10 Best Movies About the Most Inspiring Women in History
The biopics nominated for best picture at this year’s Oscars ( Oppenheimer , The Maestro ) put famous men front and center with little mention of the women who supported them and helped them achieve greatness. This doesn’t seem right for an awards ceremony taking place during Women’s History Month.
If you’re looking to right that wrong, here are 10 inspiring historical films that put dynamic, powerful women in the spotlight—just in time for our annual celebration of the women who shaped our past and created a bright future for us all.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
There is a scene in this award-winning legal drama when George, the main character’s biker boyfriend, demands that she choose between him and her job. At this point, Brockovich, played by Julia Roberts, realizes who she is and how important her job is, and chooses a job for herself. It’s a small moment in the film, but at the same time one of the most powerful.
Where to watch: Netflix, digital rental.
Based on Gender (2018)
Felicity Jones gives a wonderful performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film, written by the judge’s nephew, chronicles her journey as a law student to co-founding the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU. She eventually walks up the steps of the Supreme Court building and becomes an icon.
Where to watch: digital rental.
What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993)
Although Tina Turner reportedly didn’t like the film about her life because it changed many details of her rise to rock superstardom, it boasts a breakthrough performance from Angela Bassett, who portrays the legend as a force of nature that no one could contain.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Persepolis (2007)
Coming-of-age dramas may seem a little routine, but there’s nothing typical about this black-and-white animated drama about a young girl during the Iranian revolution who vows to stay true to herself even as social freedoms begin to diminish in her country. had a significant impact on her and her family.
Where to watch: YouTube , digital rental.
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
It was one match that changed women’s tennis forever. In 1973, sexist Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell) convinced leading tennis star Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) to take part in a fateful game called “Battle of the Sexes.” By depicting a past that is still somehow connected to our present, you can’t help but root for King, even if you already know how the match will end.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Young Victoria (2009)
At first glance, this historical drama about the rise to the throne of the young Queen Victoria has all the makings of an episode of The Crown . However, there is a love story between a woman in power and a man who wants to work with her rather than over her, which gives the film its heart.
Where to stream: YouTube, digital rental.
Selena (1997)
Raised under the strict supervision of her father, Selena Quintanilla Perez grows into a strong woman and successful Latin pop star before her fan club president tragically murders her just as she is about to cross over into the English-language market. This groundbreaking film features a stunning performance from Jennifer Lopez, who will become a multi-time star upon its release.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Traveling to the Congo to study mountain gorillas, eccentric researcher Dian Fossey encounters resistance not only because of political unrest in the region, but also because of her gender. She eventually forms a bond with these majestic creatures and protects them. Sigourney Weaver plays Fosse, spending much of her Oscar-nominated performance with the animals she studies (or men in costumes imitating them) to turn what could have been a typical biopic into something deeper.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Frida (2002)
This critically acclaimed biopic successfully connects the life of the award-winning artist with her extraordinary work, which was at the time overshadowed by her oversexed husband Diego Rivera. But even as tragedy seeps into her life, Kahlo’s passion for her art never ceases, as if she would die if she could no longer paint.
Where to watch: Pluto TV, Paramount+ with Showtime , digital rental.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Mathematics took John Glenn into space, and three African-American women who worked at NASA (at a time when segregation and sexism were the norm) calculated the equations that took him there. While the film takes a lot of historical credit to tell a crowd-pleasing story, it doesn’t take away from the fact that prominent women played a significant role in helping the United States win the space race.
Where to watch: Disney+, digital rental.