'The Matrix' Meets 'Resident Evil' in This Streaming Hit Action Thriller

Published Sep 19, 2026, 11:09 PM EDT The 2000s saw many movies that capitalized on the success of The Matrix – in almost every genre there was an homage, or pastiche, of the popular sci-fi’s bullet time sequences, kung fu action, or futuristic aesthetic. One film, however, harnessed that momentum rather than copying it: 2003’s Underworld. Kate Beckinsale led the movie that would spark a franchise, which years later is now climbing the charts on Starz, where three volumes of the series are currently among the top 10 most-streamed films. So, is it simply imitation that made it a success? Far from it, because the movies and their lead changed the way we looked at women in action movies forever. ‘Underworld’ is a Gothic Action Spectacular Image via Screen Gems “The war had all but ground to a halt in the blink of an eye…”, so begins the opening monologue of Underworld, a movie that asks us to look beneath the city streets to find a centuries-long feud between mythical beings. Beckinsale plays Selene, a vampire assassin called a Death Dealer who hunts Lycans (a shortened form of lycanthrope, meaning werewolf) as part of a war between the two species that has raged for generations. She falls for a human named Michael (Scott Speedman) who possesses a secret that makes him a target for both sides. When he is bitten by a Lycan, however, she must question her loyalties and everything she has known. Vampires and werewolves have been around almost as long as cinema itself, but Underworld promised something different: Rather than a lone Count Dracula in a castle or werewolf rampaging through the forest, these were vast, intricate societies that focused on each other rather than a human hero. The film was inspired by the success of The Matrix, with an underground society and ancient war that happens unbeknownst to humanity. However, it didn’t mimic the Wachowskis’ film, having its own horror edge and unique grittiness, led by a lead character who would bite her way into genre history. Kate Beckinsale Stole the Show as Selene Image via Screen Gems When the first Underworld film premiered, English star Beckinsale was not known for action roles. In fact, she had spent much of her career in very different genres. Known for dramas such as The Last Days of Disco and Brokedown Palace, and wartime romance Pearl Harbor, she was viewed as a romantic lead, rather than a kick-ass heroine. That all changed with Selene, a hardened Lycan hunter who serves her leaders loyally, until she learns everything she was told was a lie. This turns her into a weapon driven by truth, rather than dogma — a soldier no longer following orders, and instead following what’s right. In all three sequels, we chart her evolution from devotee to leader. Having had her worldview shattered, she allies with Michael, follows her heart, and unlocks her true potential as 2006’s Underworld: Evolution sees her become a stronger, more advanced version of herself following exposure to sacred blood. 2012’s Underworld: Awakening sees an emotional change, as she finds herself faced with motherhood and a world that has shifted toward something more dangerous. She reaches her final form in Underworld: Blood Wars (2016), as she ascends to the level of Elder Vampire, smashing the dynastic rituals of the past and becoming a leader by merit. Each chapter of Selene’s story sees her take things to the next level, with her 13-year tenure making its mark on the genre. ‘Underworld’ Spearheaded a New Generation of Female Action Heroes At the time of Underworld’s release, there were few lead female action heroes. Selene was by no means the first, but Beckinsale’s performance ensured she stood out in a field often weighed down by tropes or thin narrative. Early 2000s female action heroes were often part of an ensemble, such as the original X-Men movie, or as a supporting character to the male lead, such as The Matrix’s Trinity. Here, Selene was the focus – emotionally, and in terms of identity – in a way that redefined the way many audiences looked at female-led action movies. She would, of course, be preceded by 2002’s Resident Evil, and its unforgettable protagonist Alice (Milla Jovovich). The two characters mirrored each other in terms of grit, resourcefulness, and abilities, but whereas Alice adapted to the different scenarios she faced over six movies, Selene came to master her surroundings. The pair would make an unmatched impression in the next two decades, and prove that women could not just lead multi-million dollar franchises, they could make them legendary. Selene has been gone from our screens for a decade, with rumors of one more appearance consistently circulating online. For now, however, the Underworld films stand as a remarkable fusion of horror and action, with a character that any franchise would kill to have as their lead. Release Date September 19, 2003 Runtime 122 Minutes Director Len Wiseman