35 Best Movies like Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

Kick-Ass belongs here for its unconventional take on vigilante justice, which breaks genre rules in clever ways similar to what Birds of Prey achieves. Kick-Ass stands out thanks to its blend of humor and violence, distinctive characters, and fresh approach to superhero storytelling.

Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. Kick-Ass is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.1 by 12,513 people. The movie made an estimated total of $96,188,903 in the box office.

Deadpool earns its spot on this list due to its fearless protagonist who subverts expectations and narrates with irreverence, much like Harley Quinn. The movie is memorable for its self-aware humor, stylized action, and unique break from traditional superhero films.

The origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who, after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life. Deadpool is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.6 by 33,030 people. The movie made an estimated total of $782,837,347 in the box office.

Tank Girl is included because of its anarchic spirit and offbeat female lead navigating chaos, evoking a sense of wildness akin to Harley Quinn. The film is celebrated for its unapologetic attitude, bold visuals, and cult appeal.

After a comet disrupts the rain cycle of Earth, the planet has become a desolate, barren desert by the year 2033. With resources scarce, Kesslee, head of the powerful and evil Water & Power Corporation, the de facto government, has taken control of the water supply. Unwilling to cower under Kesslee's tyrannical rule, a pair of outlaws known as Tank Girl and Jet Girl rise up, joining the mysterious rebel Rippers to destroy the corrupt system. Tank Girl is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 5.5 by 586 people. The movie made an estimated total of $4,064,495 in the box office.

Atomic Blonde makes this list for its combination of intense action and a resourceful female lead operating in a treacherous underworld. It offers audiences stylish espionage sequences and a gripping story set against a backdrop of intrigue.

An undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents. Atomic Blonde is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.4 by 6,702 people. The movie made an estimated total of $100,014,025 in the box office.

Thelma & Louise fits this page due to its focus on women breaking away from societal constraints and forging a new path together, echoing themes of freedom and partnership. What makes it stand out is its emotionally charged narrative and enduring character dynamic.

Taking a break from their dreary lives, close friends Thelma and Louise embark on a short weekend trip that ends in unforeseen incriminating circumstances. As fugitives, both women rediscover the strength of their bond and their newfound resilience. Thelma & Louise is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 10m runtime, released in 1991 with an average rating of 7.6 by 3,937 people. The movie made an estimated total of $45,361,000 in the box office.

Widows earns a place here by presenting ordinary women pulled into the criminal world, a dynamic that recalls the team-building aspect of Birds of Prey. The film is notable for its suspenseful plot and strong ensemble performances.

A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, they join forces to pull off a heist. Widows is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.5 by 2,505 people. The movie made an estimated total of $75,984,700 in the box office.

Sucker Punch is recommended for its vivid, action-packed fantasy sequences driven by a group of women defying their circumstances. The movie leaves a mark through its imaginative visuals and ambitious storytelling approach.

A young woman, institutionalized by her abusive stepfather, retreats into a vivid fantasy world where she envisions a plan to escape. Gathering a group of fellow inmates, she embarks on a quest to collect five mystical items, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Sucker Punch is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.2 by 5,156 people. The movie made an estimated total of $89,792,502 in the box office.

Gunpowder Milkshake is listed because it weaves together crime and action with a group of capable women supporting one another during dangerous situations. Its standout feature is its visually inventive action scenes and playful energy.

To protect an 8-year-old girl, a dangerous assassin reunites with her mother and her lethal associates to take down a ruthless crime syndicate and its army of henchmen. Gunpowder Milkshake is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 54m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,181 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,015,760 in the box office.

Ocean's Eight deserves a spot thanks to its ensemble of women orchestrating a high-stakes heist. The film charms audiences with smart plotting, stylish visuals, and its light-hearted approach to teamwork and caper storytelling.

Debbie Ocean, a criminal mastermind, gathers a crew of female thieves to pull off the heist of the century at New York's annual Met Gala. Ocean's Eight is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.0 by 8,903 people. The movie made an estimated total of $297,718,711 in the box office.

The Nice Guys joins the list for its blend of crime and comedy, where mismatched characters must navigate criminal undertakings. The movie becomes especially rewarding with its sharp wit, 1970s setting, and strong chemistry between leads.

A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy. The Nice Guys is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 56m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.1 by 8,789 people. The movie made an estimated total of $71,261,763 in the box office.

Coffee & Kareem is included because it presents unlikely allies thrown together in a chaotic crime scenario, creating both action and humor. Its distinctive appeal lies in the comedic partnership and fast-paced, irreverent adventure.

A Detroit cop reluctantly teams with his girlfriend's 11-year-old son to clear his name and take down the city's most ruthless criminal. Coffee & Kareem is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 5.4 by 444 people.

Cherry 2000 appears here for its creatively dystopian setting where a determined female lead takes charge in a lawless world. What truly makes it memorable is its inventive blend of science fiction and quirky, action-driven storytelling.

When successful businessman Sam Treadwell finds that his android wife, Cherry model 2000 has blown a fuse, he hires sexy renegade tracker E. Johnson to find her exact duplicate. But as their journey to replace his perfect mate leads them into the treacherous and lawless region of 'The Zone', Treadwell learns the hard way that the perfect woman is made not of computer chips and diodes. Cherry 2000 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 1987 with an average rating of 6.0 by 280 people. The movie made an estimated total of $14,000 in the box office.

The Kitchen relates to Birds of Prey by featuring women stepping into criminal roles to take control of their destinies. Audiences applaud its gritty atmosphere and compelling characters navigating organized crime.

The mobster husbands of three 1978 Hell's Kitchen housewives are sent to prison by the FBI. Left with little but a sharp ax to grind, the ladies take the Irish mafia's matters into their own hands — proving unexpectedly adept at everything from running the rackets to taking out the competition… literally. The Kitchen is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.1 by 736 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,000,000 in the box office.

The Long Kiss Goodnight is recommended for its amnesiac lead rediscovering lethal abilities, driving high-octane action with a twist on personal identity. The film stands out for its dynamic set-pieces and surprising narrative turns.

Samantha Caine is a small-town schoolteacher and mom with no memory of her life before washing up on a beach eight years ago. After a car accident and a violent home invasion trigger flashes of her past, she discovers she used to be a deadly CIA assassin. Teaming up with a wisecracking private investigator, Samantha must return to her old ways to take down the people who tried to erase her. The Long Kiss Goodnight is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 6.6 by 1,375 people. The movie made an estimated total of $89,456,761 in the box office.

Hanna appears on this page thanks to its story of a young woman hunted by powerful enemies while on a journey of self-discovery. The film captivates with its kinetic pacing and a unique coming-of-age perspective in action.

Raised by her father, an ex-CIA agent, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's upbringing has been geared to making her the perfect assassin. Sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys across Europe, eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative. As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence. Hanna is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.6 by 3,728 people. The movie made an estimated total of $63,782,078 in the box office.

Smokin' Aces makes the cut for its chaotic underworld setting where multiple characters collide over a high-stakes target, mirroring the upheaval and quick reversals found in Birds of Prey. The movie is known for its frenetic energy and ensemble cast.

When a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch named Buddy Israel decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he's no longer breathing. Smokin' Aces is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.5 by 1,862 people. The movie made an estimated total of $57,103,895 in the box office.

The Heat presents an entertaining dynamic between mismatched women working together in law enforcement. Its particular strength is its comedic approach, standout performances, and emphasis on the evolution of a hilarious partnership.

Uptight and straight-laced, FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn is a methodical investigator with a reputation for excellence--and hyper-arrogance. Shannon Mullins, one of Boston P.D.'s "finest," is foul-mouthed and has a very short fuse, and uses her gut instinct and street smarts to catch the most elusive criminals. Neither has ever had a partner, or a friend for that matter. When these two wildly incompatible law officers join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies. The Heat is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,211 people. The movie made an estimated total of $229,930,771 in the box office.

Hardcore Henry lands here for its relentless, innovative action presented through a uniquely immersive perspective, delivering adrenaline-filled sequences. Its distinguishing quality is the first-person style, making every moment feel immediate and intense.

Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg who must save his wife/creator from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant with telekinetic powers, AKAN, and his army of mercenaries. Fighting alongside Henry is Jimmy, who is Henry's only hope to make it through the day. Hardcore Henry takes place over the course of one day, in Moscow, Russia. Hardcore Henry is a movie from Russia in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.4 by 2,714 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,810,562 in the box office.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is included because of its intricate crime plot involving interconnected characters swirling around a coveted object. The movie is lauded for its witty dialogue, clever structure, and stylish depiction of the criminal underworld.

A card shark and his unwillingly-enlisted friends need to make a lot of cash quick after losing a sketchy poker match. To do this they decide to pull a heist on a small-time gang who happen to be operating out of the flat next door. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 8.1 by 7,295 people. The movie made an estimated total of $28,356,188 in the box office.

Free Fire sits on this page for its single-location crime story brimming with betrayals and rapid-fire action as characters duel over a deal gone wrong. Its appeal lies in the sharp script and darkly comedic pulsing tension.

Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shoot-out and a game of survival. Free Fire is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 31m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,248 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,719,383 in the box office.

Empire Records is recommended due to its focus on a group of distinctive characters banding together during a day of misadventure. The film resonates with its free-spirited tone, memorable cast, and celebration of individuality.

The employees of an independent music store learn about each other as they try to stop the store from being absorbed by a large chain. Empire Records is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 6.6 by 834 people. The movie made an estimated total of $303,841 in the box office.

Assassination Nation earns its place through its provocative exploration of chaos erupting in a town, played out with a bold, stylish sensibility. The film stands apart with its daring social commentary and frenetic pace.

After an anonymous hacker begins leaking the private data of thousands living in a small American town, the townspeople spiral into madness, with four high school seniors at the center of the maelstrom. Assassination Nation is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.2 by 905 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,900,000 in the box office.

Run Lola Run is featured for its high-stakes race against time, structured around a protagonist who must rapidly adapt to shifting circumstances. The movie is renowned for its inventive storytelling and pulsating energy.

Lola receives a phone call from her boyfriend Manni. He lost 100,000 DM in a subway train that belongs to a very bad guy. She has 20 minutes to raise this amount and meet Manni. Otherwise, he will rob a store to get the money. Three different alternatives may happen depending on some minor event along Lola's run. Run Lola Run is a movie from Germany in German, with a total 1h 20m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 7.3 by 2,615 people. The movie made an estimated total of $7,660,911 in the box office.

D.E.B.S. appears on this list thanks to its playful mix of espionage, romance, and action, with a focus on young women undertaking secret missions. It delights audiences with its witty humor and genre-bending sensibility.

The star of a team of teenage crime fighters falls for the alluring villainess she must bring to justice. D.E.B.S. is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 31m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.6 by 650 people. The movie made an estimated total of $97,446 in the box office.

Haywire is included for starring a highly skilled female protagonist navigating betrayals in a shadowy world of espionage. The film distinguishes itself with realistic action choreography and a tense, grounded approach.

A black ops soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and left for dead. Haywire is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 5.7 by 1,503 people. The movie made an estimated total of $33,372,606 in the box office.

Set It Off qualifies due to its depiction of women turning to crime as a means of seizing control over their lives, fostering camaraderie amid adversity. The film resonates for its emotional depth and gripping heist sequences.

Four inner-city Black women, determined to end their constant struggle, decide to live by one rule — get what you want or die trying. So the four women take back their lives and take out some banks in the process. Set It Off is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 7.2 by 406 people. The movie made an estimated total of $41,590,886 in the box office.

The Villainess claims a spot thanks to its innovative action scenes led by a complex female antihero, merging vengeance and personal turmoil. Audiences remember it for breathtaking choreography and dramatic storytelling.

Honed from childhood into a merciless killing machine by a criminal organization, assassin Sook-hee is recruited with the promise of freedom after ten years of service. However, secrets from her past destroy everything she’s worked for and now she embarks on a roaring rampage of revenge. The Villainess is a movie from South Korea in Korean, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.9 by 779 people. The movie made an estimated total of $8,737,458 in the box office.

Ready or Not is recommended for its intense cat-and-mouse game, thrusting its resourceful lead into a violent struggle for survival. The movie impresses with its inventive premise and sharp dark humor.

A young bride's wedding night turns into her worst nightmare when her ridiculously rich in-laws force her to play a gruesome game of hide-and-seek. Ready or Not is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 7.1 by 5,720 people. The movie made an estimated total of $57,615,777 in the box office.

Domino belongs here for featuring a tenacious woman drawn into the criminal world, tackling danger on her own terms. It stands out for its action-packed narrative and unconventional approach to the bounty hunter genre.

The story of the life of Domino Harvey, who abandoned her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter. Domino is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 5.9 by 1,300 people. The movie made an estimated total of $22,900,000 in the box office.

Charlie's Angels finds a place on this list with its team of skilled women fighting crime, combining teamwork with exhilarating set pieces. The film is appreciated for its lighthearted tone and dynamic group camaraderie.

Elena Houghlin is a scientist, engineer and inventor of Calisto -- a sustainable energy source that will revolutionize the way people use power. It will be ready as soon as she works out the last issue, if not it could be turned into a dangerous weapon. But when the cutting edge technology is pushed to an investor before she can do that, Elena turns to the Townsend Agency for help. Now, it's up to the Angels -- Jane, Sabina, and the newly recruited Elena -- to retrieve Calisto before it can be transformed into a weapon of mass destruction. Charlie's Angels is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.4 by 3,184 people. The movie made an estimated total of $73,279,888 in the box office.

Birds of Passage is included for telling a sweeping crime saga, exploring power shifts within a tight-knit group navigating danger. Its uniqueness lies in its rich cultural setting and dramatic portrayal of criminal enterprise.

During the marijuana bonanza, a violent decade that saw the origins of drug trafficking in Colombia, Rapayet and his indigenous family get involved in a war to control the business that ends up destroying their lives and their culture. Birds of Passage is a movie from Colombia in Spanish, with a total 2h 5m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.3 by 326 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,517,405 in the box office.

Bullet Train earns inclusion for its fast-paced action and eccentric cast tangled together during a high-stakes job gone awry. The movie is particularly noted for its stylish visuals, creative action, and humorous momentum.

Unlucky assassin Ladybug is determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug's latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world's fastest train. Bullet Train is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 7.4 by 7,732 people. The movie made an estimated total of $239,268,602 in the box office.

Violet & Daisy fits this page with its story of two young women caught in a dangerous assignment, balancing violence and unexpected bonds. The film is remembered for its offbeat tone and character-driven moments.

Two teenage assassins accept what they think will be a quick-and-easy job, until an unexpected target throws them off their plan. Violet & Daisy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.1 by 287 people. The movie made an estimated total of $108,139 in the box office.

Wanted is recommended for its adrenaline-pumping action and protagonist discovering a hidden, dangerous world rife with assassins. Audiences enjoy its stylized sequences and the thrilling transformation at its core.

Doormat Wesley Gibson is an office worker whose life is going nowhere. He meets an attractive woman named Fox and discovers that his recently murdered father - whom Wesley never knew - belonged to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins which takes its orders from Fate itself. Fox and Sloan, the Fraternity's leader, teach Wesley, through intense training, to tap into dormant powers and hone his innate killing skills. Though he enjoys his newfound abilities, he begins to suspect that there is more to the Fraternity than meets the eye. Wanted is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.5 by 7,695 people. The movie made an estimated total of $342,463,063 in the box office.

Kingsman: The Secret Service makes the list for updating the spy genre with sleek action and witty irreverence, much like Birds of Prey reinvents superhero conventions. The film is beloved for its memorable characters and inventive, over-the-top escapades.

The story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius. Kingsman: The Secret Service is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.6 by 17,981 people. The movie made an estimated total of $414,351,546 in the box office.