Move Over Jason Bourne: 12 Black Women Who Took the Lead in Action Movies
Action films have long been dominated by male heroes, but Black women have more than proven that they belong in the action genre as leading forces. From fierce warriors to brilliant strategists, these women have shattered stereotypes and delivered performances that demand attention. Here are 12 Black women who have stepped into the spotlight, leading some of the most electrifying action films.
1. “Coffy” (1973) Pam Grier as Coffy
Pam Grier made her mark in the 1970s with the role of Coffy, a nurse turned vigilante who embarks on a mission to take down drug dealers and corrupt politicians responsible for her sister’s overdose. As one of the most iconic characters of the Blaxploitation era, Grier brought both toughness and vulnerability to her role. “Coffy” became a cult classic, and Grier’s performance solidified her place as a trailblazer for Black women in action films.
2. “Set It Off” (1996) Jada Pinkett Smith as Frankie
In “Set It Off”, Jada Pinkett Smith plays Frankie, a bank teller who, alongside her friends, embarks on a dangerous heist spree. As one of the first Black women to lead an action-packed heist film, Pinkett Smith brought a gritty and determined energy to her role. She balanced vulnerability with toughness, making Frankie both relatable and unapologetically strong. This role became a defining moment for Pinkett Smith and a milestone for Black women in action movies.
3. “Kill Bill: Volume 1” (2003) Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green
In “Kill Bill: Volume 1”, Vivica A. Fox plays Vernita Green, a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who faces off against Uma Thurman’s Bride. While her screen time was brief, Fox’s performance in her fight scene with Thurman remains one of the most memorable in the entire series. Fox brought a grounded intensity to her role, demonstrating that Black women could hold their own in action-packed scenes against iconic characters.
4. “Colombiana” (2011) Zoe Saldana as Cataleya
In “Colombiana”, Zoe Saldana takes on the role of Cataleya, a young woman bent on vengeance after her parents are murdered. Saldana skillfully blends emotional depth with fierce physicality, showing the world that Black women can be just as deadly in an action film as anyone else. Her character’s journey of redemption and survival is one of determination and unrelenting strength.
5. “The Call” (2013) Halle Berry as Jordan Turner
In “The Call”, Halle Berry plays Jordan Turner, a 911 operator who must use her expertise to help a young woman who is kidnapped. As she faces the terrifying situation of trying to save the girl, Berry’s portrayal of Turner showcases her strength, intelligence, and tenacity. This edge-of-your-seat thriller allows Berry to demonstrate why she is one of the best at leading in intense, high-stakes action films.
6. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) Zoë Kravitz as Toast the Knowing
In “Mad Max: Fury Road”, Zoë Kravitz portrays Toast the Knowing, a woman who plays a key role in helping Charlize Theron’s Furiosa escape a brutal regime. Kravitz’s character might not have had the largest role, but her strength, resolve, and fighting skills in the film showcased her ability to hold her own in the action-packed world of “Mad Max”. Her fierce portrayal made her an essential part of the film’s high-octane narrative.
7. “Widows” (2018) Viola Davis as Veronica Rawlins
Viola Davis stars as Veronica Rawlins in “Widows”, a widow who teams up with other women to execute a heist after her criminal husband is killed. Davis plays a woman forced into a life of crime and vengeance, balancing her maternal instincts with fierce determination. Her portrayal of Veronica’s vulnerability and toughness exemplifies why Black women are more than capable of carrying action-heavy narratives.
8. “Proud Mary” (2018) Taraji P. Henson as Mary Goodwin
In “Proud Mary”, Taraji P. Henson portrays Mary Goodwin, a hitwoman working for an organized crime syndicate. When she crosses paths with a young boy in danger, Mary is forced to confront her past and navigate the dangerous world of crime. Henson’s performance brings grit and vulnerability to her character, making Mary both a fierce action hero and a woman struggling with her own moral compass. Henson proves that Black women can lead action films with complexity and depth.
9. “Black Panther” (2018) Danai Gurira as Okoye
Danai Gurira takes on the role of Okoye, the general of the Dora Milaje, in “Black Panther”. As a warrior who is both fierce and loyal, Okoye is one of the standout characters in this Marvel blockbuster. Gurira brings an unmatched presence to the role, showing that Black women can not only lead action films but also become icons within them. Her action sequences and commanding performance made her a fan favorite and proved that Black women belong in the heart of global action franchises.
10. “No Time To Die” (2021) Lashana Lynch as Nomi
In “No Time to Die”, Lashana Lynch steps into the role of Nomi, a new 00 agent in the iconic James Bond franchise. As the first Black woman to play a 00 agent, Lynch not only brings a fresh energy to the series but also proves that Black women can take on high-octane roles in major action franchises. Her confident, no-nonsense performance made Nomi a standout character in the film, asserting that women of color can lead the charge in action films traditionally dominated by men.
11. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022) Letitia Wright as Shuri
In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, Letitia Wright steps up as Shuri, who not only takes on a larger role but also becomes a key leader in the fight to protect Wakanda after the death of her brother, T’Challa. As the tech genius and now the new Black Panther, Wright brings both emotional depth and fierce strength to her character. Shuri’s transition from a brilliant inventor to a powerful superhero is one of the most compelling moments in the film, proving that Black women can be both intellectual leaders and powerful action heroes.
12. “The Woman King” Viola Davis as General Nanisca
In “The Woman King”, Viola Davis portrays Nanisca, the fierce general of an all-female warrior unit in the Kingdom of Dahomey. Davis’s performance is a masterclass in power, resilience, and grace. As a leader who trains and leads her warriors into battle, she shows that Black women can take center stage in epic historical action films. Her strength, both physical and emotional, resonates through each scene, establishing her as one of the most commanding action heroes of recent years.
13. “G20” (2025) Viola Davis as Danielle Sutton
Viola Davis closes out this list with her role as President Danielle Sutton in “G20“, an upcoming action-packed thriller set at the world’s most powerful economic summit. In this high-stakes film, Davis plays a president who fights back against a terrorist faction that has taken control of the summit.
As the primary defender of global security, Davis’s portrayal of a no-nonsense, tactical leader proves that Black women can lead in the action genre. Premiering on Prime Video on April 10, “G20” promises to be another thrilling chapter in Davis’s illustrious career, cementing her status as an action hero for the modern age.
These 12 Black women have shattered barriers, leading powerful action films that showcase their immense strength and talent. Whether facing off against criminals, terrorists, or other formidable forces, they’ve proven that they can handle the lead role in action movies with style, grace, and intensity. Make sure to catch “G20” on Prime Video this weekend and witness Viola Davis in full action-hero mode — a testament to the power of Black women in film!
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