Goosebumps formed on my arms as I sat in the back of the movie theater the day Avengers: Endgame came out. I watched the women of the Marvel Cinematic Universe come together to defeat Thanos. First, Captain Marvel appeared, then Scarlet Witch, Okoye, and Pepper Potts. The superheroes stood tall on the big screen, and they proved to me that women are strong and powerful. Movies have the ability to send us messages about society, culture, and people, and it is important for young girls and women to see themselves represented on the big screen. If you are looking for movies to binge-watch in celebration of Women’s History Month, check out these women-led films:
1. Moxie (2021)
Moxie is one of Netflix’s newest original movies, and it was produced by Amy Poehler, Kim Lessing, and David Hyman. The story follows a 16-year-old high school student and her journey in dismantling sexism within her school. This coming of age film is relatable, witty, and will inspire you to fight back against the patriarchy.
2. On The Basis of Sex (2018)
This movie follows the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg when she was only a first-year law student at Harvard experiencing blatant sexism and misogyny. The story is about Ginsburg’s role in feminist activism long before she ever became a Supreme Court Justice. This legal drama can be found on premium subscriptions to Showtime, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
3. Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures has an all-star cast of strong leading women including Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. It tells the story of three Black women who worked at NASA and organized the space launch that set the United States ahead in the space race. Hidden Figures is a biographical and historical drama that can be found on Disney+.
4. Frida (2002)
Actress Salma Hayek plays artist Frida Kahlo in this biographical film. Kahlo was an artist who has become a contemporary feminist icon for her political art and her devience from society’s beauty standards. Watch Frida on Amazon Prime.
5. Little Women (2019)
Little Women is a classic novel and movie about sisters who lived during the Civil War. The 2019 remake, directed by Greta Gerwig, stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, and Meryl Streep. Each of these women represent strength and individuality. You can watch the remake on Starz or with premium subscriptions to Hulu and Amazon Prime.
6. Bombshell (2019)
Bombshell stars three iconic women: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie. This movie is based on the true events of workplace sexual harassment that occurred at Fox News. The movie also represents the early days of the Me Too Movement. Check out Bombshell with premium subscriptions to Hulu and Amazon Prime.
7. Becoming (2020)
This Netflix original documentary follows former First Lady Michelle Obama’s life. The film is loosely based on Obama’s bestselling memoir, which holds the same title. It was directed by Nadia Hallgren and is an inspiring movie that shows us the behind the scenes of being the First Lady of the United States.
8. Mulan (1998)
If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out the animated version of Mulan. Mulan isn’t the stereotypical Disney princess. Instead, she is a warrior who disguises herself as a man to join the military. The story teaches young girls that they can do anything boys can do. Watch Mulan on Disney+.
9. Wonder Woman (2017)
If you love a good action and adventure movie, check out Wonder Woman. It was directed by Patty Jenkins and follows the story of Diana, a princess of the Amazons. Diana trained her whole life to become a warrior and a hero, and she fought in World War I. Wonder Woman can be found on HBO Max.
10. Captain Marvel (2019)
Again, if you love action movies, check out the MCU’s first women-led superhero movie. Captain Marvel was directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and it tells the story of how Carol Danvers became the MCU’s strongest hero. Superhero movies have predominantly focused on the stories of male heroes, but both Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel are centered around strong women. They tell us that girls and women can be heroes too.
If you are a student at Coastal Carolina University, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel will be playing in the Lib Jackson Student Union on campus on March 12 and 13! Tickets are only $2.