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How are you celebrating International Men’s Day? Are you talking with your doctor about men’s health? Thinking of ways to be a better role model to young men? Participating in the subjugation of women and upholding the patriarchy? The first two activities are certainly worthwhile, while the last one is, well, something you probably do every day. How about considering ways in which we can move toward gender equality by smashing the patriarchy and moving beyond the gender binary?
One way to accomplish this would be to consider the ways in which women are silenced, demoralized, and put down in societies across the globe by taking in a few movies that feature female-driven stories from diverse voices. Here are ten feminist films worth watching on a day in which we remember not how men are bullied and silenced by so-called Social Justice Warriors, but rather the power we already possess and the ways in which we can gain equal opportunities for everyone. (Don’t worry, you can go back to thinking about boobs tomorrow.)
'The Accused' (1988)
Are you one of those guys who scoffs at the idea of “rape culture”? Well, it exists. We’ve been telling you about it for years, most notably in this drama starring Jodie Foster, who nabbed her first Oscar for her portrayal of assault survivor Sarah Tobias. The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to directly and unapologetically tackle sexual assault. [Where to stream The Accused]
'Bachelorette' (2012)
This biting and acidic comedy about three women who are less than thrilled to participate in their high school friend’s wedding features an incredible performance from Kirsten Dunst as the conniving, envious, and emotionally wrecked Regan. It gets unfairly compared to Bridesmaids (ladies! weddings!), but it’s meaner, fiercer, and packs a hell of a punch. [Where to stream Bachelorette]
'9 to 5' (1980)
This classic comedy about three working ladies who are fed up with their sexist boss’s discrimination and sexual harassment features the perfect trio of Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda, a killer theme song, and proof that a gender-balanced and progressive work environment can actually increase productivity and staff morale! [Where to stream 9 to 5]
'The Punk Singer' (2013)
This perfect documentary examines the career of Bikini Kill / Le Tigre / Julie Ruin front woman Kathleen Hanna, whose work as a musician and activist made punk music a safer space for women on both sides of the mic. It also features interviews from the likes of Kim Gordon, Tavi Gevinson, Joan Jett, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horowitz. [Where to stream The Punk Singer]
'All About My Mother' (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning comic melodrama is also his best film. Following Manuela, who is struggling with grief following the death of her son, the film introduces us to an array of dazzling women: transgender prostitutes, pregnant nuns, lesbian actresses. But Almodóvar is unlike any other male writer-director — he focuses equally on his characters’ humanity and femininity and is able to craft a stunningly beautiful story of love and loss. [Where to stream All About My Mother]
'Alien' (1979)
Alien is inarguably the most feminist sci-fi thriller, and Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is an absolute bad-ass hero. When the movie goes to very dark, disturbing places — touching on rape, especially — Ripley maintains her composure and saves the day (or at the very least, herself). [Where to stream Alien]
'Pariah' (2011)
Dee Rees’ directorial debut follows Alike, a 17-year-old girl who comes to terms with her identity as a lesbian while living with her conservative and repressive parents in Brooklyn. It features an incredible performance from then-newcomer Adepero Oduye, as well as gorgeous cinematography from Bradford Young. [Where to stream Pariah]
'Morvern Callar' (2002)
Lynne Ramsay’s bizarre and mesmerizing film, based on Alan Warner’s novel, follows the titular Scottish woman who, following his suicide on Christmas Eve, takes her boyfriend’s unpublished novel, passes it off as her own, and meets a publisher on an exotic trip to Spain and sells the book. It’s oddly beautiful and features an incredible performance from Samantha Morton. [Where to stream Morvern Callar]
'A Woman Under the Influence' (1974)
One of the many collaborations between writer-director John Cassavetes and his wife, actress Gena Rowlands, this incredible film follows housewife Mabel who cracks under the pressures placed upon her by her husband and extended family. Rowlands gives an amazing and nuanced performance, which earned her an Oscar nominations. [Where to stream A Woman Under the Influence]
'Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles' (1975)
If you’re feeling especially ambitious, how about trying this three-hour epic of minutiae from Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman, a movie that has been heralded as the first truly feminist film. The film follows the titular single mother over three days as she completes her daily routine: cooking, cleaning, and working as a prostitute to support herself and her son. Slowly, her routine evolves and ends in tragedy. [Where to stream Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles]
