Fun
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Intense
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Curious
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Today marks one of the greatest holidays of the year: International Women’s Day. To be honest, women should be celebrated everyday of the year — and especially women in film, who have been working hard to overcome gender inequality in their field over approximately 140 years. International Women’s Day was founded over 100 years ago, and today, one of the missions is to promote the work of women creatives. So why not help by watching some of women-made films?
The films compiled in this list are not only directed by women, but have a majority of women working behind the camera, as well. That could mean they’re working on the writing team, maybe as producers, or designing the costumes — anything that contributed to the creation of the film.
And in case you can’t get enough, some of these women filmmakers actually have new movies coming out this year. In May, Nisha Ganatra (Late Night) will release The High Note, a film on the music industry. Coming soon is Josephine Decker’s (Madeline’s Madeline) Shirley, which is a horror starring Elisabeth Moss. Stream some of their earlier works now, and then continue celebrating when their newer films are released. Happy International Women’s Day to all you ladies out there, and to all the women filmmakers who we can thank for these top-notch films.
'Booksmart'
If you’re looking for the perfect girl squad to celebrate International Women’s Day with, look no further than Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) of Booksmart. The energy of these young feminists is contagious, thanks to the work of first time director Olivia Wilde. A team of four women writers tackled this high school comedy, resulting in jokes that’ll have you in tears. Katie Byron, the film’s production designer, also deserves a huge shout-out: the girls’ rooms are littered with photos of Michelle Obama and other feminist notes. Even though everything about the film is outrageous, tiny details like this really bring it to life.
'Captain Marvel'
Captain Marvel was the MCU’s first film directed by a woman — finally! Anna Boden co-directed the girl-power superhero flick with her career partner, Ryan Fleck. This one really packs a punch, thanks to everything Brie Larson did for the movie, both in front of and behind the camera. The leading actress attempted to make her press tour more inclusive, especially for women voices. Captain Marvel reworked the stereotypes for women superheroes, one huge aspect being their costumes. Sanja Milkovic Hays was the costume designer for the film, giving Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel a wide variety of hero looks. Whether she’s in a flannel and jeans or a super-alien suit, Captain Marvel’s taking names.
'The Edge of Seventeen'
Whether you’re a seventeen-year-old girl amidst a life crisis or not, The Edge of Seventeen is an absolute blast. It’s ridiculously funny. On the flip side of that, though, parts of it are so painful that it’ll actually make you feel really bad for teenagers. Kelly Fremon Craig wrote and directed this masterpiece, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson in some of their finest roles. On top of all of these things, there are also a few moments in which the film ties into the #MeToo movement and sexual harassment. At the time it was released, #MeToo was at its peak. The sentiments of the film really backed the movement, which is why it’s a great watch on International Women’s Day.
'The Farewell'
In 2016, Lulu Wang recorded a podcast segment for This American Life, in which she told the story of her grandmother’s cancer. In an act to preserve her well-being, Wang’s entire family lied about the disease to their matriarch. Just four years after the podcast aired, Wang’s film The Farewell, based on the segment, was nominated at the Golden Globes. Under the careful hand of Wang as a director and writer, the result is a precious film filled to the brim with tears and laughter. Some of the highlights include the bright cinematography, thanks to Anna Franquesa Solano, as well as the superb acting ensemble put together by Anne Kang and Leslie Woo.
'Late Night'
Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling in a buddy film about late night talk shows — this one almost speaks for itself! In all seriousness, though, this film is a great one to watch on International Women’s Day because it tackles the topic of women in the workplace. More specifically, the environment of the entertainment industry. What are the added difficulties women face as entertainers and writers? Mindy Kaling, who is both of these, wrote the screenplay for Late Night, and it clearly comes from her experiences in the industry.
'Madeline's Madeline'
If you’re looking for something a bit more avant-garde this International Womens’ Day, definitely watch Madeline’s Madeline. Director Josephine Decker really pushes her artistic vision in this film, which is meant to follow a semi-biographical retelling of lead actress Helena Howard’s life. Madeline is an actress struggling to find her own identity in the theatre, with little help from her mother. The cinematography of Madeline’s Madeline is entrancing, executed by Ashley Connor (The Miseducation of Cameron Post). It’s hard to distinguish Madeline’s dreams from her reality. But her reality is twisted as well, thanks to her stage performances. What’s going on? It’s weird and introspective, and you should definitely check it out.
'Mamma Mia'
There’s so much to love about Phyllida Lloyd’s Mamma Mia. First and foremost, it’s got all of ABBA’s greatest hits packed into one jukebox musical. In case that’s not enough to convince you of its greatness, just take a look at its cast list: Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried lead the film, also featuring Christine Baranski, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, and many others. The casting of this ensemble, done by Priscilla John and Ellen Lewis, is unparalleled. It’s difficult to pinpoint what, exactly, makes Mamma Mia such great fun — it just is. Above the bizarre storyline and all the ABBA songs, Mamma Mia is a heartwarming tale of mother and daughter.
'The Miseducation of Cameron Post'
Desiree Akhavan’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows a lesbian teenager when she’s forced into conversion therapy, based on writer Emily Danforth’s personal experiences. Though it may sound dark — and it definitely is — it also offers a hopeful tale of kinship within these therapy centers. The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a seminal film for women in the LGBTQ+ community, headed by Akhavan, an activist herself. Ashley Connor — who also worked on the above Madeline’s Madeline — did excellent work on the cinematography, showing the isolation and brisk fall breeze at the therapy center. This film is an under-the-radar work of art.
'Miss Americana'
This International Women’s Day, celebrate with Taylor Swift by watching the new documentary about her. Directed by Lana Wilson, Miss Americana investigates the ups and downs of being a woman in the spotlight. Miss Americana was this year’s opening night film at the Sundance Film Festival, and it’s already available on Netflix. Whether you’re a fan of Swift’s music or not, check out this intimate look into the life of an international pop-star.
'Obvious Child'
Before they made the full-length, A24 version of Obvious Child, co-creators Anna Beam, Karen Maine, and Gillian Robespierre had already turned their idea into a short film. After it received acclaim and garnered support online, Robespierre decided to blow it into a feature film. The result is an absolute must-watch, and the story is a perfect fit for International Women’s Day. We follow Donna (Jenny Slate), a stand-up comedian, and her struggle with an unwanted pregnancy. Every second is funnier than the last.
'Set it Up'
Set It Up is a top-tier Netflix rom-com that should be watched monthly, just for self-care. Claire Scanlon directed this bright film, with the screenplay written by the ever-great Katie Silberman — who also co-wrote Booksmart. It’s the quintessential New York rom-com: two overworked assistants try to ease their days by helping their bosses find love. And, in the process, they realize there’s something between them as well. Set It Up speaks to the stress of being a woman in the office, but also what it’s like to be a woman running a company.
'Shirkers'
Shirkers is one of those documentaries that feels like it’s too crazy to be true. Sandi Tan directs her life story, interviewing her old filmmaking peers and narrating the biggest mystery in her life. After she entrusts the celluloid of a project to her professor Georges Cardona, he disappears. In a fantastic editing job by Tan, Kimberley Hassett and Lucas Celler, Shirkers combines archival footage with interviews from the present day. Tan throws her all into this one — she’s not going to let this story go untold. Watch Shirkers for an eye into life as a woman filmmaker.
'The Tale'
Jennifer Fox wrote and directed The Tale based on her own experiences with childhood sexual assault. Instead of telling the exact timeline, which details a relationship between her and a childhood riding instructor, Fox chooses to follow her own line of thought. It’s perplexing, introspective, and dark — and it’s so well made that it can’t be missed.
'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is certainly a fan favorite, and if you were looking for a reason to rewatch it, here it is! Susan Johnson did a fantastic job directing this, giving it a spot in the Netflix rom-com hall of fame. Sofia Alvarez’s screenplay adaptation, based on the book originally written by Jenny Han, is full of cute Gen-Z bits. Lara Jean’s close bond with her sisters, which includes college Facetime calls and movie nights, ends up as one of the best parts of the film. Amongst scrunchies and family meals, there’s a lot to obsess over in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
'The Virgin Suicides'
Director Sofia Coppola has been making strides as a woman in the film industry — she’s one of only five women to be nominated for best director at the Academy Awards. The Virgin Suicides was Coppola’s first feature film, establishing her talent in directing. She also wrote the film, based on Jeffrey Eugenides novel of the same name. Set in an eerie suburbia, The Virgin Suicides follows the male gaze of young boys watching their neighbors, the secluded Lisbon sisters. Jasna Stefanovic, the film’s production designer, makes the white-paneled houses feel claustrophobic and nightmarish. It’s creepy, but also dreamlike.
