I breathed a huge sigh of relief pulling into my apartment after classes and work. People who take life in a stride are both on the list of people I envy and hate. Trying to make my way in a competitive world as a short, female, young adult almost always has me living for the weekend, and there's rarely anything I'd rather do to relieve stress than cuddle up to a good movie. This weekend, I have a special list of my favorite feminist movies. Somehow being inspired by one of these leading ladies always makes it easier to wake up on Monday.
10. Jackie (2016)
![]()
Perhaps the moments that define us the best are the moments that are the hardest for us to bear. It is in these moments that we truly know the extent of our strength and our character. This movie focuses on one of the darkest moments in American history, and yet it shines a light on a character mostly seen in the background. Jackie Kennedy moved into an unwanted spotlight following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, but in these moments she proved her grace and her strength to an entire country that didn’t now how to react. The pressure placed upon the first family is a weight unimaginable, but the pressure and scrutiny of the first family following the assignation of the leader of that family and of the country would be an experience very few could handle. However, Jackie proves a female saint as she conducts herself with poise and leads her children through terrible loss.
9. Joy (2015)
The business world is cutthroat and unforgiving, so obviously women are too delicate to contend and succeed in competition with men, especially when they have other obligations like raising a family. Guess what? Women are good at knowing exactly what we want, sometimes even more so than men. Joy is a perfect example of a woman know one would want to get in the way of in the business world. She knows what she wants, and without pulling out the classic mother bear illustration, she is even more
motivated to succeed because she wants the best for her children. She is
fearless, and she is brilliant and, spoiler alert, she’s ultra successful!
8. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
When we think of women living in the Deep South, we think of women with personalities as sweet as the tea that they serve, and fluffy ball gowns as
loud as the Georgia accent. The women in this movie give us a slightly different picture. These women are tough as
nails and loving as lambs, and when the world turns it’s back on them, they naturally turn to each other for love and encouragement. Nobody understands the struggles of being a woman better than other women, and arguably the most important role of feminism and feminists should be in encouraging and uplifting other women.
7. Legally Blonde (2001)
It’s a little bit unrealistic to believe that it would be this easy to get into Harvard Law School, but what’s easy to believe is that a woman with a positive attitude and drive to prove people wrong can do anything. Elle Woods is everybody’s spirit animal to some extent. I mean what woman doesn’t feel more powerful when they’re wearing a knockout, color-coordinated outfit? As women, we’re constantly told that we don’t belong in certain places or fields, but Elle teaches us that nobody can define or limit the reach of our power as long as we don’t allow them to.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You (2000)
The blunt and witty personality of Kat speaks to the forever-salty side that everyone secretly has. Kat is all of us who were so over the
dating game in
high school. It’s a fact of life that women mature more quickly than men, so in a time so new and exciting and full of opportunity, why is dating someone who acts years younger than their age so appealing? I mean clearly women could rule the world if they wanted to, so who needs the baggage of “unwashed miscreants”.
5. Mulan (1998)
Women are warriors, and possibly there’s no better example of this than my main woman Mulan. Mulan is an untamable spirit and having grown up in a repressive culture that ties the value of a woman to who she marries, Mulan dares to break all the rules and prove that she can bring honor to her family through her own brave actions. Mulan is an amazing role model for teaching little girls that hard work and determination can get you anywhere, and you can kick
butt while getting there.
4. A League of Their Own (1992)
World War II era was a very distinguishing period in history for women. This movie focuses in on the remarkable role of a few brave women participating in a sport that they love. This is a movie about ignoring stereotypes and expectations and turning bad situations into opportunities to succeed. Women are strong and powerful if haven’t you noticed.
3. The Help (2011)
No task has ever been defined as too menial for women. We are seen in every stage throughout history, but the majority of the time we are found in the background. However, the women in this movie prove that you can be powerful and make a difference in any role you fill in life. We are always in a place where we can be a guide, a friend, a mentor and a help to those around us, the only thing that defines the impact that we have on others is the attitude we have toward our opportunities and our ability to seize them. Not only does this movie showcase the ability of any women to overcome the circumstances handed to them in life, but it also proves that sometimes the best thing we can do in life is support our loved ones in their battles and passions.
2. Hidden Figures (2017)
It can’t be argued that throughout history women get far less credit for their achievements than men, and it’s not surprising that women have been key figures in many historical events. Finally, it’s time for these women to be recognized, and I couldn’t think of a story I’d want to hear more than that of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson. Not only did these women achieve educational achievements any man would be proud of, but also they did so while also fighting issues of racism and sexism. They are heroines for women, but also role models for anyone striving to prove themselves in science and academics.
1. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
As a woman with lofty dreams of existing in a highly-competitive professional career, and having to first suffer through the agony that is an undergraduate
education, I can tell you this movie perfectly depicts the classic struggle of females in academia. Sure, we live in an ever-progressing world, however, the subtle hints of sexism are still prevalent in colleges across the country and the world. The deep male vibrato rings clearly in lecture halls, while women’s voices are less recognized and less remembered. This struggle is the eternal dilemma of women, and this movie so thoroughly and gracefully addresses the untapped ability, intellect, individuality and tenacity found among women, due to the repressive nature of traditional roles and obligations. Women can be smart and pretty. Women can be
happy without being loved by a man. Women possess the ability to provide for themselves. The world is ours for the taking, if only we were to only seize the chance and grasp firmly the opportunities we have, we can accomplish anything.
