Movies and TV Shows With a Damsel in Distress (With Spoilers & Specifics)
by Bee-Sweet | created - 16 Jan 2020 | updated - 9 months ago | PublicWARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN MY DESCRIPTIONS!
Also, IMDb has "Parent Guides" which lists all of the trigger warnings that are in certain movies/TV shows. I recommend reading these guides so you know if the movies/TV shows will be right for you :)
This list will include both movies and TV shows (including Korean Dramas and animes); they will be grouped together by type, so I recommend sorting by “list order” in the sort by settings.
List Order: Movies, TV shows, K-Dramas, Cartoons/Animes.
During these movies/shows listed:
- The villain has a crush on/is interested in the female lead
- The male lead is protective of/obsessed with the female lead
- The female lead gets into some kind of trouble (ex: kidnapped, attacked, held hostage, etc.)
- The female lead is rescued in some way
I hope this list helps you out -- sincerely, L ♥
DATE LAST UPDATED: July 3rd, 2023
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1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
R | 118 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
Votes: 1,549,337 | Gross: $130.74M
The female lead (Clarice Starling) is a student at the FBI who attracts the interest of the male lead (kind of anyway) who is a psychopath, doctor, and cannibal named Hannibal Lecter. The way they interact is very interesting and he definitely falls for her. Hannibal asks Clarice questions about herself in return for information she needs to catch a serial killer.
Neutral ending; Hannibal escapes from prison, calls her, and says he'll see her around
2. Hannibal (2001)
R | 131 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Living in exile, Dr. Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with now disgraced F.B.I. Agent Clarice Starling, and finds himself a target for revenge from a powerful victim.
Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta
Votes: 293,324 | Gross: $165.09M
This is the sequel to the movie "The Silence of the Lambs"
WARNING: they replaced the female lead in this one, which bothered me a little bit, but not enough for me to hate the movie. Ultimately, it is still really good even with the change!
The movie starts off many years later and Clarice is now a full FBI agent. Eventually, Clarice and Hannibal are face-to-face again and she gets injured (not by Hannibal) and he stitches her up while she is unconscious. After she wakes up, she tries to fight him but he overthrows her and gets away. Very obsessive love on Hannibal's part, lots of stalking.
Neutral ending; he gets away after their "dinner" lol
3. Split (IX) (2016)
PG-13 | 117 min | Horror, Thriller
Three girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan | Stars: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula
Votes: 554,766 | Gross: $138.29M
This movie focuses on a man who has DID/MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder). A few of the personalities end up working together to kidnap three girls, one of these girls being the female lead (kinda, she is more like a final girl) named Casey. There is no romance in this movie since it focuses on the male lead and his multiple identities, but there are damsels, so... it gets placed on the list due to technicality.
Neutral ending; Casey is let go/escapes but the other two girls are killed (they weren't very likable anyway and were practically extras in the movie)
4. Lockout (2012)
PG-13 | 95 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the President's daughter from an outer-space prison taken over by violent inmates.
Directors: James Mather, Steve Saint Leger | Stars: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Vincent Regan
Votes: 100,967 | Gross: $14.33M
The male lead (Snow) is sent to rescue the president's daughter/female lead (Emilie) who is trapped inside a space prison. In the beginning, Snow is a little rough with Emilie (which threw me off a little), because he thinks of her as a sheltered princess but he warms up to her after he discovers that she is actually extremely kindhearted. One of the prisoners takes a special liking to Emilie throughout the movie and attempts to assault her multiple times.
Happy ending; they end up together
5. Fear (1996)
R | 97 min | Drama, Thriller
When Nicole met David; handsome, charming, affectionate, he was everything. It seemed perfect, but soon she sees that David has a darker side. And his adoration turns to obsession, their dream into a nightmare, and her love into fear.
Director: James Foley | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, William Petersen, Amy Brenneman
Votes: 54,941 | Gross: $20.75M
The female lead (Nicole) catches the attention of the male lead (David) who develops an obsessive love for her. They begin dating but eventually Nicole breaks up with David. He then becomes very hostile and tries to break into her home with his friends in order to win her back.
Neutral ending; he dies but I couldn't really see them being together after everything that happened in the end
6. Getaway (I) (2013)
PG-13 | 90 min | Action, Thriller
To save his kidnapped wife, Brent Magna must drive at the orders of a mysterious man.
Director: Courtney Solomon | Stars: Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, Jon Voight, Paul Freeman
Votes: 25,264 | Gross: $10.49M
A mysterious man orders the male lead (Brent) to drive a stolen car after his wife is kidnapped. The stolen car is owned by "The Kid" who tries to get her car back (doesn't work, she is forced to get in the car) then they have to work together to take down the villain/mysterious man. This is not a heavily romantic movie (just the main couple, but you hardly see them together) it is more platonic/action.
Happy ending... kinda; Brent and his wife are reunited and "The Kid" is safe too. The mysterious man gets away with the money in the end though
7. The Last Witch Hunter (2015)
PG-13 | 106 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history.
Director: Breck Eisner | Stars: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
Votes: 109,963 | Gross: $27.37M
Kaulder is an immortal witch hunter who enlists the help of a witch named Chloe in order to save his friend and stop a plague from killing the world. Chloe does not like Kaulder at first, but they eventually develop a bond and have great chemistry together. Kaulder saves Chloe from a dark magic witch who tries to kill her because she helped him. Also, Chloe is held hostage by another villain who is working together with the witch queen and Kaulder saves her again. Their relationship is weirdly romantic but platonic at the same time. They have chemistry but they don't really act on it.
Happy ending; Kaulder and Chloe drive off together :)
8. The Accountant (2016)
R | 128 min | Action, Crime, Drama
As a math savant uncooks the books for a new client, the Treasury Department closes in on his activities, and the body count starts to rise.
Director: Gavin O'Connor | Stars: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal
Votes: 322,143 | Gross: $86.26M
The male lead (Christian) protects the female lead (Dana) from assassins that were sent to kill her because she discovered that the company she works for committed a crime. They both have great chemistry together and it's super sweet! The story focuses more on Christian and his back story/childhood, but I still really enjoyed it.
Bittersweet (leaning towards happy) ending; they don't end up together but there is hope for the future. You know he loves her :)
9. The Princess Bride (1987)
PG | 98 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
A bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Votes: 451,165 | Gross: $30.86M
A pirate (Westley) has to save his true love (Buttercup) from being murdered after she is kidnapped by a group of men. He protects her throughout the movie, however, he does slap her once (which is awful) but it doesn't happen in the book so I pretend it doesn't happen in the movie either. A classic damsel movie.
Happy ending; they end up together
10. Conan the Barbarian (2011)
R | 113 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
A vengeful barbarian warrior sets off to get his revenge on the evil warlord who attacked his village and murdered his father when he was a boy.
Director: Marcus Nispel | Stars: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan, Stephen Lang
Votes: 102,728 | Gross: $21.30M
The male lead (Conan) is on a mission to avenge his father who was murdered by the villian (Khalar), a man who wants to become a god. Khalar needs the female lead (Tamara), who is of pure blood to do this, and she ends up in Conan's hands. He acts coldly towards her at first but she saves his life thus earning his loyalty, and he's very sweet to her after that. Also, he protects her throughout the movie.
Neutral ending; he takes her home and leaves... but there's hope that they will end up together in the future
11. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
PG | 109 min | Action, Adventure, Family
A protege of the magician Merlin must train his teacher's successor - an introverted but resourceful physics prodigy - in the art of sorcery to prevent the return of Morgana le Fay.
Director: Jon Turteltaub | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer
Votes: 170,050 | Gross: $63.15M
The female lead (Becky) is kidnapped by the villain (Horvath). The male lead (Dave) trades his magical ring in order to save her. The damsel scene is really short in this one but I think the movie is still worth the watch.
Happy ending!
12. The Fifth Element (1997)
PG-13 | 126 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.
Director: Luc Besson | Stars: Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Votes: 506,681 | Gross: $63.54M
The male lead (Korben Dallas) has to protect the female lead (Leeloo) as she journeys on a quest to save Earth from a great evil. Although she is a strong female lead, there are moments throughout the movie when the male lead needs to save/help her. This movie is amazing in a general and there is great chemistry between the leads.
Happy ending :)
13. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead.
Director: Gore Verbinski | Stars: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Votes: 1,211,325 | Gross: $305.41M
This is the first movie in the series
The female lead (Elizabeth Swan) is kidnapped by the villain (Captain Barbossa) and his crew who are cursed to become undead corpses at night. She is recused by her love interest (Will Turner) and the main character (Jack Sparrow). Anyone else not really enjoy Keira Knightley's character in this movie? She's so annoying lol...
Neutral (leaning towards happy) ending
14. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.
Director: Rob Marshall | Stars: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush
Votes: 564,533 | Gross: $241.06M
This is the fourth movie in the series
The female lead (Angelica) is Jack's former lover and is Black Beard's daughter. Black Beard and Angelica are both poisoned and Jack tricks Black Beard into saving Angelica instead of himself so she can live. Also, a mermaid is kidnapped and one of the men falls in love with her.
Neutral ending
15. Aladdin (1992)
G | 90 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker | Stars: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Votes: 467,263 | Gross: $217.35M
The female lead (Princess Jasmine) is taken captive by the villain (Jafar) after he steals a magic lamp from the male lead (Aladdin). Jafar then wishes that Jasmine would fall in love with him, even though the Genie cannot do that. As a distraction, she plays along and kisses Jafar while Aladdin attempts to get the lamp back so he can rescue her.
Happy ending
16. Jack Reacher (2012)
PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller
A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper responsible for a mass shooting.
Director: Christopher McQuarrie | Stars: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog
Votes: 365,195 | Gross: $80.07M
Jack Reacher is an former Army Military Police officer who has to prove the innocence of James Barr, a man who was framed for a crime. Helen, who is Barr's lawyer and Reacher's romantic interest, is kidnapped by the men who actually committed the crime and is held hostage until Reacher comes to save her. Overall, a really great action movie, and the damsel scene was pretty good too.
Neutral ending; Reacher and Helen go their separate ways, but their time together was sweet
17. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
PG-13 | 118 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name while on the run as a fugitive from the law.
Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge, Robert Knepper
Votes: 175,419 | Gross: $58.70M
This is the sequel to "Jack Reacher"
WARNING: The love interest from the first movie is not in this one, but I like the new love interest better so it was a good change in my book :)
Jack Reacher has to break his new love interest (Turner) out of prisoner after she is framed for a crime. He helps her clear her name throughout the movie. Also, he has a maybe daughter (Sam) thrown into the mix who is held hostage by the enemy later in the movie. There are two damsels in this one (although they are both strong + capable as well), lots of entertaining action, and a lot of cute father/daughter scenes.
Neutral (leaning towards happy) ending; Sam goes to a private school, Turner's name is cleared, and Reacher goes off on his own again
18. Legend (1985)
PG | 94 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.
Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent
Votes: 72,534 | Gross: $15.50M
Jack and Princess Lili are in love. However, Jack must stop the Lord of Darkness from taking over the world. Princess Lili is kidnapped by the Lord of Darkness who ends up falling for her and decides to make her his bride. In the end, Lili is saved by Jack. I wasn't a big fan of this one, it's really weird, but it had a good damsel scene, so...
Happy ending; they walk off into the sunset together... literally.
19. Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
R | 96 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
An assassin teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry.
Director: Aleksander Bach | Stars: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto, Ciarán Hinds
Votes: 95,706 | Gross: $22.47M
This is a reboot of the original movie "Hitman" made in 2007 (which is also on this list)
Katia's father is in hiding and the bad guys need her in order to find him. She is kidnapped by Agent 47 before she can tell the villian where he is and afterwards is continuously chased by the bad guys. Agent 47 protects/trains her throughout the movie. I didn't really feel any chemistry between the two though :(...
Neutral (leaning towards sad) ending; her father dies and they go off to kill the other agents together
20. Hitman (I) (2007)
R | 94 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 hired by a group known only as 'The Organization' is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe.
Director: Xavier Gens | Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert Knepper
Votes: 177,813 | Gross: $39.69M
The male lead (Agent 47) is a professional hitman who falls for the female lead (Nika Boronina) who is the main bad guy's mistress. Agent 47 kidnaps her for information (and treats her a little harshly) before developing feelings for her and protecting her.
Neutral (leaning towards happy) ending; Agent 47 watches over her from afar
21. The Mummy (1999)
PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love.
Director: Stephen Sommers | Stars: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo
Votes: 461,495 | Gross: $155.25M
My favorite movie of all time.
Librarian Evelyn Carnahan enlists the help of adventurer Rick O'Connell to find the lost city of Hamunaptra. When they find the city, they accidentally awaken a mummy named Imhotep who becomes obsessed with Evelyn because he needs her in order to resurrect his dead girlfriend. Imhotep kisses + kidnaps Evelyn and O'Connell saves her. O'Connell is very protective of Evelyn throughout the movie and saves her multiple times.
Happy ending <3
22. The Mummy (2017)
PG-13 | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
An ancient Egyptian princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.
Director: Alex Kurtzman | Stars: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, Russell Crowe
Votes: 206,344 | Gross: $80.10M
2017 reboot of the 1999 movie; definitely not as good as the original; basically an entirely different genre from the first movie.
The male lead (Nick Morton) saves the female lead (Jennifer "Jenny" Halsey) from dying in a plane crash (he puts the last parachute on her, sacrificing himself... but he ends up being okay). He also sacrifices himself to bring her back from the dead at the end of the movie. I didn't feel a ton of chemistry between the two leads but I didn't mind it that much.
Neutral ending; they both survive but he goes off on his own to try and break his curse so that they can be together again
23. Twilight (I) (2008)
PG-13 | 122 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance
When Bella Swan moves to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, she falls in love with Edward Cullen, a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire.
Director: Catherine Hardwicke | Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Sarah Clarke
Votes: 487,834 | Gross: $192.77M
The male lead (Edward, a vampire) is extremely protective of the female lead (Bella, a human) throughout the entire movie. Edward and his family have to protect her from an evil vampire who loves hunting humans and chooses her to be his next victim. This first movie is the only one I like out of all of them. I enjoyed the first book a lot as well, if you like to read, I definitely recommend giving the book a try.
Neutral ending; Bella survives and her and Edward end up together (until they don't in the next one and then do again in the next next one =.=)
24. I, Robot (2004)
PG-13 | 115 min | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
In 2035, a technophobic cop investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, which leads to a larger threat to humanity.
Director: Alex Proyas | Stars: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Alan Tudyk
Votes: 575,782 | Gross: $144.80M
Male lead (Detective Spooner) saves the female lead (Susan Calvin) from an evil robot holding her hostage inside her apartment. They work together with a good robot (Sonny) to defeat the evil robots. The two leads have chemistry but there is no straight out romance between them, still amazing though!
Happy ending; they save the day :)
25. Man of Steel (2013)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
An alien child is evacuated from his dying world and sent to Earth to live among humans. His peace is threatened when other survivors of his home planet invade Earth.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane
Votes: 812,201 | Gross: $291.05M
In the beginning of the movie, Lois gets injured and Superman/Clark uses his powers to save her. She also has to go with him onboard an enemy space ship. The story focuses more on Superman's origin story but I love the chemistry Superman/Clark and Lois have when they are together and there was a few rescue scenes!
Happy ending :)
26. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
PG-13 | 151 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg
Votes: 752,691 | Gross: $330.36M
At one point during the movie, Lex Luthor kidnaps Lois Lane (well... has people kidnap Lois Lane) and teases her by putting his arm around her and sniffing her. In the end, Luthor pushes Lois off the rooftop because he knows Superman will save her. Great damsel scene but this movie overall is not very good.
Neutra (leaning towards sad-ish) ending; Luthor goes to prison and Superman dies (not really though)
27. Batman Begins (2005)
PG-13 | 140 min | Action, Crime, Drama
After witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Votes: 1,579,525 | Gross: $206.85M
This is the first movie in Christian Bale's Batman series.
Batman origin film. The female lead (Rachel Dawes) is a honest lawyer and has a few scenes where she is standing up to one of the antagonists (Dr. Crane/Scarecrow) who later uses his fear gas on her. Batman rescues her and gives her the antidote. Earlier in the movie Batman also rescues her from two men who try to kill her on her way home.
Neutral (leaning towards sad) ending; Rachel says she can't be with Bruce when he is also Batman, so they don't end up together
28. The Dark Knight (2008)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Votes: 2,872,791 | Gross: $534.86M
This is the second movie in Christian Bale's Batman series (but you can watch it without having seen the first one if you wanted to).
WARNING: They replaced the actress who plays the female lead in the first movie (why do they always do this to me...)
The male lead (Batman/Bruce Wayne) is in love with the female lead (Rachel Dawes). They broke up in the first movie and she is now with another man (Harvey Dent). Bruce is still in love with her, so he sabotages Rachel and Harvey's date, it's a small scene but was very cute. Also, there is a scene between Rachel and Joker where he teases/messes with her and throws her out a window because he knows Batman will save her. Joker also kidnaps her and Harvey and makes Batman choose which one to save.
Neutral (leaning towards sad) ending; Rachel dies. Although, I don't really mind because Batman ends up with Catwoman in the third movie ("The Dark Knight Rises") and I enjoyed their relationship a lot more.
29. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
PG-13 | 164 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Eight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Votes: 1,828,763 | Gross: $448.14M
This is the third movie in Christian Bale's Batman series.
The male lead (Bruce Wayne/Batman) saves his romantic interest (Selina Kyle/Catwoman) from a group of gangsters and helps her clear her record of crime so she can start a new life. However, Selina is also a strong female lead and is very capable of taking care of herself and even helps Batman a few times (after sabotaging him first... lol).
Happy ending! Bruce and Selina end up together :)
30. Batman (1989)
PG-13 | 126 min | Action, Adventure
The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl
Votes: 404,472 | Gross: $251.19M
This is the first movie in Michael Keaton's Batman series.
The villain (The Joker/Jack Napier) develops an obsessive love for the female lead (Vicki Vale). He tricks her into going on a date with him, shows up at her apartment, and even kidnaps her. Meanwhile, the male lead (Bruce Wayne/Batman) falls for Vicki and saves her from the Joker.
Neutral ending; the Joker falls to his death and Vicki and Bruce end up together (for now at least... because she was replaced with Catwoman in the second film)
31. Deadpool (2016)
R | 108 min | Action, Comedy
A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.
Director: Tim Miller | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Votes: 1,126,599 | Gross: $363.07M
Superhero movie. Deadpool has to rescue his one and only love from the bad guy after she is kidnapped and used as bait.
Happy ending; he rescues her and they share a romantic kiss
32. Knight and Day (2010)
PG-13 | 109 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
A young woman gets mixed up with a disgraced spy who is trying to clear his name.
Director: James Mangold | Stars: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Jordi Mollà
Votes: 210,403 | Gross: $76.42M
The female lead (June Havens) gets mixed up with a secret agent (Roy Miller) who is being framed for a crime. Roy protects June throughout the movie from evil agents and an assassin. He even saves her when she is kidnapped by a Spanish arms dealer. I highly recommend this one!
Happy ending; they drive off to Cape Horn together
33. Priest (2011)
PG-13 | 87 min | Action, Fantasy, Horror
A warrior priest disobeys church law to track down a pact of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Director: Scott Stewart | Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Karl Urban
Votes: 124,174 | Gross: $29.14M
The male lead (Priest) has to save his "niece" (Lucy Pace) after she was kidnapped by vampires. Lucy's boyfriend (Hicks) also joins the mission to save Lucy. The villain (Black Hat) has a scene where he almost bites and feeds on Lucy but she is saved by Priest.
Neutral (leaning towards happy) ending; Lucy is saved and Priest walks off into the sunset to stop the rest of the vampire uprising.
34. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Robin Hood decides to fight back as an outlaw when faced with the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Director: Kevin Reynolds | Stars: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater
Votes: 208,499 | Gross: $165.50M
The villain (the Sheriff of Nottingham) pursues the female lead (Lady Marian) throughout the movie. At one point, the Sheriff takes her prisoner and is minutes away from forcefully marrying and assaulting her. However, the male lead and Marian's lover (Robin of Locksley) comes to save her.
Happy ending; Robin kills the Sheriff and marries Marian!
35. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
PG-13 | 121 min | Drama, Romance
The Brothers Grimm arrive at the home of a wealthy Grande Dame who speaks of the many legends surrounding the fable of the cinder girl before telling the "true" story of her ancestor.
Director: Andy Tennant | Stars: Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Patrick Godfrey
Votes: 81,768 | Gross: $65.71M
The female lead (Danielle) is abused by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. At one point, she is even sold to one of the villains in the movie (Pierre le Pieu) who has previously shown interest in her. She is a strong female lead and defends herself from him, although, the male lead (Prince Henry) was on his way to save her.
Happy "Ever After" ending!
36. The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
R | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The wanted criminal Richard Bruno Riddick arrives on a planet called Helion Prime and finds himself up against an invading empire called the Necromongers, an army that plans to convert or kill all humans in the universe.
Director: David Twohy | Stars: Vin Diesel, Judi Dench, Colm Feore, Thandiwe Newton
Votes: 241,934 | Gross: $57.76M
This is the sequel to "Pitch Black" (the first movie doesn't fit any of the requirements to be on this list).
The male lead (Riddick) discovers that his friend who he rescued previously (Jack from the first movie but is now called Kyra) is imprisoned on Crematoria so he purposefully lets himself be captured so he can rescue her. However, this is more of the side plot.
Sad ending; Kyra dies :(
37. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
PG-13 | 165 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
When humanity allies with a bounty hunter in pursuit of Optimus Prime, the Autobots turn to a mechanic and his family for help.
Director: Michael Bay | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci
Votes: 331,750 | Gross: $245.44M
This is the fourth movie in the Transformers franchise.
The main character (Cade Yeager) and his daughter (Tessa Yeager) are caught up in some trouble after they come into possession of a transformer (Optimus Prime). Tessa is accidentally abducted, along with Optimus Prime, by the Decepticons. Afterwards, Tessa's boyfriend (Shane Dyson) and her father save her. The both of them are also very protective of her throughout the movie.
Happy (leaning towards neutral) ending
38. Safe Haven (I) (2013)
PG-13 | 115 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller
A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.
Director: Lasse Hallström | Stars: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders, David Lyons
Votes: 116,530 | Gross: $71.35M
The female lead (Erin Tierney/Katie Feldman) is on the run from her abusive boyfriend (Kevin Tierney) who is a police detective. While she is on the run, she meets the male lead (Alex Wheatley) who is a widower with a daughter and is a very kind man. Eventually, her ex finds her and she accidentally kills him while they are wrestling over a gun.
Happy (leaning towards bittersweet) ending
39. Nightcrawler (2014)
R | 117 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
When Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.
Director: Dan Gilroy | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed
Votes: 604,985 | Gross: $32.38M
The male lead/villain (Louis Bloom) is a petty who is desperate to get a real job. Eventually, Louis learns that photojournalists can sell their images of crimes/accidents to the local news channels for good money. Louis becomes deranged at his new profession and tampers with crime scenes in order to give his footage more impact so he can get more money. As Louis starts to gain more traction, he pressures/blackmails the female lead (Nina Romina) into dating him. It's a contractual relationship where they both get something in return... although it is forced...
Neutral (leaning towards scary) ending; Louis doesn't get caught for all the crimes he has committed, instead, he becomes quite successful and expands his business. "I wouldn't have you do anything I wouldn't do." 0_0
40. The Secret of Moonacre (2008)
PG | 103 min | Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Maria inherits a book of secrets from her dad. She moves to her uncle's Moonacre estate. A family curse was cast on the valley. Only Maria can break it using her book.
Director: Gabor Csupo | Stars: Ioan Gruffudd, Dakota Blue Richards, Tim Curry, Juliet Stevenson
Votes: 11,001
The female lead (Maria Merryweather) is attacked by bandits on her way to her uncle's house directly after her father's funeral. One of the bandits (Robin de Noir) was shown to be creepily watching her in the beginning of the movie. Later, he ends up falling for her (although not outright said) and helps her with her mission. They have more than a few scenes together but there's no straight out romance between them.
Happy ending
41. 365 Days (2020)
TV-MA | 114 min | Drama, Romance
Massimo is a member of the Sicilian Mafia family and Laura is a sales director. She does not expect that on a trip to Sicily trying to save her relationship, Massimo will kidnap her and give her 365 days to fall in love with him.
Directors: Barbara Bialowas, Tomasz Mandes | Stars: Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Michele Morrone, Bronislaw Wroclawski, Otar Saralidze
Votes: 98,561
The male lead (Don Massimo Torricelli) becomes obsessed with the female lead (Laura Biel) after he sees her on a beach. Years later he meets her again, kidnaps her, and declares that she will fall in love with him in a year. The dialogue was cringe lol.
Neutral ending; Laura "dies" off screen but it seems like she might have been kidnapped by a rival mafia - maybe we will find out if there is a sequel. Will update if so.
UPDATE: The sequel is "365 Days: This Day" and it is revealed that she was fine, she just miscarried. The sequel doesn't meet any of the requirements to be on this list though...
42. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
PG-13 | 138 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.
Director: J.J. Abrams | Stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Votes: 974,189 | Gross: $936.66M
This is the seventh movie in the Star Wars series but the first in the sequel trilogy, so you can start here if you don't want to watch the first seven :)
The male lead/antagonist (Kylo Ren) captures the female lead (Rey) and takes her to the Starkiller Base, where she resists his mind-reading attempts. She eventually escapes using a Jedi mind trick on a guard. They meet again later and have a light-saber battle before being separated again. The damsel scene in this one isn't bad but it is very short since the majority of this movie focuses on the resistance trying to find Luke. I just see it as setup to the next movies which have better damsel scenes.
Neutral ending
43. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.
Director: Rian Johnson | Stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher
Votes: 672,416 | Gross: $620.18M
This is the eighth movie in the Star Wars series but the second in the sequel trilogy.
Rey is taught how to use the force by Luke. During this time, Rey and Kylo are able to see each other and communicate because they are connected through the force. Rey is eventually captured by Kylo again who brings her to his leader (Snoke). Snoke orders Kylo to kill Rey but Kylo kills Snoke instead. Together, they defeat the guards and Kylo asks Rey to join the dark side and rule the galaxy with him. She refuses and they battle a little before Rey escapes.
Neutral ending; but sad if you like Luke because he dies...
44. Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
PG-13 | 141 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again in the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.
Director: J.J. Abrams | Stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver
Votes: 493,782 | Gross: $515.20M
This is the ninth movie in the Star Wars series but the third/final in the sequel trilogy.
Rey and Kylo are still connected through the force and he uses it to stalk her and out find her location multiple times throughout the movie. He is still obsessed with getting her to join him and the dark side so they can be together. At one point, they meet and have a light-saber battle. She wins by stabbing him but then decides to heal him and then escapes. He sacrifices himself for her at the end of the movie and they kiss, and then he... well you know.
Sad ending; Kylo dies in order to save Rey :( ... I still rewatch these sometimes for the damsel scenes, but I skip the ending.
45. The Babysitter (1995)
R | 90 min | Drama, Thriller
A teenage babysitter is the focus of two boys and a man's separate obsessions.
Director: Guy Ferland | Stars: Alicia Silverstone, Jeremy London, J.T. Walsh, Lee Garlington
Votes: 6,013
All of the men in this movie are interested in the female lead (Jennifer), especially the second male lead (Mark). Mark has an obsession for Jennifer and even manipulates her boyfriend (Jack) in order to get to her.
Neutral (leaning towards sad) ending. Mark dies and you know Jack & Jennifer will never be together again. However, they were both villains so you don’t really care.
46. The Bourne Legacy (2012)
PG-13 | 135 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
An expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.
Director: Tony Gilroy | Stars: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Scott Glenn
Votes: 315,685 | Gross: $113.20M
This is the fourth movie in the Jason Bourne movie series. However, it focuses on a different main character so you can get away with not watching the others if you want to, you just won't understand the entire backstory.
The male lead (Aaron Cross) is an operative for a secret program. As an operative, Cross uses experimental pills known as "chems" which enhance the physical and mental abilities of their users. This program tries to kill all of their users due to a rogue operative (explained in the other movies). Aaron escapes and hunts down the female lead (Dr. Marta Shearing) who is a researcher working for the program. She was the only survivor when her coworker was hired by the program to kill all of the researchers. Aaron saves her when other employees from the program are sent to her house to finish her off and they go on the run together.
Happy ending; they escape together and sail away on a boat :)
47. Venom (2018)
PG-13 | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A failed reporter is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. But the being takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it.
Director: Ruben Fleischer | Stars: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze
Votes: 538,716 | Gross: $213.52M
48. The Boy (2016)
PG-13 | 97 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
An American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.
Director: William Brent Bell | Stars: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, James Russell, Jim Norton
Votes: 101,898 | Gross: $35.82M
The female lead (Greta) is asked to baby sit a couple's little boy (Brahms) while the parents go on "vacation." The little boy ends up being a doll and then ends up being a real and very large man who has been living in the walls after he killed a little girl. Brahms ends up becoming obsessed with Greta, asking her for goodnight kisses and he even hides her clothes so she can't go on a date with the male love interest (Malcolm).
Neutral ending; the house goes up in flames and Brahms dies... but Greta and Malcolm are fine
49. King Kong (2005)
PG-13 | 187 min | Action, Adventure, Romance
A greedy film producer assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann
Votes: 447,137 | Gross: $218.08M
The female lead (Ann) is kidnapped, tied up, and used as bait for Kong, but he falls (?) for her and carries her around places. The male lead (Jack) ends up "saving" her from Kong (she was fine lol)
SAD! ending; the army kills Kong :(
50. The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
PG-13 | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.
Director: David Yates | Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Rory J Saper, Christian Stevens, Christoph Waltz
Votes: 188,751 | Gross: $126.64M
The female lead (Jane, Tarzan's wife) is kidnapped by the villain (Rom) and taken aboard his ship. Jane escapes from the ship, but the villain and his goons follow her, and she ends up being kidnapped again. Tarzan (also called John) finally catches up to the two and is able to kill Rom and save Jane
Happy ending; Jane and Tarzan end up together and have a baby
51. The Terminator (1984)
R | 107 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation.
Director: James Cameron | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Votes: 924,797 | Gross: $38.40M
The female lead (Sarah) is relentlessly chased by a cybernetic assassin (Terminator) sent from the future to kill her. The male lead (Reese) who is also from the future rescues her and helps her throughout the movie
Sad (leaning towards neutral) ending; Reese scarifies his life to kill the Terminator and save her, Sarah ends up being pregnant with his son
52. Baby Driver (2017)
R | 113 min | Action, Crime, Drama
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.
Director: Edgar Wright | Stars: Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Eiza González
Votes: 611,738 | Gross: $107.83M
The male lead (Baby) is a getaway driver for criminals. He falls in love with a waitress/the female lead (Debora). At one point, one of the criminals tries to kill Debora (unaware of their romance) but Baby stops him. Later, Debora and Baby have to play cat and mouse with another criminal that hates Baby
Happy ending; Baby spends some time in jail for what he has done, but then he and Debora meet again once he gets out
53. The Invitation (II) (2022)
PG-13 | 105 min | Horror, Thriller
A young woman is courted and swept off her feet, only to realize a gothic conspiracy is afoot.
Director: Jessica M. Thompson | Stars: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee, Hugh Skinner
Votes: 31,576
The female lead (Evelyn/Evie) is a struggling waitress who ends up finding out that she has a distant family after taking a DNA test. One of her new family members contacts her and invites her to a wedding. Turns out, it is actually her wedding to the male lead, a rich vampire villain (Walter De Ville) who has been romancing her during her stay at his manor
Neutral ending; she kills Walter and goes back home
54. Drive (I) (2011)
R | 100 min | Action, Drama
A mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn | Stars: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks
Votes: 704,942 | Gross: $35.06M
The male lead (Driver) works as a mechanic, a stunt double, a stunt driver, and a criminal-for-hire getaway driver. He falls in love with the female lead (Irene) and gets into a ton of trouble in order to protect her. At one point, Driver and Irene are in an elevator together and share an intense kiss after Driver realizes the two are sharing an elevator with a hitman sent to kill him, essentially making the kiss a goodbye to her, as he realizes that killing the hitman in front of her will show her his true self.
Neutral (leaning bittersweet/open) ending; the Driver has defeated all of the villains and ensured Irene's safety, but he drives away and we aren't really sure what happens after, such as if he goes back to Irene or not
55. Beauty and the Beast (2014)
PG-13 | 112 min | Drama, Family, Fantasy
An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted.
Director: Christophe Gans | Stars: Vincent Cassel, Léa Seydoux, André Dussollier, Eduardo Noriega
Votes: 22,441
56. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
R | 119 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A quiet pawnshop keeper with a violent past takes on a drug-and-organ trafficking ring in hope of saving the child who is his only friend.
Director: Lee Jeong-beom | Stars: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Tae-hoon, Kim Hee-won
Votes: 74,890 | Gross: $0.01M
57. Ninja Assassin (2009)
R | 99 min | Action, Thriller
A young ninja turns his back on the orphanage that raised him, leading to a confrontation with a fellow ninja from the clan.
Director: James McTeigue | Stars: Rain, Rick Yune, Naomie Harris, Jonathan Chan-Pensley
Votes: 75,621 | Gross: $38.11M
58. The Gray Man (2022)
PG-13 | 122 min | Action, Thriller
When the CIA's most skilled operative, whose true identity is known to none, accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.
Directors: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo | Stars: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thornton
Votes: 238,973
59. Die Hard (1988)
R | 132 min | Action, Thriller
A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.
Director: John McTiernan | Stars: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Votes: 946,121 | Gross: $83.01M
60. Life (I) (2007–2009)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Detective Charlie Crews was framed, convicted and cleared for a crime he didn't commit. Twelve years of hard time have given him a unique philosophy on life and criminal investigation. Now he's readjusting to a world that's moved on.
Stars: Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin, Brent Sexton
Votes: 35,288
The male lead (Charles "Charlie" Crews Jr.) is a police officer who was framed for murder and wrongly imprisoned. After he was later exonerated of all crimes, Charlie becomes partners with the female lead (Dani Reese). There is no romance between these two, they are more like family. Charlie protects and helps Dani a few times throughout the show and saves her when she is kidnapped by the villain (Roman Nevikov).
Happy ending
61. Scream: The TV Series (2015–2019)
TV-14 | 45 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A serialized anthology series that follows a group of teenagers being targeted by a masked serial killer.
Stars: Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna, Carlson Young
Votes: 45,024
WARNING: They rebooted the series after season two and replaced the entire cast. They also left season two on a cliff hanger :( still a fun watch though
The female lead (Emma Duval) is tossed into the middle of a murder mystery. The villain (the Lakewood Slasher) harasses her throughout the show.
Canceled/cliffhanger ending ;( I recommend watching the Halloween special as a way to get closure, although, it doesn't tie up everything.
62.
Scream: The TV Series (2015–2019)
Episode:
Halloween Special
(2016)
TV-14 | 81 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
The Lakewood survivors take refuge on a remote island with an infamous past and end up in a bloody standoff.
Director: Oz Scott | Stars: Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna, Amadeus Serafini
Votes: 1,258
This is a special episode of "Scream: The TV Series" set after season two.
The survivors go on a special trip to a remote island... of course that doesn't go well lol.
Happy ending
63. Dark Matter (2015–2017)
TV-14 | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
In the dystopian 27th century, six people wake up on a deserted spaceship with no memory of who they are or what they're doing there. They reluctantly team up and set off to find answers with the help of a female android.
Stars: Melissa O'Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr., Jodelle Ferland
Votes: 45,033
WARNING: This show was canceled after season three (season three was a little weird anyway so I wasn't too torn up about it)
A space TV show about a crew of infamous criminals who lose their memories and decide to become better people. One member of the crew is a young girl named Five. I chose this show specifically for one episode only: season two, episode eleven. During this episode, Five is kidnapped by a group of men who want to sell her and Three (a grump-type character) saves her. This episode was so sweet and cute, I absolutely loved it! I really enjoyed this show in general too (up until season three anyway). Three and Five have a very adorable father/daughter relationship. You could watch just this single episode if you wanted to.
Canceled, so no ending/unresolved ending :(
64. Dexter (2006–2013)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
He's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.
Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar
Votes: 767,420
The villain in season one (Brian Moser) is the older brother of the male lead (Dexter). Bryan tries to get close to Dexter by dating his step-sister (Debra). Eventually, Bryan kidnaps Debra and tries to kill her but she is saved by Dexter.
I didn't finish the show so I don't know how it ended. IMO, just watch season one (which ended neutral) if you're in it for the damsel scenes!
65. The Boys (2019– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.
Stars: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty
Votes: 652,626
The main plot of the show is about an evil corporation that creates superheros and a group of "boys" who tries to stop them. There is a very small side plot of Frenchie, one of the members of the boys, who has a very subtle romantic relationship with "The Female" aka Kimiko. Kimiko doesn't come in until episode four in season one. Frenchie saves her from captivity. Kimiko takes a special liking to Frenchie and vice versa. The first season doesn't explore their relationship very much, the second season goes a little further, but I loved their chemistry and their moments together a lot. I also liked the show in general.
Ongoing series; no ending so far (will update)
Season 2 Update: There aren't any real damsel scenes in this season, and I wasn't a really big fan of this season in general - a ton of plot holes... I will still watch season three anyway.
Season 3 Update: No damsel scenes stood out to me.
66. Lucifer (2016–2021)
TV-14 | 4,393 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Lucifer Morningstar has decided he's had enough of being the dutiful servant in Hell and decides to spend some time on Earth to better understand humanity. He settles in Los Angeles - the City of Angels.
Stars: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D.B. Woodside
Votes: 356,299
Basically a detective show but with the devil. Chloe is the main female lead and detective for the LAPD. She is immune to Lucifer's devil powers and makes him vulnerable/almost human. Throughout the show, Lucifer saves Chloe multiple times and Chloe saves Lucifer multiple times. it's a super cute love story (kind of a slow burn, Lucifer is really slow lol) and really interesting + exciting show in general. Also, in season five, Chloe is kidnapped by someone close to Lucifer who had taken a liking to her during the season.
Ongoing, so currently no ending, I will update when it is finished. However, in my opinion, the latest season was very cringe... so I might struggle finishing it. Maze backstabbing the people she loves for the 100th time? Original... -.-
Ending update: The last season was so bad I couldn’t finish it… but I read ahead and it seems to be a bittersweet (leaning towards happy) ending. Lucifer goes back to hell and they meet again once Chloe dies. I still recommend watching the show and just dropping it whenever you feel like it has gone downhill.
67. Jessica Jones (2015–2019)
TV-MA | 56 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Following the tragic end of her brief superhero career, Jessica Jones tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator, dealing with cases involving people with remarkable abilities in New York City.
Stars: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville, Carrie-Anne Moss
Votes: 226,859
A superhero TV show. The villain (Kilgrave) can control people with his voice, he also has an obsessive love towards the female lead (Jessica) who he kidnapped and controlled with his powers.
Neutral (leaning towards happy) ending; she kills Kilgrave but still doesn't end up with anyone in the later seasons, it's just her.
68. Stalker (2014–2015)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A team of detectives investigates stalkers in Los Angeles.
Stars: Dylan McDermott, Maggie Q, Victor Rasuk, Mariana Klaveno
Votes: 17,877
WARNING: This show was canceled after season one :( However, I still think it's a must watch for damsel lovers.
Beth Davis is a Lieutenant at the LAPD Threat Assessment Unit (TAU) which focuses on stalker cases. Beth has had a stalker in the past named Ray. She also catches the attention of Perry who becomes her new stalker. Eventually, Perry and Ray team up and plan to "share" Beth. Beth is kidnapped by Ray but is saved by her coworkers. Also, the whole show is centered around damsels. I'm really really sad they canceled it.
The show was canceled after season one and it ended on a cliff hanger; I still highly recommend watching it anyway!
69. Time After Time (2017)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
The adventures of young H.G. Wells and his time machine.
Stars: Freddie Stroma, Josh Bowman, Will Chase, Genesis Rodriguez
Votes: 3,980
WARNING: this show was canceled after season one and ends on a cliff hanger. I still watched the show anyway and absolutely loved it! I replay the episodes I enjoyed the most and skip the last episode. I highly recommend it :)
A time travel TV show. Jack the Ripper uses his friend's (H.G. Wells) time machine to escape being arrested for murder and travels to the present. H.G. follows Jack in order to bring him back so he can pay for his crimes. The female lead (Jane) helps H.G. and they fall in love, it's very cute. Ripper kidnaps Jane who is very feisty and they develop some chemistry. Jane and the Ripper have A TON of moments together throughout the show and he shows a special interest in her.
Canceled, so unresolved ending :(
70. Beauty and the Beast (1987–1990)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
The adventures and romance of a sensitive and cultured lion-man and a crusading assistant district attorney in Manhattan, New York City.
Stars: Ron Perlman, Roy Dotrice, Jay Acovone, Linda Hamilton
Votes: 7,892
WARNING: This show was canceled after season three.
The female lead (Catherine) is rescued multiple times throughout the show by the male lead (Vincent) who looks like a beast. I personally prefer the reboot (see below) over this version but I thought I would add it to the list anyway.
Sad ending/canceled ending. They killed Catherine in season three because the actress left the show, so she was replaced with another actress. Then they eventually canceled the show.
71. Beauty and the Beast (2012–2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Romance
A beautiful detective falls in love with an ex-soldier who goes into hiding from the secret government organization that turned him into a mechanically charged beast.
Stars: Kristin Kreuk, Jay Ryan, Nina Lisandrello, Austin Basis
Votes: 38,116
Reboot of the original 1987 Beauty and the Beast TV show.
The female lead (Catherine) is almost killed by hitmen but is saved by the male lead (Vincent). Vincent was a soldier and was experimented on by an evil corporation who wanted to create super soldiers. As a result of the experiment, he was turned into a beast like creature (although he still looks human most of the time). Catherine and Vincent team up to take down this corporation and they become romantically involved. The story is mostly focused on their romance. Also, Vincent is very protective of Catherine throughout the show and they get into a lot of trouble together.
Happy ending :)
72. The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
The lives, loves, dangers and disasters in the town, Mystic Falls, Virginia. Creatures of unspeakable horror lurk beneath this town as a teenage girl is suddenly torn between two vampire brothers.
Stars: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Kat Graham
Votes: 350,055
A human girl named Elena gets involved in a love triangle with two sibling vampires named Stefan and Damon. Elena gets kidnapped/attacked/threatened multiple times throughout the show. Also, Klaus, who is an original vampire and one of the villains in the show falls hard for Caroline, a newly turned vampire and best friend of Elena. They have a very cute side plot <3
Bittersweet (leaning towards sad) ending; they all die and meet in the afterlife
73. Psych (2006–2014)
TV-PG | 44 min | Comedy, Crime, Mystery
When a novice sleuth convinces the police he has psychic powers, he and his reluctant best friend are hired on as consultants to help solve complicated cases.
Stars: James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen
Votes: 105,889
74. Scandal (2012–2018)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Thriller
A former White House Communications Director starts her own crisis management firm only to realize her clients are not the only ones with secrets.
Stars: Kerry Washington, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Diaz
Votes: 79,748
75. The Last of Us (2023– )
TV-MA | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity's last hope.
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv, Gabriel Luna
Votes: 525,550
76. The Master's Sun (2013)
62 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Tae Gong Sil has the ability to see ghosts, but their constant demands for help make her life impossible until she meets Joo Jong Won, a handsome CEO who measures everything by money, since when she touches him, the ghosts disappear.
Stars: Kong Hyo-jin, So Ji-seob, Seo In-Guk, Kim Yoo-ri
Votes: 5,500
The female lead (Tae Gong-Shil) is able to see ghosts after she experiences a terrible accident. She discovers that whenever she touches the male lead (Joo Joong-Won) the ghosts disappear. For this reason, she follows him around so that she can live her life in peace. Eventually they develop feelings for each other and together they help ghosts move on to a better place. In one episode, Gong-Shil is attacked by a murderer who killed a little boy, but Joong-Won saves her by sacrificing himself. They also have a lot of cute moments where he protects her from ghosts!
Happy ending!
77. Healer (2014–2015)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Kim Moon-Ho is a popular reporter. One day, he learns the truth of a case that took place in the past. He intentionally approaches people who are related to the case and helps them. While doing so, he agonizes over the truth and beliefs.
Stars: Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-Young, Tae-Mi, Kim Mi-kyung
Votes: 11,002
78. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
This drama tells of the love story that develops between a surgeon and a special forces officer.
Stars: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won
Votes: 21,919
The female lead (Doctor Mo-Yeon) meets the male lead (Korean Special Forces soldier Shi-Jin) and it is love at first sight. The villian (David Argus) kidnaps Mo-yeon and Shi-jin saves her. Shi-jin also saves her when her car almost goes over a cliff... and during a bunch of other moments too. I love this one!
Happy ending; they end up together!
79. The K2 (2016)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller
A highly trained special ops agent goes off the grid after being framed for murder, and is hired as a bodyguard when the powerful and influential father of a troubled girl sees his skills.
Stars: Ji Chang-wook, Song Yun-ah, Im Yoon-ah, Jo Sung-ha
Votes: 9,488
80. Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
TV-14 | 67 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Do Bong-soon is a woman born with superhuman strength that comes from the long line of women possessing it. when Ahn Min Hyuk, the CEO of ainsoft, a gaming company witnesses her strength he hires her as his personal bodyguard.
Stars: Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, Ji Soo, Jun Suk-ho
Votes: 17,544
The female lead (Bong-Soon) is a girl who has super strength. The male lead (Min-Hyuk) is a rich CEO of a gaming company. He falls for her at first sight, but she has feelings for her childhood crush (don't worry she falls for the main male lead eventually). The villain in the show becomes fixated on Bong-Soon and even kidnaps her at one point. Min-Hyuk is really protective of her throughout the show and they have great chemistry!
Happy ending; they end up together + babies
81. Vincenzo (2021)
Not Rated | 80 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
During a visit to his motherland, a Korean-Italian Mafia lawyer gives an unrivaled conglomerate a taste of its own medicine with a side of justice.
Stars: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Taecyeon, Kwak Dong-yeon
Votes: 28,170
82. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
TV-14 | 70 min | Adventure, Comedy, Romance
The absolute top secret love story of a chaebol heiress who made an emergency landing in North Korea because of a paragliding accident and a North Korean special officer who falls in love with her and who is hiding and protecting her.
Stars: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun
Votes: 41,767
A South Korean woman (Yoon Se-Ri) accidentally ends up in North Korea and is protected/saved by a North Korean solider (Ri Jeong Hyeok) many many times throughout the show, he even takes a bullet for her. Also, the villain in the show follows her all the way to South Korea to try and kill her and she is saved by Jeong Hyeok.
Bittersweet (leaning towards happy) ending; they meet once every year for two weeks in Switzerland. I highly recommend!
83. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance
You'll fall for the Ouran Host Club: Tamaki's truly romantic. Kaoru and Hikaru display brotherly love, Kyoya's brainy, Honey's innocent, and Mori's manly. Oh, and don't forget Haruhi. He knows what girls want, because he's a girl too.
Stars: Maaya Sakamoto, Mamoru Miyano, Masaya Matsukaze, Ken'ichi Suzumura
Votes: 11,646
Such a cute anime! The host club (mainly the male lead/love interest, Tamaki) is very protective of the female lead (Haruhi) and they save/protect her multiple times throughout the show. Haruhi catches the attention of a lot of people so there is a ton of jealousy in this one lol.
Happy ending
84. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015–2016)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
Although her name means "snow white," Shirayuki is a cheerful, red-haired girl living in the country of Tanbarun who works diligently as an apothecary at her herbal shop. Her life changes ... See full summary »
Stars: Saori Hayami, Ryôta Ôsaka, Yûichirô Umehara, Kaori Nazuka
Votes: 3,681
The female lead (Shirayuki) has beautiful red hair which causes a lot of bad people to be attracted to her. At one point, she is kidnapped by a man named Mihaya, however, the male lead (Prince Zen) saves her from him and from other bad guys who are interested in her as well. She is also a very tough female lead and handles herself well.
Happy ending!
85. Maid Sama! (2010–2011)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance
Ayuzawa Misaki serves as the student council president at Seika High. However, unbeknownst to her classmates, she works part-time as an employee at a Maid Cafe. Usui Takumi, a boy from her school, discovers this secret.
Stars: Monica Rial, David Matranga, Ayumi Fujimura, Nobuhiko Okamoto
Votes: 8,751
The male lead (Usui) and has an obsessive love for the female lead (Misaki) and he is *very* protective of her. She gets herself into a lot of situations where he has to "save" her. However, she is also a strong female lead and is capable of doing a lot herself, yet Usui is just always a step ahead of her. During one part, the student president of a rich rival school also develops an obsession towards Misaki, and Usui has to put him in his place.
Happy ending :)
86. Teen Titans (2003–2006)
TV-Y7-FV | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A team of five teenaged superheroes save the world from many villains around their city while experiencing things normal teens face today.
Stars: Hynden Walch, Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton
Votes: 38,009
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