Not many genres have achieved the stardom of feminism. Since the 1970’s, stories of strong women have often made for compelling movies. Whether it’s furious road warriors, prejudiced lovers or historical figures, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite feminist films which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Little Women
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. At an early age, I developed my lifelong hobbies for writing words written on a page. During my childhood, I developed lasting passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing grim obstacles of cyberbullying, nothing in the world has stopped me from pursuing passions for writing. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my passion for writing as powerfully as “Little Women”. Ever since its release in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest feminist film ever made. With the greatest film of her career, Gerwig did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about women facing despair. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making feminist movies about women in danger, and “Little Women” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. Gerwig effectively used non-linear storytelling capturing a woman becoming a writer that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Jo March breaks down crying after her sister Amy burns her book destroying her dreams of writing causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Saoirse Ronan, who portrayed a woman seeking to become a famous writer. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” my favourite feminist film of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about feminism, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the classic book to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about the value of pursuing dreams which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of a legendary book about strong women, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are worthy of celebration.
2. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of a feminist author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a mother that took pride in an author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most feminist book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic feminist literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Kiera Knightley, who embodied an inspirational feminist heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of Jane Austen to appreciate it. Centuries after the publication of a book about prejudiced women forming romance with pride, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.
3. Poor Things
Feminist women with strong personalities have always inspired me. Several years ago, I bonded with a girl in school that sought to become a feminist hero. In a prejudiced country that pushed women aside, she always took pride. As someone valuing a girl that gave me understandings of feminism, I loved “Poor Things”. Released in 2023, Yorgos Lanthimos’ movie offered a fantastic adaptation of a famous feminist book about strong women. Lanthimos has an aptitude for making great movies about women facing danger, and “Poor Things” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Bella discovers pleasure for the first time through using an apple is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Emma Stone, who embodied a heroine with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “Poor Things” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. Despite its focus on women during the 19th Century, it tackles themes of feminism that remain relevant today. A fantastic adaptation of a famous feminist book about curious women that are courageous, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences consider precious.
4. The Devil Wears Prada
Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember a cruel manager that treated employees in a poor manner. She was a demanding person humiliating employees which showed up to work late. Nevertheless, her strict nature ensured organization success. As someone treasuring memories of a devilish manager with charisma, I loved “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie depicted female managers shaping employees’ destinies. Frankel uses stunning costumes to capture the life of a woman working for a demanding boss at a cutthroat fashion firm. For instance, the scene in which Andrea is humiliated when Miranda criticizes her for the blue sweater she is wearing in front of everyone is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Anne Hathaway, who created one of the most inspirational feminist heroines today. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bosses which resonates with everyone. Unlike most movies about the fashion industry, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A dazzling depiction of devilish managers in fashion-design, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies which have never lost their abilities to shine.
5. Alien
Aliens are creepy creatures which have always scared me. At an early age, I developed a fear for aliens that cause damage. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens have always terrified me. I would be afraid to sleep alone at night in the fear I would be attacked by aliens that were a shocking sight. My fear of aliens first began when I watched Ridley Scott’s “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre through its frightening depiction of aliens causing trauma. Scott effectively used breathtaking practical effects to create a feminist heroine that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ripley first becomes aware that her spaceship is being attacked by aliens causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Sigourney Weaver, who created one of the most iconic heroines in popular culture. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most alien movies, it tackles commemorated themes of feminism which everyone would relate to. As powerful as the aliens attacking a spaceship, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre creating heroines that audiences have grown to worship.
6. Wonder Woman
Few comic-book heroines that inspire wonder in women are as beloved as Wonder Woman. Since her creation in the 1940’s, Wonder Woman has appeared in unforgettable movies. In 2017, Patty Jenkins’ honoured the iconic heroine inspiring wonder in her movie “Wonder Woman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Wonder Woman” stand out is its depiction of a commemorated comic-book heroine. Jenkins uses captivating slow-motion to showcase the strength of a heroine inspiring wonder in women. Assisted by Gal Gadot who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jenkins honours a commemorated comic-book heroine created years ago. A wonderful tribute towards a heroine dodging bullets in WWII, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made celebrated movies about strong female characters which audiences value.
7. Promising Young Woman
Sexual assault is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Since the Weinstein scandal, Hollywood has avoided a topic that’s painful. In an industry ignoring sexually assaulted women, it’s worth praising “Promising Young Woman”. Released in 2020, Emerald Fennell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of assault. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Promising Young Woman” stand out is its depiction of assault. Fennell uses montages capturing a feminist woman seeking vengeance against men that have committed assault. Assisted by Carey Mulligan who is captivating in the lead role, Fennell created a satire about revenge that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of a promising young woman seeking vengeance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies earning a huge audience.
8. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made engaging movies with themes of feminism. Gerwig has always had a flair for making engaging feminist movies in her career. Gerwig’s strength for making movies about women seeking to be heard is evident in her movie “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Gerwig’s movie captured the life of a teenage girl. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lady Bird” stand out is its depiction of teen girls. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a teenage girl sharing a complicated bond with her mother. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is spectacular in the lead role, Gerwig created a compelling feminist movie about adolescents. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
9. Hidden Figures
When it comes to the most inspiring women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become feminist figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its depiction of racism. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture discrimination black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in NASA, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured timeless movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
10. Barbie
Barbie is a fantastic feminist doll that has built a lasting legacy. Since the 1960’s, Barbie has become an icon. In 2023, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic doll in her movie “Barbie”. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a doll embarking on a journey to the real world to discover her identity. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gerwig honoured Barbie’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a doll concerned about body image has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Barbie’s desire to discover her identity, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about strong women with bravery which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.
The Film Buff 