15 top women-led action movies

By Baheen Qadri

Modified Jan 03, 2025 05:07 ET

Charlize Theron in The Old Guard by Netflix

8) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Image via Prime Video

Ang Lee's martial arts epic was a redefinition of its genre with breathtaking visuals and emotional depth. Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi lead the story, which weaves together honor, love, and rebellion. The bamboo forest duel of the film became an iconic cinematic moment as poetic choreography blends with raw power. It brought wuxia to the global audience and garnered four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. Here are the strengths of the female lead played by Yeoh in Yu Shu Lien, and how Zhang's Jen Yu is both rebellious and strong.

Shop the Looks of Your Favorite Stars Shop All

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

As seen on Joshua Morrow in Y&R

$695 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

Credits: Peacock

Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

As seen on Greg Rikaart in DOOL

$249 at Trina Turk

Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

As seen on Zuleyka Silver in Y&R

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

$209.99 at Macys

Chelsea’s black and brown printed shirtdress by Rails

Chelsea’s black and brown printed shirtdress by Rails

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

$268 at Nordstrom

Nate’s leather jacket by John Varvatos

Nate’s leather jacket by John Varvatos

As seen on Sean Dominic in Y&R

$598 at John Varvatos

Lois’s black chevron fair-isle sweater by All Saints

Credits: Peacock

Lois’s black chevron fair-isle sweater by All Saints

As seen on Rena Sofer in GH

$209.25 at Nordstrom

Sophia’s green striped star sweater by Urban Outfitters

Credits: Peacock

Sophia’s green striped star sweater by Urban Outfitters

As seen on Madelyn Kientz in DOOL

Tate’s navy plaid button down shirt by All Saints

Credits: Peacock

Tate’s navy plaid button down shirt by All Saints

As seen on Leo Howard in DOOL

$221.61 at Zappos

Rachel’s white floral smocked dress by Zunie

Credits: Peacock

Rachel’s white floral smocked dress by Zunie

As seen on Finley Rose Slater in DOOL

Ava’s floral Floral Peasant Top by Rag & Bone

Credits: Peacock

Ava’s floral Floral Peasant Top by Rag & Bone

As seen on Tamara Braun in DOOL

$123 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Tessa’s red coat by Simkhai

Tessa’s red coat by Simkhai

As seen on Cait Fairbanks in Y&R

$995 at Revolve

Phyllis’s brown twist front ruched dress by Ronny Kobo

Phyllis’s brown twist front ruched dress by Ronny Kobo

As seen on Michelle Stafford in Y&R

$470.40 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Summer’s black button front leather dress by L'Agence

Summer’s black button front leather dress by L'Agence

As seen on Allison Lanier in Y&R

$595 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Mariah’s brown checked coat by DKNY

Mariah’s brown checked coat by DKNY

As seen on Camryn Grimes in Y&R

$299.99 at Macys

Mariah’s Striped Sweater by DKNY

Mariah’s Striped Sweater by DKNY

As seen on Camryn Grimes in Y&R

$49.50 at Macys

Sally’s classic jolene bag by Pinko

Sally’s classic jolene bag by Pinko

As seen on Courtney Hope in Y&R

$355 at Farfetch

Sally’s plaid skirt by Maje

Sally’s plaid skirt by Maje

As seen on Courtney Hope in Y&R

$45.99 at Nordstrom

Stephanie’s blue wrap mini dress by Maje

Credits: Peacock

Stephanie’s blue wrap mini dress by Maje

As seen on Abigail Klein in DOOL

Comment

Edited by Apoorva Jujjavarapu