Isn’t it awe-inspiring seeing the abundance of movies with strong female leads nowadays? Our desire to be heard and to feel seen can be fulfilled through films with a knack for capturing our stories. Although Hollywood took its sweet time to deliver, we are witnessing the flowers blossom from the seeds of a long and arduous struggle. 21st-century Hollywood has had a massive makeover, with incredible storytellers, directors, actors and more female talents.
These films brilliantly celebrate the resilience of women with diverse stories and casts. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’ve compiled a list of movies with strong female leads to empower and reignite the light inside. Watching these movies also shows the creators of Hollywood that there is a demand for women-centric stories.
Little Women (2019)
The newest adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless coming-of-age novel Little Women follows the four sisters, Meg, Beth, Amy and Jo March, as they navigate the obstacles they face as women and chase their ambitions during the Civil War period. Greta Gerwig’s adaptation stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Timotée Chalamet.
Stream Little Women on Netflix.
Amazing Grace (2019)
Featuring the never-before-seen footage of legendary musician Aretha Franklin, this biopic release was highly anticipated since its filming in a California church in 1972 during the recording sessions for a live album of the same name. Soaring from chill-inducing moment to another, the film is nothing short of a revelation.
Amazing Grace is streaming on TOD.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures is the brilliant untold story of three pivotal African-American women, Katherine Jonson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who were the brains of the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn. Overcoming racial and gender discrimination, the story illustrates the strength of these women who achieves the impossible. Additionally, the brilliant portrayal by the talented trio of Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae makes it a must-watch.
Hidden Figures is streaming on Disney+.
Iron Lady (2011)
One of the greatest actors of our time, Meryl Streep’s portrayal of the first female British prime minister Margaret Thatcher is nothing short of magnificence. The film charts Thatcher’s life from her young age to womanhood as she fights against gender and class barriers to become Britain’s prime minister against all odds. The female lead film spotlights not one but two incredible women.
Iron Lady is streaming on Hulu.
