I am so frustrated with the way women tend to be portrayed on screen in action films. Women deserve better and much more can be done. There is this automatic assumption that films with female leads/heroines are doomed to be "unsuccessful" because women don't sell movie tickets. This is lunacy! How quickly we forget!

Here is a list of strong female lead characters that are game changers in action cinema. I'm know there are many more to choose from, but I wanted to pay homage to these roles and all that represent strong roles. This list proves that not only can female characters/heroes/leads be successful at the box office, but these female characters are paramount to the story.

If you aren't familiar with any of these characters, I encourage you to get on that!

1. Alice, "Resident Evil" franchise.

Milla Jovovich.

2. Katniss Everdeen, "The Hunger Games" franchise.

Jennifer Lawrence.

3. Ellen Ripley, "Aliens" franchise.

Sigourney Weaver.

4. Sarah Connor, "Terminator" 1 & 2.

Linda Hamilton.

5. Betrix Kiddo, "Kill Bill" Vol. 1 & 2.

Uma Thurman.

6. "Hannah."

Saoirse Ronan.

7. "Yes Ma'am," "Silverhaw," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Michelle Yeoh is an exception. She has played the lead in more than 50 actions films. Chinese audiences continue to support her cinematic ventures. Admit it, the woman is just that good in just about everything!

Michelle Yeoh.

8. Lady Sif, "Thor."

Jaimie Alexander.

9. Mako Maori, "Pacific Rim."

Rinko Kukuci.

10. Mace Mason, "Strange Days."

Anglea Bassett.

11. Kris Fairchild, "Rage and Honor."

Cynthia Rothrock.

12. Pvt. Vazquez, "Aliens."

Jenette Goldstein.

13. Mallory Kane, "Haywire."

Gina Carano.

14. Diana Guzman, "Girl Fight."

Michelle Rodriguez.

15. Selene, "Underworld" franchise.

Kate Beckinsale.

16. Rey, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Daisy Ridley.

17. "Foxy Brown."

Pam Grier.

18. Jyn Erso, "Star Wars: Rouge One."

Felicity Jones.

19. Furiosa, "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Charlize Theron.

20. Ecks, "Ballistics: Ecks vs. Sever."

Lucy Liu.

21. Rita Vritaski, "Edge of Tomorrow."

Emily Blunt.

22. "Columbiana."

Zoe Saldana.

23. "Lucy."

Scarlett Johannson.

I want to mention there aren't nearly enough female action/leads on the big screen, and there are even LESS roles like this for women of color. Hollywood is getting better of course but it's moving at a snails pace. Hopefully you will use these examples and push Hollywood to build upon this foundation. Now, let this list dispel any myths that female leads in action films cannot carry a film to success.

Images via Warner Brothers Studios, Europa, Sony, Lucasfilm/Disney, Screen Gems, Lionsgate, Miramax, Universal Studios,