Film noir is among the most famous and acclaimed cinematic categories.
The femme fatale is arguably the most recognizable element of film noir.
Many famous actors played femme fatales during noir’s golden period, fromBarbara StanwycktoRita Hayworth.
And while some are definitely deathly, others are less lethal in these best femme fatale movies.
After all, Jessica is not bad; she’s just drawn that way.
The one and onlyRita Hayworthis the secret behindGilda’s timeless quality.
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Gilda looks and sounds like a femme fatale, but she isn’t.
The film subverts noir expectations by featuring a happy ending that goes against everything that came before.
In the end, turns out Gilda really is decent.
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Kim Novakshines as the film’s female lead and femme fatale.
Ethereal and near-flawless under Hitchcock’s singular eye, the actor takes a lighter approach to the femme fatale.
Played by the underratedMary Astor, Brigid is the main antagonist inJohn Huston’s noir classicThe Maltese Falcon.
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Gloria Swansonimmortalized herself through the role of Norma.
Few actors ever looked so striking as Gardner inThe Killers.
The face, the hair, the costumes!
The film follows a PI who escapes to a rural town but can’t outrun his past.
Greer plays one of the best femme fatales to ever femme fatale, the duplicitous Kathie Moffat.
Kathie is a murderous, lying, and conniving woman who is always one step ahead of everyone.
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Now,that’sa femme who lives up to the fatale.
Wicked and hilarious,A Simple Favoris among thebest comedic thrillers of the 21st century.
Lively shines as the twisted and manipulative Emily, an unforgettable femme fatale with an equally iconic fashion sense.
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The plot concerns a ruthless and scheming woman who stumbles upon a suitcase full of stolen money.
Tramell is a best-selling and enigmatic writer suspected of murdering her rockstar boyfriend.
Stone is magnetic in the film, taking “fatale” to the next level.
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Image via TriStar Pictures
