The Worst Person In The World (2021)
Nearing her 30th birthday, Julie (Renate Reinsve) is unsure about almost everything in her life: Her career (she changed majors numerous times before ultimately working in a bookstore), whether or not she wants kids (she's typically leaning towards no), and her romantic relationships. Audiences watch her navigate this tricky period of life in a series of acts.
Why You Should Watch It: This film is the third in director Joachim Trier's "Oslo Trilogy," following the lives and experiences of people living in the city. A subtle film, Julie's experience on-screen conveys the relatable uncertainty, insecurity, and questions many young people — especially women — face at her age. The ending of the film leaves both viewers, and Julie, unsure of what's to come next. And that's kind of the beauty — and the lesson — in it.
The Woman King (2022)
In the West African kingdom of Dahomey, General Nanisca (Viola Davis) is the leader of an all-female group of warriors. Training a new generation of warriors, Nanisca prepares to take the Agojie into battle against slavers.
Why You Should Watch It: Despite the film being severely snubbed by the 2023 Academy Awards, it's a must-watch film. A bunch of badass women protecting each other and their kingdom? Talk about empowering.
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Booksmart (2019)
BFFs Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) are academic overachievers who are ready to move on to the next stage of their lives: College. The problem? They've just discovered that all the underachievers they used to look down on, the ones who partied and had social lives all through high school, are attending the same colleges as them. Intent on fitting in all the experiences they missed out on before they graduate, the duo prepare to have the night of their lives.
Why You Should Watch It: Like in many coming-of-age films, our heroines have to fall apart before they can come back together. And in the process, they discover who they truly are as individuals, that it's OK to want different things in life than your friends, and ultimately, that real friendship — no matter how geographically apart you may be — conquers all.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
In 1953, graduate student Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) takes a job teaching at the prestigious and very conservative Wellesley College. Viewed by many as a finishing school for the future wives of politicians, Katherine first comes up against — and then befriends — many of her students, encouraging the young women to aspire for careers of their own. In return, Katherine also learns a thing or two from her students.
Why You Should Watch It: While Roberts' Katherine encourages her students to seek a life beyond marriage as the be-all-end-all, they also change her perspective on women's intelligence and the ability of choice. Joan (Julia Stiles) has aspirations to be a lawyer, and when she's accepted to law school, only to turn it down to marry her boyfriend and start a life as a homemaker, Katherine is disappointed. But, as Joan points out, she shouldn't be; becoming a housewife is Joan's choice, and doesn't diminish her intelligence.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) is not your typical sci-fi multiverse protagonist — she’s an older Chinese American immigrant who owns a laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), has a strained relationship with her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu), and is in deep trouble with the IRS. Evelyn is then tasked with saving the universe through an incredible, mystifying adventure into parallel universes.
Why You Should Watch It: This is a mind-bending multi-genre film that no synopsis could ever do justice. It is weird, complex, and hands down one of the best movies to ever come from A24. The action-comedy is directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert with truly incredible performances from badass Michelle Yeoh (who does all her own stunts and martial arts) and the rest of her on-screen family. Just go watch it.
Hustlers (2019)
Destiny (Constance Wu) is a stripper starting at a new club in 2007. While there, she befriends Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) who takes her under her wing, showing her the ins and outs of the business. When the 2008 recession hits, their business goes downhill and together with the help of other dancers (Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart) they devise a plan to stay on top.
Why You Should Watch It: Hustlers is everything I want in a movie: it's messy, empowering, visually beautiful, suspenseful, and has Keke Palmer. Lopez is at her best as a hardened stripper raising a daughter on her own, a perfect mix of tough and compassionate. You can expect cameos from Cardi B, Lizzo, Usher and more.
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019)
Homecoming documents the road to pulling off the most celebrated Coachella set in history. It gives the audience an intimate look into Queen Bey’s life and creative process: solidifying (if there was still any question) that she is one of the greatest performers of all time.
Why You Should Watch It: Homecoming is empowering. The same year after delivering twins, Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to headline Coachella and created a performance the world will not forget. With rigorous dedication and determination, Beyoncé gives a stellar show celebrating the HBCU experience. While you’re at it, also listen to the Homecoming Live Album (it’ll change your life).
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The Handmaiden (2016)
In 1930s Korea, Sook-Hee (Kim Tae-ri) arrives at a beautiful estate to serve as the handmaiden to a lonely Japanese heiress Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee). Sook-Hee is there as part of an elaborate ruse with a conman posing as Count Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo) in order to rob the heiress of her fortune. Things do not go according to plan when Sook-Hee and Lady Hideko develop feelings for one another, and the sinister ongoings of the estate are revealed.
Why You Should Watch it: This movie will keep you guessing! It’s a love story, psychological thriller, and crime drama rolled into one. Full of twists and turns, female power dynamics, hidden motives, queer eroticism, and lots of passion, it’s a must watch for every woman.
Promising Young Woman (2021)
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, this film stars Carey Mulligan as Cassie, a promising young medical school student who dropped out after her friend is the victim of a traumatic event. By day, Cassie works at an Instagram-worthy coffee shop and by night pretends to be drunk at clubs, waiting for “nice” guys to prey on her (they inevitably always do).
Why You Should Watch It: While the bittersweet film can sometimes be difficult to watch, Promising Young Woman is a much-needed nuanced take on the revenge film that speaks to the complexities of consent. The way this story unpacks and discusses trauma, grief, rage, thwarted ambition, and healing is not only relatable, but necessary.
The Farewell (2019)
Director Lulu Wang wrote The Farewell based on real events: In the movie, a young woman based on Wang, learns her grandma is dying, and her family plans on keeping the bleak prognosis from their matriarch. Wang was able to take this depressing real-life event and turn it into one of 2019's most charming movies of the year. Centered around Billi (Awkwafina), a lost, but still adventurous, young woman struggling to accept her Nai Nai (a stand-out performance by Shuzhen Zhou) is unknowingly very sick and near death. Billi returns to China to spend time with her grandma, and struggles to keep the deadly secret to herself.
Why You Should Watch It: The various mother-daughter relationships depicted in this A24 instant-classic are relatable to any young person. Themes of loss, regret, and nostalgia make this movie not only about family, but also one about self-growth.
The Favourite (2018)
Queen Anne's (Olivia Colman) court is a den of intrigue, debauchery and stylish backstabbing. Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), the monarch's constant companion and confidante, wields incredible power. While the queen tends her rabbits, she commands armies and aristocratic opponents — and that's how she likes it. But when Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) threatens to upset the order of things, the battle for the queen's affections turns into a mesmerizing game of cat, mouse, and duck racing.
Why You Should Watch It: Yorgos Lanthimos' film doesn't have one lead — it has three. Each female character is portrayed with a compelling, rare complexity that simultaneously makes them all the villain and the hero. And that's incredibly rare. Watch out, though. With dialogue that sharp, you could hurt yourself if you're not careful.
9 to 5 (1980)
After enduring the treatment of their male chauvinist pig of a boss, secretaries and assistants Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton) develop the same dream: Kick him out, and run the business themselves. Their fantasy of doing away with the boss turns into a reality when the women accidentally poison his coffee.
Why You Should Watch It: Though it's a comedy, Nine to Five identifies the toxic power imbalances in workplaces that have been the focus of discussions as of late. 9 to 5 is prescient – and it's also a delight to watch Tomlin, Fonda, and Parton act alongside one another.
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The Joy Luck Club (1993)
Each week, four friends gather for their mahjong game and gossip. They call themselves the Joy Luck Club. The members all have something in common: They emigrated from China, and their Chinese-American daughters are a mystery to them. In The Joy Luck Club, we see eight individual journeys played out, and four relationships developed.
Why You Should Watch It: You can go a long time without learning who your mother was before you came into the picture. The Joy Luck Club is a bittersweet look at the sacrifices and joys of motherhood; the realities of immigration and displacement; and proof that the gulfs that often exist between mothers and daughters can be bridged.
The Color Purple (1985)
Alice Walker's 1962 novel The Color Purple will break your heart and build it back up again, and so will the 1985 movie adaptation. The story follows 40 years in Celie's life, from when she's a young girl abused by her father, to her unhappy marriage, to the liberation she finds through the companionship of Sug Avery (Margaret Avery). The lives of Celie's friends and peers in the rural Mississippi town — like Sophia (Oprah) – are also explored.
Why You Should Watch It: The Color Purple is a remarkable story of endurance, survival, and the relationships that women build with each other that keep them afloat through the unthinkable.
Love & Basketball (2000)
Monica (Sanaa Lathan) has dreams that she hopes will take her all the way to the top. Like her neighbor (and future boyfriend), Quincy McCall (Omar Epps), Monica has wanted to become a professional basketball player for as long as she can remember. Quincy and Monica love each other, but they also are loyal to their ambitions — which might pull them in different directions.
Why You Should Watch It: Monica and Quincy's relationship is one of the best in movie history. Eventually, one of their careers will have to be prioritized. The movie's last scene will make you smile.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Eighteen-year-old Jess Bhamra's (Parminder Nagra) parents have planned out her whole life. She's going to get married to a man they have chosen, and she's going to adhere to their strict values. But Jess wants to play soccer — and there's no room for soccer in their plan. Without her family's knowledge, Jess joins the local women's soccer league, and discovers she has a natural knack for the game. She becomes friends with Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), falls for the coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), and challenges her family to accept her.
Why You Should Watch It: Bend It Like Beckham is a joyous little indie, bursting at the seams with warmth and humor.
Real Women Have Curves (2002)
At 18, Ana Garcia (America Ferrera) has dreams of going to college and living a full, rich life that aligns with her principles. But her family needs her to work in her sister's textile factory and put pause on her dreams. That summer working in the overheated factory, Ana and her mother, Carmen (Lupe Ontiveros), clash on their differing ideas of how a woman should act and appear.
Why You Should Watch It: There's a scene in Real Women Have Curves that encapsulates what makes the movie so special. Much to Carmen's horror, Ana and the other workers take off their shirts and show off their real bodies without shame. The movie's about self-acceptance and self-love, but also love for family.
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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
In order to better understand a string of horrific killings, young FBI cadet Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) must seek help from an incarcerated murderer and psychologist Dr. Hannibal Lector aka “the Cannibal” (Ted Levine).
Why You Should Watch It: Clarice is one of the early female powerhouses in the psychological thriller genre. The movie is dark and gritty and will have you rooting for a young Jodie Foster as she walks the long prison halls to speak with a serial killer, getting pulled deeper and deeper into the mind of a monster.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The Hoover family is very dysfunctional, but they can agree on one thing: They have to get Olive (Abigail Breslin) to her pageant. So begins a wild road trip in which each Hoover family member faces his or her own demons, so that they can better rally around the total gem of the family.
Why You Should Watch It: You should watch it as a reminder to keep the inner Olive alive. Olive is goofy, sweet, loves ice cream, and dances like no one is watching.
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)
The Girl (Shila Vandi) only comes out at night. She roams the streets of her Iranian town on a skateboard, wearing a chador — and keeping her eye out for men who are cruel to women. The Girl is a vampire, and she chooses her victims wisely.
Why You Should Watch It: This is the first Middle Eastern feminist vampire spaghetti Western. It's a delight to watch such a refreshing look at the vampire movie genre, helmed by a vampire who keeps concert posters on her wall and really just wants to find an equal.
Hidden Figures (2016)
In 1961, mathematicians and engineers Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) help put a man on the moon. But getting to NASA (and then being taken seriously at NASA) was far from simple. Jackson, Johnson, and Vaughan encounter sexism, racism, and doubters at almost every turn.
Why You Should Watch It: This is an incredible true story, and it's a travesty that it took until 2016 for most of us to learn about it. While you're at it, you might as well read the book, too.
Lady Bird (2017)
Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) would like, very much, for you to call her Lady Bird. It's an upgraded name for a person who will have an upgraded life — once she gets out of Sacramento. Lady Bird's a senior in high school, applying to college without quite facing the realities of her family's difficult financial situation. Over the course of her last year in high school, she'll fall in love (more than once), bicker with her mother (more than once), and learn about herself over and over again.
Why You Should Watch It: There's a reason why Greta Gerwig's directorial debut was nominated for multiple Academy Awards. The movie is a revelation. Gerwig's script captures the way people actually speak, and the way adolescence really feels. It's your girlhood, played out on screen.
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Girls Trip (2017)
Back in their heyday, the four members of the Flossy Posse were each other's worlds. Now that they're older, though, Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), Dina (Tiffany Haddish), and Ryan (Regina Pierce) have drifted apart. Ryan is asked to speak at the Essence Festival, and invites her old friends to come along for the weekend. A lot has changed — though the friends are happy to be with each other again, tensions are right around the corner. Can they work through them?
Why You Should Watch It: Because it's hilarious! Because it gets the complexities of friendship! And because of Tiffany Haddish!
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022)
Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) is a retired widow in her mid-50s who’s spent her life doing exactly what was expected of her. And she has never, ever had good sex (or even come close — and yes, I mean that in both ways). To remedy this, she hires young sex worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) and together, they both learn about sex, desire, and dismantling shame in a way that would make Brené Brown proud.
Why You Should Watch It: This movie is a first of its kind. Emma Thompson bares all, literally and figuratively (choosing, at 63 years old, to do her first full nudity scene). Daryl McCormack’s character explains sex work in a compassionate and honest way free of Hollywood’s usual stigmas around the vocation, and opens the door for much needed conversations surrounding sex work in general. The film is sex positive (teaching it’s okay to seek pleasure at any age), body neutral (your body is not bad because it is old!), and also really sexy. Like, you might want to watch it alone sexy.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) decides that she is going to get into Harvard Law School to prove her newly-ex boyfriend wrong after he leaves her for someone he can take “more seriously.”
Why You Should Watch It: Peak early 2000s nostalgia, the invention of the “bend and snap”, and Reese Witherspoon serving more iconic hot pink outfits than we as a society deserved. Elle Woods is a woman who loves to be feminine and girly and has spent her life being underestimated by men because of it. She proves you don’t have to abandon your femininity to be successful in a man’s world.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) are best friends setting off for a weekend trip away from the exhaustion of their day-to-day lives. While at a roadhouse, an aggressive bar patron threatens to rape Thelma. Louise comes to her defense and ends up killing the man, setting the stage for the rest of the film as the pair evade the police, finding power and strength from their friendship.
Why You Should Watch It: Thelma and Louise’s relationship is the definition of ride-or-die. It’s an incredible story about deep female friendship and the lengths you go to protect your best friend. Few movies, especially from 30 years ago, depict the intimacy of friendship (and taking no shit from asshole men) as well as this one.
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