How do you decide if a movie is worth your time? Let’s be honest, movies are expensive these days and I’m not willing to drop $15 on a movie that could be a hit or miss. When I go to the movies I want to experience a quality film that isn’t wrought with sexism as many movies still are even in 2015. In fact, sexism in cinema recently gained extra attention these past years as statistics revealed a plummet in the percentage of films passing the Bechdel test from 67.5% in 2013 to 55.4% in 2014.[1] If you haven’t heard of it, the Bechdel test, invented in 1985, requires that at some point in a film two women, who are both named, talk to each other about something other than a man. Seems easy enough, right? Apparently not, seeing as only about 50% of films pass this “tricky” test.[2] Hell, that’s hardly even a passing grade! This low percentage points out the obvious sexism in modern fiction and reminds modern day moviegoers that gender inequality still permeates our society and media. I hope these stats haven’t made you feel too down about the representation of women in modern film, but if they have, here is a list of 10 great films that all pass the Bechdel test. So pick one and settle in for a great movie night.
1. Toy Story 3 (2013) – If you have seen the original then you know you are in for a treat with some of your favorite childhood characters ft. Woody and Mr. Potatohead. Jessie and Mrs. Potatohead’s conversation about Barbie’s owner abandoning her makes this movie pass the test.
2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – A cute film about a young girl’s dream of becoming a beauty queen. Although that description might be misleading, Olive and Ms. California’s conversation about ice cream passes this film.
3. The Wizard of Oz (1939) – This movie passed the Bechdel test before it even existed! Dorothy and Glenda’s conversations about the demise of the Wicked Witch of the East make this film qualify.
4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – This is a classic film guaranteed to please. The movie passes the test when Katie Bueller has to retrieve her daughter Jeanie from the police station and the two discuss the arrest afterwards.
5. Jaws (1975) – I wish this film passed for better reasons then just the chatter between Ellen Brody and Mrs. Taft on the beach about Ellen’s struggle to become a real Amity Islander, but it’s one of my favorite films so I had to include it!
6. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) – This film’s pass came as a bit of a surprise, but numerous female colleagues gossip with Andie about sports and work issues. Either way this movie is great for a good laugh.
7. Jurassic Park (1993) – To be honest, this movie barely passes the Bechdel test. A few small snips of conversation between Ellie and Lex deem it passable, but Jurassic Park is a great movie that shows an intelligent women owning her career as a paleontologist.
8. The Silence Of The Lambs (1990) – If you are in the mood for a scare check out this movie. Silence of the Lambs well earns it pass when FBI Agent, Clarice Starling and her friend Ardelia discuss the case and study for their approaching exams.
9. Belle (2013) – One of the best-kept secrets in the world of Period dramas. The main character Belle and numerous other female characters dominate the conversation with discussion of politics, race and womanhood.
10. Frozen (2013) – Go Disney for finally putting out a movie that depicts women as more then just flimsy princesses! I love this movie because it reminds me of the blessings of sisterhood. Elsa and Ana’s conversations about life and more specifically snowmen pass this amazing animated film.
Although not all of these movies pass the Bechdel test by a landslide, they are all great movies that show how far women have come in film and, unfortunately, in some cases how far women still need to reach.
[1] Pulver, Andrew. “Films That Pass the Bechdel Test Plummet in 2014.”Thegaurdian.com. N.p., 24 Mar. 2015. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
[2] “Bechdel Test.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Sept. 2015. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.