Skip Supergirl, Stream These 3 Action Gems Instead

James Gunn’s rebooted DC universe just landed its second film, and the verdict is in: Supergirl isn’t worth your summer blockbuster dollars. Between the tired plot about found family, visuals that can’t hide janky CGI work, and a villain so forgettable you’ll struggle to remember their name by the time credits roll, the film feels like textbook superhero slop. Milly Alcock carries the weight as best she can in the title role, but even her performance can’t save a sinking ship.

The good news? You don’t have to suffer through this one. Your streaming subscriptions are loaded with female-led action films that put Supergirl to shame—movies that understand how to build genuine tension, craft compelling character arcs, and deliver action sequences that actually land. Whether you’re craving sci-fi thrills, spy intrigue, or character-driven drama wrapped in explosive combat, these three films prove you can find real entertainment at home without dropping cash on a theatrical disappointment.

Start with Lucy, the 2014 Luc Besson film starring Scarlett Johansson. Sure, the plot—a woman who accidentally ingests experimental drugs and gains superpowers like telekinesis and telepathy—sounds ridiculous. It is. But Besson directs with a skill and pace that most comic book movies can’t touch. Johansson’s Lucy goes on the run with less than 24 hours to live, developing abilities like super strength and something called mental time travel, all while being hunted by everyone who wants to exploit her newfound gifts. Morgan Freeman and Choi Min-sik round out a supporting cast that elevates what could’ve been throwaway material into genuinely entertaining cinema. Lucy is now streaming on Netflix.

If you want espionage with style, Atomic Blonde delivers in ways that Supergirl only dreams about. Charlize Theron plays MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, tasked with finding a stolen list of undercover operatives in 1989 Berlin. The plot may feel like Mission: Impossible lite, but Theron—who gets punched, kicked, shot at, stabbed, and thrown off buildings—makes you believe every second of it. The film embraces the neon aesthetics and techno synths of its era, creating a spy thriller that’s all style without sacrificing substance. You can stream Atomic Blonde on HBO Max.

Finally, Point of No Return from 1993 showcases Bridget Fonda as Maggie Hayward, a woman with nothing to lose who’s offered a grim deal: become a trained assassin for the U.S. government or face life in prison. What makes this American remake of the acclaimed French film La Femme Nikita work is Fonda’s nuanced performance—tough yet vulnerable—paired with Hans Zimmer’s blood-pumping score and director John Badham’s kinetic action sequences. It’s a film that’s been largely forgotten, which is a crime. You can rent or purchase Point of No Return on Prime Video and other digital platforms.

The lesson here isn’t just that Supergirl missed the mark. It’s that the best female action heroes aren’t found in spandex and capes. They’re in stories that trust their audiences to follow complex plots, appreciate stylish direction, and root for women who fight their way through genuine stakes. Skip the summer blockbuster letdown and spend your evening with these three films instead.