At the age of 12 years old, my life was forever changed when I heard Lana Del Rey’s ethereal voice bursting through my car radio, singing her hit song, “Video Games.” When I got home from that car ride back from school, I went on YouTube — the only way I knew how to listen to music at the time — and cued up the entirety of the singer’s Born to Die album. Not to be dramatic, but from that moment with Lana forever became a part of who I was as a woman. So, in honor of Women’s History Month, here are my top five TV shows and movies to watch while listening to Lana Del Rey to feel empowered.
1. Monte Carlo (2011)
Three screen queens, Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy, lie their way across Europe, break the law, find love and discover the true meaning of sisterhood and friendship in this movie. If you can’t study abroad, this movie is about as close as you’ll get.
When the movie ends, turn on Lana’s “This is What Makes Us Girls” from her album Born to Die. Which gal pals are you taking to travel the world with you, and where will you go?
2. High Fidelity (2020)
Watch the gorgeous Zoë Kravitz reinvent this iconic story of a record store owner in Brooklyn from a woman’s perspective. While revisiting five past heartbreaks, Kravitz reminds viewers that it’s ok to scream a little. When you’re done binge-watching, we can all petition for a second season.
Place yourself in Rob’s record store and turn on Lana’s “Brooklyn Baby” off her album Ultraviolence. Imagine you’re on the streets of New York, and never let anyone tell you you’re too young or too angry or too anything to go after what you want.
3. The Love Witch (2016)
This film was written, edited, directed, produced and scored by the incredible feminist filmmaker Anna Biller! The comedy-horror movie follows the young witch Elaine on her bloody quest for true love.
The definition of camp, this movie feels as though you are stepping directly into a Lana del Rey song with the technicolor and bright eye makeup. I recommend turning on Lana’s “Gods and Monsters” from her album Paradise to embrace your femininity after watching this film.
4. Fleabag (2016)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge puts her heart and soul into this show which she wrote, created and starred in. Watch as two sisters reconnect with each other and begin their healing journeys, teaching viewers to forgive themselves even after the biggest mistakes they’ve made (trigger warnings for suicide and miscarriage).
Turn on Lana’s iconic song, “Dark Paradise ” from her album Born to Die, to truly step into Fleabag’s world and find the light even when it seems like there isn’t any hope.
5. Real Women Have Curves (2002)
Watch as a young America Ferrera pushes back against cultural norms, body shaming and more in this movie, as she discovers herself and what she wants out of life as a young Latina woman. Being the rebel of the family is not easy, but her character teaches viewers that you should not have to shrink yourself down in order to fit what others expect of you.
Appreciate your identity, your body and your dreams as the credits roll while listening to Lana’s “Lust for Life” off her album Love, allowing her duet with The Weeknd to sweep you away.
All these women had to embrace their powers and learn from their mistakes, taking the world by storm. I am hoping each and every one of you does the same.
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