Celebrate this International Women’s Day with some of the best female-centred films. Including amazing performances and directing from the likes of Julia Roberts, Greta Gerwig, Whoopi Goldberg and many more. This list includes a range of genres sure to entertain any movie watcher! Keep reading to discover many uplifting pieces of cinema that remind us to appreciate inspiring and powerful women.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaption of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel of the same name follows the lives of the four March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, as they navigate from adolescence to adulthood following the American Civil War. The sisters all have different personalities that encapsulate women. From strong-willed Jo to ambitious Amy and gentle Beth as well as including Meg who dreams of the traditional life. Exploring themes of family, love independence and societal expectations of women in the 19th century. This critically acclaimed film is celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood, ambition, and the spirit of its characters.

The Colour Purple (1985)

A musical, thriller film based on a novel, adapted from Alice Walker’s prize-winning novel of the same name, The Colour Purple follows Celie Harris’ life as an African American woman in the Southern United States as she struggles against oppression and abuse. Whoopi Goldberg who plays Celie faces multiple hardships throughout the movie. She finds solace in her letters to God, serving as a form of catharsis. This movie focuses on relationships with other women and her self-discovery of strength and empowerment, while exploring themes of race, gender, and resilience, depicting the struggles of African American women in the early 20th century,

Erin Brockovich(2000)

A biographical drama starring Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, based on the true story of a single mother and legal assistant who takes on a major corporation accused of polluting a small California town’s water supply. It is Erin’s persistence and dedication that inspires the people around her as she earns the respect of her colleagues and clients. This movie is a compelling and inspiring tale of women’s courage and how it can make a difference. With Julia Roberts’ performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, the film celebrates empowerment and individual activism in the pursuit of justice.

Queen (2013)

This Indian comedy-drama stars Kangana Ranaut in the leading role, telling the story of Rani Mehra. A young woman from Delhi who embarks on a solo honeymoon following her fiancé calling off the wedding. As Rani travels solo for the first time, she undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She meeting new people along the way to help her navigate her new environments. She experiences personal growth, asserting her independence and overcoming her fears. Queen is celebrated for the heart-warming story and authentic portrayal of female empowerment, shown through Kangana’s fantastic performance.

Lady Bird (2017)

This coming-of-age comedy-drama, also directed by Greta Gerwig follows Christin McPherson – “Lady Bird” who is a high school senior navigating her final year before college. Lady Bird portrayed by Saoirse Ronan is a spirited and outspoken young woman. Dreaming of her escape from her mundane home to a college on the East Coast of America despite her family’s financial struggles. It explores a complex relationship with her mother as well as her friendships, romantic interests, and personal aspirations. It grapples with issues of identity, belonging, self-discovery and clashes with her mother. Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal earned her an AcademyAward nomination for Best Actress. The film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards too for capturing thestruggles of adolescence with humour, honesty, and authenticity.