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 the sense and sensibility of an iconic author that shaped her identity. My mother grew up to value the 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 strong 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 strong 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 movies about women which deserve appreciation.
2. Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is an inspirational comic-book heroine that earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember a mother that was once a huge fan of the iconic comic-book character. She would always praise a strong female warrior that had the abilities to inspire feelings of wonder. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, she would yearn to see the book series depicted on the big-screen. In 2017, Patty Jenkins honoured the iconic woman inspiring wonder in her movie “Wonder Woman”. Jenkins used captivating slow-motion action sequences capturing a woman seeking to engage in warfare that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Wonder Woman steps onto No Man’s Land dodging bullets of warfare during the era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Gal Gadot, who embodied an inspirational heroine seeking recognition. Ultimately, what makes “Wonder Woman” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A wonderful tribute towards an inspirational woman inspiring wonder, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies audiences commonly treasure.
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 absolutely celebrating.
4. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a legendary book about strong women that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute participating in the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a teenage girl facing an impoverished experience. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about government corruption, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about corruption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making bold movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.
5. Bright Star
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. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a legendary poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which Fanny becomes aware that Keats suffers from terminal illness causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Abbie Cornish, who portrayed a woman inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of poetry to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold genre that has made great movies about the lives of women which audiences commonly appreciate.
6. Becoming Jane
It isn’t easy to make a biopic about a female author that’s iconic. Hollywood has often avoided depicting the life of Jane Austen on the big-screen. Making a movie about Jane Austen often requires filmmakers to tackle sensitive subject matter. However, in 2007 Julian Jarrold managed to honour the author seeking to entertain in his movie “Becoming Jane”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Becoming Jane” stand out is its depiction of Jane Austen’s life. Jarrold uses captivating voice-over narration capturing the life of an author that achieved immense recognition. Assisted by Anne Hathaway who is exceptional in the lead role, Jarrold honoured an author that is beloved today. A beautiful biopic about an author that’s iconic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre manufactured unforgettable movies captivating the public.
7. The Colour Purple
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about women that are powerful, it’s worth discussing The Colour Purple. Since its publication in 1982, Alice Walker’s book has become timeless literature. In 1985, Steven Spielberg honoured the powerful book about women wearing colour purple in his movie “The Colour Purple”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Colour Purple” stand out is its strong depiction of sisters. Spielberg uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between a pair of sisters over the years. Assisted by Whoopi Goldberg who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg created a beautiful adaptation. As precious as the colour purple, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about the lives of women that audiences consider to be extremely special.
8. Hidden Figures
Strong women facing a dilemma are often common in NASA. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary 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 empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles commemorated 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 riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless movies about women attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
9. 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 worldwide audience.
10. Poor Things
Few movies have contributed towards greater understandings of women like “Poor Things”. Released in 2023, Yorgos Lanthimos’ movie captured women in Victorian England seeking sexual identity. Lanthimos used captivating montages capturing hardships a woman treated poorly in society in facing. Assisted by Emma Stone who is excellent in the lead role, Lanthimos created a captivating literature adaptation. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of vulnerable women that are treated poorly in a sexist society has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Bella’s desire to overcome sexism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies offering wisdom about bold women which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 