Today is a day to celebrate women. Throughout the years, many films have been made that show the strength, beauty, intellect, and resilience of women. In honor of International Women’s Day, here are our picks for some of the most women empowering movies out there.
Mona Lisa Smile
Set in the 1950’s, Mona Lisa Smile follows Katherine Watson(Julia Roberts), an art history teacher, as she teaches at one of the most conservative and prestigious schools for girls in the country. As she begins teaching, Watson realizes that even the brightest of her students do not see a future beyond graduating and getting married. Watson’s goal then becomes to educate these women and make them see they do not have to conform to the roles set before them. She shows them they can have careers and further their education. This film comes with a powerhouse cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Julia Styles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures follows Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson as they work for NASA. This incredible story reveals that these African-American women were one of the reasons why one of the greatest operations in history, the launch of John Glen into space, was successful. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture this past year.
Mulan
That movie that you watched on VHS when you were a kid is actually one of the most women empowering movies of all time. This Disney classic follows a girl from China who disguises herself as a boy to take her father’s place in battle. The movie Mulan showed girls everywhere that the hero of a story does not have to be a male and that being strong is beautiful.
Bend it like Beckham
Any girl that loves sports most likely has found some inspiration from Bend it like Beckham. The movie’s main character Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra crosses cultural and gender barriers by secretly playing soccer for a local team in London. Through playing soccer and her friendship with Keira Knightly’s character, Jules, she becomes confident in who she is and her abilities.
Wild
Based the 2012 memoir Wild: Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Wild is a stunning portrayal of the empowering and resilient journey of Cheryl Strayed(Reese Witherspoon). After being in a downward spiral caused by her despair from her mothers death and current divorce, Cheryl decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Oregon all by herself. This film inspires women everywhere to face their demons and live their life to the fullest.
Chicago
This stunning musical shares the stories of not only protagonist, Roxie Hart, but also a roundup of powerhouse convicted women. From the musical numbers to the comedic yet charming stories, Chicago shows power behind sexuality.
Room
Motherhood is one of the most empowering experiences a woman can have in her life. Room follows Joy, played by Brie Larson, as she tries to find a way for her and her son to escape from their kidnapper, Old Nick. Room is a heartbreaking yet beautiful display of a mothers love and what she would do for her children.
Pride & Prejudice
The character of Elizabeth Bennet was one of the biggest feminist before the term was even made. This film is based on Jane Austin’s most popular novel. The film tells the story of the five Bennet sisters as they search for love in 18th century England. Elizabeth challenges the rules of feminism by choosing to marry for love instead of money and shows strength through her decisions in the film.
Through your celebrating today, think about how far women have come and the barriers that have been broken throughout the years. Here’s to you, ladies!
