Rewind twenty years or so, and you’d be hard-pressed to find many kick-ass, physical and powerful lead roles for females. Now though, the world of cinema is bursting with strong, fierce ladies who like nothing more than to whip some serious butt.

Case in point is Triple 9, which opens this weekend, starring Kate Winslet as a ruthless Russian crime boss who turns to blackmail to pull off a virtually impossible heist.

In anticipation of Kate’s most ball-busting role yet, we’re taking a look at the most badass female characters from the world of cinema. Here are the ladies giving us total life goals…

The Bride in Kill Bill
Played by Uma Thurman, The Bride in Tarantino’s Kill Bill is a no-brainer when it comes to strong female leads. After waking from a four year-coma, she sets out on a bloody revenge mission to get vengeance on the team of assassins who betrayed her. The Bride kicks some serious ass as she works her way through the group of vigilantes, who all call her bitter ex husband boss.

 

Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road
Charlize Theron played the role of independent, head strong Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road last year. As she rebels against a tyrannical ruler in a post-apocalyptic world, Furiosa is a force to be reckoned with, leading a motley crew in search of safety and out of the grasp of Immortan Joe.

 

Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Portrayed by Rooney Mara in the 2011 production, Lisbeth is a straight up badass. A computer hacker, Lisbeth aids disgraced journalist as he investigates a 40 year old missing persons case. An unpredictable, defiant and slightly sinister character, Lisbeth deserves her spot in our top five.

 

Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games Series
The role that brought Jennifer Lawrence to the fore, Katniss Everdeen is one strong lady. Forced to fight to the death in the sick Hunger Games, Katniss must kill or be killed. To survive she must become a fierce, force to be reckoned with.

 

Hit Girl in Kick-Ass
The youngest badass to make our list, Hit Girl, is an 11 year old slasher vigilante with a foul mouth. Played by Chloe Moretz, Hit Girl has had extensive training to become a killing machine, with a insane knowledge of all things weaponry. Trained to fight bad guys alongside her father, Big Daddy, Hit Girl is an intensely violet and undeniably effective killing machine.

For more kick-ass action, don’t miss Triple 9, in cinemas from February 19.