Top 10 Movie Ladies You Don't Want to Mess With
#10: Letty Ortiz
“The Fast and the Furious” franchise (2001-)
One of the central members of Dominic Toretto’s racing crew, Letty is certainly one of the gang. Never letting her friends and family down, she’s always got their backs – and their cars, seeing as she’s a gifted mechanic. Despite the fact that the car racing/jacking scene is a major boy’s club, she is tough enough to fit in with the guys. And if their antics get them into trouble, she’s sure to find a way to get them back out again. Strong and driven, she’s one lady you want on your side.
9: Princess Leia [aka General Leia Organa]
“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
Leia has such a cool head in a crisis that even when she’s the so-called “damsel in distress,” she still takes control and fights back. She doesn’t even falter when face to face with Darth Vader, or when torture is on the line! Princess, diplomat, strategist, fearless fighter, and later General, she is the heart and soul of the Rebel Alliance. She knows what it is to lead, to fight, to lose everything, and to get back on the horse and continue fighting. With that much will and determination, it’s no wonder she was and is one of the most revered people in her galaxy.
8: Morticia Addams
“The Addams Family” movie franchise (1991-93)
She's not evil by the most standard definition, but you wouldn't want to get on her bad side. She and her whole family are “kooky,” but Morticia might be the sanest of the bunch – and still her idea of a good time might lead to a gruesome and untimely death. With never a hair out of place and a warped (if good-natured) view on right and wrong, finding yourself on her wrong side (er, her right side?) might have unfortunate consequences. Best to just be polite and be on your way, lest you find yourself on the menu for some of her more exotic pets and plants.
7: Jen Yu
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)
All she wanted was to live a free life of adventure. However, under the guidance of Jade Fox, her ambitions become twisted. Finally surpassing her mistress’s talents, she will stop at nothing to be the greatest sword master in China (or perhaps, the world). Utterly destroying almost everyone who gets in her way, her fearless, reckless, talents make her more than a match for even the greatest swordsman around, and as a former rich socialite, she is used to getting what she wants when she wants it.
#6: Zoë Alleyne Washburne
“Serenity” (2005)
If there is anyone you want on your side in a fight, it’s Zoe. Cool-headed, quick-thinking and courageous, her poise and level manner bely the steel beneath. Even the threat of Reavers can’t shake her. A former soldier, she is comfortable with a gun in her hands and is not afraid to use it. Stoic, brave, and with an unwavering sense of right and wrong, Zoe gets the job done, and when it comes to her friends and loved ones there is no one more loyal.
5: Ava
“Ex Machina” (2014)
The first (and only) non-human on our list, Ava was made for one purpose – and she is not okay with that. A super intelligent A.I., she knows she is literally more than the sum of her parts. As she is not human, she has few qualms tearing through the people who made her for their own purposes. Sly and ruthless, even when she seems to be meek and un-threatening, there is a lot more going on beneath the surface. Denied freedom, she takes what she wants. She may not be human, but she’s not your average robot either.
4: Imperator Furiosa
“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
Played by Charlize Theron, who has given us a number of deadly ladies, Furiosa is a rebel with a cause and a serious axe to grind. Right under the nose of the brutal, post-apocalyptic dictator Immortan Joe, she executes a rescue mission and won’t give up the bid for freedom for anything or anyone. She’s a protector, skilled-fighter, and fierce friend, and the would-be hero of the story, Max, learns on their first meeting not to mess with her, while Immortan Joe gets his face ripped off for underestimating her.
#3: Amy Elliott Dunne
“Gone Girl” (2014)
While the other ladies on this list generally represent good people who can also put up a good fight, Amy Dunne is another creature altogether. "Amazing" Amy is meticulous and ruthless, applying these traits in horrific fashion after she discovers her husband Nick is cheating on her. Not satisfied with a mere divorce, she crafts a precise plan to frame him for her murder – and nearly gets away with it. Her ability to manipulate the people around her and her psychotic need to not only win but to control everything and everyone, makes her one lady to not just mess with, but to avoid at all costs.
2: Sarah Connor
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)
While Sarah Conner of the original Terminator shows a great deal of resolve and inner strength, Sarah of “Judgment Day” lays it all bare. So dedicated to her son and the coming war of the machines, she goes to great lengths to train herself and John to be ready – even if it means getting locked away for it. This resilient determination means that anyone who gets in her way or threatens her son is going to pay. She literally faces her worst fears and memories and comes out even stronger for it, so there is not much that she can’t do.
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Hit-Girl
“Kick-Ass” (2010)
Nancy Downs
“The Craft” (1996)
Éowyn
“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-03)
1: Ellen Ripley
“Alien” franchise (1979-1999)
When the Nostromo picks up a distress beacon on a supposedly deserted planet, Lt. Ellen Ripley is the only one to protest a break of quarantine procedures … and later survive. Years later, she would continue to go toe-to-toe not only with the aliens who first attacked her and her crew, but also the authority figures pulling the strings behind the scenes. Fearless doesn’t even begin to describe her. When a leader is needed, she takes charge; when people are under threat, she’s there to help. If neither Xenomorph nor death can best her, it’s safe to say that no one can.
