The Focus recommends seven inspirational and fantastic movies to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.
It’s International Women’s Day, an important holiday that is recognized and celebrated each year on March 8th. This year’s takes place on Friday, and one thing we all like to do to begin the weekend after a long week is relax with some great movies. Tonight, it’s worth watching one or more of the many movies that champion women in some way or another, whether they were helmed by women or have strong, impactful, and unforgettable women at their core. These seven are ones I’m over the moon to recommend revisiting or seeing for the first time…
Brave
Going in alphabetical order, the first recommendation is Brave, the 2012 animated fantasy movie.
The impact and influence of Disney princesses have been debated and dissected over the years, with arguments for and against what they represent, particularly to young audiences. However, in Pixar‘s Brave, a powerful and inspirational character can be found in Merida, the daughter of royalty who is a skilled archer and wishes to find her own way in life, refusing to be set up with a partner.
Her journey is one all ages can appreciate and enjoy, with an admirable morality at its center that feels very conscious of what kids can learn from the joy of movies.
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Where to watch: Disney+
Erin Brockovich
This 2000 American legal drama saw Julia Roberts win an Oscar for her phenomenal portrayal of the titular Erin Brockovich, a real-life paralegal and environmental activist whose work and brave determination have made such an impact on lives.
The movie dramatizes her initiation of a legal case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over its culpability for the contamination of groundwater in Hinkley, California.
Not only is it worth watching (or revisiting, most likely) to celebrate Erin herself, but also to admire in awe one of the greatest performances of the century from Julia.
Where to watch: Netflix
Hidden Figures
Coming in with another biographical entry, Hidden Figures is a 2016 drama loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction book of the same name exploring the achievements of three female African-American mathematicians.
Their work at NASA during the Space Race in the 1960s proved instrumental in putting man on the moon.
When the movie was released, it helped raise awareness of the brilliant minds whose stories have been largely unsung in the mainstream. It was one of the most entertaining American movies of that year, but also one of the most valuable.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu, Sling
Little Women (2019)
American actress Greta Gerwig’s directorial feature debut Lady Bird announced her as a major talent behind the camera but her second effort Little Women seriously felt as polished as somebody directing their tenth.
Adapting the immortally-adored 1868 novel of the same name from Louisa May Alcott, Greta’s exquisite period drama perfectly retold the coming of age of the March sisters, bringing to the table brilliant performances from the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Meryl Streep, just to name a few.
It’s my favorite adaptation of the novel and arguably it should be considered the definitive best. Greta has directed three movies so far, and all three could feature on this list.
Where to watch: Hulu, Starz, Sling
Slumber Party Massacre (2021)
I like to fire out a curve ball on these lists, and Slumber Party Massacre is one that I could rewatch every month and still have that same devilish grin on my face after reveling in its twists and turns.
Directed by Danishka Esterhazy, the slasher movie is both a modern reimagining” of and sequel to the 1982 horror The Slumber Party Massacre. The audience accompanies a group of girls as they throw a slumber party at a cabin. They’re being stalked by an escaped killer with a power drill, but there’s far more than meets the eye in this intelligent and sometimes hilarious takedown of sleazy slasher tropes.
It’s hands down one of the most criminally underseen and underappreciated horror movies of the last 10 years. The reveal is genius.
Where to watch: Hulu, AMC+, Sling
Suffragette
Directed by Sarah Gavron, Suffragette is a 2015 British historical drama about women’s suffrage in the United Kingdom.
The movie follows the movement that fought for women’s right to vote in the UK, and the hardships they faced before finally having success with their efforts in getting the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act passed in 1928.
Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and more of the film’s tremendous cast are on remarkable form, but the true story being told is greater than any star power.
Where to watch: Peacock
Wild
I was tempted to include Legally Blonde which is a formative movie experience so many had as teenagers, but we’re still going with a Reese Witherspoon gem for this last pick all the same.
Wild is a 2014 biographical drama based on Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail. Played by Reese, the film chronicles Cheryl as she sets out on a perilous and daunting hiking trip, enduring the obstacles along the way totally solo after experiencing tragic loss and dramatic complications in her personal life.
It’s an inspirational tale of healing, acceptance, and self-transformation that deserves to be seen any day of the year—let’s make that today.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Video
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