7 Feminist Films to Watch This International Women’s Day

  • AUTHOR: dua
  • POSTED ON: March 5, 2021

With the International Women’s Day 2021 inching closer, the conversation about women’s rights and female empowerment has gotten louder. Every person is aware of the problems that women go through on a daily basis – yet some choose to stay in denial while others are just plain ignorant, unfortunately.


Hence, when it comes to International Women’s Day, most people choose to talk about the things that are problematic and the things that need to be corrected in society. However, we need to shed light on the fact that it’s also the time to celebrate female friendships and the unsaid bond that every woman has with another.


In this article, we’re going to be discussing movies that explore all kinds of emotions and problems that women experience in their lifetime. We’re going to suggest you movies that not only celebrate female friendships but also acknowledges the gruesome pains of their life. We can all agree that it’s always the movie about a great female bond that stays with us unlike a love story that only sells dream and fantasies.


There are few yet very impactful movies that explore the idiosyncratic nature of female relationships – with themselves and with one another. Of course, movies come and go but some are simply unforgettable!


Here’s our list of top 7 feminist films that you must watch on the International Women’s Day.

Dance, Girl, Dance

At the time the movie was made, Dorothy Arzner was the only female studio director – you can compare that statistic to today, because inclusion is still something that we’re fighting for. Anyway, the movie is about two dancer friends who fight over a man.


It must have been a huge accomplishment for Dorothy, because it’s hard enough for women to make movies today and she managed to achieve that 80 years ago. There’s a scene in the movie where one of the female dancers launches into a diatribe when they get objectified by the men ogling at her. Don’t we just love it when women stand up for themselves?

Wadjida

Wadjida is not only the first feature film that has been shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, but it’s also been directed by a female Saudi auteur. Haifaa al-Mansour tells an inspiring tale of a rebellious 10 year old (Waad Mohammad) who participates in a Qur’an recitation competition to win money for a bike. She was constantly frowned upon by others, as girls are not supposed to drive bikes in a conservative community. We love and applaud when the girls rebel, don’t we?

Ms .45

This movie is violent, but it’s going to give you a way to catharsize and let go of your personal trauma. This Abel Ferrara movie is about a mute garment worker and a rape survivor (Zoe Lund) who seeks revenge from the sexual harassers on the streets of New York by murdering them.

Thelma and Louise

A list about female friendship and women empowerment will not be complete without this movie. It is honestly a landmark feminist tale that was directed by Ridley Scott. The movie is about two friends who were forced to make a run for their lives when their road trips goes fantastically awry. You will also find Brad Pitt to fill the quote of eye candy – and what a sight!

Booksmart

Directed by Olivia Wilde, this movie is about goody-two-shoes who are dedicated students but want to let loose for one night. They decide to have a wild night after realizing that their friends got into first-rate colleges without ruing their social lives. The movie is quirky and has some authentic moments that define female friendship. You’ll be thoroughly entertained and find moments to shed a tear or two.

Lady Bird

Is there anything that Greta Gerwig can’t do? It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that this is Greta’s best work. The coming-of-age movie with a romantic subplot is actually a tale of a mother and daughter. You explore the erratic relationship between two strong-headed women who are one or the same. Their epic reconciliation is much more moving than the ending of The Notebook, and that’s saying something.

Bombshell

Such an empowering film - the movie is inspired by true events, and it will shock you to your core. It’s honestly gut wrenching – the scene where Margot Robbie is being harassed by the man in the suit – it’s appalling and disgusting and downright dehumanizing. She soon discovers that she’s not the only one, and that’s when the elephant decides to come out in the room.


Anyway, do let us know which of these exemplary feminist films you like the most and please don’t be upset that we didn’t include Drop Dead Dive in the list)


Happy International Women’s Day this weekend (8 March) and do like our page on Facebook to get more such movie suggestions! 

Updated March 5, 2021
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