During Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the strong voices and actions that women accomplish despite what they have faced throughout history. These movies, in no particular order, showcase those important moments but also tell stories of true and fictional events that occurred but are equally relevant for women’s history and empowerment.
These films spotlight the hard work of women across the years and inspire women across the globe. Many see themselves in other women and it’s important to share our stories and history to change the future for the better.
Hidden Figures (2016) directed by Theodore Melfi (HBO MAX)
- Biographical drama based on a true story where three African-American women who work for NASA play a key part in the mathematical equations needed for the final goal of sending the first man to the moon during the Space Race. Facing these obstacles in an era where there is still sexism and segregation stepping in the way of their goals. Based on the book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly.
On the Basis of Sex (2018) directed by Mimi Leder (Netflix)
- Documentary drama of the true story of the life of late Supreme Court justice judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her journey at Harvard Law school and the challenges she faces from the laws discriminating against gender from the 50s to the 70s. Ginsburg advocated for gender equality and resistance against laws against the rights of women during this time.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) directed by Mike Newell (YouTube for 3.99)
- Fictional drama set in the 50s, where an all women’s conservative college is challenged by a new woman art history professor that makes them question their desires of traditional wife duties. Educating the women enrolled in the college there is more to life than their husbands dreams and desires for their own future. Challenging these young women to explore their education and gain potential careers through wanting a more modern life.
He named me Malala (2015) directed by Davis Guggenheim (YouTube for 3.99)
- Documentary following Malala Yousafzai’s young woman social activist and 2014 noble peace prize recipient who speaks up for girls rights to an education in Pakistan. Then after surviving an attempt on her life by the Taliban, it follows her journey in trying to advocate for girl’s education around the globe also while being a young girl herself. It showcases her bravery and activism for the rights of girls to get an education in a patriarchal society who wants to repress girls.
Little Women (2019) directed by Greta Gerwig (YouTube for 3.99)
- Romance drama about a family of girls that each live life differently through their transitions into womanhood. The film showcases their goals and aspirations while coming of age in a society not made for women. It focuses on each sister’s life choices that uniquely affect their future and finding happiness in those choices. Each of the 5 sisters have relatable issues that most even now women go through.
9-5 (1980) directed by Colin Higgins (Peacock)
- Comedy about three women in corporate America in the 70s dealing with the sexism, bigotry, and harassment of their male boss. These three women work together to better their workspace and give their boss a taste of his own medicine with unique methods of payback.
Erin Brockovich (2000) directed by Steven Soderbergh (Netflix)
- Biographical drama of a true story about a young mom named Erin Brockovich who becomes an American paralegal and builds a human rights/environmental case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) due to many families in the area developing many illnesses. They develop this due to the water system contamination from chemicals PG&E use to support their machines. Brockovich uses her unethical methods in order to assist the people affected in this case even with the lack of education and experience in her career.
Ella McCay (2025) directed by James L.Brooks (Hulu)
- Comedic drama about fictional character Ella McCay, a young woman politician who is given the opportunity to be the youngest governess in history but faces challenges in her first couple days in office and must make a choice. McCay must navigate how her personal life is affecting her career and position in office.
Harriet (2019) directed by Kasi Lemmons (Netflix)
- Biographical action film of a true story about the sacrifice and pain Harriet Tubman faced when escaping being a slave and how she played a key role in the escape of other slaves using the Underground Railroad. Using these secret safe houses and routes in order to free others enslaved. Highlighting the danger and bravery of Tubman during these times in order to save others so they can live freely in the North and Canada.
Rosa Parks Story (2002) directed by Julie Dash (Free on YouTube)
- Biographical drama of the true story of the childhood, marriage and life of Rosa Parks. Parks is a African-american civil rights activist known for her movement in boycotting the Montgomery Bus for the segregation of black and white people. The film shows leading up to when Parks decided to peacefully protest against the treatment of the black community on the bus during the 50s. It also shows the impact of her arrest and the media coverage of Parks’ experience.
Soul Surfer (2011) directed by Sean McNamara (Free on BYUtv)
- Biographical drama of the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young girl who lost part of her arm to a shark attack while surfing. Hamilton navigates through the challenges of surfing with one hand and inspiring others through her experience. Her tragedy brings praise for overcoming her experiences of wanting to continue surfing and her life despite it.
Frida (2002) directed by Julie Taymor (PlutoTV or Paramount+)
- Biographical drama of the true story of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The film follows the life of Kahlo’s trauma and inspiration for painting. It also follows Kahlo’s challenges in her marriage and politics which inspired many of her famous artworks. Her art of self-portraits is inspired by Mexican culture, identity and traditions. The film highlights a lot of the artist’s struggles and fame for her work.
Legally Blonde (2001) directed by Robert Luketic (Peacock or MGM+)
- Fictional comedy about a young sorority girl named Elle Woods who is heartbroken after her boyfriend thought she wasn’t mature or intelligent enough to see a future with. Woods decides to enroll in the same law school, Harvard in order to prove him wrong. Woods is underestimated and faces discrimination as a lawyer for her looks but proves she is more than that.
