Women Empowerment Movies That Inspire and Uplift

29 Jan Women Empowerment Movies That Inspire and Uplift

Over the past few decades, there has been a growing interest in women empowerment movies that center around strong female leads and themes of women empowerment. These types of movies can be incredibly empowering and inspiring for women of all ages. They showcase women overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, finding their voice and identity, and gaining more control over their lives and destinies.

In this article, we will explore some of the best and most iconic women empowerment movies that you need to add to your watch list. From classic films to recent blockbusters, these movies feature complex female protagonists and highlight issues like gender equality, discrimination, reproductive rights, domestic abuse, and more. Read on for a look at 25 must-see women empowerment films.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

This iconic road movie starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis is considered one of the ultimate female empowerment films. Sarandon and Davis play friends who embark on a weekend getaway that soon turns dangerous. Thelma & Louise is a genre-bending, patriarchal tale of two women reclaiming their independence and identity. It celebrates an unbreakable female friendship in the face of adversity. The ending is also one of the most talked-about and empowering final scenes in cinema.

9 to 5 (1980)

The 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5 stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as three working women who are fed up with their sexist and egotistical boss. They eventually kidnap him and take control of the office themselves. 9 to 5 deals with serious themes like gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace while also finding humor in the situation. It’s an entertaining female-led comedy with an empowering energy. Parton’s title track, which plays over the opening credits, also became a mainstream women’s movement anthem.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures tells the incredible true story of the black female mathematicians who were instrumental in helping NASA launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962. The film focuses on Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) and their struggles to gain respect and equal treatment in the space program. Despite rampant discrimination, these women persevered and overcame barriers. Hidden Figures highlights these unsung heroes while also emphasizing themes of strength, perseverance, identity, and sisterhood.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her portrayal of the titular real-life activist Erin Brockovich. This inspirational David vs. Goliath tale follows Brockovich as she investigates a major gas and electric company accused of polluting a city’s water supply. Brockovich assembles a case against the powerful corporation while also dealing with the skepticism she faces as an unemployed single mother. Erin Brockovich is an empowering underdog story as well as a reminder that anyone can make a difference. Roberts brings plenty of steel, heart, and vulnerability to the role.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman was a major milestone as the first female-led superhero film in the modern superhero era. Gal Gadot stars as the Amazonian princess who leaves her idyllic island behind to save mankind during World War I. Wonder Woman emphasizes themes of courage, compassion, and equality while also featuring exhilarating action sequences. Gadot’s performance, along with director Patty Jenkins’ vision, created an inspiring and badass new movie icon for women. The character’s famous line – “I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves” – sums up her empowering appeal.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic contained modern resonance by emphasizing the March sisters’ ambition and determination. Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Eliza Scanlen portray the beloved sisters, each with their own dreams. From Jo March’s (Ronan) writing career to Amy’s (Pugh) pursuit of marriage and artistry, Little Women emphasizes women boldly seizing control of their futures during the repressive Victorian era. Gerwig celebrates their feminist spirit.

Whale Rider (2002)

This independent drama tells a powerful coming-of-age tale set in New Zealand. Whale Rider focuses on Paikea Apirana (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a young Maori girl fighting against tradition to become the new chief in her tribe. Her grandfather and the village elders initially resist because she’s female, leading to plenty of tension and conflict. But Pai perseveres to assume her rightful leadership role and prove her worth. Whale Rider is a stirring story of fighting for identity, overcoming prejudice, and empowering girls. Castle-Hughes earned an Oscar nomination for her fiercely emotional performance.

Frozen (2013)

Disney’s hit musical contained one of the most surprising and empowering twists in an animated film. Many predicted Frozen would end with a traditional fairytale romance for Anna (Kristen Bell). Instead, Anna saves herself and her kingdom through the power of sisterhood. Her act of self-sacrifice represents her transition into a strong, self-sufficient woman. Idina Menzel’s classic performance of “Let It Go” also became a female empowerment anthem. Overall, Frozen upends the usual “handsome prince” trope delightfully.

Volver (2006)

Pedro Almodóvar has directed many acclaimed films about resilient, complicated women. Volver may be his most empowering female ensemble piece yet. Penélope Cruz gives a terrific lead performance as Raimunda, a working-class woman forced to cover up a tragedy while also reuniting with her long-dead mother Irene (Carmen Maura). This Spanish-language drama celebrates the unbreakable bond between women across generations. Raimunda in particular displays incredible spirit and strength as she overcomes adversity in various forms.

Black Panther (2018)

Ryan Coogler’s groundbreaking superhero blockbuster boasts countless inspiring qualities. But one of the most empowering aspects is the portrayal of Wakanda’s elite female warriors, the Dora Milaje. Led by Danai Gurira’s General Okoye, the Dora Milaje provide security for the Wakandan king and defend their nation. They play a major role in the story and demonstrate solidarity, martial arts prowess, and courage against all foes. Black Panther exemplifies how women can be portrayed as powerful and complex action heroes.

Real Women Have Curves (2002)

America Ferrera earned her breakout role in this indie gem from director Patricia Cardoso. She plays Ana, a first-generation Mexican-American teenager navigating cultural identity issues, her curvy body image, and deciding her future goals. Ana reaches a turning point when she gets a job at her sister’s sewing factory, stands up to her mother, and gains confidence in herself. Real Women Have Curves delivers an authentic, beautifully acted story of a young woman’s empowering self-awakening. Ferrera is wonderful, and so is Lupe Ontiveros Ana’s strict but loving mother.

Frida (2002)

Salma Hayek earned an Oscar nomination for her passionate performance as legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The film takes audiences through Kahlo’s bold, barrier-breaking life and career from her paralyzing trolley accident and tumultuous marriage to muralist Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina) to her affair with Leon Trotsky (Geoffrey Rush). Hayek fully embodies her uncompromising free spirit and drive to create art on her own uncompromising terms. Frida serves as a gorgeous, empowering biopic about an inspirational real-life trailblazer.

Moana (2016)

Moana made history as Disney’s first Polynesian princess and another progressive, empowering female lead. As the next chieftess, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) embarks on a dangerous ocean voyage to save her island home. She perseveres through challenging sea voyages, confronts demigods and demons, and learns valuable perspectives from her wise grandmother. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker along with songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda deliver an inspiring coming-of-age fable. Moana also represents Disney finally moving away from romance-focused narratives for their heroines.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

This feel-good British comedy from director Gurinder Chadha follows the friendship between two young women from very different backgrounds who bond over their love of football (soccer). Parminder Nagra stars as Jess, a British Indian teen whose traditional parents disapprove of her sporty ambitions. Keira Knightley plays her new friend Jules who encourages Jess to pursue football. Bend It Like Beckham explores cultural divides, family expectations, identity, and empowering yourself through sports. It became a sleeper hit and showcased the power of female friendships.

Mulan (1998)

Disney’s animated tale of a Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male soldier contains several bold messages about women’s capabilities. Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen) proves her courage, resilience, and wit on the battlefield despite the institutionalized sexism. She saves China and also honors her family, showing how women can balance toughness, compassion, and ambition. The fan-favorite musical numbers like “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” further underline Mulan’s rousing, ahead-of-its-time themes.

Joy (2015)

Jennifer Lawrence stars in this biopic as Joy Mangano, a single mother who overcomes obstacles to invent the Miracle Mop and create a business empire. Under David O. Russell’s direction, Joy depicts a tenacious woman who doesn’t let abusive men, dismissive family members, or industry skeptics stand in the way of her ambitions. Lawrence captures her grit and passion in a performance that emphasizes female strength and ingenuity. Joy delivers a rousing portrait of an entrepreneur who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Sister Act (1992)

This Whoopi Goldberg musical comedy contains empowering messages in a crowd-pleasing package. Goldberg plays lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier, who winds up hiding from the mob by pretending to be a nun at a convent. She helps the nuns find their confidence and singing voices, leading to an uplifting musical showdown. Sister Act playfully highlights stepping into leadership roles, overcoming insecurity, and trusting your talents. Plus, the soundtrack is fantastic.

Tully (2018)

Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody have told many perceptive stories about complex women. Their collaboration with Tully may be the most powerful yet. Charlize Theron delivers an unglamorous but moving performance as Marlo, an exhausted mother on the brink of postpartum depression. A night nurse named Tully (Mackenzie Davis) enters her life and helps her find herself again. With empathy and dark humor, Tully unpacks the overlooked struggles of motherhood in a therapeutic way. It’s a great example of how female-driven stories don’t need to sugarcoat the truth.

Winter’s Bone (2010)

Jennifer Lawrence’s breakout role came in this harrowing indie thriller from director Debra Granik. She plays the poverty-stricken Ree Dolly, a teenager raising her two younger siblings while searching for her missing father in the dangerous Ozarks wilderness. Winter’s Bone plunges viewers into her desperation and resilience as she faces the seedy criminal underworld. Lawrence is incredible, telegraphing Ree’s inner strength, fear, and sacrifice. Granik crafts one of the most realistically empowering female survival tales.

Gilda (1946)

This classic film noir provided the definitive breakthrough role for the legendary Rita Hayworth. She stars as the titular mysterious femme fatale who captivates all of Buenos Aires, especially two dangerous men. On the surface, Gilda is an enigmatic sex symbol. But Hayworth’s nuanced performance hints at her resilience, agency, and frustrations with male objectification. Gilda established Hayworth’s iconic status while also being an early, complex portrayal of a powerful woman manipulating male weakness.

Queen & Slim (2019)

Melina Matsoukas made an acclaimed directorial debut with this acclaimed drama crafted like a black Bonnie & Clyde. Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play a couple whose Tinder date leads to tragedy when a racist cop pulls them over. They go on the run together and become symbols of trauma and resistance. Queen & Slim is undeniably bold, confrontational storytelling. It also serves as Turner-Smith’s star-making vehicle thanks to her mesmerizing screen presence and layers of strength.

Set It Off (1996)

This action crime drama assembled a powerhouse cast of Black actresses for an empowering heist story. Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise play four friends who decide to rob banks as a means to escape poverty, and social injustice, and achieve economic freedom. Set It Off features gripping action sequences while also humanizing women taking destiny into their own hands by any means necessary. It’s an overlooked ’90s gem that took black women’s leads seriously.

Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated coming-of-age story beautifully showcases unconditional love between mothers and daughters. Saoirse Ronan earned an Oscar nomination as high school senior Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, eager to spread her wings and escape her Sacramento hometown. Laurie Metcalf is equally wonderful as her caring but domineering mother who clashes with Lady Bird’s independent spirit. Their fraught, complex bond feels refreshingly genuine. Lady Bird’s journey towards adulthood and self-discovery resonates on a universal level.

Knock Down the House (2019)

This rousing Netflix documentary follows four progressive female politicians on the campaign trail in 2018, most prominently Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It offers behind-the-scenes footage of their grassroots campaigns to shake up establishment politics and achieve change. Knock Down the House provides an empowering look at women of different ages and backgrounds fighting for representation and a government that works for the people. It’s an inspiring portrait of women speaking truth to power.

Key Takeaways: Women’s Empowerment Through Film

• Movies centered around determined, multidimensional women can inspire audiences while also exploring serious gender issues in an accessible way. They allow women to see more of themselves and their experiences reflected on screen.
• Genres from drama to comedy to action can all be elevated by placing complex female characters with agency at the center rather than regulated to sidekicks or love interests.
• Recent decades have seen more representation in women-led stories, but there’s still room for improvement, particularly for women of color.
• Films made by female directors and screenwriters frequently contain richer, more insightful female perspectives and character development.
• Even stories set in the past can still highlight rebellious women who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.
• Sisterhood and the bonds between women, mothers, and daughters are universal themes that resonate strongly when portrayed honestly.
• Flawed, well-rounded female protagonists confronting real struggles are more relatable and inspiring than one-note superwomen.
• Above all, women empowerment films emphasize inner strength in their characters. They highlight women’s resilience and courage to overcome any obstacle, often against the odds.

Conclusion

Women empowerment movies come in all shapes and genres, but the best ones share key traits of highlighting women’s inner strength. They feature complex female protagonists determined to overcome unfair obstacles and societal barriers. These films provide inspiration and catharsis for women in the audience while highlighting issues of gender inequality and discrimination that still require attention. 

There is still room for more diversity and representation in women-led movies, but the overall trend points towards more inclusivity and empowering perspectives. Anyone who enjoys an emotional, thought-provoking cinematic experience should give these women empowerment films a view. They will leave you uplifted, motivated, and maybe just a bit more hopeful about women’s continuing progress in society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements of a women empowerment movie?

Some key elements often found in women empowerment movies include: complex female protagonists, themes of overcoming adversity, fighting societal barriers, focus on relationships between women, portrayal of women gaining confidence and independence, and emphasis on women’s inner strength and resilience.

What was the first women empowerment movie?

While there were some earlier examples, many film scholars point to 1939’s Gone with the Wind as one of the first prominent women empowerment movies. The film’s protagonist, Scarlett O’Hara, portrays a willful, determined woman who adamantly survives and perseveres during the Civil War era.

Are women empowerment films only for female audiences?

Not at all. While women may connect very strongly to women empowerment movies, they can resonate with audiences of any gender by presenting universal, relatable themes. These films explore issues like identity, discrimination, societal expectations, and perseverance through struggles that speak to human experiences beyond gender.

Do women empowerment films perform well at the box office?

Many recent women empowerment movies like Wonder Woman, Frozen, Hidden Figures, and more have been major commercial hits. This demonstrates that audiences are hungering for stories about determined, multidimensional women. When done well, these films absolutely have very strong box office potential.

What impact can women empowerment films have on audiences and society?

Research shows that representation matters hugely, and women empowerment movies provide inspiration and boost self-esteem among women and girls in the audience. They can motivate viewers to persevere, spark important conversations on social issues, and slowly help drive positive change in society’s perceptions of women’s roles and capabilities.