Whilst there are many a film that will move me, and so many more that will keep me up at night, it is the ones built on the backs of strong women that seem to haunt me long after the credits close. Read on to find a list of seven to inspiring movies watch that every woman should see with another woman (even a man, if you have no choice) that tell some of the best stories of resilience, courage and empowerment, as well as a woman holding the top role. At the same time, these movies entertain with the same strength, and spirit for which women all over the world are known. Whether you need inspiration, solidarity or just a good old-fashioned cinematic kick in the ass, these female-led films, all written, directed and/or produced by a woman, contain a message that should resonate with everyone watching.
Hidden Figures (2016)
This is an uplifting and triumphant true story that’s about three un-sung African-American women mathematicians who served as the brains behind one of the greatest space operations in history. Taking place in a time where segregation was a way of life, the film effortlessly weaves together the personal and career struggles of three math minds few people actually know about but remarkably should: Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe).
Their incredible expertise and fierce determination crack both gender and racing barriers, quietly proving themselves central to John Glenn becoming the first American astronaut sent into orbit. Hidden Figures is a compelling narrative and one of many inspiring movies to watch that replete with top-notch performances that prove the significant change these women exacted while combating the pressures of the space race and civil rights, pulling their stories from the dust-bin of history to a place they deserve to be.
The Help (2011)
This poignant and powerful movie set against the backdrop of 1960s Jackson, Mississippi retraces the lives of African-American maids and the white families they work for. The film is famously about the maids’ accounts of survival and victimization through the prism of an aspiring young journalist named Skeeter. You have Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer surrounded by an amazing supporting cast that all bring so much emotion to their roles that the story actually feels layered, and its heartwarming.
The balance of well-timed comedy and aspects of heartbreak as well, make it a one of the most compelling and inspiring movies to watch, even in its darkest moments, and a tale that reminds us to empathise in the fight for human rights. A thoughtful description of the spirit of those who are not content to just be part of the pack.
Wild (2014)
A raw, absorbing drama following the beautiful, gut-wrenching redemption journey of Cheryl Strayed, powerfully delivered by Reese Witherspoon. Based on Strayed’s memoir, the film follows Strayed as she hikes over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, by herself, as a means to reclaim her life and find herself after enduring a line of heartbreaking tragedies. Gorgeously shot on location in the wilderness and a screenplay delving deep into the themes of mourning, perseverance, and renewal, Wild is a gripping existential and physical journey and an exemplifier of the human instinct to get up and go on no matter the harshest adversity in life.
Little Women (2019)
An adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, this movie follows the story of the March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth – as they grow from young girls with little means into women. Gerwig infuses the story with both the wellspring of inspiration and bohemian realism to which she is so well suited, and leans on an incredibly stacked cast including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Timothée Chalamet. It is a contemplative and lushly shot drama about love and ambition across the chasms of sisterhood, its storytelling as bold and as non-linear as the outlook of its leads. Little Women, actually, is an elegantly made genuine movie triumph.
Moana (2016)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements this film follows a young Polynesian girl Moana Waialiki who ventures out on a bold journey all by herself. Blessed by the God of her island and guided by the spirits of her ancestors, she embarks on a journey over the ocean to save her home from destruction due to climate change. While at sea, she comes across demigod Maui who helps her on her journey of transformation.
Blending a rich cultural tapestry with spectacular hand-drawn animations and powerful Broadway-caliber score, the film presents an emotional exploration of growing up and learning courage and companionship in a most unique relationship between human and nature.
The Woman King (2022)
The story of The Woman King is based on true events and tells the story of Nanisca a female general from the African Kingdom of Dahomey, which pioneered a military strategy of bulletproof shield-wielding female fighters. The Woman King is both a riveting action film caught at the brutal, untamed edge of civilization as well as personal drama about two women, sisters, compelled to make delicate sacrifices to create their own fate. It is a masterfully executed combination of empowerment, sacrifice, togetherness within a sweet fable with competent action and just enough heart that can turn eyes to mist. A lush period piece among many inspiring movies to watch with a sterling cast ensemble, ‘The Woman King’.
Gravity (2013)
A cinematic tour-de-force that effortlessly weaves together sheer desperation and great emotional weight. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this visually striking space drama sees Sandra Bullock and George Clooney marooned in the endless gulfs of outer space after their shuttle is destroyed. Bullock gives the performance of her career – bottling all of its immense loneliness and will to survive. Those innovative and groundbreaking works of Cuarón, along with the incredible visual effects and immersive soundscape, make a whole visceral experience for people looking for inspiring movies to watch and puts them on the edge of their seats. Gravity stands as an immersive film experience of human persistence in the face of nothingness.
These 7 inspiring movies to watch have no particular order, they tell the power and persistence of various types of women, where new stories emerge and the limits are overcome. From period dramas to animated adventures, these are a few of the most gripping tales that celebrate strong, bold women of history, and essential to those who are in the need of inspiration and self-development. These inspiring movies to watch are a reminder that women- lead stories show you a different side of the cinema experience.
Great list! The Help and Wild are some of my favorite movies. Recommend this list to everyone.