In a time when women must continue, with more force than ever, to break barriers and challenge the status quo, there’s no better time to recognize films that can uplift, empower, and entertain us. From stories about strong, established female characters to developing young women, female-centered movies are reminders of how far we can come and how far we have to go. These films inspire, proving that women’s stories and experiences are worth telling and celebrating.
Up first on this list of empowering female-centered films is Greta Gerwig’s whimsical, colorful 2019 rendition of “Little Women.” With six Academy Awards nominations, an award for best costumes, and countless other esteemed honors, this is a necessity on any must-watch movie list. Gerwig preserves the original charm and structure of Louisa May Alcott’s 1968 book while weaving in a nuanced and modern twist to each part of the story.
This movie has an absolute star cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Emma Watson. Each embodies their character in a vivid, fresh, and magical way that brings the story to life, making it feel both timeless and new.
For those not familiar with the story, “Little Women” is centered around Jo March and her three sisters, following their journey from childhood into maturity. Alcott, who based this story loosely on her own childhood, explores these women’s trials as they grapple with womanhood, explore their relationships as sisters, and discover how each of them fits into the world.
Continuing with films starring incredible actresses is “Thelma and Louise,” arguably one of the most iconic girl power movies ever made, and it unequivocally earns a spot on this list. It challenges the traditional portrayal of women in cinema, showcasing that they can be bold and unapologetically free.
Best friends Thelma and Louise are tenacious, confident, and fiercely protective of each other. Their story begins with a weekend girls’ trip but unfolds into a daring cross-country adventure, involving running from the law, oppressive home lives, and their ex-husbands. This film includes thrilling car chase scenes, moments of pain and joy, and two badass women humbling every man they encounter. “Thelma and Louise” is an obvious must-see, with an Oscar for Best Writing and numerous other nominations, including two nominations for Best Actress.
“A League of Their Own” is a heartwarming and empowering film, set during a time when women were drastically overlooked and underappreciated. Taking place during WWII, this story is about a group of women who got to play in an American women’s baseball league while many men were overseas fighting in the war. The story follows two sisters who eventually become champions in the league. Starring “Thelma and Louise” actress Geena Davis alongside Lori Petty and Madonna, the film captures the spirit of these trailblazing women as they form bonds with one another and navigate existing in yet another male-dominated space.
In 2019, Chris Addison created “The Hustle,” a modern version of Frank Oz’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” This movie features “Pitch Perfect” star Rebel Wilson and the ever-captivating Anne Hathaway. They both play successful con artists who team up to swindle dozens of gullible victims. If you are in the mood for a palatable, funny, slightly raunchy film featuring two powerful and crafty women, this should be next on your watch list.
“Nausicää of the Valley of the Wind,” set far in the far future, is the story of a young woman whose world has become barely hospitable due to various distressing apocalyptic events. Based loosely on the environmental and social impact of WWII bombings, this movie delves into ideas of environmentalism and young female independence. Director Hayao Miyazaki is known for his beautiful, whimsical animations; many of them addressing social issues from his lifetime. Movie Madness movie clerk, Elliot, recommends this film because it “feels like something that can be shown to any age.” They highlight Nausicää’s anti-war and environmentalist values and her ability to hold her own.
To Elliot, “this intersection of [Nausicää’s] values is a crucial part of feminism.” This film has a different feel than many on this list; its fantastical and abstract, but still an entertaining story centered around a powerful woman, making her own way in the world.
“Nine to Five” is another thoroughly entertaining story of girl power, featuring icons Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. Full of big 80s hair and funky outfits, “Nine to Five” follows the story of three secretaries who revolt against their sexist boss and take over the company. This movie is a blend of camp, satire, and charm; it offers a playful commentary on sexist 1970s workplace culture while showing how women were able to disrupt the system and fight back against the oppressive, abusive environment in which they were forced to work. This movie has its share of over-the-top comical moments, but is representative of real issues that women have faced for years. Considering it’s 45 years old, it has held up well.
In terms of more recent movies, Olivia Wilde’s “Booksmart” is yet another must-see female-centered movie. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever star in this tale of two recent high school graduates and best friends who embark on a search for one night of high school fun, which they feel they missed out on during their high school years.
“Booksmart” is a heartwarming story that explores friendship, sexuality, and celebrates the complexity of the female experience. It’s an easy watch, but it covers important ideas and will leave you feeling good. With its fast-paced, entertaining plot and just-right amount of raunchy content, it makes the perfect coming-of-age film.
Another recently released story of female empowerment is “Bottoms,” directed by Emma Seligman. This film, produced by the same people as “Pitch Perfect” and “Cocaine Bear,” follows the story of two high school best friends who start a girls self-defense club. Their fight club quickly escalates into something much bigger than they anticipated and attracts lots of unintended consequences. This film is raunchy, funny, and dives into the concepts of personal insecurity, discovery, and girl-powered relationships.
Astrid Robin, a senior at Franklin, recommends “Bottoms” for this list because “[it] is a super clever and modern movie that lets teen girls become the flawed, annoying, and sometimes obscene heroes that typically only boys get to be.”
This list just brushes the surface of quality feminist films. They are all unique and offer differing tones of feminism and female empowerment. It’s great to watch movies like these and admire the female characters for all they bring to the story, but it is equally important to show respect and admiration for the real women in your life and all they contribute to you.
