Some fight scenes are so good you’re like, “yes, that’s what a showdown should look like!" THEN there are some fight scenes that are so out of this world you think, “How did someone come up with that?!” Whether these scenes made us laugh or inspired us, they all had our jaws on the floor.
Here are some of the most outrageous women-led fight scenes in modern cinema.
The Bride vs. Gogo & the Crazy 88 “Kill Bill: Volume 1” (2003)
Honestly, take your pick. We didn’t want this to be a full-on “Kill Bill” list, but there are so many memorable and outrageous fight scenes from “Kill Bill: Volume 1 and 2”...The Bride vs. Vernita Green, The Bride vs. Oren, The Bride vs. Elle. But for its sheer scale and vibe, we are going with The Bride vs. Gogo & the Crazy 88.
Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Volume 1" features the intense showdown between The Bride (Uma Thurman) and Gogo Yubari (Chiaki Kuriyama) alongside the Crazy 88 is a frenetic ballet of violence and skill. The visuals are iconic–innocent-looking schoolgirl Gogo and her meteor hammer or The Bride in yellow scaling the different levels of the nightclub like Spiderman. Then add in the exhilarating scene where the unfazed Bride witnesses the swarm of fighters that seem to pour into the club like rats in a sewer. Brilliant!
Senior Inspector Ng and Senior Inspector Carrie Morris vs. Thugs, “Yes, Madam!” (1985)
The final fight scene in "Yes, Madam" features a breathtaking showdown between Cynthia Rothrock and Michelle Yeoh, two martial arts legends at the peak of their prowess. Rothrock, known for her expertise in American and Chinese martial arts, delivers powerful strikes and lightning-fast kicks with precision and ferocity. Meanwhile, Yeoh's elegant yet formidable style, honed through her classical dance background, counters with grace and deadly efficiency. The choreography (done by Sammo Hung) is a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate weapon play, showcasing their distinct fighting techniques and mutual respect as adversaries.
Brenda vs. Samara from “The Ring” “Scary Movie 3'' (2003)
Forgive us, we are going to be deeply unserious right now as we discuss this hilarious MMA showdown between Brenda and Samara from “The Ring.” Brenda plays the oblivious lead in the franchise parodies. In this scene, she witnesses the villain from “The Ring” coming out of her TV. A normal reaction would be to run, instead, she decides to fight!
Evelyn vs. IRS Agent “EEAAO” (2022)
In "Everything Everywhere All At Once," the dynamic fight scene between Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis is a standout moment that blends humor, action, and emotional depth. It works so well because it has the least likely set (IRS office) with the least likely fighters (a meek laundromat owner and IRS agent) and slams them together with Matrix-like moves, Jackie Chan-like physical comedy, and the grace that we have come to admire from Michelle Yeoh’s movements. Jamie Lee Curtis as a lumbering final boss only makes this scene more surreal and impactful!
Ellen Ripley vs. the Alien Queen "Aliens" (1986)
In "Aliens," the climactic battle between Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) and the Alien Queen is a visceral and adrenaline-charged confrontation that epitomizes both survival horror and maternal instinct. Set within the eerie, industrial corridors of the xenomorph hive, Ripley, armed with a power loader exoskeleton, faces off against the towering, ferocious Alien Queen. Weaver portrays Ripley's determination with raw intensity, as she uses every ounce of strength and cunning to protect Newt, the young girl she has come to care for. The battle unfolds with a mix of mechanical clanks and organic hisses, showcasing Ripley's resourcefulness as she maneuvers the massive power loader to grapple with the agile and deadly Queen. The scene is a masterclass in tension-building and emotional depth, highlighting Ripley's transformation from survivor to a fierce protector willing to confront the monstrous queen on equal terms, culminating in a thrilling and unforgettable showdown.
Hit-Girl vs. Hit Men “Kick-Ass” (2010)
Bam! Pow! Next on the list is a true comic book fight scene. In "Kick-Ass" (2010), the electrifying showdown between Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and a group of mob hitmen is a pulse-pounding spectacle that blends intense action with dark humor. Set in a dimly lit warehouse, Hit-Girl, armed with an arsenal of weapons and her unmatched combat skills, engages in a frenetic dance of death against the adult adversaries. Moretz's portrayal of the young but deadly vigilante is a whirlwind of athleticism and brutality, delivering swift and precise strikes while effortlessly dodging bullets and traps. The choreography is meticulously crafted to showcase Hit-Girl's agility and lethal efficiency, juxtaposed with the stunned reactions of her opponents, making the scene a standout moment in the film that exemplifies its blend of comic book fantasy and gritty realism.
Trinity vs. Cops “The Matrix” (1999)
This is one of those scenes where you remember your immediate reaction when you saw it. Jaw-dropping to say the least! In "The Matrix" (1999), the iconic fight scene between Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and a squad of police officers is a mesmerizing display of choreography and visual effects that defies the laws of physics. Set within the simulated reality of the Matrix itself, Trinity effortlessly dispatches her opponents with a blend of martial arts prowess and superhuman agility, showcasing her mastery over the digital world's rules. The scene is a ballet of slow-motion acrobatics, rapid-fire kicks, and precise strikes, choreographed to perfection by Yuen Woo-ping. As bullets slow to a crawl around her, Trinity's cool composure contrasts starkly with the chaos unfolding around her, solidifying her as a formidable and iconic character within the film and within the annals of cinematic action sequences.