March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global holiday that honors women and their accomplishments, and acknowledges what women have yet to achieve. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EachForEqual, and the International Women’s Day website asks the question, “How will you forge a gender equal world?” That’s not an easy question to answer, but a good place to start is to surround yourself with women who inspire you.
Although female directors can’t seem to get recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures, there are still several powerful stories of, by and about women that were made into movies. Some of these movies were recognized by the Academy, and others were not. Regardless, all these films are worth watching during March, Women’s History Month, and on International Women’s Day. There’s nothing like the true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s rise to success as an attorney or Katherine Johnson’s brilliant math mind to inspire you to be your best self, achieve your dreams and make positive change happen.
Have a watch party with friends, pop on any one of these best feminist movies, get some pizza ready, and start obsessing over all the women who have come before you. This is not the time to forget the history that women have made or the female characters that began on the page and live forever on the screen. Take a note from Jo March and write your own story. But first, watch these films.
Best Feminist Movies
Hidden Figures (2017)
This movie follows the true story of the three black women behind NASA’s early feats in the Space Race. Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), in particular, was the mathematician whose calculations made the first U.S. space flights a success. Octavia Spencer plays mathematician and human computer Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe plays aerospace engineer Mary Jackson.
Carol (2015)
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel, The Price of Salt, Carol is about a married mother, Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) and a younger woman, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara). The two meet in the department store where Therese works during the holiday season, and soon they fall in love and embark on an affair. This is the story of their forbidden love during an unforgiving period in history.
Related: March Is Women’s History Month! Learn More About Its Backstory and Celebration!
The Help (2011)
Based on Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel, The Help stars Emma Stone as white Mississippi society girl Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, who meets and writes about the stories of “the help” working at her rich friends’ homes. Viola Davis plays Aibileen, the only housekeeper willing to speak up at first. Soon, more staff, including the feisty Minnie (Octavia Spencer), are inspired to speak up.
On the Basis of Sex (2018)
This is based on the true story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (otherwise known as The Notorious RBG) and her journey to winning a groundbreaking tax case, and eventually, the Supreme Court. Armie Hammer plays well-known, good-humored husband, Marty, while Felicity Jones plays his other half.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is as much the story of the courageous Jo March and her sisters as it is about Alcott herself. Saoirse Ronan, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Meryl Streep and more star.
Related: Get It, Girl! 15 Girlboss Quotes to Remember When You’re Hustling to the Top
Becoming Jane (2007)
Anne Hathaway plays Jane Austen as a young woman who resists her parents’ wish for her to marry the grandson of the wealthy Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith). She already has creative ambitions and does not want a loveless marriage to destroy her future. Instead, she meets a poor lawyer who inspires her future novels.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts), an unemployed single mother, gets into a car accident for which she is not at fault. Afterward, she convinces her attorney (Albert Finney) to hire her at his firm. There, after investigation, she figures out that a nearby town is being contaminated by water that is causing devastating illnesses. These events are based on a true story.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Yes, this movie was directed by a male comedian (Bo Burnham), but it’s about a 13-year-old student named Kayla who is just trying to make her way through her last week of middle school. Anyone who’s been through middle school will relate. Heartfelt best wishes to all the Kaylas of the world.
The Favourite (2018)
It’s the early 18th Century, England is at war with France. Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is on the throne, but she’s not the one calling the shots. Her close friend, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz), is actually the one making all the combat decisions, and she also happens to be Anne’s lover. Enter Abigail Masham (Emma Stone), Sarah’s cousin, who learns just how she can take over control from Sarah as the monarch’s new “favorite.”
Thelma and Louise (1991)
Shy housewife Thelma (Geena Davis) joins her friend, the outgoing, independent waitress Louise (Susan Sarandon), on a road trip to escape from their lives. Soon, the innocent getaway turns into an escape from the law after Louise shoots and kills a man who tries to rape Thelma at a bar. If you’ve only seen the iconic ending, maybe think about rewinding and watching the whole thing.
Gloria: In Her Own Words (2011)
This documentary follows the story of the feminist pioneer through her tough Ohio childhood, her Smith College days, the women’s movement and the founding of Ms. Magazine. You’ll also get glimpses of her New York apartment, where Ms. was born.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
This movie features so many accomplished actresses that you’ll want to write down all the names just to keep track. M’Lynn (Sally Field)’s daughter, Shelby, is a newlywed who also has diabetes and struggles with her health. She risks her life by having a baby with her new husband, and though her mother disapproves, she’s got a team of women in her corner. Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine and Daryl Hannah all star.
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Amazing Grace (2018)
This documentary shows old footage of Aretha Franklin performing gospel songs at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972. The film, which was directed by Sidney Pollack, was not released on schedule in 1972; Franklin’s family agreed to release the film after her death in 2018.
Suffragette (2015)
Based on the true story of the suffragette movement in Britain, this film stars Carey Mulligan as a working wife and mother named Maud who ends up devoting her life to the cause of women’s rights. Meryl Streep stars as real-life suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
Wild (2014)
In the film adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 book, Wild, Reese Witherspoon plays the author after she loses her mother and decides to grapple with the loss by walking the Pacific Crest Trail. The decision to hike the trail is only the first challenge. As she makes the trying trek, she faces her biggest mental hurdles.
Related: Ignite Your Inner Fire With These 125 Empowering Quotes From Some Of The Strongest Women In History
A League of Their Own (1992)
During World War II, America’s men are fighting overseas, which means less are around to play America’s favorite pastime. And we can’t live without baseball! Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Lori Petty and Tom Hanks star in this Penny Marshall-directed film about an all-women’s baseball league in the Midwest.
Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut focuses on two straight-A students Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) who decide to have one wild night before college. Things get a little out of hand as they attempt to party with all the “cool” kids and end up realizing they were the cool ones all along. This one has Leslie Knope Galentine’s Day vibes written all over it.
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), 10 years old, lives in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. One day, she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), who introduces her to the game of chess. Soon, Phiona becomes a chess champion whose world is completely changed. Lupita Nyong’o also stars.
Related: Share These 100 International Women’s Day Quotes to Support Women’s Rights
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019)
This is the documentary of Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance, how it came together and why the Grammy-winning artist wanted to bring black girl magic to the stage at Coachella. Come for Beyoncé, stay for the historic moments.
9 to 5 (1980)
Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as three women who are fed up with their sexist, egotistical boss (Dabney Coleman). They plan to teach him a lesson, but they end up doing so much more than that. This movie’s message, among other things, is that real change comes from women who dare to make it.
After watching these movies, put on these 40 girl power songs.
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