March 1st marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, a global celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of women. Women’s History Month was first celebrated after Congress passed an official declaration in 1987. Since then, it has become an international celebration of women around the world. While you celebrate Women’s History Month this year, here are five inspiring movies you can watch with your friends and family.
- Hidden figures (2016)
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Based on a true story, Hidden Figures is a dramatized retelling of the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan during NASA’s launch of John Glenn into orbit in 1962. The movie centers around their roles as computers to solve problems for engineers and scientists at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. It also portrays racism and segregation that existed within the workplace during that time period. This is a perfect movie to watch under the stars.
- he named me malala (2015)
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This documentary features the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai and her journey of becoming a vocal advocate for the education of girls after being shot for opposing Taliban restrictions in Pakistan. The movie’s message about courage is one that encourages everyone to speak up for what they believe in.
- big eyes (2014)
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Grab a paintbrush and a canvas for this movie. This biographical drama, directed by Tim Burton, tells the true story of Margaret Keane, whose second husband took credit for her wildly popular paintings of children with large doe eyes. This suspenseful movie will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
- on the basis of sex (2018)
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Starring Felicity Jones, On the Basis of Sex, is a drama based on the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was the Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The movie depicts Ruth Bader Ginsburg overcoming the struggle of balancing her professional and personal life, while taking on a revolutionary case about gender discrimination. This emotional story will resonate with all viewers.
- selena (1997)
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Directed by Gregory Nava, Selena presents the true story of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez and her rise to fame. The film uses themes of music and family to share Selena’s struggle as she tries to find her true identity as she enters the music industry. The movie also addresses the struggles of breaking out of poverty and shares the untold love story between Selena and Chris Perez. You will definitely dance along with the ‘Queen of Tejano Music’ as you watch this musical film.
These five movies are just a few of my personal favorites, but there are many others you could check out. All five of these movies share a common theme. They represent women who overcame adversity in some way, and these movies show young girls how important it is to stand up for yourself. While I just listed movies to watch, there are numerous ways you can celebrate Women’s History Month. You can go out and support female-run businesses, create content about Women’s History Month, or gather and celebrate with your friends. This March, let’s take a moment to celebrate the trailblazing women who lead the way to change.