Films about inspirational women often portray the extraordinary lives of females who have made significant contributions to society, overcome formidable obstacles, or led movements that have changed the world. These stories serve not only as entertainment but also as powerful narratives that inspire, educate, and empower audiences about the strength, resilience, and influence women have. Below is a list of such films, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of remarkable women.
“Hidden Figures”, 2016
Director: Theodore Melfi
This film tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell, Kimberly Quinn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Hidden Figures” on the website imdb.com
“Erin Brockovich”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Julia Roberts stars in this biographical film about an unemployed single mother who, despite lacking formal legal education, takes on a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com
“Wild”, 2014
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, this film follows a woman's solo hike across the Pacific Crest Trail, spanning over 1,100 miles, as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Keene McRae, Michiel Huisman, W. Earl Brown, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, Brian Van Holt, Cliff De Young;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Wild” on the website imdb.com
“On the Basis of Sex”, 2018
Director: Mimi Leder
This film chronicles the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she embarks on her struggle for equal rights, and her historic cases that lead to her appointment as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates, Cailee Spaeny, Jack Reynor, Stephen Root, Chris Mulkey, Gary Werntz;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“The Iron Lady”, 2011
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Meryl Streep embodies Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, portraying her rise to power and the decisive moments of her leadership.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Iain Glen, Emma Dewhurst, Victoria Bewick, Olivia Colman, Anthony Head, Nicholas Farrell, Richard E. Grant, Susan Brown;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Iron Lady” on the website imdb.com
“Joy”, 2015
Director: David O. Russell
Jennifer Lawrence stars in this biopic about Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire who invented the Miracle Mop and faced various personal and professional obstacles on her path to success.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramírez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Dascha Polanco, Elisabeth Röhm, Susan Lucci;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Joy” on the website imdb.com
“Suffragette”, 2015
Director: Sarah Gavron
This historical drama sheds light on the early feminist movement in Britain, focusing on the women who risked everything in their fight for equality and the right to vote.
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Nathalie Press, Romola Garai, Meryl Streep, Grace Stottor, Geoff Bell;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Suffragette” on the website imdb.com
“The Color Purple”, 1985
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel follows the life of Celie Harris and her struggles with abuse, racism, and sexism in the early 20th century Southern United States, leading to a tale of triumph and redemption.
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong, Oprah Winfrey, Willard E. Pugh, Akosua Busia, Desreta Jackson, Dana Ivey;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Color Purple” on the website imdb.com
“Harriet”, 2019
Director: Kasi Lemmons
This biographical film follows the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, focusing on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to rescue approximately 70 slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Jennifer Nettles, Janelle Monae, Tory Kittles, Omar J. Dorsey;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Harriet” on the website imdb.com
“Frida”, 2002
Director: Julie Taymor
Starring Salma Hayek, this film portrays the bold and controversial life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, highlighting her career, political activism, and enduring relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera.
Starring: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Valeria Golino, Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Edward Norton, Saffron Burrows, Antonio Banderas, Diego Luna, Patricia Reyes Spíndola;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Frida” on the website imdb.com
These films reflect the diverse arenas in which women have left an indelible mark, from science and law to activism and the arts, showcasing their resilience, intelligence, and the power of their convictions.
In conclusion, films about inspirational women have not only revolutionized the cinematic landscape by foregrounding the depth, diversity, and dynamic prowess of female characters, but they have also played a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes toward gender, ambition, and resilience. By weaving tales that range from the historical to the contemporary, and from the realms of fantasy to the gritty realities of life, these films offer more than just entertainment; they provide powerful reflections of the female spirit. They serve as beacons of inspiration, reminding us of the strength, courage, and determination of women who have pushed boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations. As the landscape of cinema continues to evolve, the stories of inspirational women will undoubtedly continue to captivate and influence audiences worldwide, celebrating the indomitable spirit of women in all their multifaceted glory.
