Not many characters in movies have earned the appreciation of women. Since the 1970’s, stories of strong women have often made for compelling movies. Whether it’s 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. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was always drawn towards sense and sensibility of an iconic author influencing identity. My mother grew up to value books written from a feminist point-of-view. Through lifelong love for Jane Austen, my mother inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that took pride in a great author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Following its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about women. With the greatest film of his career, Wright did an extraordinary job of adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved literary classic about which readers care. Wright has always had an aptitude for making great movies about women in danger, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wright effectively used montages capturing the lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about ruining her sister’s chances of marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Keira Knightley, who embodied the most iconic heroine in Jane Austen’s literature effectively. Ultimately, what makes “Pride & Prejudice” my favourite film about women of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women developing romance facing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a great genre that has made commemorated movies about women which deserve appreciation.
2. Poor Things
Feminist women with strong personalities have always inspired me. Several years ago, I bonded with a girl in school seeking to become a feminist hero. A promising young woman, she had ambition to achieve success in a competitive profession. In a prejudiced country pushing 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 manufactured movies audiences consider precious.
3. Little Women
Writing is an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a writer. At an early age, I loved to engage with words written on a page. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing passions for writing. As someone that has always had a lifelong writing passion, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about sisters with a writing passion. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making movies about women whose relationships are in danger, and “Little Women” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jo has a nervous breakdown after her book is burned by Amy destroying her writing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a female writer facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about women that enjoy writing, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a fantastic genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about lives of inspirational women which are definitely worth celebrating.
4. Hidden Figures
NASA is a space program that always fascinated my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa admiring NASA. My grandfather would always treasure mathematicians that worked for the space program changing the world forever. He grew up to embrace movies that would capture the space race. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored NASA figures, I appreciated “Hidden Figures”. Released in 2017, Theodore Melfi’s movie captured black mathematicians that contributed towards NASA’s space program. Melfi used captivating montages capturing hardships black women in NASA’s space program were facing. For instance, the scene in which Katharine delivers an emotional monologue about having to run to the bathroom every day causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Taraji P. Henson, who portrayed a renowned black mathematician. Ultimately, what makes “Hidden Figures” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with NASA’s space program history to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute to black women in NASA’s space race, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences embrace.
5. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about fashion, 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 making memorable movies which have never lost abilities to shine.
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. My Week With Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe is a legendary actress that built a lasting legacy. With her attractive looks, charming personality and strong demeanour, Monroe gained a huge following in the 1950’s. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its depiction of actresses. Curtis uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a feminist actress seeking success in Hollywood was facing. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary movie-star’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured timeless movies about the lives of inspiring women giving audiences dreams to follow.
9. Bright Star
Poetry is an art that my grandfather would always treasure. I remember my grandfather once had dreams of becoming a legendary author in Pakistani literature. As someone treasuring bright memories of a grandfather that sought to become a writing star, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2008, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Bright Star” stand out is its depiction of poetry. Campion uses captivating montages capturing a women falling love with a poet that loves writing. Assisted by Abbie Cornish who is spectacular in the lead role, Campion created a powerful period piece. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences appreciate.
10. Barbie
Barbie is a fantastic feminist doll that has built a lasting legacy. Since the 1960’s, Barbie has become an icon for women. In 2023, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic doll in her movie “Barbie”. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a doll embarking on a journey. 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 that perpetuates stereotypes about women’s body image has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. A terrific tribute towards a doll whose life in plastic is fantastic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing iconic movies about tragic hardships faced by women which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of being a film critic.
The Film Buff 