Netflix has an incredible selection of movies featuring complex, inspiring and badass female characters. From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, these films put women front and center, telling stories of personal growth, adventure, resilience and empowerment.
If you’re looking for movies that celebrate strong women, look no further than this curated list of the 30 best female-led films currently streaming on Netflix. Get ready to be inspired by these unforgettable leading ladies.
1. Marriage Story (2019)
Scarlett Johansson delivers a powerhouse performance in this intimate portrait of a marriage coming apart. She plays Nicole, a former teen actress turned stage performer navigating a messy bicoastal divorce from her theater director husband Charlie (Adam Driver).
Through the ups and downs of the legal process, Nicole remains a devoted mother, rediscovers her independence, and ultimately emerges stronger than before. It’s a raw, honest depiction of a woman reclaiming her identity outside of her roles as wife and mother. Johansson brings incredible depth and nuance to the character.
2. Roma (2018)
This breathtaking black-and-white drama from Alfonso Cuarón follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young indigenous housekeeper working for an affluent family in 1970s Mexico City. Abandoned by the men in their lives, Cleo and her employer Sofia quietly persevere through personal and political upheaval.
Aparicio, a newcomer at the time, is a revelation in the lead role. Her restrained yet deeply felt performance anchors the film. Through her eyes, Roma becomes a moving portrait of female resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. It’s a stunning achievement.
3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Based on the YA novel by Jenny Han, this utterly charming rom-com follows Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a shy 16-year-old whose secret love letters accidentally get mailed to her crushes. To cover up her true feelings, she strikes a fake-dating deal with popular jock Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo).
Condor shines as Lara Jean, a bookish dreamer gradually coming into her own. More than just a love story, the film thoughtfully explores the character’s relationships with her sisters, widowed father, and best friend. Lara Jean’s journey of self-discovery feels authentic and relatable.
4. Tallulah (2016)
After coming across a neglected baby, aimless young drifter Lu (Ellen Page) impulsively decides to kidnap the child and pose as the mother to her ex-boyfriend’s mother (Allison Janney). Unprepared but well-intentioned, Lu forms an unlikely bond with the infant.
Page brings her signature mix of vulnerability and moxie to the title role, a complex portrait of a damaged woman struggling to care for herself and others. The relationship between Lu and Janney’s character becomes the emotional center, as two very different women help each other grow and heal. A poignant, offbeat character study.
5. Wild (2014)
Reese Witherspoon stars in this adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in the wake of personal tragedy. Determined to walk the 1,100-mile trek alone, Cheryl battles the elements and her own demons on a profound journey of self-discovery.
Witherspoon fearlessly embodies Cheryl’s physical and emotional struggles, delivering one of the most powerful performances of her career. Wild is a bracingly honest, ultimately uplifting portrait of a woman reclaiming her life step by hard-earned step. Come for the gorgeous scenery, stay for Witherspoon’s extraordinary work.
6. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Carla Gugino carries this gripping Stephen King adaptation as Jessie, a woman left handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house after a sex game with her husband goes horribly wrong. Trapped and alone, Jessie faces creeping terror and her own psychological demons.
Gugino is riveting in a physically and emotionally demanding role, capturing Jessie’s fear, resourcefulness and eventual empowerment as she fights to survive. Largely a one-woman show, the film is a showcase for the actress’s incredible range. Gerald’s Game is a taut, unnerving thriller anchored by a tour-de-force central performance.
7. The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)
Writer/director/star Radha Blank makes a knockout debut with this fresh, funny take on the artist’s journey. Blank plays a fictionalized version of herself, a struggling New York playwright approaching 40 who finds a new creative outlet in hip-hop.
Blank is a revelation in front of and behind the camera, crafting a witty, insightful and deeply personal story of a woman pursuing her voice on her own terms. Shot in gorgeous black-and-white, The Forty-Year-Old Version pulses with the energy and authenticity of its creator. It’s a joyous celebration of a singular talent.
8. Private Life (2018)
Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti star as Rachel and Richard, a 40-something New York couple desperately trying to have a baby through increasingly absurd fertility treatments. When their young niece Sadie (Kayli Carter) offers to be their egg donor, new tensions and possibilities arise.
Hahn is characteristically brilliant as the acerbic, anxious Rachel, capturing the frustration, heartache and occasional hilarity of the fertility journey with raw honesty. Her chemistry with Giamatti and Carter grounds the film’s trickier emotional terrain. Private Life is a perceptive, bittersweet portrait of marriage and (maybe) motherhood.
9. Lady Bird (2017)
Saoirse Ronan soars as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a restless Sacramento teen desperate to escape her hometown for the East Coast. As she navigates romance, friendship and family conflict, Lady Bird begins to appreciate the life she’s so eager to leave behind.
Ronan makes Lady Bird’s teenage angst and ambition feel achingly real. Her prickly relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) forms the film’s emotional backbone, a complex portrait of two strong-willed women more alike than they’d care to admit. Warm, wise and utterly winning, Lady Bird is a coming-of-age gem.
10. The Half of It (2020)
Shy, smart student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) agrees to help a jock classmate woo his crush – by writing love letters in his name. Complications ensue when Ellie develops feelings for the same girl. A tender, wistful riff on Cyrano de Bergerac, The Half of It is a refreshing spin on the teen rom-com.
Lewis is immensely appealing as Ellie, a queer first-generation immigrant gradually letting down her guard. Her chemistry with Alexxis Lemire feels genuine and bittersweet. More than just a love triangle, the film is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity and the courage to pursue your passions.
11. Mudbound (2017)
This sweeping historical drama follows two families – one black, one white – farming the same Mississippi land in the 1940s. When the families’ eldest sons both return from World War II, their unlikely friendship exposes the brutal realities of the Jim Crow South.
Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige and Garrett Hedlund anchor the excellent ensemble, but it’s Jason Mitchell’s devastating performance as a black veteran facing racist violence that lingers longest. Mudbound is a powerful, necessary reckoning with America’s legacy of racism and oppression, as seen through the eyes of one unforgettable character.
12. The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)
Maggie Gyllenhaal stars as Lisa, a Staten Island teacher and aspiring poet who becomes obsessed with nurturing the talents of a precocious student. As Lisa’s interest veers into unhealthy territory, the film evolves into a unsettling psychological thriller.
Gyllenhaal is mesmerizing as a woman unraveling in pursuit of meaning and beauty. Lisa could easily become a monster, but Gyllenhaal and writer-director Sara Colangelo find the human desperation beneath her increasingly disturbing actions. Challenging and thought-provoking, The Kindergarten Teacher sticks with you.
13. First Match (2018)
Hardened teen Monique (Elvire Emanuelle) turns to wrestling – her estranged father’s sport – as an outlet for her anger in this scrappy coming-of-age drama. Training with the boys’ team, Mo fights to prove herself while navigating a volatile relationship with her dad.
Emanuelle is a knockout in her first leading role, capturing Mo’s toughness and vulnerability in equal measure. The gritty authenticity of the wrestling scenes is matched by the film’s sensitive exploration of Mo’s search for connection and self-worth. First Match is a moving portrait of a girl battling for her place in the world.
14. The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)
Writer/director/star Radha Blank makes a knockout debut with this fresh, funny take on the artist’s journey. Blank plays a fictionalized version of herself, a struggling New York playwright approaching 40 who finds a new creative outlet in hip-hop.
Blank is a revelation in front of and behind the camera, crafting a witty, insightful and deeply personal story of a woman pursuing her voice on her own terms. Shot in gorgeous black-and-white, The Forty-Year-Old Version pulses with the energy and authenticity of its creator. It’s a joyous celebration of a singular talent.
15. I Am Mother (2019)
In the wake of an extinction event, a robot called Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne) raises a human girl known as Daughter (Clara Rugaard) in a sealed repopulation facility. Their bond is tested by the arrival of another survivor (Hilary Swank) who casts doubt on Mother’s intentions.
Rugaard is riveting as a young woman grappling with her identity and allegiances. Her charged dynamic with Byrne and Swank drives the film’s exploration of the possibilities and perils of artificial intelligence. Suspenseful and visually striking, I Am Mother is an ambitious, unsettling sci-fi thriller.
16. Tallulah (2016)
After coming across a neglected baby, aimless young drifter Lu (Ellen Page) impulsively decides to kidnap the child and pose as the mother to her ex-boyfriend’s mother (Allison Janney). Unprepared but well-intentioned, Lu forms an unlikely bond with the infant.
Page brings her signature mix of vulnerability and moxie to the title role, a complex portrait of a damaged woman struggling to care for herself and others. The relationship between Lu and Janney’s character becomes the emotional center, as two very different women help each other grow and heal. A poignant, offbeat character study.
17. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Jessica Williams shines in this charming rom-com about a struggling Brooklyn playwright getting over a breakup. When Jessica meets a recently divorced app designer (Chris O’Dowd), the two wounded hearts begin an unlikely friendship that might be something more.
Williams is a comedic force as the wry, magnetic Jessica, nailing the character’s mix of bravado and self-doubt. Her chemistry with O’Dowd is delightful, but the film wisely keeps the focus on Jessica’s personal and creative journey. Warm, witty and quietly groundbreaking, The Incredible Jessica James is an indie gem.
18. On Body and Soul (2017)
Two lonely slaughterhouse workers discover they share the same dream every night in this strange, haunting Hungarian drama. Initially wary of each other, Endre (Géza Morcsányi) and Mária (Alexandra Borbély) gradually open up to the possibility of human connection.
Maria, who is on the autism spectrum, slowly opens up and learns to express her feelings. Borbély gives a subtle, moving performance that captures Maria’s inner world with sensitivity and grace. On Body and Soul is a poetic, unconventional love story.
19. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Paul Rudd stars as Ben, a retired writer who becomes a caregiver after suffering a personal tragedy. He’s assigned to Trevor (Craig Roberts), a sarcastic 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. The two embark on a road trip to see America’s “lamest roadside attractions,” picking up a runaway (Selena Gomez) and a pregnant woman (Megan Ferguson) along the way.
Gomez brings spiky charm to the role of Dot, a tough girl slowly letting her guard down. Her unlikely friendship with Trevor becomes one of the film’s emotional anchors. Funny and moving in equal measure, The Fundamentals of Caring is a sweet, offbeat coming-of-age story.
20. Set It Up (2018)
Overworked assistants Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) conspire to set up their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) in this winning romantic comedy. As their plan plays out in unexpected ways, Harper and Charlie begin to realize they might be perfect for each other too.
Deutch is utterly charming as the ambitious, slightly awkward Harper, a character who feels like a throwback to classic rom-com heroines. Her chemistry with Powell is delightful, but it’s her frantic attempts to manipulate her boss that generate the biggest laughs. Breezy and irresistible, Set It Up is a rom-com gem.
21. The Half of It (2020)
Shy, smart student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) agrees to help a jock classmate woo his crush – by writing love letters in his name. Complications ensue when Ellie develops feelings for the same girl. A tender, wistful riff on Cyrano de Bergerac, The Half of It is a refreshing spin on the teen rom-com.
Lewis is immensely appealing as Ellie, a queer first-generation immigrant gradually letting down her guard. Her chemistry with Alexxis Lemire feels genuine and bittersweet. More than just a love triangle, the film is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity and the courage to pursue your passions.
22. Unicorn Store (2019)
Brie Larson directs and stars in this quirky comedy about a failed art student who receives a mysterious invitation to “The Store,” where she’s given the chance to fulfill her childhood dream of owning a unicorn. But first, she’ll have to prove she’s ready for the responsibility.
Larson brings her offbeat comedic sensibilities to the lead role, a whimsical misfit searching for her place in the world. Samuel L. Jackson has a ball as the eccentric salesman promising to make her unicorn dreams come true. Sweet, strange and utterly unique, Unicorn Store is a testament to the power of embracing your inner child.
23. Moxie (2021)
Fed up with the sexist status quo at her high school, shy 16-year-old Vivian (Hadley Robinson) anonymously publishes a feminist zine that sparks a school-wide, coming-of-rage revolution. Inspired by her mother’s rebellious past, Vivian and her friends band together to fight back against harassment and discrimination.
Robinson is a revelation in her first major role, capturing Vivian’s transformation from wallflower to unlikely rebel. The supporting cast of up-and-coming actresses, including Lauren Tsai and Alycia Pascual-Peña, bring verve and nuance to their roles. Directed with punk rock energy by Amy Poehler, Moxie is a rousing celebration of girl power.
24. Bird Box (2018)
In a post-apocalyptic world terrorized by monsters that cause people who look at them to violently kill themselves, Malorie (Sandra Bullock) fights to protect herself and two small children as they embark on a harrowing river journey to safety – all while blindfolded.
Bullock anchors the film with a fierce, emotionally raw performance, playing a woman pushed to the brink as she shields her young charges from unimaginable horrors. Tense, immersive and relentlessly suspenseful, Bird Box is a gripping thriller that doubles as a powerful portrait of maternal instinct in the face of impossible odds.
25. Enola Holmes (2020)
Millie Bobby Brown shines as Sherlock’s spunky younger sister in this charming family adventure. When her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) goes missing, budding sleuth Enola sets out to find her, outsmarting her famous brothers as she unravels a dangerous conspiracy around a mysterious young Lord.
Brown is a delight in the title role, imbuing Enola with smarts, scrappy courage and fourth-wall-breaking wit. The colorful costumes and playful tone make this a perfect family watch, but there’s enough substance for adult viewers to enjoy as well. Enola Holmes is a welcome addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon.
26. The Old Guard (2020)
Charlize Theron leads a covert group of mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die who have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. When their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, they must fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.
Theron is in top form as the world-weary warrior Andy, who finds renewed purpose in mentoring a fledgling immortal (KiKi Layne). The slick, inventive action scenes are a highlight, but it’s the film’s soulful exploration of the burden of immortality that sets it apart. Stylish, soulful and packed with bone-crunching thrills, The Old Guard breathes fresh life into the superhero genre.
27. Dumplin’ (2018)
Danielle Macdonald stars as Willowdean, the plus-size teenage daughter of a former beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston) who signs up for her mom’s pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town.
Macdonald is a radiant presence as Will, a whip-smart, Dolly Parton-obsessed misfit who gradually comes into her own. Her journey of self-acceptance feels authentic and hard-won. The charming supporting cast and irresistible soundtrack of Dolly Parton hits make Dumplin’ a warm-hearted delight from start to finish.
28. Pieces of a Woman (2020)
Vanessa Kirby delivers a tour-de-force performance as Martha, a woman grappling with the emotional fallout of a home birth that ends in tragedy. As her relationships with her husband (Shia LaBeouf) and mother (Ellen Burstyn) become strained, Martha embarks on a grueling journey of grief, anger and acceptance.
Kirby is simply astonishing, conveying Martha’s anguish and gradual healing with raw, unflinching honesty. It’s a performance of remarkable subtlety and power, the kind that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Uncompromising and deeply moving, Pieces of a Woman is a stunning showcase for Kirby’s prodigious talent.
29. The Life Ahead (2020)
Screen legend Sophia Loren returns in this poignant Italian drama about a Holocaust survivor who takes in a rebellious Senegalese street kid (Ibrahima Gueye). As the unlikely pair form a tentative bond, painful secrets from Madame Rosa’s past begin to resurface.
At 86, Loren remains a magnetic screen presence, imbuing Madame Rosa with grit, humor and hard-won wisdom. Her chemistry with impressive newcomer Gueye is the film’s beating heart. Tender and bittersweet, The Life Ahead proves Loren is still a force to be reckoned with.
30. Unorthodox (2020)
This riveting miniseries follows Esty (Shira Haas), a young woman who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. As she struggles to navigate the secular world, her estranged husband travels to Germany to try to bring her home.
Haas is a revelation as Esty, capturing the character’s fear, resilience and gradually blossoming sense of self with heartbreaking nuance. The series is a gripping, emotionally complex portrait of a woman breaking free from a stifling religious community to forge her own path. Unorthodox is a stunning achievement, powered by Haas’s unforgettable breakout performance.
These 30 films and series showcase the incredible range and depth of stories about women that are available to stream on Netflix. From prestige dramas to crowd-pleasing comedies, heart-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking documentaries, there’s something for everyone on this list. So queue up a few of these titles and settle in for an empowering, entertaining watch.
