Every woman loves a good movie with strong female characters and for many, the films we love end up inspiring us and ultimately shaping us as women. Here are 10 (of the many) great examples of movies that every woman should see!
Thelma and Louise (1991)
The ultimate example of the badass-ery of female friendship: Thelma and Louise is about two friends setting out on a weekend vacation only to become fugitives, running from the law. The journey they take along the way is both physical and metaphorical. They learn how to stand up for themselves, especially Thelma as she takes a hold of her own life and leaves her abusive husband. Over the years, the film has become a feminist classic, resulting in women examining how they lead their lives, let men treat them and coming to the realization that, “You get what you settle for.“
Annie Hall (1977)
Annie Hall is the quintessential romantic comedy about a comedian, Alvy, trying to come to terms with why his relationship with Annie Hall came to an end a year ago as well as while trying to figure out what love really is. The movie explores the ups and downs of love as well as the vicious cycle of constantly falling in and out of love many people find themselves in. The film is filled with great examples of what makes love wonderful and not-so-wonderful under the sheen of the neurotic comedy Woody Allen excels at. You come to love Annie when you see her grow from a polite and nervous girl, self conscious about her intelligence into a self-assured woman, happy without Alvy, albeit thanks to Alvy. The movie expertly portrays the kind of relationship that comes along once in a lifetime; one that while it might have been necessary, it was not meant to last forever.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
This biographical-romantic drama is set around the relationship of Dr. Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane. The story explores the relationship of Stephen and Jane from their Cambridge University beginnings to their emotional end. It also covers Stephen’s scientific discoveries as well as his ALS diagnosis and the struggles that came along with juggling science, family, love and ALS. Through it all, Jane, played by Felicity Jones, stood by Stephen, helping him in his hardest years, celebrating with him in his best and providing him with three wonderful children. While they don’t end up together in the end, their ending is not bitter. Jane’s character is the one that you, and Stephen, have the upmost respect and admiration for. At the end of the film, they are no longer together but as they look back on the their lives, Jane remarks, “Look at what you’ve done” to Stephen, where he corrects her by saying, “Look at what we’ve done,” acknowledging how thankful he is for having had her in his life, providing her with the comfort of knowing she was integral to their ultimate happiness. *WARNING* This film may leave you in the corner sobbing at the beauty of love and this masterpiece.
An Education (2010)
This 2010 coming-of-age drama revolves around a 16 year-old girl in love with a man much older than she is who exposes her a world she’s never seen before. He takes to her fancy restaurants, drives a nice car and even wisks her away on her dream trip to Paris for her birthday, where he exposes her to wonderful art and music while dousing her in all things Chanel. But all is not well when she finds out about the secret he’s been keeping from her. Faced with a dilemma, she must now decide if this love is worth giving up her life dreams and aspirations for. The film examines the struggles of expectations, living up to your dreams, dealing with your parents dreams and finding your own way in life. By the end of the film, it’s clear that Jenny has undergone a transformation thanks to an education in the school of life.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
This Nora Ephron classic first asked the question, “Can men and women ever be just friends?” some 26 years ago, but it is still a question relevant in today’s dating world. The story centers around Sally Albright and Harry Burns and follows them from when they first meet through their twelve-year relationship, chock full of unexpected meetings in New York City (that seem to happen every five years). Along the way, they begin to have feelings for one another and their constant discussions of relationships, sex and the differences between men and women become the driving force behind the film and their subsequent relationship. Besides the romantic nature of the film, one of the reasons it seems to stick around is the strength of its characters, especially Sally. She is mocked for her “high maintenance” ways when in reality she is really nothing more than a smart, strong woman who knows herself and knows what she wants. She won’t apologize for being true to herself and knowing she “likes what she likes.” For that, we’ll always love Sally, although probably not as much as Harry.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
The concept of ESOTSM is an interesting one to say the least: after a separation, former lovers rid themselves of one another by having each other erased from their memories. The film centers around Jim Carey’s character, Joel, going through his erasure process. During this process, we see Joel and Clementine’s relationship through his memories as they are being erased. Shortly after, they unexpectedly reconnect on the train where they first met, only to have the company that was doing the procedures have their records sent out to all their patients by a disgruntled employee. After reading about their relationship, they debate on whether or not they should try again and ultimately decide to learn from their previous mistakes and start anew. The movie is an amazing look at the complexities of relationships with an especially great female lead. Clementine is an eccentric and impulsive woman who is aware of her flaws. She approaches life and love with a “take me or leave me” attitude that is both endearing and totally transfixing.
Coco Before Chanel (2009)
This story on the life of Coco Chanel is an incredible one, portrayed amazingly by Audrey Tatou. This film revolves around Coco’s life, love and the experiences that ultimately lead her to launch her world renown brand. You learn how about her rough childhood, how Gabrielle received her nickname “Coco” and see from the very beginning what a headstrong woman she was, confident enough to design her own clothes and go against the stuffy fashion norms of the time. Most importantly, you see her overcome heartbreak and use the love she once had as a driving force to pursue her love of fashion with every ounce of her being, ultimately becoming one of the first major businesswomen in fashion and an beloved icon. And to think, it all started with a hat!
Rear Window (1954)
If you have ever taken a film class, chances are you have examind some of the work of Alfred Hitchcock as well as seen his most famous film, Psycho. However, your Hitchcock viewing should not be limited to just that one film. One of the best Hitchcock films, in my opinion, is Rear Window. The story revolves around a professional photographer who has broken his leg is stuck at home on bed rest. While sitting at home, bored and alone, he takes to window watching: AKA spying on his neighbors with binoculars. I know what you’re thinking, “That’s really sketchy, where are you going with this . . .” Trust me, this is not a film you want to miss. While spying on his neighbors, he believes one of his neighbors has killed his wife (told you) and disposed of her body. He has a hard time getting people to take him seriously at first but slowly everyone around him starts to suspect there’s something fishy going on in Lars Thorwald’s apartment. Full of twists and turns, the biggest one comes towards the end when his picture-perfect model girlfriend, portrayed by Princess Grace Kelly herself, steps up to the plate and gets down and dirty to attain the evidence needed to prove that a murder did actually take place. It’s always nice to see the woman save the day, especially when she does it in heels and pearls.
Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous is set in the 1970’s and follows a teenage rock-journalist as he covers the rock band Stillwater for the cover story of Rolling Stone. While touring with the band, William falls in love with one of Stillwater’s “band-aids,” Penny Lane (Penny and her friends use the term “band-aids” instead “groupies” because they’re not there just to hook up with the band, they love the music too.) You get the see the ups and downs of love and life on the road while exploring the complications of life in the 1970’s in general. Penny is the character that resonates the most as she is a sensitive soul who appears tougher than she is but ultimately finds her inner strength and self worth at the end. In fact, it’s Penny that ends up saving Williams story and the bands future in the end, naturally.
Working Girl (1988)
Working girl is a movie that shows women everywhere that it’s okay not only to dream of the executive position, but to chase it and attain it. After Tess McGill gets reassigned to be financial executive Katharine Parker’s secretary, she begins trying to work her way up the corporate ladder. Katherine suggests Tess pitch any ideas for the company through her and when Tess does, Katharine plans to steal the idea and claim it as hers. After Tess finds out about Katherine’s plan, she decides to take matters (and her idea) back into her own hands and one up Katharine by pitching the idea to the prospective client first. Things get even more complicated when Tess finds out she has unwittingly worked her way into a love triangle with Katharine and her boyfriend Jack. When Katharine finds out, she vows to exact revenge and accuses Tess of stealing her idea, (I know, the nerve!) only to be fired when questioned by the head of the company as to how she came up with the idea in the first place (she stumbles on her words, showing it really was not her idea). In the end Tess is the victor not only because she gets the guy, but because she gets the corner office too.
What do YOU think is a movie every woman should see? Are any of these movies your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know!