Salma Hayekrose to prominence in the late 90s after she commanded the big screen in movies such asDesperado, which she starred inopposite Antonio Banderas, and in theQuentin Tarantino movieFrom Dusk Til Dawn. It was clear she had talent the moment she entered the screen, and both of these movies represented the beginning of a hugelysuccessful film career.
Indeed, Hayek’s career spans multiple genres. Her action movies, in particular, have been commercial hits. In her most recent action venture, Hayek starred in the MCU movieEternals, directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao and starring huge names like Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, and Gemma Chan. The MCU film received mixed reactions upon its initial release, but, as outlined byDen of Geek, proved to be better after a second viewing.Eternalsnonetheless looks set to receive a sequel, andThe Directtheorizes its release date to be in MCU Phase 5. Until then, here’s a look at Salma Hayek’s best action movies, ranked.
Related:Watch Salma Hayek Accept Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
7Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
2021 saw Salma Hayek return to the world of action movies when she starred inHitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. A sequel to the hitThe Hitman’s Bodyguard, Hayek returns as Sonia Kincaid, who is the wife of Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). They team up with another hitman Michael Bryce, who is played by Ryan Reynolds, in order to defeat a mutual enemy, and the film certainly delivers on the action front. Hayek is great in her role and performs well with the rest of the cast, having especially strong chemistry with Jackson.
6Wild Wild West
Wild Wild Westwas released in 1999 and was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. The movie loosely stems from a story penned by brothers Jim and John Thomas. The film stars Will Smith and Kevin Kline as two U.S Secret Service agents who are working to protect the President and the country from a variety of different threats on the western front of the USA. Hayek has a supporting role as Rita Escobar, and although the film received mediocre reviews, it stands the test of time as a time capsule of the 90s, and Hayek’s performance is a highlight.
Everlyis a 2015 action film directed by Joe Lynch, which sees Hayek star as the titular character, Everly. The plot centers around her mission as she faces hordes of assassins sent by her captor, a ruthless Japanese criminal mastermind, who seeks revenge on her and her family after discovering she was working with a police officer. It’s refreshing to see her in a leading role in this kind of film, and she carries it with ease.
2021 saw Hayek star in another successful action film, with Chloé Zhao’sEternals. The film features an ensemble cast that includes: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, and Angelina Jolie. The film centers around an immortal alien race known as the Eternals, who are now emerging after being in hiding for years to protect Earth from their counterparts, the Deviants. Hayek plays Ajak, who is the spiritual leader of the Eternals and has the ability to heal. Ajak is the “bridge” between the Eternals and the Celestials.
Related:Eternals: Did Ikaris Really Die?
3From Dusk Til Dawn
In 1996, Salma Hayek would join the group of actors that have worked with Quentin Tarantino in his huge success,From Dusk Til Dawn. The movie follows the classic Tarantino formula, telling the story of brothers on the run from a bank robbery that left several police officers dead, who are now on the run to the Mexican border. Hayek plays Santanico Pandemonium and fits in well with the chaotic and action-packed visuals that come alongside a Tarantino film.
2Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Once Upon a Time in Mexicois widely known as the follow-up film toDesperadoand is the third and final film that exists in Robert Rodriguez’sMexicotrilogy. Salma Hayek reprises her role as Carolina, who is the wife to El Mariachi, played by Antonio Banderas. This film also enlists A-list actors including Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendez, Danny Trejo, and Enrique Iglesias. It’s a strong follow-up toDesperado, and Hayek excels in her role as Carolina, blending in perfectly with Rodriguez’ vision.
1Desperado
Desperadois the original film in theMexicoseries by Robert Rodriguez, and is the film that put Hayek on the map originally for most people. She plays Carolina, who is the wife of El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) as she helps him in his fight against Bucho and his gang. It’s an action-packed film that was hugely successful and helped launch Hayek’s career, proving to be the perfect example of how action films and Selma Hayek just work perfectly together.
