Top 10 Kick-Ass Female Supporting Characters in Action Movies
Even though they weren't leading ladies, these characters completely dominated the silver screen! Join MsMojo as we countdown down our picks for the Top 10 Kick-Ass Female Supporting Characters in Action Movies.
For this list, we're focusing specifically on female characters that played a pivotal role in action flicks, but didn't quite guide the narrative. A spoiler alert is also in order.
Special thanks to our user NickSpake1 for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv
#10: Elena Montero “The Mask of Zorro” (1998)
This Latina bombshell is as beautiful as she is badass. Despite being raised by the film’s villain, Elena grows up with a strong sense of honor and morality. The long-lost daughter of the original Zorro, she’s also quite gifted with a sword. Actually, she has even more fencing experience than the new Zorro and nearly bests the masked vigilante in a heated duel. Since Elena is such a noble fighter, though, she’s caught off guard when her opponent resorts to cheap shots. Even when her dress is cut off, however, she holds her head high and never surrenders. Passionate, alluring, and vigorous, Elena definitely leaves her mark.
#9: Rayna Boyanov “Spy” (2015)
As the daughter of a notorious arms dealer, Rayna plans to sell a nuke that could cause a global catastrophe. Elegant, sardonic, and deadly, she’s virtually the opposite of Susan Cooper, a bumbling CIA analyst. When Susan infiltrates the enemy’s inner circle, this villainous femme fatale acts as a wonderful comedic foil for our unlikely heroine. Rayna is resilient in the field of action and pulls no punches when it comes to insulting Susan. But as coldblooded and mean-spirited as Rayna can be, she eventually becomes Susan’s frenemy. Even when revealing her softer side, though, she still comes off like a Bond girl meets a mean girl.
#8: Ms. Perkins “John Wick” (2014)
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Much like the titular character of this cool action flick, Ms. Perkins is something of an enigma. Little is known about her past. In fact, her first name isn’t even revealed. But this just makes Ms. Perkins all the more fascinating. The only thing we really need to know is that she’s a merciless assassin who will take on any target for the right price. She fears nobody – not even the Boogeyman – and that’s because she’s good at what she does. Of course no matter how kick-ass you are, messing with John Wick is never a good idea. Ms. Perkins should’ve realized that even assassins must live by a code and when they break the rules, they must atone.
#7: Nicolette ‘Nicky’ Parsons “Bourne” franchise (2002-)
When she first appeared in “The Bourne Identity,” Nicolette Parsons didn’t do anything particularly kick-ass. She was just a field operative helping to track down Jason Bourne. As the story progresses, however, Nicky evolves into one of Jason’s most helpful allies. In “The Bourne Ultimatum,” Nicky risks her career, freedom, and life to help our hero evade the authorities. It’s unknown why exactly she puts everything on the line for Jason, though there’s a hint that Nicky is harboring romantic feelings for him. She may also just want to give a reformed assassin a second chance. In any case, Nicky proves herself to be much stronger, smarter, and cooler than anybody initially thought. She’s truly this franchise’s unsung heroine.
#6: Jen Yu “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)
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In addition to being a fiercely gifted warrior, Jen Yu is also arguably the most complex individual in this martial arts masterpiece. Forced to marry a man she doesn’t love, this spirited young lady longs for a life of adventure. Unable to go through with her arranged marriage, she’s encouraged to run away and steal the Green Destiny sword. With this almighty sword, Jen can destroy any weapon and triumph over any adversary. This power causes Jen to become arrogant, however, clashing with anyone who stands in her way. Through tragedy and defeat, Jen sees the error of her selfish ways and seeks redemption. In the end, Jen learns to be true to herself and takes a leap of faith.
#5: Elle ‘California Mountain Snake’ Driver “Kill Bill” (2003-04)
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Another strong female character created by Mr. Tarantino, this one-eyed assassin is one of Bill’s most loyal followers and one of the Bride’s most deadly adversaries. Although Elle respects the Bride as a warrior, she also envies her relationship with Bill. Because of this, she has no reservations about shooting up the Bride’s wedding. Like a cold-blooded snake, Elle tends to poison her unsuspecting victims. Of course she’s more than capable of handling a sword too. While Vernita Green was another worthy candidate for this list, Elle deserves bonus points for her ruthless nature and complicated history with our protagonist. When the two finally face off, the Bride teaches Elle the meaning of the phrase, “an eye for an eye.”
#4: Ilsa Faust “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015)
Caught in the middle of MI6 and the Syndicate, this mysterious double agent constantly keeps us guessing. The audience rarely knows if Ilsa is an ally of Ethan Hunt or if she’s just waiting to stab him in the back. All we know for sure is that she’s a force to be reckoned with. As a trained assassin, Ilsa can handle virtually any firearm. She’s also quite skilled with a knife. Even when unarmed, she can still get out of trouble with her deadly set of legs. Ilsa knows how to make a grand entrance and how to make an explosive exit too. She left such a huge impression that her return has already been confirmed for “Mission: Impossible 6.” #3: Vesper Lynd “Casino Royale” (2006)
The “James Bond” franchise has given us numerous unforgettable ladies, although few have been as intoxicating as Vesper Lynd. This foreign liaison agent is much more than a sex object. She’s an intelligent, resourceful, and determined individual who will do anything for the ones she cares about. Vesper emerges as a partner that James genuinely admires, nearly motivating him to walk away from his life of espionage. Alas, Vesper is withholding a dark secret that ultimately drives them apart. She might have left Mr. Bond with a bitter taste in his mouth, but every time 007 drinks a Vesper martini, he can’t help but think about the spy he loved.
#2: Letty Ortiz “The Fast and the Furious” franchise (2001-)
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without Michelle Rodriguez, who’s based her entire career around playing badass chicks. Her most prominent character has got to be Letty, an experienced racer and thief, not to mention the love of Dominic Toretto’s life. Much like her fellow crewmate Gisele, Letty stands out as a confident, brave, and driven woman without calling attention to herself and and instead lets characters like Dom and Brian take the main stage. In other words, Letty’s just part of the family and everybody treats her with the respect she deserves. We were all heartbroken when it looked like Letty had met her end in the fourth “Fast & Furious” installment. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for this unstoppable dame to come back from the dead. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - Gazelle “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014) - Isabella Molina “Rush Hour 2” (2001)
#1: Marion Ravenwood “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
When Indiana Jones sets out to locate the Ark of the Covenant, this streetwise, headstrong woman rises up as his new partner. Aside from being able to drink almost anybody under the table, Marion knows how to handle herself in a fight. Even when she’s armed with nothing but a frying pan, Marion can still come out on top. Granted, Nazis do kidnap Marion on more than one occasion, but she never becomes a conventional damsel in distress. With an untamable spirit, Marion takes crap from no one and always maintains a feisty personality. Plus, she can throw a punch like no other. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the most kick-ass female supporting character in an action movie? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
