Hollywood's Most Awesome Heroines

Ellen Ripley in 'Aliens'

Sigourney Weaver to the rescue! Weaver, who played Ellen Ripley in the James Cameron "Aliens" franchise, famously uttered, "Get away from her, you bitch!" while bravely battling it out, female to female against the alien queen. Ever the reluctant heroine, Ripley was one bad-ass, alien-killing machine. Even after sacrificing her own life in the hopes of eradicating the intergalactic parasites, she was back after 200 years in the form of a clone, and once again, was hurled into action.

Sarah Connor in 'The Terminator'

Linda Hamilton, who played Sarah Connor in both "Terminator" films, transformed her character into a buffed out, lean-mean, fighting machine. The original film depicts Sarah as a quiet waitress who quickly learns about the mass destruction about to be unleashed by the robots of the future. In "Terminator 2: Judgement Day," Connor becomes a weapons expert who can easily pump the shotgun with one hand... and is determined to kill the machines of the future.

Beatrix Kiddo in 'Kill Bill'

Perhaps the most ruthless and blood-thirsty heroine was Uma Thurman in Quentin Taratino's "Kill Bill" franchise. Thurman played Beatrix Kiddo, better known as The Bride, who is ruthlessly shot in the head while pregnant and seeks revenge on her killers. Kiddo breaks out her sword and yellow outfit-reminiscent of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, to battle it out with her toughest nemeses... and wins.

Lara Croft in 'Tomb Raider'

Based on the popular video game series, the "Tomb Raider" featured the adventures of Lara Croft, played by a gun-toting Angelina Jolie, who is hired to recover powerful ancient artifacts. Croft fights with villains in the most action-packed and dangerous expeditions. Casting Angelina for the role was a perfect choice-doesn't she look exactly like her video game counterpart? In preparation for the part, Jolie beefed-up and trained for months to get in the best shape of her life... and kicked some major bad guy butt!

Selene in 'Underworld'

Kate Beckinsale traded in her innocent romantic comedy persona for tight leather outfits for the role of sultry vampire, Selene, in the "Underworld" movies. Shooting her guns with expertise, Selene gives the Lycans a reason to be afraid, and is the Underworld's most heroic vampire.

Trinity in 'The Matrix'

Fans were blown away when they were first introduced to "The Matrix's" Trinity, after she impressively defeated six police officers and made it just in time to answer the phone (and escaping death)-exiting the sophisticated computer program called "The Matrix." Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, not only dukes it out with the Agents, she's also an intelligent computer programmer and hacker, who plays Neo's love interest.

Alice in 'Resident Evil'

Model-turned-actress Milla Jovovich plays Alice, who fights off flesh-eating creatures in "Resident Evil." In a courageous effort to save human kind, Alice brawls with a supercomputer, zombies, mutant dogs and a powerful beast, to make her one of Hollywood's sexiest and most valiant action stars.

Neytiri in 'Avatar'

Zoe Saldana voiced the part of Neytiri in James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster "Avatar." Neytiri reluctantly shows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) the ways of her people, and along the way, confidently fights off the bad guys, falls in love and saves her planet.

Princess Leia in 'Star Wars'

Paving the way for Hollywood's future female action stars, Carrie Fisher is Princess Leia in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Fisher plays a passionate, defiant leader unafraid to take charge and speak her mind! Leia, who is best remembered for that tiny gold bikini, never hesitated to pick up a gun and blast away at Imperial soldiers. Along the way, Leia discovers shocking family secrets, falls in love, and saves her people... restoring freedom to the galaxy.

'Charlie's Angels'

The "Charlie's Angels" films showed a trio of beautiful, well-dressed action heroines who save the world without smudging their mascara. Natalie Cook (Cameron Diaz), Dylan Sanders (Drew Barrymore), and Alex Munday (Lucy Liu) proved that good looks and crime-fighting skills can go hand-in-hand!