Representation for women in film continues to lag.
This year’s “It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World” study, published by Dr. Martha Lauzen, executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, says just 35% of all speaking roles in 2023’s top films were given to women. It’s a decided drop-off from the 37% logged in 2022 – and a continued failure to get back to 40%, the peak in representation for women on screen that was achieved in 2019.
It’s especially frustrating because, simply put, women make great movies. Funny, poignant, thrilling, thought-provoking, award-winning works. So, to celebrate those achievements – despite the less-than-favorable working conditions for women in film – we’re showcasing movies that feature all-women ensemble casts, as well as pulse-pounding action sequences, tearful moments of reflection – or both. Movies that honor women’s friendships, love and work.
Below, we’ve pulled together 13 such films – mostly contemporary offerings, but with a few classics added to the mix – listed in chronological order, for your individual empowered enjoyment, or the perfect girls’ night movie marathon.
“The Women” (1939)
Based on a 1936 play bearing the same name, “The Women” tells the stories of several complicated, intertwined lives of a few New York City socialites. It features all-timer actresses such as Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell – and absolutely zero men. Read that last part again.
“Steel Magnolias” (1989)
This reflection on life and love for a group of women in a Louisiana town is thought of as the quintessential “chick flick” – and is sometimes dismissed unfairly as such. But the raw, real performances from the all-star cast, Sally Field and Julia Roberts in particular, elevate this to something more. There’s a reason it’s withstood the test of time.
“A League of Their Own” (1992)
This one is a poignant, fictionalized account of a season of baseball for The Rockford Peaches, an all-women’s team. It was a critical and commercial success (an understatement, as those of us with functioning memories of the 1990s can attest), with Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna giving especially memorable performances. Have numerous tissues ready.
“The Joy Luck Club” (1993)
“The Joy Luck Club” examines the relationships between several San Francisco-based Chinese-American women – portrayed by Rosalind Chao, Lauren Tom, Tamlyn Tomita, and Ming-Na Wen – and their immigrant mothers. It stands out for its nuanced look at a very specific family dynamic.
“Waiting to Exhale” (1995)
Starring heavy hitters Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, “Waiting to Exhale” is all about female friendships, the ways in which can and do women support each other through good times and bad – and a dash of deeply cathartic, if perhaps ill-advised comeuppance.
“The First Wives Club” (1996)
The joke-per-minute ratio in this movie is not to be believed. But when your leading cast consists of true legends – Bette Middler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton – that’s probably to be expected. There are also smaller, yet still-standout performances from Sarah Jessica Parker and Maggie Smith to delight in as well.
“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (2005)
Once dismissed in the way all things that center teenage girls are, this light, sweet coming-of-age movie now enjoys a certain cult fandom. The four actresses at its heart – America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel – have all gone on to successful careers. Watching their grounded-yet-brave work here, you can easily understand why.
“Dreamgirls” (2006)
I’ll say this plainly: Anyone who omits this film from the top three when listing the best movie musicals in existence is not having a serious conversation with you. Everyone is on top of their game, vocally and energetically – in particular, leads Jennifer Hudson (who won an Oscar for this performance) and the ever-iconic Beyonce.
“Pitch Perfect” (2012)
In the 2010s, the art form of contemporary a cappella gripped the nation’s fascination – and “Pitch Perfect” is a big part of why. (Full disclosure: This reporter sang background vocals in the film, but remains objective for the sake of this list.) Featuring all-vocal covers of modern music hits and a gifted-and-game cast of leading ladies, “Pitch Perfect” is perfect for both laughing and singing along to. Though, college a cappella groups do not actually arrange music on the fly in empty pools. Sorry.
“Oceans 8” (2018)
Who says women can’t pull off a heist (movie)? Sandra Bullock is the leader of a makeshift team of thieves that includes heavy hitters Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling and Sarah Paulson. Together, they rip off the Met Gala – and have an absolute blast in the process. As will anyone who takes time for this extremely fun crime comedy.
“Widows” (2018)
This movie also features a team of badass women pulling off a robbery – but the stakes are much higher. As the title suggests, all three main characters, played expertly by Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki and Michelle Rodriguez, lost their husbands during a theft gone wrong, and must score to pay off the crime boss who committed their murders. It’s a thrill ride.
“Birds of Prey” (2020)
An all-female, wildly irreverent answer to the dour, male-dominated superhero squad films that saturate our film landscape. Margot Robbie is unstoppable; Jurnee Smollett is a warrior; Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosie Perez ground things while kicking every ass they encounter. Also featuring: The best breakfast sandwich ever prepared.
“The Marvels” (2023)
Let’s start with facts: “The Marvels” was a record-breaker that allowed three fantastic actresses – Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani – to shine in their own iterations and interpretations of the Captain Marvel character. Despite a lacking script and the incessant whining of internet fanboys, the women behind and in front of the camera save the day.
