Kylie from Extreme Ghostbusters
Steelheart from SilverHawks
Jedda from Defenders of the Earth
Futura from Ghostbusters
Helen Bennett and Meg Bennett from Bionic Six
Katerina Anastasia from Spiral Zone
Galadria from Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light
Females policeman from COPS
Females Cops from Police Academy
Patty Putty and Terri Cloth from Garbage Pail Kids
Princess Lana from Captain N
Any female commando from GI JOE
Lydia from Beetlejuice
2 females from Captain Planet and the Planeteers
2 females from James Bond Jr
Hannah Dundee from Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
Elisa Maza, Angela and Demona from Gargoyles
Eva Kant from Diabolik
Nancy from RoboCop: Alpha Commando
Lewis from Robocop: The Animated Series
Jade Chan from Jackie Chan Adventures
Princess Bubblegum and Marceline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time
Raf, Uri and Miki from Angel's Friends
Zhalia Moon and Sophie Casterwill from Huntik: Secrets & Seekers
Arkayna Goodfey, Emerald Goldenbraid, Zarya Moonwolf and Piper Willowbrook from Mysticons
Twinkle Starglitter and Ruby from Super 4
The ghouls from the longs films of Monster High
The girls from Lego Friends
Emily Jones and female elves from Lego Elves
Princess Sélénia from Arthur and the Invisibles
Alexis from Transformers Armada
Lori Jiménez from Transformers: Cybertron
Misha Miramond from Transformers: Energon
Miko Nakadai from Transformers: Prime
Dani Burns and Francine "Frankie" Elma Greene from Transformers: Rescue Bots
Kylie Griffin from Extreme Ghostbusters
Janine Melnitz and Catherine (one of the Junior Ghostbusters) from The Real Ghostbusters
Jedda Walker from Defenders of the Earth
April O'Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Sagan Cruz from Phantom 2040
Princess Unikitty, Dr. Fox, Master Doom and Flamurtle from Unikitty!
Nova and Jinmay from Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!
Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Violet "Vi" from Arcane (2021–2024)
Webby Vanderquck, Della Duck, Mrs. Beakley, Penumbra, Daisy Duck and Gosalyn Waddlemeyer from DuckTales
Star Butterfly, Moon Butterfly, Eclipsa Butterfly, Meteora Butterfly, most previous Butterfly family members, Mina Loveberry, Hekapoo, Janna Ordonia and Pony Head from Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Anne Boonchuy, Polly Plantar, Sasha Waybright, Marcy Wu, Ivy Sundew, General Yunan and Lady Olivia from Amphibia
Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Eda Clawthorne, Lilith Clawthorne, Willow Park, Camila Noceda, many of the female coven leaders, Kikimora and other females from The Owl House
Numbuh 3/Kuki Sanbun and Numbuh 5/Abigail Lincoln from Codename: Kids Next Door
Felicity from Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty
Miko Kubota from Glitch Techs
Kipo Oak and Wolf from Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Mabel Pines and Wendy Courdroy from Gravity Falls
Reggie Abbott and Esther from Twelve Forever
Sylvia and Lord Dominator from Wander Over Yonder
Adorabat from Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
Tara Duncan and the female friends from Tara Duncan
Millie and Loona from Helluva Boss
BG/Gudule from Miss BG
Yadina Riddle from Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
Brendar from The Barbarian and the Troll
Ivy from Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?
Carmen Sandiego from Carmen Sandiego
Any female from Marvel Animation and Marvel Studios Animation
Vera and Daphne from Scooby-Doo
3 ladies from Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels
The females in Hazbin Hotel
Warden Sarah Fisher from Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix
Uzi Doorman, V and Cyn from Murder Drones
Anime
Antoinette "Tony" Dubois from Reporter Blues
Princess Sapphire from Princess Knight by Osamu Tetsuka
Princess Hime, Liliane, Lisa Wildman and Reiri Kamura from Princess Resurrection
Simone from La Seine no Hoshi
Angie Islington from Angie Girl
Lady Armaroid from Cobra
Marina from Galaxy Express 999
Lalabel from Lalabel
Megu-Chan (Little Meg the Witch Girl) from Majokko Megu-chan
Ymir Fritz and her daughters Maria, Rose, and Sina from Attack on Titan
Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue from Lycoris Recoil
Clare and other silver hair Claymorer/Witch from Claymore
Ada Wong, Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Rebecca Chambers, Sheva Alomar, Sherry Birkin (only RE6), Helena Harper, and Mia Winters, from Resident Evil series
Alisa Bosconovitch, Anna Williams, Asuka Kazama, Christie Monteiro, Lucky Chloe, Jun Kazama, Michelle Chang, Nina Williams, Julia Chang and Ling Xiaoyu[84] from Tekken series
Amélie Lacroix (Widowmaker), Brigitte Lindholm, Moira O'Deorain and Mercy from Overwatch; Aleksandra Zaryanova (Zarya), Ana Amari, Lena Oxton (Tracer), Hana Song (D.Va), and Mei-Ling Zhou from Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm
Brianna Kae from Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Cammy White, C. Viper, Chun-Li, Kolin, Laura Matsuda, Lucia Morgan, Menat, Makoto, Maki Genryusai, Ibuki, Rainbow Mika, Sakura Kasugano, and Rose from Final Fight & Street Fighter series
Carmen Isabella Sandiego from Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
Cassie Cage, Jade, Mileena, Princess Kitana, Queen Sindel, Skarlet, Sonya Blade and Tanya from Mortal Kombat series
Caeda, Celica, Lachesis, Mareeta, Sue, Lyn, Lilina, Eirika, Elincia, Micaiah, Anna, Lissa, Lucina, Sumia, Robin, Hinoka, Camilla and Edelgard from Fire Emblem series
Carmilla, Sypha Belnades, Maria Renard, Carrie Fernández, Shanoa, Charlotte Aulin, Stella Lecarde, Loretta Lecarde, Yoko and Celia Fortner from Castlevania series
Lucia (Pheromone Contra), Tasha, Sheena Etranzi/CX-2, Black Viper, Tsugu-Min/BR-W9, Krystal, Sayuri, Sally Inohara, Erica Ricci, and Ms. Harakiri from Contra series
Rachel Alucard, Noel Vermillion, Es Mitsurugi (Nobody), Platinum the Trinity, Bullet, Celica A. Mercury, Makoto Nanaya, Kokonoe, Mu-12 and Nu-13 from BlazBlue
↑Knight, Gladys L. (2010). Female action heroes: a guide to women in comics, video games, film, and television. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Greenwood. p. 176. ISBN978-0313376122.
↑Knight, Gladys L. (2010). Female action heroes: a guide to women in comics, video games, film, and television. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Greenwood. p. 245. ISBN978-0313376122.
↑Janik, Erika (26 April 2016). "CHAPTER SIX: Girl Detectives". Pistols and Petticoats: 175 Years of Lady Detectives in Fact and Fiction. Beacon Press. ISBN978-0807039380.
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↑Jones, Norma, ed (2014). Heroines of film and television: portrayals in popular culture. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 192. ISBN978-1442231498.
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