Truth: We’re way past the era when simply having a female lead was enough to make a movie “feminist”. As we gear up to celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s time to spotlight films that don’t just talk the talk but actually walk the walk when it comes to representing women’s stories. No more settling for token girl boss moments or male-written “strong female characters” whose entire personality is knowing how to throw a punch. These picks? They’re the perfect watch if you’re looking to get inspired.
1. Hidden Figures (2016)
A film about Black female mathematicians at NASA? Sign us up. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson didn’t just break glass ceilings – they shattered them while literally helping send men to space. The way this movie champions intellectual prowess over typical Hollywood glamour is chef’s kiss. Plus, watching Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe absolutely own their roles? We love to see it.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Céline Sciamma delivered this masterpiece to say: ‘Let me show you what happens when you let women tell their own love stories’. Set in 18th-century France, this slow-burn romance between an artist and her subject is giving everything it’s supposed to give. No male gaze, no unnecessary drama – just pure, unfiltered feminine energy and yearning that will live rent-free in your head forever.
3. The Farewell (2019)
Without a doubt, this is Akwafina’s acting debut as a more serious character. This heartfelt exploration of cultural identity through a granddaughter’s relationship with her grandmother hits different. It’s the kind of representation that doesn’t feel like it’s checking boxes – just authentic storytelling that happens to centre women’s experiences across generations.
4. Persepolis (2007)
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, this animated gem is revolutionary. Following a young Iranian girl during the Islamic Revolution, it serves as both a history lesson and a coming-of-age story that doesn’t spoon-feed its message. The black-and-white mode of storytelling also perfectly captures the complexity of growing up during political upheaval.
5. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig understood the assignment and then some. This adaptation stood out because it doesn’t just celebrate the March sisters – it acknowledges the economic realities of being a woman in the 1800s. The way it frames Jo’s writing career and Amy’s practical approach to marriage? That’s the nuance we’ve been waiting for.
6. Promising Young Woman (2020)
This isn’t your basic revenge thriller – it’s a neon-coloured takedown of “nice guy” culture that had left an impression. Emerald Fennell “made the men uncomfortable” and really delivered. Carey Mulligan’s performance is impressive as always, serving looks while dismantling toxic masculinity one fake drunk night at a time.
7. Queen of Katwe (2016)
A chess prodigy story that doesn’t whitewash or sugarcoat poverty? That is the tale of the Queen of Katwe. Mira Nair brings us this true story of Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi with zero white saviour narrative in sight. It’s the kind of inspiring story that keeps it 100% honest while celebrating black girl magic in all its glory.
8. Whale Rider (2002)
Keisha Castle-Hughes was serving future chief energy before we even had the language for it. This New Zealand film about a young Māori girl fighting to become her tribe’s leader hits all the right notes about tradition, progress, and feminine power. The fact that it does so without falling into colonial tropes definitely made this movie an even more memorable one.
9. Real Women Have Curves (2002)
Going over two decades back, America Ferrera’s breakout role was really THAT girl of female-led movies. This coming-of-age story about a Mexican-American teen navigating family expectations, body image, and college dreams is the definition of intersectional storytelling done right. The film deals with cultural identity, mother-daughter relationships, and self-acceptance quite beautifully. And the fact that it shows a Latina protagonist choosing herself and her dreams without being painted as the villain is something we can get on board with.
10. Girlhood (2014)
The French title Bande de Filles stands out in every way. Following a group of Black teenage girls in the Paris suburbs, the movie gives us friendship dynamics that feel so real it hurts. No stereotypes, no trauma dump – just authentic stories about young women finding their identity and chosen family.
These are not just movies with female leads; they’re masterclasses in how to tell women’s stories with depth, nuance, and authenticity. From suburban Paris to East Los Angeles, New Zealand to Uganda, these films showcase women’s diverse, complex experiences across cultures and generations. These films don’t just celebrate women, and they go beyond surface-level feminism.
