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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Stony Brook chapter.

Many different research showcases the benefits of having close female friendship. These friendships have been shown to improve confidence, happiness and overall good health. A study at UCLA showed that social interactions between women increase serotonin and oxytocin (the bonding hormone). This can encourage positive behavior and improve health. The study also showed that these chemical reactions can lead to a “tend and befriend” response, resulting in the need to protect their family and connect to other women.

Seeing positive female friendships be represented in the media can be one of the most influential ways to drive women to pursue more positive female friendships. Too much of the media has used the two women being catty with each other/competing for a man trope and it’s not healthy for young girls to see. 

So I decided to comply a list of movies that you can enjoy that encourage and portray healthy female friendships (in no particular order):

  1. Thelma and Louise 

This film was not only one of the first movies to star two women as the main characters, but it also passes the bechdel test and gives the women an ending that doesn’t include falling in love. This movie encourages justice, friendship and growth, which are the perfect ingredients for a good movie. 

  1. Sisterhood of Traveling Pants 

This film is a coming of age, summer movie. The entire movie revolves around the friendship of four girls spending their summers in different places. They all are able to keep their close bond throughout their different summers while growing individually. This is a movie (and book) that leaves you with a rollercoaster of emotions but a satisfying tasteful ending.

  1. Hidden Figures 

This film is empowering and honest. This true story fills me with hope, joy and optimism for the future. The connection between the three women is a beautiful, encouraging and real depiction of women dealing with friendships, families and ambition. 

  1. Mamma Mia 

This film has it all. Singing, dancing, romance and most importantly boozy friendships that are in a singing trio. The best part of this movie is the female relationships. The mother and daughter bond while their friends come along and support the character arcs that make this movie filled with female bonds. This brilliant and groovy film is perfect for a girls night in!

  1. Princess Diaries 

Last but not least is a movie that many people may forget has a very important female friendship as one of the most important relationships in the movie. The connection between Mia and Lily is one that brings humor, honesty and innocence to the film. Mia feels most free to express herself around her mother and her best friend, without those two important relationships the main character arc would fall flat and much of the heartfelt moments would be lost. 

Overall, female friendships in movies can make or break the movie. Whether it’d be four best friends in different parts of the world, friends navigating change through high school or friends living their lives as runaways. Just like in real life, the friendships in these movies are pillars in the character’s choices and growth. 

I hope you find some joy and optimism within the friendships portrayed in these movies, I know I do. 

Sydney Riddle

Stony Brook '23

Sydney Riddle is graduating a semester early in December 2023 at Stony Brook University. She is a Journalism major with a concentration in Diversity and American Society. She is a devote feminist who spends her time watching romantic-comedies, reality shows and reading spiritual books. She is an animal lover at heart and loves spending her free time with her dog. On the weekends you can catch her doing yoga and shopping at Target :)