Sometimes when I get so stressed thinking about the many ways women still struggle in our society today, I love to indulge myself in the art of self-care by watching faminist movies! For me, it doesn’t matter if the movie theme is a dark drama or a light-hearted rom-com because two-hours all to myself, a bag of buttery popcorn and a chocolate bar is pure bliss.
While there are a ton of feminist movies out there (We are the Best!, Hidden Figures, Working Girl, The Color Purple, 3 Women, etc., etc.) I have chosen a list of films that not only are about women, but are also directed by women. The movies come in the forms of documentaries, comedies, drama, horror, and navigate relationships, culture, sexuality, race, and gender in their own way.
Being able to watch these movies through a familiar eye– the “female gaze,” if you will– not only creates a new way of seeing things for young girls, but can also inspire them to pursue their own path into the world of film.
So, put your phone on silent, grab some popcorn, and enjoy!
- Clueless, Directed by Amy Heckerling
-
Not just about boys and fashion, but also realizing the value and importance of being yourself.
- Wonder Woman Directed by Patty Jenkins
-
The story of how Diana, raised by the Amazon women, became the iconic female superhero, Wonder Woman. How can you not feel empowered to take on the world after watching this movie!
- Lady Bird, Directed by Greta Gerwig
-
Not only does this movie show how strong a woman can be to try and keep her family afloat, but it also shows the relationships between mother and daughter, especially when they are both loving, strong-willed, and deeply opinionated.
- Frozen I and II Directed by Jennifer Lee
-
This iconic Disney movie breaks away from the traditional princess stories we grew up watching. The bond between these two sisters as they deal with the death’s of their parents, Elsa harboring a secret, and Anna on the search for true love (kind of) really shows you how we women can get things done.
- A League of Their Own, Directed by Penny Marshall
-
Women playing baseball in WWII finding freedom of choice, friendship, and self-identity.
These movies are all iconic in their own way. However, it does go to show that women can direct a movie just a good, if not, even better than any man.