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30 People Share Movies Where The “Strong Female Lead” Was Actually Done Right

Contrary to what some screenwriters might believe, the strong female leads in their films don’t have to be the sexiest women on Earth, and they certainly don’t need to fall in love with the male lead. They can have their own agendas, their own minds and be capable of solving problems on their own, just like women in real life!

Reddit users have recently been sharing examples of the “strong female lead” trope in films that have actually been done well, so we’ve gathered some of their top replies below. From Clarice Starling to Elle Woods, enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote all of your favorite strong, independent women!

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Alien

Wandering_butnotlost , Alien Report

Final score:

261points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Terminator 2

devil652_ , Terminator 2: Judgment Day Report

Final score:

227points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "The Addams Family"

AdOk1965 , The Addams Family Report

Final score:

203points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Laura Dern, Jurassic Park. Seeing a strong woman in science at such a young age had a profound impact on me, and I truly think it’s one of the reasons I am a scientist today.

mmart482 , Jurassic Park Report

Final score:

186points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Hidden Figures. Wonderful movie about the women working for Nasa in the 60's who were human computers; they calculated the numbers by hand for the first flight to the moon.

Furiousa in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Danielle in Ever After.

Nightsong1005 , Hidden Figures Report

Final score:

186points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right X files. I can't believe I haven't seen that yet.
She was highly intelligent with a strong confidence that couldn't be beaten down by the sexists in the early seasons nor the crushing but invisible power of the Syndicate.

andrewnormous , The X-Files Report

Final score:

185points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right The Silence of the Lambs

artpayne , The Silence of the Lambs Report

Final score:

179points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "Fargo"

u/Mr_Saturn1 added:

Awhile back on twitter someone asked to name movies that features a female protagonist who is competent at her job, in an established relationship with a man (the relationship does not start during the events of the film) and her partner does not criticize her work or encourage her to give up. The only movie people could name that fully satisfied these requirements was Fargo.

AdOk1965 , Fargo Report

Final score:

166points

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30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Rachel Weisz playing Evie in The Mummy.

"Take that, Bembridge Scholars!"

AmoebaGal , The Mummy Report

Final score:

152points

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#10

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

It set the foundation for the TV series which did a strong female lead that didn’t have to take being a strong woman so seriously to make the point.

Not a movie, but Xena and Gabrielle deserve an honorable mention.

hypnos_surf , Buffy the Vampire Slayer Report

Final score:

150points

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#11

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Emily Blunt in Edge of Tomorrow

Le_Baked_Beans , Edge of Tomorrow Report

Final score:

145points

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Xitxarel•lo Panda 11 months ago

Better than Tom cruise

59points

Chewie Baron 11 months ago

Stole the film in all honesty she did. Plus Emily Blunt was pregnant during filming.

15points

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Mike F 11 months ago

Head and shoulders above Cruise. 🤣🤣

6points

Hiram's Friend 11 months ago

That's a pretty low expectation.

3points

Definitely a Human 11 months ago

A cold plate of spaghetti is better than tom cruise.

1point

Fynne 11 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Jeff White 11 months ago

Well acted, does not stoop to stupid stereotypes, a competent whole person. Yes, good addition (and I loved her in this movie).

13points

Apocalypse Whippet 11 months ago

I loved this movie!

3points

TotallyNOTAFox 11 months ago

The "Full Metal B***h" (And I say that as compliment)

3points

Xitxarel•lo Panda 11 months ago

Yeah!!!!

2points

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Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 11 months ago

I loved the very last scene...

3points

Patricia Steward 11 months ago

I don't know how I missed this movie, but I'm going to look for it.

2points

InfiniteZeek 11 months ago

It's soooo good.

1point

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#12

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Mulan, the Disney animated one.

AndTheyCallMeAnIdiot , Mulan Report

Final score:

141points

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#13

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Fried Green Tomatoes gives you a selection of them.

cmerry , Fried Green Tomatoes Report

Final score:

141points

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#14

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Brave. As a young girl it was very validating to seeing a princess who was competing as well as winning against men. I also really like the movie because Merida isn’t perfect, and you can definitely tell that she’s a 16 year old girl, especially watching it while I’m older. She’s a teen girl who’s doing her best to prove to her parents that she is strong and can take care of herself. I also really like this movie because Merida isn’t afraid to yell and strongly state her opinion. The women in my life are often very strong people as well as outspoken, and I really love seeing that represented in media, and Brave is really the “strong female” trope done right.

Street_Seaweed3388 , Brave Report

Final score:

141points

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#15

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Legally Blonde.

pearlbibo , Legally Blonde Report

Final score:

139points

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#16

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Harry Potter

Hermione, Ginny and Luna are all completely different, but I would describe them all as strong female characters.

RedWestern , Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Report

Final score:

133points

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#17

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Kill Bill

Imagnome- , Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Report

Final score:

121points

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#18

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet but Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Ripe-Melon , Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Report

Final score:

119points

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#19

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right My Cousin Vinny.

reddit.com , My Cousin Vinny Report

Final score:

111points

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#20

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right Steel Magnolias.

TheycallitLeBigMac , Steel Magnolias Report

Final score:

108points

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#21

30 People Share Movies Where The "Strong Female Lead" Was Actually Done Right "Arrival"

AdOk1965 , Arrival Report

Final score:

107points

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What do you think ?

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Fynne 11 months ago

Thanks BP staff for supporting women, while not being offensive to men

45points

Auntriarch 11 months ago

Very well noted Fynne

7points

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Miki 11 months ago (edited)

Samantha Carter! SG-1. Strong and smart af! Oh! and half of female characters in battlestar galactica (newer one), especially Laura Roslin.

25points

Rocket Surgeon 11 months ago

Yes to both of these. Sam is da woman, and I loved how BSG had boxing matches where it didn't matter what gender was fighting what gender, they just went all out at each other.

9points

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H Wiley 11 months ago

Oh, you beat me to it. Came here to say it. Dont forget Dr Elizabeth Weir and Teyla.

3points

the quickening 11 months ago

New Battlestar Galactica is so good. I was in love the moment this seriously ill, middleaged woman put a military man in his place and singlehandedly saved the human race by convincing them to stop fighting a hopeless battle and flee.

1point

Brocken Blue 11 months ago

Yes!!! SG1 cemented my love of scifi shows as a teen, and Sam Care was a big reason why. And I love how Starbuck was a spectacular pilot and a flawed human in ways that had nothing to do with her being female. Such good characters all around!

1point

D. Pitbull 11 months ago

Yes! And Amanda Tapping is absolutely lovely. I got her autograph at a convention... and when choosing a 'pro-photo' for signing, she graciously suggested some of the group shots ... and I was like "Nah... c'mon... I don't see RDA, nor any of the other dudes here. Why get a pic with them in it?"

0points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

No Princess Leia? (OK, forget about Return of the Jedi; I'm only talking Star Wars.) ... she was the original Hollywood warrior princess, absolutely overturning the princess trope. She took command of her own rescue, and then of the remnants of the Republic. Consider every good Harrison Ford role consisted of him humorously responding to tropes, from "why did it have to be snakes" to taking a gun to a sword fight. But despite his comments, it's not *funny* when the damsel-in-distress becomes kick-a*s; she just assumes command so effectively, even Han falls in line (until he completely bails and returns). The movie itself fails the Bechtel rule (is that the right name?), but that has little to do with Leia being anything less than boss.

17points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

Come to think of it, how about Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark? Jones never quite yields to her like Solo did, but she was doing a damned good job of getting out of trouble on her own, especially considering Jones himself needed the most literal case of God-from-a-box ever. Compare to how cringy the "dumb blonde" schtick from Temple of Doom was.

11points

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Rider 11 months ago

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Kathrine Janeway in ST Voyager. Kerri Russell as Jenna in Waitress.

7points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Also if we're allowing Anime, Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.

7points

David Paterson 11 months ago

Yes!

1point

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Dan Flo 11 months ago

Annihilation. A team of scientists and doctors facing the unknown. All of them are women. The Expanse - Drummer, Draper, Naomi, Madam Secretary-General Avasarala...

5points

Powerful Katrinka 11 months ago

Yes, to The Expanse! One of the many reasons I love it so.

1point

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Fat Harry 11 months ago

How about Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"? Not the movie portrayal by Mary Badham, but the strong character from the book.

4points

TechPanda 11 months ago

For anyone looking for a similar movie but outside of America, I highly recommend "King of Boys" and its sequel, "Return of the King". It's a Nigerian political thriller. It's also available on Netflix.

4points

FaceTime Audio 11 months ago

Pride and Prejudice, both book and movie, portray a smart and independent woman in a restricted society. The Suffragette is great. The Old Guard is great (Charlize Theron AND Kiki Layne. Brilliant casting). Barbie (obviously).

2points

JB 11 months ago

Surprised The Pelican Brief (Book Author: John Grisham) didn’t make it on here. Brilliant novel and Julia Roberts was outstanding in the role of Darby Shaw in the movie.

2points

SkyDragonAerial (Aro/Ace, Cassgender) 11 months ago

Show, not movie, but Leverage! Parker and Sophie are so cool, and they carry the team imo. (No hate on the boys, but they're not as cool as the girls)

2points

H Wiley 11 months ago

That iswhy Nate left Parker in charge. She was a leader.

0points

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Zedrapazia 11 months ago

That's a nice one, I enjoyed this read! Please next do one for the other side with male characters that aren't portrayed as the typical Rambo but still good.

2points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

What about I spit on your grave

1point

SheHulk 11 months ago

Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson) in person of interest!

1point

Sonja 11 months ago

I also saw a rare exception in the action movie genre that didn't turn the wife of the protagonist into an enemy behind the lines: Nobody. It's really enjoyable to watch because the main character is strong without having to portrait his wife as the btch holding him back. I liked it a lot because it also had a great male character for a change

1point

Deep One 10 months ago

Most of Angelina Jolie's movies; Salt, all of the Laura Croft Movies. Same for Milla Jovovich's movies.

0points

Uncle Schmickle 11 months ago

These are all crappy modern movies. How about looking at the "real" movie stars of the 1930s and 40s ? There were so many strong and believable women in them.

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

Lori Petty in "Tank Girl" has to be one of my favorites!!!

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Kristi S. 11 months ago

Not a movie,but "Yellowstone"- Beth Dutton!

0points

Thirumeninathan Murugan 11 months ago

100 - the series

0points

Grace Skerp 11 months ago

Helen Mirren, Red "The CIA used to be tougher than this" as she FAFOs a bunch of them. Come to think just about any alpha female she's played.

0points

Definitely a Human 11 months ago

Chihiro / Sen from Spirited Away

0points

SheamusFanFrom1987 11 months ago

While not a hero per se (quite the opposite actually), I think Tina Turner as Aunty Entity showed a classic example of girl bad-assery while at the same time, questioned whether the girl ran the world (or at least Bartertown) way too hard. To me it shows that anyone, man or woman, can die a hero or live long enough to be a villain.

0points

Scott Rackley 11 months ago

China Syndrome was better than a whole lot of these

0points

Nikole 11 months ago

A show, but freaking Olivia Benson

0points

for ducks sake 11 months ago

Drew Barrymore in Ever After

0points

Lara Verne 11 months ago

Ghibli movies.

0points

Crouching hippo hidden panda 11 months ago

Great list. I’ve seen a lot of them, going to make sure I get around to seeing the others

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

More recent ones: 9 to 5 (Tomlin, Parton & Fonda), Chicago (Zeta Jones & Zellweger), TV: Veronica Mars (Bell)

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

There are some classics with powerful leads: Casablanca (Ingrid Bergman), To Catch a Thief (Grace Kelly), The Desk Set (Katherine Hepburn), What's Up Doc (Barbara Streisand), Gentleman Prefer Blondes (Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe), Love Me or Leave Me (Doris Day).

0points

Himory TheDreamer 11 months ago

World of Warcraft (the game, I heard differently from the books) does strong female characters well. Draka, Talanji, Alextrasza, even Jaina, though I don't like her much, is a very strong character.

0points

BookFanatic 11 months ago

This was awesome. I think I upvoted everyone. lol

0points

Kayleigh Smith 11 months ago

If have to say Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

0points

Momo Skarsgård 11 months ago

I think Beth from Hostel 2 belongs on the list as well.

0points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

YESSSSSSSS BETH IS SUCH A BADASS I LOVE HERRRRRRRRR

0points

Load More Replies...

i love hawaiian margarita pizz 11 months ago

Jo from Nymphomaniac. she is very open to her sexuality and has sex on her own terms. also, nearly all the female leads in Kelly Richardt's films.

0points

functional human 11 months ago

Not like rey

0points

Deanna Crichley 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Lagertha from Vikings.

0points

Juririn 11 months ago

I would add Miss Sloane (2016) to this list ☝

0points

JoyfulZebra 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Emily Blunt's character in "The English" (an amazing, but heartbreaking miniseries) fits this real well.

0points

11 months ago

I'm surprised suits isnt on here. if anyone hasnt watched it already i reccomend they do. it is honestly amazing, and jessica is so iconic.

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Oh! I have another one! I've been watching For All Mankind and the character Molly Cobb, played by Sonya Walger, is a favorite of mine. No nonsense, "I'm going to be the best damn astronaut I can be."

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

No love for Cynthia Rothrock? That make me feel sad. And old. Very old.

0points

Tiff Day 11 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

POST

Fynne 11 months ago

Thanks BP staff for supporting women, while not being offensive to men

45points

Auntriarch 11 months ago

Very well noted Fynne

7points

Load More Replies...

Miki 11 months ago (edited)

Samantha Carter! SG-1. Strong and smart af! Oh! and half of female characters in battlestar galactica (newer one), especially Laura Roslin.

25points

Rocket Surgeon 11 months ago

Yes to both of these. Sam is da woman, and I loved how BSG had boxing matches where it didn't matter what gender was fighting what gender, they just went all out at each other.

9points

Load More Replies...

H Wiley 11 months ago

Oh, you beat me to it. Came here to say it. Dont forget Dr Elizabeth Weir and Teyla.

3points

the quickening 11 months ago

1point

Brocken Blue 11 months ago

1point

D. Pitbull 11 months ago

0points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

17points

The Original Bruno 11 months ago (edited)

11points

Load More Replies...

Rider 11 months ago

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Kathrine Janeway in ST Voyager. Kerri Russell as Jenna in Waitress.

7points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

Also if we're allowing Anime, Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.

7points

David Paterson 11 months ago

Yes!

1point

Load More Replies...

Dan Flo 11 months ago

Annihilation. A team of scientists and doctors facing the unknown. All of them are women. The Expanse - Drummer, Draper, Naomi, Madam Secretary-General Avasarala...

5points

Powerful Katrinka 11 months ago

Yes, to The Expanse! One of the many reasons I love it so.

1point

Load More Replies...

Fat Harry 11 months ago

How about Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"? Not the movie portrayal by Mary Badham, but the strong character from the book.

4points

TechPanda 11 months ago

4points

FaceTime Audio 11 months ago

2points

JB 11 months ago

Surprised The Pelican Brief (Book Author: John Grisham) didn’t make it on here. Brilliant novel and Julia Roberts was outstanding in the role of Darby Shaw in the movie.

2points

SkyDragonAerial (Aro/Ace, Cassgender) 11 months ago

Show, not movie, but Leverage! Parker and Sophie are so cool, and they carry the team imo. (No hate on the boys, but they're not as cool as the girls)

2points

H Wiley 11 months ago

That iswhy Nate left Parker in charge. She was a leader.

0points

Load More Replies...

Zedrapazia 11 months ago

That's a nice one, I enjoyed this read! Please next do one for the other side with male characters that aren't portrayed as the typical Rambo but still good.

2points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

What about I spit on your grave

1point

SheHulk 11 months ago

Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson) in person of interest!

1point

Sonja 11 months ago

1point

Deep One 10 months ago

Most of Angelina Jolie's movies; Salt, all of the Laura Croft Movies. Same for Milla Jovovich's movies.

0points

Uncle Schmickle 11 months ago

These are all crappy modern movies. How about looking at the "real" movie stars of the 1930s and 40s ? There were so many strong and believable women in them.

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

Lori Petty in "Tank Girl" has to be one of my favorites!!!

0points

Green Shoe Laces 11 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Kristi S. 11 months ago

Not a movie,but "Yellowstone"- Beth Dutton!

0points

Thirumeninathan Murugan 11 months ago

100 - the series

0points

Grace Skerp 11 months ago

Helen Mirren, Red "The CIA used to be tougher than this" as she FAFOs a bunch of them. Come to think just about any alpha female she's played.

0points

Definitely a Human 11 months ago

Chihiro / Sen from Spirited Away

0points

SheamusFanFrom1987 11 months ago

0points

Scott Rackley 11 months ago

China Syndrome was better than a whole lot of these

0points

Nikole 11 months ago

A show, but freaking Olivia Benson

0points

for ducks sake 11 months ago

Drew Barrymore in Ever After

0points

Lara Verne 11 months ago

Ghibli movies.

0points

Crouching hippo hidden panda 11 months ago

Great list. I’ve seen a lot of them, going to make sure I get around to seeing the others

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

More recent ones: 9 to 5 (Tomlin, Parton & Fonda), Chicago (Zeta Jones & Zellweger), TV: Veronica Mars (Bell)

0points

Cyndielouwhoo 11 months ago

0points

Himory TheDreamer 11 months ago

World of Warcraft (the game, I heard differently from the books) does strong female characters well. Draka, Talanji, Alextrasza, even Jaina, though I don't like her much, is a very strong character.

0points

BookFanatic 11 months ago

This was awesome. I think I upvoted everyone. lol

0points

Kayleigh Smith 11 months ago

If have to say Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

0points

Momo Skarsgård 11 months ago

I think Beth from Hostel 2 belongs on the list as well.

0points

cal! at the disco (they/him) 11 months ago

YESSSSSSSS BETH IS SUCH A BADASS I LOVE HERRRRRRRRR

0points

Load More Replies...

i love hawaiian margarita pizz 11 months ago

Jo from Nymphomaniac. she is very open to her sexuality and has sex on her own terms. also, nearly all the female leads in Kelly Richardt's films.

0points

functional human 11 months ago

Not like rey

0points

Deanna Crichley 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Lagertha from Vikings.

0points

Juririn 11 months ago

I would add Miss Sloane (2016) to this list ☝

0points

JoyfulZebra 11 months ago

Not a movie, but Emily Blunt's character in "The English" (an amazing, but heartbreaking miniseries) fits this real well.

0points

11 months ago

I'm surprised suits isnt on here. if anyone hasnt watched it already i reccomend they do. it is honestly amazing, and jessica is so iconic.

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

0points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 11 months ago

No love for Cynthia Rothrock? That make me feel sad. And old. Very old.

0points

Tiff Day 11 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

30 People Share Movies Where The “Strong Female Lead” Was Actually Done Right

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