March 1 marked the start of Women’s History Month, a time when we are all encouraged to celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made throughout history. From politics to technology to the arts and more, women have had an undeniable impact on how we as a society have developed. Celebrating Women’s History Month reminds us to give recognition to these voices and empower women everywhere to make their own mark on the world.
Here is a shortlist of 10 movies about women to celebrate this month. From true stories to documentaries to dramas, they all deliver the same message: women are fearless.
1. Knock Down The House (2019)
Summary: This documentary follows the journey of 4 working-class women—Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Cori Bush, Amy Vilela, and Paula Jean Swearengin—running for office with grassroots campaigns in the 2018 congressional elections against their incumbent opponents.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. RBG (2018)
Summary: One word: iconic. RBG details the story of the late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from childhood to her educational journey to her accomplishments on the Court. Even before she became the second woman to serve as a justice, Ginsburg focused her legal efforts on defending women’s rights and arguing against gender discrimination.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018)
Summary: This film contains a series of interviews where women reflect on the origins of modern feminism during the 1970s. Centered around Cynthia MacAdams’s book Emergence, which features photos of women defying the social norms of being prim and proper, the audience learns how the women of this era paved the way for the young advocates of today.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. This Changes Everything (2018)
Summary: “Most of television and most of film is men making stuff for other men.” This documentary showcases the rampant sexism that exists in the entertainment industry on both sides of the screen. An impressive group of A-list actors, directors, and producers stress the importance of creating equal opportunities for actresses in the industry, creating stories that portray women in a positive and meaningful way, and including representation for diverse audiences.
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen (2020)
Summary: One thing to remember during Women’s History Month is the importance of intersectionality. Gender equality means equality for all women, not just some. Disclosure discusses the lack of representation, or overflow of misrepresentation, trans people have had in the media throughout history. The trans voices in this film call for filmmakers to contribute to trans visibility and for the audience to reevaluate beloved stories or characters.
Where to Watch: Netflix
6. Hidden Figures (2016)
Summary: Hidden Figures is a movie based on the remarkable true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson. These three African American women who worked for NASA as aeronautic computers broke the boundaries of race and sex that dominated the space industry and society at the time.
Where to Watch: Disney+
7. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
Summary: Based on the book by Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club is a raw and real story about immigrant families and generational trauma. Centered around 4 women who immigrated from China and their 4 daughters, the movie depicts the depth of motherly love, the complexity of intergenerational relationships, and the struggle of being an Asian American.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
8. A League of Their Own (1992)
Summary: A League of Their Own is very loosely based on the true story of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League that began during World War II when the MLB was at risk of shutting down. With their grit and talent, Dottie Hinson and the all-women team demonstrate the importance of female companionship and perseverance through gendered stereotypes.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
9. Little Women (2019)
Summary: Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women is the tale of Jo March and her 3 sisters Meg, Beth, and Amy. Set in the 1860s, Jo prioritizes her passion and career over getting married in a time when a woman’s purpose was simply to be a wife and mother.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
10. Mulan (1998)
Summary: This movie was my feminist origin story, so I may be biased to include Mulan on the list, but its cultural impact is undeniable. Mulan saves China while proving her strength and determination as a woman, all to honor her family. She is also one of the first princesses of color in the official Disney princess lineup! Mulan is truly a feminist icon.
Where to Watch: Disney+