25 Best Movies on Women Empowerment [Exclusive Guide 2024]

In a celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment, this article explores 25 best movies that champion the spirit of women. From tales of victory over adversity to narratives challenging societal norms, each film delves into the diverse facets of women’s experiences. These cinematic gems not only entertain but also inspire, shedding light on the indomitable power that women hold in shaping their destinies and impacting the world around them.

However, we recommend getting a reliable VPN service if you reside internationally. We highly recommend ExpressVPN. It will help you get around geo-restrictions and offer you top-notch privacy and security.

Someone Great (2019)

• Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
• Genre: Comedy and Romance
• IMDb Rating: 6.2
• Runtime: 1h 32m

In Someone Great, Jenny, dealing with a breakup, took an unforgettable last adventure with her best friends in New York City. The film beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendship, love, and self-discovery while highlighting the importance of female bonds and personal growth amidst the chaos of urban life.

Hidden Figures (2016)

• Director: Theodore Melfi
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• IMDb Rating: 7.8
• Runtime: 2h 7m

Hidden Figures is a historical drama that narrates the remarkable true story of three African-American women mathematicians – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who played central roles at NASA during the 1960s space race. They overcame racial and gender discrimination to contribute critically to America’s space program.

Hustlers (2019)

• Director: Lorene Scafaria
• Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Runtime: 1h 50m

Hustlers follows a group of New York City strippers led by Ramona who, after the 2008 financial crisis, devise a scheme to drug and scam wealthy Wall Street clients. As their operation gains momentum, friendships are tested, and the consequences of their actions become increasingly complex. Inspired by a true story, the film explores themes of empowerment, greed, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of the American Dream.

Radium Girls (2018)

• Director: Lydia Dean Pilcher, Ginny Mohler
• Genre: Drama, History
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Runtime: 1h 42m

Radium Girls tells the true story of young dial painters in the 1920s exposed to radium-based paint, who unknowingly faced life-threatening consequences. Bessie and Jo uncover the dangers as they fight for justice against powerful corporations. The film explores the social and health ramifications of corporate negligence, shedding light on the women’s courage to challenge systemic injustice and advocate for workers’ rights in the face of perilous conditions.

Moana (2016)

• Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, Don Hall
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 7.6
• Runtime: 1h 47m

Moana is an animated adventure movie. Moana, a spirited Polynesian girl, sets sail on a daring journey to protect her island from an ecological disaster. With the demigod Maui as her companion, she faces mythical creatures and explores her destiny as a Wayfinder. Moana’s courage and love for her people save the day.

Marriage Story (2019)

• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Genre: Drama and Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.9
• Runtime: 2h 17m

Marriage Story follows the divorce of the theater director and his actress wife as they navigate the emotional complexities of separation while dealing with custody battles and legal fights. It explores the strain on their relationship, their love for their son, and the challenges of starting a new one.

Suffragette (2015)

• Director: Sarah Gavron
• Genre: Drama and History
• IMDb Rating: 6.9
• Runtime: 1h 46m

Suffragette is a historical drama about Maud Watts, a working-class woman in early 20th-century London who joins the suffragette movement. She faces brutality, imprisonment, and societal backlash while advocating for women’s right to vote. The film emphasizes the bravery and determination of these activists in their fight for equality.

Wild (2014)

• Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
• Genre: Drama and Adventure
• IMDb Rating: 7.1
• Runtime: 1h 55m

In the wild, Cheryl Strayed, played by Reese Witherspoon, embarks on a transformative solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail after a series of personal tragedies and self-destructive behavior. The hike becomes a healing journey as she faces her past, finds internal potential, and rediscovers herself between the challenges of the wilderness.

The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

• Director: Jim Strouse
• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 6.5
• Runtime: 1h 25m

The Incredible Jessica James is a comedy-drama film starring Jessica Williams. It follows the life of a young, aspiring playwright named Jessica James as she navigates the ups and downs of love and career in New York City. The film humorously explores modern dating and the pursuit of creative dreams.

Falling Inn Love (2019)

• Director: Roger Kumble
• Genre: Romance and Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.6
• Runtime: 1h 38m

In Falling Inn Love, an aspiring architect named Gabriela wins an inn in New Zealand through a contest. She travels there to renovate the dilapidated property with the help of a charming contractor, Jake. As they work together, romance blooms and Gabriela faces decisions about her future and the inn’s fate.

Moxie (2021)

• Director: Amy Poehler
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Runtime: 1h 51m

In Moxie, a high school girl named Vivian starts an anonymous feminist zine to expose and challenge her school’s toxic culture. The zine Moxie inspires a wave of activism among her peers, leading to protests and solidarity. The film highlights the power of young voices in the fight against sexism and discrimination.

Step Sisters (2018)

• Director: Charles Stone III
• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.5
• Runtime: 1h 44m

Step Sisters follows Jamilah, a black sorority girl and college student tasked with teaching a white sorority how to step dance to avoid punishment for a scandal. As she bridges cultural gaps and stereotypes, the film explores themes of unity, identity, and breaking down racial barriers through dance and friendship.

Otherhood (2019)

• Director: Cindy Chupack
• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 6.1
• Runtime: 1h 40m

Otherhood revolves around three longtime friends and mothers, Carol, Gillian, and Helen, who feel neglected by their adult sons on Mother’s Day. They embark on a road trip to reconnect with their sons and rediscover their identities. The film explores the challenges and joys of motherhood and growing older.

Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)

• Director: Ian Samuels
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 5.8
• Runtime: 1h 45m

Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a modern rom-com that tells the story of Sierra, a brilliant but unpopular high school student who enters into a complicated deception involving a popular boy. Sierra tries to win his heart through text messages and phone calls while navigating identity, self-acceptance, and friendship issues.

Mudbound (2017)

• Director: Dee Rees
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Runtime: 2h 14m

Mudbound is a powerful drama set in post-World War II Mississippi. It explores the intertwined lives of two families, one black and one white, as they struggle with racism, poverty, and the harsh realities of farming. The film delves into the racial divide of the Deep South and its enduring impact.

Lost Girls (2020)

• Director: Liz Garbus
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• IMDb Rating: 6.2
• Runtime: 1h 35m

Lost Girls is a crime story based on a true story. It follows a mother, Mari Gilbert, who investigates her daughter’s disappearance and other young women on Long Island. Her relentless pursuit of the truth exposes a serial killer and the failures of law enforcement in solving the case.

Little Women (2019)

• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.8
• Runtime: 2h 15m

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women revolves around the lives of the four March sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they navigate the challenges and joys of womanhood in post-Civil War America. The film adeptly weaves between their past and present, exploring love, ambition, and societal expectations. With a focus on individuality and female empowerment, it captures the enduring spirit of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel while infusing it with contemporary relevance and a fresh perspective.

The Unforgivable (2021)

• Director: Nora Fingscheidt
• Genre: Crime and Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.1
• Runtime: 1h 52m

The Unforgivable follows Ruth Slater, portrayed by Sandra Bullock, a woman recently released from prison after serving time for a violent crime. She seeks to reconnect with her estranged younger sister, uncover the truth about her past, and find redemption in the face of a society unwilling to forgive her.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

• Director: Emerald Fennell
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• IMDb Rating: 5
• Runtime: 1h 53m

In Promising Young Woman, Carey Mulligan portrays Cassie, a med-school dropout seeking vengeance for her friend’s assault. By feigning drunkenness, she confronts men who take advantage but harbors a secret mission. Cassie’s life takes unexpected turns as she challenges societal norms, demanding accountability. The film masterfully blends dark comedy with suspense, offering a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, consent, and justice. Cassie’s quest for retribution becomes a compelling and unapologetic examination of systemic failures and the consequences of silence.

Mustang (2015)

• Director: Deniz Gamze Ergüven
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.6
• Runtime: 1h 37m

In Mustang, five Turkish sisters face oppressive societal norms after they are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach. Their conservative family confines them to their home, leading to their rebellion and struggles for freedom. The film explores themes of gender inequality, tradition, and the resilience of sisterhood.

Booksmart (2019)

• Director: Olivia Wilde
• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 7.1
• Runtime: 1h 42m

Booksmart follows two high-achieving high school best friends, Molly and Amy, who realize they’ve missed out on typical teenage experiences. The night before graduation, they embark on a wild adventure to catch up on fun and parties. The film explores friendship, self-discovery, and the balance between work and play.

Girlhood (2014)

• Director: Céline Sciamma
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 1h 53m

Girlhood is a French coming-of-age drama film directed by Céline Sciamma. The film follows Marieme, a teenager from a troubled neighborhood in Paris, as she seeks independence and identity through friendship and rebellion. It explores themes of identity, race, and female empowerment as Marieme navigates her challenging environment.

The Witch (2015)

• Director: Robert Eggers
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 1h 32m

The Witch is a period horror film set in 17th-century New England, and it tells the story of a Puritan family encountering supernatural forces in the woods near their farm. As paranoia grows, they blame their eldest daughter, Thomasin, for the eerie occurrences, leading to a chilling and dark climax.

Wonder Woman (2017)

• Director: Patty Jenkins
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Runtime: 2h 21m

In Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, Diana, a princess of the Amazons, discovers her divine powers and joins the world of men during World War I. She becomes the superhero Wonder Woman, aiming to stop Ares, the god of war, and bring peace. Her journey explores themes of heroism and sacrifice.

Bombshell (2019)

• Director: Jay Roach
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.8
• Runtime: 1h 49m

Bombshell depicts the real-life sexual harassment scandal that rocked Fox News. The film follows the experiences of three women Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson, and Kayla Pospisil as they confront a toxic work environment led by Roger Ailes. Their courage to expose the pervasive misconduct and the ensuing legal battles shed light on issues of power, sexism, and workplace culture, making it a gripping exploration of the #MeToo movement within a prominent media organization.

Conclusion

These are the 25 best movies on women’s empowerment. You can stream them on Netflix. Netflix is a famous streaming platform that offers subscribers a massive range of content. If you live abroad and cannot access Netflix, get a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.

It will help you get around geo-restrictions. Moreover, it offers robust privacy and security to its users.

Read More:

• Best Movies on YouTube TV
• Best Fantasy Movies on Disney Plus
• Best Movies of All Time on Netflix
• Blockbuster Movies on DStv
• Best Family Movies on Hulu

Betty Carter

Betty is an enthusiastic Computer Science Graduate and an extrovert who loves to watch Netflix, and is a binge-watcher always seeking quality shows to add to her watch history! She loves to write about the show, she has watched, to make her readers acknowledge them, and witness a cherished time with friends, and family!