The femme fatale is perhaps the earliest example of Hollywood portraying a strong female character. Rather than be at the mercy of their leading men these ladies were willing to use their sexuality and charm to outwit and overpower even the strongest of masculine wills. While initially they were merely the punch line in morality tales around the evil perversive power of women, they evolved to show that being tough-ass and smoking hot are not mutually exclusive.

The femme fatale, deadly woman for those who don’t speak French, is a staple of modern movies. When the stars align and we are blessed with that unique combination of a great actress and a great script the culmination is a character that is infinitely more interesting than anything else in the movie. Case in point, although a supporting character in last year’s action flick Wanted, Angelina Jolie is the most interesting thing about the whole film. That’s right, you heard me Morgan Freeman.

We salute those dastardly temptresses that have led many a soul into ruin and compiled our top ten favourite movie femme fatales. These characters are so diabolically charming that even watching these clips might lead you astray. You have been warned.

10. Angelina Jolie in Wanted
Seriously if Jolie came up and asked you to be a trained killer, who could possibly say no?



9. Drew Barrymore in Poison Ivy
This was the moment when we all paid attention and realised that little ol’ Gertie had really grown up.


 
8. Kim Novak in Vertigo
Novak singlehandedly drives all round movie nice guy Jimmy Stewart insane with lustful fury.



7. Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction
Not only did this film introduce the words “bunny boiler” into our vernacular but it served as a valuable life lesson for those who were contemplating philandering.


 
6. Nicole Kidman in To Die For
I seriously think that Joaquin Phoenix’s latest foray into lunacy has its origins in this little film. I expect Keith to be the proud owner of a scruffy beard after our Nicole is done with him.



5. Kathleen Turner in Body Heat
It’s easy to forget that during the '80s Turner was a force of sexual sultry hotness that knew no equal.



4. Jennifer Tilly in Bound
Hot and deadly on so many levels.



3. Linda Fiorentino in Last Seduction
Not as well known as it should be, Fiorentino’s turn as seductress Bridget Gregory is stunning in a deliciously evil way.



2. Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity
Pretty much invented the modern femme fatale and even to this day is incredible sexy and dangerous in every single one of her scenes.



1. Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Stone not only eclipsed Michael Douglas in this film but presented a character of such evil and perverse sexual energy that she convinced audiences that men and women would consider being at the wrong end of an ice pick a fair trade for a few moments of carnal passion in her presence.