This year, we have seen more women in action roles than ever before. It seems that the days of the damsel in distress may be numbered as women take to fighting their own battles. Whether its with a bow and arrow, a sword, or a black leather body suit, these five women have all found a way to kick some major ass. With a new generation of young girls in need of some positive role models (as opposed to the Paris Hilton-influenced generation), it seems that there are finally some worthy role models. This could just be the beginning of a larger trend. All of the films below dominated the box office upon release, three of them ranking in the top five for the year. One can only hope that this will convince Hollywood that people will see films with female heroes. Princesses who can save themselves. Girls who fight for worthy causes, even if its their own freedom. This is what we want to see. WARNING: The rest of this post contains major spoilers for some of this year's biggest blockbusters.
5. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
From her breakout role in Winters Bone to her turn redefining Mystique in last years X-Men: First Class, Jennifer Lawrence has made a name for herself playing strong female characters with real depth. Katniss is no different, and will likely be remembered as one of Lawrences defining roles. Katniss is a fighter, a confident young girl who uses her skills to do whatever she must to win the battle to the death that is the 24th Hunger Games. One of the great things about The Hunger Games is that Katniss is shown to be more capable than her male competitors time and again. Peta probably wouldnt have survived the training without her help, not to mention the Games. In addition, Katniss takes out several of the most intimidating male tributes, and isnt afraid to stand up to any of them. If we learned anything from The Hunger Games, its that girls need to stop worrying about which boy they want to kiss and start worrying about which boy theyre going to save in the coming revolution.