July is turning out to be a red-hot month for Netflix. The streaming giant is rolling out a packed lineup of new originals, spanning gritty crime, emotional drama, supernatural horror, and big-budget fantasy. Whether you’re into fast-paced thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or introspective anime, this month’s slate has something ready to steal your weekend. Let’s count down the 10 best Netflix originals dropping this July—from promising newcomers to highly anticipated sequels.

10. Marked

Direct from South Africa, Marked is a crime drama with heavy emotional stakes. It tells the story of Babalwa, a retired cop who has no choice but to become a criminal when her daughter’s life depends on it. With time almost up to pay for a life-or-death operation, she orchestrates a heist that might save it all or destroy it all. Produced by Stan Rogers and directed by Akin Omotoso, with a strong cast of Lerato Mvelase and Desmond Dube, this six-part series combines raw emotion and high-stakes action. 

9. Leanne

Need a feel-good marathon? Leanne delivers cozy laughs and heart in equal proportions. Based on comedian Leanne Morgan’s life and stand-up, the series tracks a woman through divorce after decades of matrimony. With her family supporting her (in their offbeat ways), she’s learning to rebuild and rediscover herself. With guidance from comedy pros Susan McMartin and Chuck Lorre, and a bountiful 16-episode first season, Leanne is a comfort-watch gem.

8. Glass Heart

In Glass Heart, redemption comes in the form of music. This Japanese drama, adapted from a novel by Mio Wakagi, features Yu Miyazaki as a drummer who gets kicked out of her band and discovers a new life with a young and rising band fronted by Takeru Satoh. It’s one of artistic rebirth, marked by highs and lows, and electrifying performances that may just have you cheering for the underdog—and getting a few songs into your playlist.

7. Trigger

If you’re craving a pulse-pounding K-drama, Trigger delivers. Set in a South Korea suddenly awash in illegal firearms, the series follows two men caught in the chaos. Kim Nam Gil headlines in what’s already being called one of his most intense performances to date. With a gripping premise, explosive action, and real-world stakes, Trigger is perfect for those who like their thrillers sharp and socially charged.

6. Untamed

Mystery and wildness meet in Untamed, a six-part limited series within the epic landscape of Yosemite National Park. When the sudden and inexplicable death of a woman puts her into the crosshairs of federal investigators, all hell breaks loose as secrets start to unravel in a world where civilization’s rules do not reign. Starring Eric Bana, Sam Neill, and Rosemarie DeWitt, and featuring creative minds behind The Revenant and American Primeval guiding the narrative, this six-part thriller is raw, haunting, and made for binge-watching.

5. Too Much

Rom-coms are alive and kicking in Too Much, the newest from Lena Dunham and the Notting Hill team. Megan Stalter stars as a newly dumped New Yorker who relocates to London in search of a new beginning—and finds herself falling for an eccentric musician, played by Will Sharpe. Emily Ratajkowski completes the cast, and Too Much is sweet, cringeworthy, and heartfelt—the messy love affair that somehow feels refreshingly authentic.

4. Under a Dark Sun

This mystery-tinged French drama combines depth of feeling with a slow-burning sense of suspense. Isabelle Adjani stars as a woman with a haunted past who is suspected of murdering the new boss at her workplace, before discovering he could be her father, whom she never knew. Inheritance, identity, and old family wounds are at stake here, so Under a Dark Sun goes for prolonged suspense. If you like complex storylines and atmospheric European noir, this might be your secret gem of the month.

3. The Summer Hikaru Died

Eerie, emotional anime fans are not going to want to miss The Summer Hikaru Died. Adapted from the manga by Mokumokuren, this horror slice-of-life film delves into mourning, friendship, and something darker. In the aftermath of a deadly accident, Hikaru returns—but he is not the same. When Yoshiki has trouble accepting what his best friend is now like, their quiet village becomes sinister. It’s weird, slow-burning, and quietly heartbreaking.

2. The Old Guard 2

Charlize Theron returns as Andy, the eternally regenerating warrior we initially encountered in The Old Guard. Times have changed, though—Andy’s not immortal anymore, and a new menace is on the horizon. Rejoining her squad, she’ll need to battle once more for humanity’s destiny. Prepare for world-traveling action, close-knit fight choreo, and higher emotional stakes in this much-anticipated follow-up that aims to capitalize on the first film’s success.

1. The Sandman: Season 2

It’s been almost three years, but The Sandman is back—and bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than ever. Tom Sturridge returns as Dream, joined by a stacked ensemble cast that includes Gwendoline Christie and Stephen Fry. This season draws from some of Neil Gaiman’s most beloved story arcs—Season of Mists, Brief Lives, and The Kindly Ones—expecting high fantasy, rich mythology, and visually stunning narrative. With 12 episodes released throughout July (plus a bonus treat), The Sandman is the centerpiece of Netflix’s summer schedule.

July 2025 is proof that Netflix still knows how to put on a show. From supernatural drama to heartfelt comedy and genre-bending originals, there’s no shortage of great content to dive into. Whatever your vibe this month, you’re bound to find something worth watching—and maybe even worth rewatching.

After years of pandemic-induced slowdowns and studio labor strikes, Hollywood is finally back in business. The box office is on the rise, and 2024 promises to be a blockbuster year. Classic franchises are on center stage, but some ambitious new ones are set to shake things up. From highly anticipated sequels to auteur-driven dramas, this year’s slate is a blend of comfort food and cinematic ambition. Here are the 10 movies we’re most looking forward to seeing—rated from “very excited” to “take my money now.”

10. The Brutalist

Adrien Brody leads this engrossing period drama as a Holocaust survivor who tries to rebuild his life—and his life’s work as an architect—in America after World War II. Brady Corbet directs this award-generating film, which picked up buzz at the Venice Film Festival and is already making waves in awards-season chatter. Alongside Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce in supporting roles, look for a profoundly human story dressed in sophisticated style.

9. Queer

Luca Guadagnino brings his lush, atmospheric sensibility to a reworking of William S. Burroughs’ novel. Set in 1940s Mexico City, this is the tale of a troubled expat (played by Daniel Craig), who becomes obsessed with an American sailor boy (Drew Starkey). Critics in Venice gave good notices to Craig’s performance and the smoky, dreamlike look of the film.

8. Here

What if a film concentrated on one place, over centuries? That’s the idea behind Here, director Robert Zemeckis’s new ambitious film starring Robin Wright and Tom Hanks. Across prehistoric times and visions of the future, the film follows lives lived on a piece of land. With cutting-edge CGI and heartfelt storytelling, it will be a sweeping exploration of time, memory, and transformation.

7. Nosferatu

Horror master Robert Eggers revisits the iconic vampire legend in a dark, visually stunning reinterpretation of the 1922 silent film. Bill Skarsgård stars as the surreal Count, with Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Willem Dafoe in support. Eerie mood and slow-burning horror from The Lighthouse and The Witch director are on the cards.

6. Wicked (Part One)

The iconic musical is at last brought to the big screen, divided into two parts for maximum spectacle. Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba, the misjudged Wicked Witch, and Ariana Grande is Glinda. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu helms this, supported by a galaxy-sized cast that includes Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum. This will be a technicolor fantasy with a heart.

5. Gladiator II

More than 20 years after Gladiator redefined the modern epic, Ridley Scott returns to ancient Rome. Paul Mescal plays the now-grown Lucius, with Denzel Washington joining the blood-soaked arena. Can it live up to the legacy of its Oscar-winning predecessor? Fans are eager to see if lightning can strike again.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Everybody’s beloved fast blue hedgehog is returning for round three. Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey return to the fold, with the possible return of Jim Carrey remaining uncertain. The addition of Shadow the Hedgehog has fans abuzz—and keeps this franchise running full speed ahead.

3. Mufasa: The Lion King

Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) helms this origin tale of Simba’s father. This photorealistic prequel plunges us further into the history of the Pride Lands. Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. play young Mufasa and Scar (or Taka), respectively. With Jenkins at the wheel, expect drama depth in addition to stunning visuals.

2. Moana 2

Surprise! Disney is taking Moana and Maui back to the big screen. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles in this ocean-bound sequel directed by Dave Derrick Jr. With new music and more heartwarming adventure, Moana 2 is set to ride the wave of the original’s massive success.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Tolkien enthusiasts, rejoice—Middle-earth is back, this time animated. Nearly 200 years before The Two Towers, this prequel delves into the legend of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan. Brian Cox provides the voice of the warrior king, and Miranda Otto reprises Éowyn as narrator. With glorious animation and sweeping storytelling, it’s quite possibly the most anticipated fantasy release of the year.

Sequels and spin-offs might be filling 2024’s calendar, but it’s not by accident—studios are doubling down on what people already enjoy. As Deseret News noticed, all the highest-grossing movies thus far this year have been sequels. Nonetheless, with the combination of nostalgia, originality, and top-notch performances, there’s something for all people at the cinema this year. The question is: where to begin?

If your idea of a perfect night involves diving into films that have captured the Academy’s attention, then Prime Video is your ideal movie haven.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gut-punch drama, a clever animated feature, or something a little more offbeat, there’s a goldmine of award-worthy titles waiting to be streamed. From theatrical showdowns to low-key reflections, here are 7 of the year’s top Oscar contenders to see right now—numbered for your convenience. 

7. Shaun the Sheep Movie

Think the Oscars only honor serious films? Think again. This dialogue-free, stop-motion odyssey is a warm, laugh-filled ride from the animation masters at Aardman. Full of visual jokes and heart, it demonstrates that great storytelling can succeed without words.

6. Anomalisa

Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson bring a creepy yet profoundly moving animated film about loneliness and self-discovery.

Narrated by haunting stop-motion images, this man’s quest to find purpose amid an ocean of conformity is touching, insightful, and remarkably original. Its Best Animated Feature nomination was richly deserved.

5. Women Talking

This subtle but potent film has a lot to say about large subjects—spirituality, trauma, independence—through the prism of a group of women in an isolated religious community. The acting is richly nuanced, and the dialogue is raw and incisive. A movie that whispers but shouts.

4. Half Nelson

Ryan Gosling delivers a tour de force performance as a conflicted teacher struggling with addiction and growing attached to a student. It’s an honest examination of vulnerability, responsibility, and attachment that avoids cliches and commits to emotional authenticity.

3. I Am Not Your Negro

Raoul Peck brings James Baldwin’s late manuscript to life in this incendiary documentary, read by Samuel L. Jackson. It’s more than a tribute to Baldwin’s genius—it’s a gripping commentary on race in America that is as current as the day it was made.

2. Cold War

Shot in striking black-and-white, Paweł Pawlikowski’s love story is as visually stunning as it is emotionally devastating. Spanning years and borders in postwar Europe, Cold War captures the ache of a romance trapped by time, politics, and fate.

1. Her

Spike Jonze’s romantic near-future drama examines our connection to technology and our desire for human contact. Joaquin Phoenix is great as a socially isolated man who falls in love with his computerized assistant, narrated warmly by Scarlett Johansson. It’s lovely, haunting, and more timely than ever.

So, whether you’re in the mood for animated whimsy, historical weight, or existential contemplation, Prime Video’s Oscar-worthy catalog has something for every mood.

Pop the popcorn, turn out the lights, and get ready to be touched—these movies are a reminder that film at its finest doesn’t merely entertain, but lingers.

If you are one of those film fans who crave films from across the globe, Amazon Prime Video is your gateway to a global film festival without ever having to move out of your living room. Ranging from award-winning dramas to world-trotting animation, the platform is chock-full of global films and Academy Award winners that transport you into other worlds, other times, and other states of mind. So sit back, get cozy, and jump into these 13 best-of-the-best global and Oscar-nominated films streaming presently, counted down for maximum tension.

13. Ida

With its striking black-and-white photography and minimalist storytelling, this Polish film recounts the subdued, forceful story of a young nun finding hidden family history after World War II. Ida is as cinematically lyrical as it is emotionally resonant.

12. Another Round

In this Oscar-winning Danish film, a group of middle-aged schoolteachers put a theory to the test: life is more fun with a perpetual hum of activity. What follows is a heartwarming, frequently hilarious foray into friendship, remorse, and rejuvenation. It’s both gonzo-fun and unexpectedly moving. 

11. The Girl with the Needle

This low-key Danish psychological thriller is the unlikeliest of horrors about a sinister adoption agency in the dark, moody underworld of post-WWI Denmark as seen by a suspicious young woman. It was Denmark’s submission for Best International Feature and packs a heavy dose of atmosphere.

10. The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Shot secretly in Iran, this politically explosive drama is about a judge whose universe collapses following a tragic accident and a lost gun. The tense mood and confrontational criticism of authoritarianism of the film attracted international attention and made it an Oscar contender.

9. Flow

Latvia’s first Oscar-nominated animation feature is a wordless, powerful tale that tells it all without saying a single word. A bunch of animals ride out a great flood in this visually stunning and deeply emotional movie. It’s an unobtrusive triumph of animation and storytelling. 

8. Nickel Boys

Based on Colson Whitehead’s celebrated novel, this period drama transports audiences to a violent reform school in 1960s Florida. Focusing on the lives of two Black teenage boys, the film packs a gut-punch of truth and resilience, taking home mentions for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

7. The Brutalist

This epic period drama chronicles a Holocaust survivor who becomes an architect and rebuilds his life in America after the war. Starring Adrien Brody in a commanding central performance, the film earned 10 Academy nominations and took awards for cinematography and score. It’s grand and intimate at the same time.

6. Conclave

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore in the clandestine corridors of the Vatican, this gripping thriller takes place as a new Pope is chosen. With a remarkable eight Oscar nominations and one for adapted screenplay, which it won, Conclave skillfully integrates political suspense with religious substance.

5. A Complete Unknown

Timothée Chalamet embodies a young Bob Dylan in this high-energy biopic that gets to the heart of 1960s New York. With awards nods galore, including Best Picture and Best Actor, it’s a retro dive into the beginning of the life of a cultural icon. 

4. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve’s return with a larger, more ambitious second chapter of his sci-fi epic. From towering sandworms to stunning battle sequences, this follow-up won widespread acclaim—and Oscars—for its sound and visual effects. It’s blockbuster filmmaking on its boldest scale.

3. Wicked

This spectacular remake of the hit Broadway musical reinvents the world of Oz with panache and feeling. Directed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked took over hearts and the Academy as well, winning awards for its grand production and costume design.

2. The Substance

Daring blend of horror, satire, and social commentary, this incendiary film featuring Demi Moore explores beauty and identity themes. The Substance, which took home a makeup and hairstyling award, makes an indelible mark.

1. Anora

Number one on the list is Sean Baker’s hysterical and emotional story of love, striving, and inadvertent stardom. Anora swept the 97th Academy Awards with victories for Best Picture, Best Actress, and more, with its charged storytelling and cutthroat direction. It’s a crazy ride that hits all the heartstrings.

From icy vampire lore to raucous romance and brooding period dramas, Prime Video has assembled an international slate of choice for cinemaphiles craving something more than the expected. These aren’t merely excellent foreign or Oscar-contending films—they’re unforgettable travels to the center of cinema.

Let’s be real—Hollywood loves the bottom line. A movie’s value is sometimes reduced to its box office haul over the opening weekend. But if you’ve ever spent time digging into film fandom, you recognize the true tale isn’t always one of dollars. Some of our most beloved, groundbreaking, and iconic films that we know today were initially dismissed, downplayed by critics, overlooked by fans, or forgotten under the weight of larger studio releases.

And yet, through home video, streaming services, and the eternal devotion of the fans, these alleged “failures” gained traction and established themselves as lasting franchises. Below, we list off ten of the best cinematic flops that became cult favorites in retrospect, because sometimes the greatest jewels take a little time to polish.

10. Dune (1984)

David Lynch’s Dune was a psychedelic, surreal take on Frank Herbert’s bloated sci-fi epic, with giant sandworms, visions of prophecy, and extraterrestrial imagery. But in between studio interference and a merciless cut, the released version confused audiences and left critics unimpressed. With a box office take that fell even short of its $40 million budget, it foundered, at least at first. Over the years, however, its style and otherworldly tone have converted hard-core science fiction buffs, who now appreciate it for its vision and audacious eccentricity.

9. The Fountain (2006)

Darren Aronofsky’s sprawling epic across time, space, and death was not mainstream. It finished below half its $35 million budget, confounding audiences with its disjointed story and rich philosophical concepts. But it appealed to a specialist audience that expanded over the years. Today, it is seen as a chilling meditation on love and loss, with imagery and ideas that linger long after the credits roll. 

8. Tenet (2020)

Christopher Nolan’s complex time-reversal thriller had the misfortune of opening in the pre-pandemic era. While it grossed $365 million worldwide, its enormous $205 million budget ensured it was a commercial failure. Plenty were left confused by its time-gymnastic plot, but as has been acknowledged by Nolan himself, some movies are not to be evaluated on their opening weekend. Tenet has since come to be appreciated as a technical accomplishment that dares viewers to think and watch again.

7. Mickey 17 (2025)

Robert Pattinson’s offbeat sci-fi film from Bong Joon-ho was a critical success but did not make waves at the box office. It was not created for a mainstream audience, with its philosophical overtones and quick-witted satire, but the very same elements are assisting it in achieving cult status. Pattinson’s performance and the uncompromising storytelling of the movie are engaging for genre enthusiasts who prefer their sci-fi with a distinctive, intellectual twist.

6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Even though it was part of the Mad Max franchise and featured eye-melting action and an all-star roster, Furiosa didn’t quite burn up the box office and lost money. But go ask any fan of the series, and they’ll tell you it’s a worthwhile addition—gritty, epic, and quintessentially George Miller. Slow-burn masterpieces such as Furiosa are gaining traction as a film that perhaps got too quickly dismissed.

5. The Fall (2006)

When Tarsem Singh’s The Fall opened, it hardly made a dent at the box office. But its stunning looks, fairytale narrative, and emotional center lingered in the minds of those fortunate enough to see it. Filmed on location in more than 20 nations, the movie resembles a traveling painting—and for countless enthusiasts, it’s one of the most visually breathtaking films on record. A genuine secret gem that’s increased in reputation over the years.

4. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuarón’s futuristic masterpiece of a world where there are no children was a commercial disappointment at the box office, unable to recoup its $76 million investment. But reviewers gushed about its technical sophistication and profoundly moving themes. Decades on, it’s now largely acclaimed as a contemporary sci-fi classic, referenced as a huge source of inspiration by other media, and admired for its unforgiving intensity and topicality.

3. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner sequel was always a risk. Beautiful to look at and rich with ideas, it didn’t cover its expensive production costs, even as critics raved. Yet, like the original, time has smiled upon it. Sci-fi fans today include 2049 in the pantheon of the genre’s greatest—testament to the fact that daring storytelling isn’t always appreciated right away but finds its way eventually.

2. The Iron Giant (1999)

When initially released, The Iron Giant came and went with barely a splash, drowned out by more gaudy openings and fairly ignored by the public. But years later, Brad Bird’s touching animated fable gained traction. Combining Cold War hysteria and a profoundly affecting story of friendship and self-sacrifice, the film incrementally gained a loyal following through home video, cable broadcasts, and word-of-mouth on the Internet. It is now generally accepted as one of the strongest and most emotionally charged animated features of its time—a classic that took a while to be fully valued.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Shawshank wouldn’t be complete without it on any list of late-blooming classics. With minimal promotion and poor box office draws, it had it all going for it—sensational cast, gripping story, and Stephen King origin material—but couldn’t compete with Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction. However, the movie picked up steam discreetly through rentals and television shows. Now, it’s a cultural touchstone, holding the 1st spot on IMDb’s Top 250 list for over a decade and often hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made.

So next time someone writes off a movie because it didn’t make bank, remember: financial flops can still be artistic triumphs. Some stories just take longer to be heard, but when they are, they often echo for generations.

Let’s get real—horror enthusiasts just can’t help but debate what scares them. The conventional wisdom used to be that the most effective frights were for R-rated films chock-full of gore, swearing, and all the gory bits. But PG-13 horror? It’s been quietly providing frights, frights, and sophisticated storytelling that depend more on atmosphere and suspense than gross-out factor. In most cases, what you don’t see is downright more terrifying than anything smeared across the screen. Below is a countdown of 10 memorable PG-13 horror films that show you don’t have to be rated R to make your viewers squirm.

10. 47 Meters Down (2017)

Shark terror takes a new turn with this underwater survival tale. Two sisters are locked in a shark cage on the ocean floor, and what happens is a suspenseful, claustrophobic nightmare. The terror is due to the circumstance, not the gore—and that’s what makes it so effective.

9. Van Helsing (2004)

Sure, it’s action-horror rather than nightmare fuel, but Van Helsing provides creature-filled fun with a campy gothic twist. Hugh Jackman stars as the classic slayer fighting classic monsters such as Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster. It’s a monster mash with class—PG-13 class.

8. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Yes, enthusiasts were hoping for a gory battle royal between these two iconic aliens, but AVP still succeeds in providing intense tension and slicker creature combat. It tones down the gore but not the tension, and as such, it is a good (and rather unexpected) addition to the sci-fi horror fan base.

7. Critters 3 (1991)

Yes, it’s tackily low-budget and proudly campy—but that’s what makes Critters 3 charming. Oh, and it’s also what marks the big-screen debut of Leonardo DiCaprio. The pesky alien fluffballs are back, wreaking havoc on an apartment complex, and the effect is all ’90s horror mirth.

6. The Haunting (1999)

This ghost tale goes heavy on gothic mood and psychological fear. Although the special effects have not stood the test of time, the creepy mansion and creeping paranoia still provide ample goosebumps. With an all-star cast, The Haunting shows that haunted house horror is not about gore but can get under your skin. 

5. King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s epic remake combines adventure with shots of pure creature horror. Although the headline-grabbing ape gets top billing, it’s the creepy bug pit scene and bug-gedアップSkull Island crawlies that remind us just how well Jackson can create terrifying, PG-13-approved monsters.

4. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

A masterclass in suspense, this bunker-set thriller has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. John Goodman’s chilling performance has you questioning everything until the very end. It’s psychological horror at its best, demonstrating that fear and uncertainty can be as potent as jump scares.

3. The Monster Squad (1987)

Think Stranger Things pre-cool. A group of kids battle Dracula and his monstrous minions in this retro classic. Spooky, funny, and full of heart, it’s the ideal gateway drug for kids who love frights—or adults who just adore old-school monster movies.

2. The Mummy (1999)

A pleasure in the best sense, The Mummy combines supernatural scares with swashbuckling adventure. Brendan Fraser provides the charm, with Imhotep and his curses bringing some truly creepy moments. From swarms of scarabs to ancient rituals, this film knows how to make big, bold PG-13 frights.

1. The Final Girls (2015)

Smart, witty, and surprisingly affecting, The Final Girls is an affectionate nod to ’80s slasher flicks, brought into the present with a time-travel hook. A daughter finds herself transported into her deceased mother’s cult-horror film, and what ensues is both moving and action-packed. No gorefest necessary to make this one unforgettable.

There’s an entire universe of PG-13 horror out there beyond the following list. Contemporary successes like Insidious, A Quiet Place, M3GAN, and The Visit repeatedly demonstrate that you can frighten the daylights out of people without living on the edge of the rating limit. As 25YL’s Jeff Ewing observes, “Some of the most beloved genre classics of all time are PG-13 (or even just PG!)”—and these films demonstrate that an intelligent fright is just as effective as a bloody one. So the next time someone tells you PG-13 horror doesn’t cut it, share this list with them—and get ready for an evening of underappreciated chills.

Let’s be real—there’s something completely exhilarating about seeing a woman own the action genre. Whether she’s sword-fighting, kicking off a motorcycle, or simply matter-of-factly taking down the bad guys with her brain, female action heroes have evolved from being the occasional exception to downright superstars of pop culture. And though the genre’s evolved, it’s the women—particularly Black women and women of color—who’ve fought their way into the limelight and rewritten the rules. Here’s a tribute to ten unforgettable women who’ve shaken up the action world—and did it in style.

10. Grace (Ready or Not)

Samara Weaving’s Grace is not your average bride. On what is supposed to be the best day of her life, she finds herself battling a killer-in-law family in a sinister game of hide-and-seek. Blood-soaked and barefoot, she transforms from bewildered bride-to-be to tough-as-nails survivor. In Variety’s account, it is her unfiltered combination of fear and determination that turns her into a breakout contemporary action hero.

9. Ramona (Hustlers)

Jennifer Lopez’s Ramona may not be armed with weapons, but she’s dangerous in all the best ways. In Hustlers, she’s a pole-dancing mastermind who flips the script on Wall Street wolves with charm, grit, and flawless style. As Variety highlights, Ramona’s strength lies in her confidence and unshakable control, making her an antihero who’s impossible to ignore.

8. Ilsa Faust (Mission: Impossible Series)

Enter Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust: a spy so smooth and collected she can keep up with Ethan Hunt without even sweating. From fiery gun battles to frenzied action sequences, she combines brains with bravery. Variety describes her as one of the franchise’s best additions—and really, it’s difficult to argue. 

7. Rita Vrataski (Edge of Tomorrow)

Codename the “Full Metal Bitch” for a reason, Emily Blunt’s Rita Vrataski is a combat-hardened soldier who toughens up Tom Cruise’s hero like he’s her human punching bag. Armed with a huge sword and an even larger attitude, Rita redefined what a sci-fi heroine could be. Variety calls her one of the most powerful presences in contemporary action movies.

6. Letty Ortiz (Fast & Furious Franchise)

Michelle Rodriguez’s Letty anchors the Fast & Furious franchise. When she’s racing in the streets, battling top-notch assassins, or surviving what should be her death, Letty’s loyalty and do-or-die attitude ensure she’s a franchise mainstay. As Variety says, her constant presence anchors the mayhem.

5. Pam Grier’s Action Queens (Coffy, Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown)

When many of today’s action heroes were still in strollers, Pam Grier was opening doors—literally. As Coffy and Foxy Brown, she provided us with the template for cool, complicated, and authoritative Black heroines. Subsequently, in Jackie Brown, she infused quiet intensity into a performance that demonstrated her range. Raindance asserts that Grier’s roles were bold, uncompromising, and decades beyond their time. Black Girl Nerds highlights that she established what it could mean to be a Black woman on screen—intelligent, fashionable, and powerful.

4. Okoye (Black Panther)

Danai Gurira’s Okoye is not only Wakanda’s most deadly warrior—she’s its conscience. The Dora Milaje leader is both faithful and deadly, walking spears and politics alike. Whether she’s bouncing out of moving cars or gazing down at royalty, Okoye leaves a lasting impression. Black Girl Nerds praises her strength, bravery, and dedication to her people.

3. General Nanisca & the Agojie (The Woman King)

Viola Davis unleashes raw strength as General Nanisca, commander of the Agojie—a highly skilled all-female fighting unit inspired by actual African history. This is not a movie about combat; it’s about claiming identity, healing, and resilience. Variety commends the emotional depth of the story, while Black Girl Nerds appreciates how Nanisca’s agony turns into strength.

2. Trinity (The Matrix)

Carrie-Anne Moss’s Trinity set the tone for late-’90s cool with black leather, slow-motion kicks, and a no-nonsense demeanor. She was Neo’s equal (and sometimes superior) partner, both emotionally and physically. As Raindance describes it, Trinity broke the game open, showing that women in action didn’t have to be sidekicks or symbols—they could be soul and strategy.

1. Wonder Woman

From Lynda Carter’s signature twirl to Gal Gadot’s battlefield charge, Wonder Woman has evolved as the ultimate female empowerment symbol. She’s strength, compassion, leadership, and legacy in one. As Raindance recalls, she shone like a beacon during the women’s rights movement—and has continued to inspire new generations of girls (and boys) ever since.

From underground warriors to cinematic icons, these women have redefined the action film genre—not only with fists and bullets, but with heart, with guts, and with unforgettable presence. They’ve broken the mold and kicked in the door, demonstrating time and again that strength doesn’t have a face—it just knows how to make an entrance.