Movies have the power to transport us, make us feel deeply, and even change our perspectives. For women especially, seeing strong, complex female characters on screen can be incredibly empowering and affirming. Whether it’s a story of overcoming adversity, finding your voice, or celebrating the unbreakable bonds of female friendship, women’s movies remind us of our own strength, resilience and limitless potential.
To celebrate the power of women-centric cinema, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best women’s movies of all time. From beloved classics to modern masterpieces, these films showcase the talent, diversity and indomitable spirit of women. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel inspired.
1. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma & Louise is the ultimate female buddy movie. Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who set out on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn, this groundbreaking film explores themes of female empowerment, freedom and fighting back against oppression. With its iconic ending and strong feminist message, Thelma & Louise is a must-see.
2. The Color Purple (1985)
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple follows the life of Celie Harris (played by Whoopi Goldberg in her breakout role) as she overcomes abuse, poverty and racism in the American South. Beautifully directed by Steven Spielberg, this moving film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of female solidarity.
3. A League of Their Own (1992)
A League of Their Own tells the inspiring true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, formed during World War II. With an all-star cast including Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and Tom Hanks, this heartwarming sports comedy celebrates the trailblazing women who defied convention and proved they could play ball as well as any man.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her portrayal of real-life legal clerk Erin Brockovich, who helped build a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California despite her lack of formal education. Erin Brockovich is an inspiring underdog story that shows how one determined woman can make a difference against seemingly insurmountable odds.
5. The First Wives Club (1996)
Hell hath no fury like three women scorned! Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton star as former college friends who reunite to seek revenge on the ex-husbands who wronged them in this delightful comedy. The First Wives Club is a feel-good romp about the unbreakable bonds of female friendship and the power of women supporting each other.
6. Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon shines as Elle Woods, a bubbly sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her true calling as a brilliant lawyer. Legally Blonde hilariously upends stereotypes about blondes and proves that women can be unapologetically feminine and fiercely intelligent at the same time. What, like it’s hard?
7. Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures reveals the untold true story of the African American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in the early years of NASA’s space program. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe portray these pioneering women, whose contributions were historically overlooked due to racism and sexism. This inspiring film celebrates their groundbreaking achievements against all odds.
8. 9 to 5 (1980)
Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton are a comedic dream team in this classic workplace comedy about three secretaries who turn the tables on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss. With its still-relevant themes of gender inequality and harassment in the office, 9 to 5 uses humor to tackle serious issues and imagine a world where women are in charge.
9. The Help (2011)
Based on Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel, The Help explores the complex relationships between white families and their Black maids in 1960s Mississippi. A stellar ensemble cast, including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone, brings this moving story to life. Though not without some valid criticism, the film sheds light on the everyday acts of courage of Black women during the Civil Rights era.
10. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Fried Green Tomatoes weaves together the stories of two female friendships across generations in the American South. In 1920s Alabama, spitfire Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and quiet Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker) form an unbreakable bond, while in the present day, unhappy housewife Evelyn (Kathy Bates) finds inspiration in their tale. A heartfelt film about love, loyalty and the power of storytelling.
11. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
Based on Amy Tan’s bestselling novel, The Joy Luck Club explores the relationships between four Chinese American women and their immigrant mothers. Through a series of vignettes moving between past and present, the film paints a complex, moving portrait of mother-daughter bonds, cultural identity, and the struggles and triumphs of women across generations.
12. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Directed by Forest Whitaker, Waiting to Exhale follows four successful African American women navigating the ups and downs of life and love. Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, and Loretta Devine bring warmth, humor and relatability to their roles as friends who lean on each other through relationship and career challenges. A classic women’s movie about the power of sisterhood.
13. Little Women (2019)
The most recent and arguably best film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women breathes fresh life into the classic coming-of-age tale. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen are perfectly cast as the March sisters, four young women determined to live life on their own terms in Civil War-era New England. A warm, wise film about family, ambition and staying true to yourself.
14. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Based on Ann Brashares’ YA novel, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants centers on four best friends who spend their first summer apart but stay connected by sharing a pair of secondhand jeans. America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn portray the relatable teens as they navigate love, loss and growing up. A sweet, sincere film about the unbreakable bonds of girlhood friendship.
15. Bridesmaids (2011)
Kristen Wiig leads an incredible ensemble cast in this raunchy, hilarious and heartfelt comedy about the misadventures of a maid of honor and her quirky fellow bridesmaids prior to their best friend’s wedding. Bridesmaids proves that women can be just as funny – and just as crude – as men, while still grounding its humor in authentic characters and relatable relationship dynamics. You’ll laugh until you cry.
16. The Hunger Games (2012)
Jennifer Lawrence shot to superstardom as Katniss Everdeen, the defiant teenage heroine of The Hunger Games. In a dystopian future where children are forced to fight to the death on television, Katniss’s bravery sparks a revolution. With its strong female lead, thought-provoking themes and thrilling action, The Hunger Games is a blockbuster franchise that puts a woman at the center of the story.
17. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Though the title character is male, the real hero of Mad Max: Fury Road is Imperator Furiosa, played by a fierce Charlize Theron. In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Furiosa rebels against a tyrannical ruler to liberate his enslaved wives, with Max along for the wild ride. Exhilarating and visually stunning, the film turns the damsel in distress trope on its head, depicting women as strong survivors.
18. Moana (2016)
Disney’s Moana is a delightful, empowering adventure about a Polynesian teenage girl who sets out to save her island, guided by the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). With its vibrant animation, catchy songs, and strong messages about courage, identity and female leadership, Moana is an instant animated classic and an inspiration for girls everywhere.
19. Wonder Woman (2017)
Gal Gadot is a revelation as Diana, the Amazon warrior princess who becomes Wonder Woman, in this thrilling superhero origin story. Leaving her sheltered island home to fight in World War I, Diana discovers her true powers and battles to save humanity. Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman shatters the male-dominated mold of comic book movies, proving that female superheroes are just as mighty.
20. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut is a funny, moving coming-of-age story about a rebellious teen (Saoirse Ronan) navigating her turbulent relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) and her own budding artistic ambitions. Authentic, insightful and deeply personal, Lady Bird beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of growing up and the complex bonds between mothers and daughters.
21. The Favourite (2018)
This darkly comic period piece depicts the rivalry between two cousins (Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone) vying for the favor of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) in 18th century England. Wickedly funny and stunningly acted, The Favourite upends historical conventions, putting complex, flawed women and their relationships at the center of the narrative. All three leads are brilliant, with Colman winning an Oscar for her tour-de-force performance.
22. Promising Young Woman (2020)
Carey Mulligan delivers a searing performance in this bold, provocative thriller about a woman seeking to avenge her best friend, a victim of sexual assault. Writer/director Emerald Fennell takes on rape culture, toxic masculinity and society’s complicity with equal parts humor, horror and righteous fury. Shocking, stylish and impossible to shake, Promising Young Woman is a feminist firecracker of a film.
23. Nomadland (2020)
Chloé Zhao’s poetic, profound portrait of a woman (Frances McDormand) who embarks on a journey through the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession won Oscars for Best Picture, Director and Actress. Blending fiction and documentary techniques, Nomadland is a quietly powerful meditation on resilience, solitude, and forging one’s own path. McDormand’s understated performance anchors the film with authenticity and grace.
24. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
While technically a miniseries, we’d be remiss not to include The Queen’s Gambit, which became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. Anya Taylor-Joy captivates as Beth Harmon, a brilliant but troubled chess prodigy navigating the male-dominated competitive circuit in the 1950s and 60s. Stylish, gripping and unapologetically feminist, the series turns the typical genius narrative on its head, making Beth a complex, fully-realized character.
25. CODA (2021)
This heartwarming coming-of-age drama follows Ruby (Emilia Jones), the only hearing member of a Deaf family, as she discovers a passion for singing and must choose between family obligations and her own dreams. CODA (which stands for Child of Deaf Adults) authentically portrays Deaf culture and features a wonderful ensemble of Deaf actors. A moving story about finding your voice and your place in the world.
These 25 best women’s movies span decades and genres, but they all share a common thread: they put women at the forefront, telling their stories with empathy, insight and respect. They remind us of the power of representation and the importance of seeing ourselves reflected on screen.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or a good cathartic cry, these films have something for everyone. So gather your girlfriends, sisters, mothers or daughters, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a movie night celebrating the unbreakable strength, resilience and spirit of women. Trust us, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll walk away feeling empowered. Because that’s what the best women’s movies do – they make us feel seen, heard and capable of absolutely anything.
