Summary
- Women's History Month celebrates women's stories, struggles, and triumphs through movies, inspiring viewers with diverse narratives.
- Empowering films like Thelma & Louise, Little Women, and Wonder Woman challenge gender norms, championing female voices and resilience.
- Films like The Joy Luck Club and Hidden Figures spotlight mother-daughter bonds and trailblazing women in history, fostering representation.
Women’s History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women across history, culture, and fiction. Movies have long been a powerful medium for amplifying women’s voices—whether through gripping historical dramas, groundbreaking superhero tales, or bold, genre-defying narratives that challenge societal norms.
7 Movies With Genius Female Leads
These movies showcase and celebrate the genius of women throughout history, and the hardships they face.
From films that spotlight real-life pioneers to those that explore the complexities of female identity and resilience, each of these movies offers something unique, inspiring, or thought-provoking. Whether it’s a classic that changed the conversation or a recent hit that continues to push boundaries, these films are essential viewing for honoring women’s history.
10 Thelma & Louise
An Unforgettable Road Trip Of Rebellion And Sorority
Thelma & Louise
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- May 24, 1991
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Ridley Scott
- Cast
- Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brad Pitt, Timothy Carhart
Directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma & Louise is more than just a road trip movie—it’s a powerful story about freedom, friendship, and defying the odds. When two women set out for a weekend getaway, their lives take a dramatic turn, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, resistance, and unbreakable loyalty.
With powerhouse performances from Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, the film became a cultural touchstone, challenging gender norms and sparking conversations about autonomy and justice. Its legacy remains as strong as ever, making it as culturally relevant now as it was in the 90s.
9 Little Women
A Timeless Story Of Sisterhood And Ambition
Little Women
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 25, 2019
- Runtime
- 135 minutes
- Director
- Greta Gerwig
- Cast
- Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Bob Odenkirk, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Abby Quinn, Lilly Englert, Chris Cooper, James Norton, Sasha Frolova, Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, Louis Garrel
Greta Gerwig’s take on Little Women breathes new life into Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, highlighting the ambitions, struggles, and triumphs of the March sisters.
With a non-linear narrative that deepens their individual journeys, the film captures the nuances of growing up as a woman in a world that often underestimates them. Saoirse Ronan’s Jo March is particularly unforgettable, embodying the restless spirit of those who refuse to conform.
8 The Joy Luck Club
A Heartfelt Exploration Of Mother-Daughter Bonds
The Joy Luck Club
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 8, 1993
- Runtime
- 139 Minutes
- Director
- Wayne Wang
- Cast
- Ming-Na Wen, Lauren Tom, Tamlyn Tomita, Rosalind Chao, Kieu Chinh
Directed by Wayne Wang and released in 1993, The Joy Luck Club is a multi-generational story that explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
Based on Amy Tan’s novel, the film follows four Chinese-American women as they navigate personal and cultural identities while reflecting on their mothers’ sacrifices. It’s a deeply emotional story about love, legacy, and the unspoken struggles that shape women’s lives.
7 Miss Representation
Exposing The Media’s Role In Gender Inequality
- Release Year: 2011
- Director: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
- Runtime: 90 minutes
A social impact film and part of the Representation Project, Miss Representation is a powerful documentary that dissects how the media contributes to the under-representation of women in leadership and positions of power.
Through interviews with activists, politicians, and cultural critics, the film highlights the damaging narratives that shape public perception and limit opportunities. It’s an eye-opening watch that forces watchers to rethink how they consume media and how it affects them in ways they might not even notice.
6 Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
A Stunning, Feminist Period Romance
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 18, 2019
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Adèle Haenel, Noemie Merlant, Valeria Golino
- Runtime
- 120 minutes
- Director
- Céline Sciamma
Celine Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a breathtakingly beautiful exploration of love, art, and the restrictions placed on women in the 18th century.
Every frame feels like a painting, with its slow-burning romance and meticulous attention to detail. Noemie Merlant and Adele Haenel deliver hauntingly powerful performances, making this one of the most visually and emotionally captivating films of the decade.
5 Barbie
A Hilarious And Thought-Provoking Exploration Of Womanhood
Barbie
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 21, 2023
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Emerald Fennell, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Michael Cera, Rhea Perlman, Helen Mirren, Will Ferrell, Connor Swindells
- Runtime
- 114 minutes
- Director
- Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig transforms the world’s most famous doll into a sharp, self-aware feminist icon in Barbie. She's come a long way from saying "math is tough," and is now tackling the necessity of gynecology appointments for women.
Wrapped in vibrant pink and filled with playful humor, the film balances satire with sincerity, offering a bold take on gender roles and societal contradictions. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling deliver unforgettable performances, but the film’s true strength lies in its message—embracing one’s identity in a world that constantly tries to define it.
4 Wonder Woman
A Game-Changing Superhero Film
Wonder Woman
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- June 2, 2017
- Cast
- Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Eugene Brave Rock, Lucy Davis, Elena Anaya, Lilly Aspell, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Ann Wolfe, Ann Ogbomo, Emily Carey, James Cosmo, Wolf Kahler, Alexander Mercury, Martin Bishop, Flora Nicholson, Pat Abernethy, Freddy Elletson, Sammy Hayman, Michael Tantrum
- Runtime
- 141 minutes
- Director
- Patty Jenkins
Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman shattered expectations for female-led superhero movies, proving that strong, complex heroines belong at the forefront of blockbuster cinema.
Gal Gadot brings warmth and strength to the iconic character, blending compassion with fierce determination. More than just a superhero origin story, the film celebrates resilience, justice, and the power of believing in something greater than oneself.
3 On The Basis Of Sex
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Fight For Gender Equality
On the Basis of Sex
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 25, 2018
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates, Cailee Spaeny, Callum Shoniker, Jack Reynor, Stephen Root, Ronald Guttman, Chris Mulkey, Gary Werntz, Francis X. McCarthy, Ben Carlson, Amanda MacDonald, Karl Graboshas, Angela Galuppo, Joe Cobden, Dawn Ford, Michael Dickson, Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Jeff Lillico, Arthur Holden, Gabrielle Graham, Wendy Crewson, John Ralston
- Runtime
- 120 minutes
- Director
- Mimi Leder
Directed by Mimi Leder, On the Basis of Sex chronicles the early legal battles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she takes on a landmark case that challenges gender-based discrimination.
Felicity Jones delivers a compelling performance as the future Supreme Court Justice, portraying her intelligence, tenacity, and unwavering belief in justice. The film offers an inspiring look at how one woman’s determination helped reshape American law.
2 Hidden Figures
The Untold Story Of NASA’s Trailblazing Women
Hidden Figures
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 10, 2016
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Glen Powell, Ariana Neal, Saniyya Sidney, Zani Jones Mbayise, Donna Biscoe, Olek Krupa, Aldis Hodge, Kimberly Quinn, Frank Hoyt Taylor, Lidya Jewett, Karan Kendrick, Jaiden Kaine, Kurt Krause, Ken Strunk, Selah Kimbro Jones, Tre Stokes, Corey Mendell Parker, Ashton Tyler
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Director
- Theodore Melfi
Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures sheds light on the crucial contributions of three Black female mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played a pivotal role in NASA’s space race.
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae bring these brilliant women to life, showcasing their perseverance in the face of systemic racism and sexism. Their legacy is a testament to the power of intelligence, determination, and breaking barriers against all odds.
1 Promising Young Woman
A Bold And Uncompromising Revenge Thriller
Promising Young Woman
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 25, 2020
- Runtime
- 113 minutes
- Director
- Emerald Fennell
- Cast
- Jennifer Coolidge, Clancy Brown, Angela Zhou, Alison Brie, Sam Richardson, laverne cox, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Carey Mulligan, Casey Adams, Bo Burnham, Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Steve Monroe
Emerald Fennell’s directorial debut, Promising Young Woman, is an electrifying critique of rape culture and societal complacency. Carey Mulligan delivers a career-defining performance as a woman seeking justice in a world that refuses to acknowledge its own failings.
With a razor-sharp script, stylish visuals, and an unpredictable narrative, the film is a bold, unforgettable statement on power, accountability, and the cost of vengeance.