Best One-Woman Army Action Movies

There’s something exhilarating about watching a lone heroine take on impossible odds, armed with nothing but skill, grit, and unbreakable resolve. These one-woman army action films capture the thrill of relentless combat and the satisfaction of seeing a determined protagonist outwit, outfight, and outlast enemies who underestimated her. Whether the battlefield is a dystopian wasteland, a neon-lit city, or an isolated wilderness, these characters prove that being alone doesn’t mean being outmatched.

This list gathers some of the most intense, stylish, and unforgettable films in which one woman stands against a tide of danger and emerges victorious. From tightly choreographed martial arts showdowns to brutal survival stories, each movie showcases a different facet of strength—physical, mental, and emotional. Prepare to revisit adrenaline-fueled classics and discover modern favorites that redefine what it means to fight solo.

‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ (2003)

Quentin Tarantino’s hyper-stylized revenge epic delivers an unforgettable heroine in The Bride, played by Uma Thurman. Betrayed and left for dead, she embarks on a bloody quest against former allies, armed with a samurai sword and sheer determination. From the snowy garden duel to the legendary Crazy 88 fight, the movie offers some of cinema’s most iconic one-against-many battles.

What sets this apart is its fusion of grindhouse grit, Japanese samurai cinema, and kung fu spectacle. The Bride’s journey is fueled not just by vengeance but by resilience and discipline, making her a true one-woman army. The film’s kinetic energy, vivid color palette, and eclectic soundtrack elevate it into a genre-defining experience.

‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ (2019)

Linda Hamilton’s return as Sarah Connor brings back the steely grit that made her a legend. This time, she’s older, battle-hardened, and still an unstoppable force against the machines. The opening set pieces showcase her precision, timing, and mastery of heavy weaponry.

While joined by allies, Sarah repeatedly proves she can hold her own in the heat of the fight. Her fierce presence and unshakable will transform every encounter into a masterclass in survivalist combat. Her story arc remains a testament to how experience can be just as lethal as youthful energy.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

Charlize Theron’s Lorraine Broughton dominates this Cold War spy thriller with brutal hand-to-hand combat and razor-sharp intelligence. The infamous stairwell fight alone cements her as a one-woman wrecking crew, turning everyday objects into weapons in relentless close-quarters combat.

The film’s blend of espionage intrigue and bone-crunching realism creates a gritty edge. Theron’s portrayal is all swagger and steel, embodying a character who can trade blows and barbs with equal lethality. Every fight feels earned, every bruise tells a story.

‘The Old Guard’ (2020)

Charlize Theron again takes center stage, this time as Andromache “Andy” of Scythia, an immortal warrior leading a small band of similarly gifted fighters. Yet when the chips are down, Andy repeatedly holds the line alone, mowing through enemies with centuries-honed skill.

Her combination of ancient weapon mastery and modern firearms proficiency makes her unstoppable. The movie balances high-octane action with an exploration of the burden of immortality, making Andy as layered emotionally as she is lethal in battle.

‘Salt’ (2010)

Angelina Jolie plays CIA officer Evelyn Salt, framed as a Russian sleeper agent and forced to go on the run. Her every move is calculated for maximum damage, from dismantling entire teams of armed agents to executing impossible escapes.

Jolie’s performance blends physical ferocity with cold-blooded tactical thinking. The character’s adaptability—switching disguises, manipulating environments, and using minimal resources—proves that in the right hands, one person can be more dangerous than an army.

‘Haywire’ (2011)

Gina Carano’s Mallory Kane is a government operative betrayed by her own employers, sparking a global chase filled with tightly choreographed fights. The action is grounded and raw, often filmed in long takes that highlight Carano’s real-world combat skills.

The stripped-down storytelling allows the physicality to shine. Mallory’s ability to improvise weapons and turn her environment into an advantage makes her a living embodiment of lethal resourcefulness.

‘Peppermint’ (2018)

Jennifer Garner’s Riley North transforms from grieving mother into a ruthless vigilante after her family is murdered. Her one-woman war against gangs and corrupt officials is marked by relentless preparation and meticulous execution.

Garner channels a mix of vulnerability and cold precision, making Riley’s vengeance feel personal yet disciplined. Each takedown is carefully planned, underscoring the idea that a determined individual with a cause is an unstoppable force.

‘Hanna’ (2011)

Saoirse Ronan’s Hanna is a genetically enhanced teenager raised to be the perfect assassin. Her skills in unarmed combat, weaponry, and survival are matched by a cunning mind that keeps her one step ahead of her pursuers.

The movie’s kinetic pace and fairy-tale undertones set it apart from typical action fare. Hanna’s resourcefulness and adaptability make her a formidable opponent, proving that age is no barrier when training and instinct take over.

‘Colombiana’ (2011)

Zoe Saldana’s Cataleya is an assassin on a lifelong mission of vengeance. Her proficiency with firearms, stealth infiltration, and tactical planning enables her to dismantle criminal empires piece by piece.

The film emphasizes Cataleya’s agility and intelligence as much as her trigger finger. She’s not just eliminating targets—she’s sending a message, and her ability to operate alone in hostile territory cements her one-woman army status.

‘The Brave One’ (2007)

Jodie Foster plays Erica Bain, a New Yorker who becomes a vigilante after a brutal attack leaves her traumatized and grieving. The film follows her descent into morally complex territory as she methodically hunts down violent criminals.

Unlike traditional action heroines, Erica’s power comes from raw will and a willingness to cross lines. Her calculated acts of justice make her both feared and feared-for, embodying a more grounded but equally dangerous version of the one-woman army.

‘Everly’ (2014)

Salma Hayek’s Everly is trapped in her apartment as wave after wave of assassins storm in. What follows is a claustrophobic, relentless series of fights, with Everly improvising weapons and using sheer stubbornness to survive.

The confined setting heightens the intensity, turning every room into a battleground. Hayek’s performance is a mix of desperation and defiance, proving that even when cornered, a determined fighter can turn the tide.

‘Run All Night’ (2015)

While the film centers on Liam Neeson’s character, Genesis Rodriguez’s performance in smaller but intense sequences shows her as a capable lone combatant. Her moments of action are marked by swift, calculated moves that catch opponents off guard.

Though not the central action hero, her contributions embody the spirit of standing alone against overwhelming force. She’s a reminder that even in ensemble stories, moments of one-woman dominance can steal the spotlight.

‘Revenge’ (2017)

Matilda Lutz’s Jen turns from prey to predator in a brutal, sun-scorched survival tale. Left for dead in the desert, she arms herself with grit and guerrilla tactics to pick off her attackers one by one.

The visceral action and raw physical transformation make her journey unforgettable. Jen’s resourcefulness, pain tolerance, and relentless pursuit of justice embody the essence of a one-woman army.

‘La Femme Nikita’ (1990)

Anne Parillaud’s Nikita is a street criminal transformed into a lethal government assassin. Her metamorphosis is as much mental as physical, blending elegance with deadly efficiency.

The film balances glamour and grit, with Nikita handling high-stakes missions solo, often improvising under extreme pressure. Her ability to adapt and survive makes her a standout in the pantheon of action heroines.

From slick spy thrillers to raw survival tales, these one-woman army stories prove that determination and skill can rival any arsenal—share your favorite in the comments.