Best Films and Series on Women
Discover a selection of the best films and series on women and women’s rights
Movies have long been a powerful means of showcasing the struggles, victories, and inspiring stories of women around the world.
In this article, we offer a selection of captivating films celebrating the power and resilience of women.
From Lady Bird to Nomadland, to Portrait of a Lady on Fire, explore these cinematic works that captivate and inspire.
A documentary directed by Anastasia Mikova and Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
Best films on women
Strong: Lady Bird, Nomadland, Portrait de la jeune fille en feu, The Farewell, Wonder Woman….
Films about women offer a captivating dive into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of women across a variety of genres and historical periods.
These cinematic works evoke poignant narratives, thrilling adventures, and bold explorations of female identity.
- Lady Bird (2017) – Directed by Greta Gerwig. This semi-autobiographical film follows the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a rebellious teenager seeking to escape her hometown in California and find her way to independence and identity. Available on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- Nomadland (2020) – Directed by Chloé Zhao. This poignant narrative follows a woman named Fern, portrayed by Frances McDormand, who chooses to live a nomadic life after her husband’s death and the closure of the town’s factory. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) – Directed by Céline Sciamma. This film offers a poignant and subtle love story between two women in 18th century France. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- The Farewell (2019) – Directed by Lulu Wang. This comedic drama follows a young Chinese-American woman, Billi, who returns to China to visit her dying grandmother. Available on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- Wonder Woman (2017) – Directed by Patty Jenkins, this iconic superhero film stars Gal Gadot in the titular role. Available on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
Best Films and Series about Women Released in 2023
Barbie, Greta Gerwig
Read the review by clicking on the link.
Anatomie d’une chute, Justine Triet
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Past Lives, Céline Song
At 12, Nora and Hae Sung are childhood friends, platonic lovers. Circumstances separate them. At 20, chance reconnects them, for a while. At 30, they find each other again, adults, confronted with what they could have been, and what they could become.
Simple comme Sylvain, Monia Chokri
Sophia, a university professor with a comfortable life and a stable but unexciting marriage to Xavier, sees her life turned upside down when she meets Sylvain, a construction worker whom the couple hires to renovate their summer home.
Toute la beauté et le sang versé, Laura Poitras
Read the review by clicking on the link.
L’amour et les forêts, Valérie Donzelli
When Blanche crosses paths with Greg, she believes she’s meeting the one she’s been searching for.
The bonds between them quickly form, their story written in passion. Blanche silences her apprehensions, distances herself from her family, her twin sister, thinking she’s reinventing herself. And thread by thread, she finds herself trapped by a possessive and dangerous man. A man she doesn’t dare denounce out of shame, out of fear. Because captivity has only two possible outcomes.
Bernadette, Léa Domenach
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Insubmersible, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Read the review by clicking on the link.
Annette: stand-up
Read the review by clicking on the link.
Cesária Évora, la diva aux pieds nus, Ana Sofia Fonseca
Read the review by clicking on the link.
Showing up, Kelly Reichardt
Read the review by clicking on the link.
Dancing Pina, Florian Heinzen-Ziob
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Best series on women in 2023
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+) Lee Eisenberg
On Apple TV & Canal +
Sex Education
On Netflix
Firefly Lane, Maggie Friedman
On Netflix
Deadloch, Kate McCartney & Kate McLennan
On Prime Video
Extraordinary, Emma Moran
On Disney +
Series Celebrating the Power of Women
Television series also offer a plethora of stories highlighting the power and strength of women across a diversity of genres and contexts. Here are some of the must-watch series about women:
- The Crown – This dramatic series traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her coronation in 1952 to the present day. Available on Netflix.
- Orange Is the New Black – This dramatic series is set in a women’s prison and explores the lives of inmates and prison staff. Available on Netflix.
- Fleabag – This dark comedy series follows the adventures of a dysfunctional single woman in London. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
- Killing Eve – This captivating series created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer in lead roles. It explores the growing obsession between a British security agent and a psychopathic assassin. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer.
- The Handmaid’s Tale – Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, this dystopian series created by Bruce Miller is set in a totalitarian society where women are reduced to roles as breeders. Available on Hulu.
FLEABAG
Best Films and Series on Women – Inspiring Documentaries about Women
Documentaries offer an in-depth and often inspiring look into the lives and achievements of women around the world. Here are some captivating documentaries about women:
- RBG (2018) – This documentary features the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a justice on the United States Supreme Court. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- He Named Me Malala (2015) – This film tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist for girls’ education, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- Miss Representation (2011) – This documentary examines the portrayal of women in the media and popular culture, highlighting the stereotypes and challenges women face. Available on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, iTunes.
- Period. End of Sentence. (2018) – This documentary explores the stigma surrounding menstruation in various communities around the world and the impact of initiatives to combat this stigma. Available on Netflix.
With this diverse selection of films, series, and documentaries, streaming platforms offer a wealth of stories and perspectives on the power and strength of women, allowing audiences to discover and celebrate the diversity and complexity of the female experience.
Discover the Best Films and Series Spotlighting Women on Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms are filled with captivating films and series that celebrate the power, resilience, and diversity of women around the world.
Whether you’re looking for poignant dramas, inspiring comedies, or thrilling adventures, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
Here’s a carefully curated selection of the best films and series about women available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.
Best Films and Series on Women – Netflix
Films :
- The Queen’s Gambit (Series) – A young chess prodigy defies the conventions of her time in this critically acclaimed series.
- Roma: Directed by Alfonso Cuarón. This Mexican film follows the life of a maid in 1970s Mexico City.
- Lady Bird: Directed by Greta Gerwig. This film tells the story of a teenage girl dreaming of escaping her hometown of Sacramento.
- Mudbound: This poignant drama explores the relationships between two families, highlighting the challenges women face in post-war rural Mississippi.
- The Woman in the Window: This psychological thriller stars Amy Adams as an agoraphobic woman who becomes a witness to a crime from her window.
Series :
- The Crown. This dramatic series traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her coronation in 1952 to the present day.
- Unbelievable – Based on real events, this series follows the story of a young woman wrongly accused of lying after reporting a rape.
- Orange Is the New Black – This dramatic series is set in a women’s prison and explores the lives of inmates and prison staff.
- GLOW – A group of women becomes professional wrestlers in the 1980s.
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – This comedy series follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a 1950s housewife who discovers her talent for stand-up comedy.
Best Films and Series on Women – Amazon Prime Video
Films :
- Little Women – Adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel.
- Jackie – This biopic explores the life of Jacqueline Kennedy after her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.
- Hustlers – Inspired by a true story, this film follows a group of strippers who embark on a scamming venture.
- Zero Dark Thirty – Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this dramatic film recounts the hunt and capture of Osama bin Laden by American special forces.
- Late Night – This comedy features Emma Thompson as a talk show host and Mindy Kaling as a new writer hired to diversify the staff.
Series :
- Fleabag – This dark comedy series follows the adventures of a dysfunctional single woman in London.
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – This comedy series follows a 1950s housewife who becomes a successful stand-up comedian.
- Transparent – This drama series explores the challenges faced by a Los Angeles family after the patriarch reveals his transgender transition.
- Good Girls Revolt – This drama series is based on Lynn Povich’s book and follows a group of female journalists working in a 1960s newsroom.
- Hanna – Based on the film of the same name, this series follows a young girl trained to become an assassin by her adoptive father as she fights to uncover the truth about her past.
Best Films and Series on Women- Disney+
Films :
- Mulan (2020) – This live-action action film is based on the story of Hua Mulan, a young Chinese girl who disguises herself as a man to fight in the imperial army.
- Brave – This animated film follows the story of Princess Merida, a fearless young woman who defies tradition and fights for her own destiny.
- Frozen – It tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who must face challenges to save their frozen kingdom.
- Moana: In this film, we follow the adventures of Moana, a young Polynesian girl who embarks on a bold journey to save her people.
Series :
- The Mandalorian :Although centered on the character of Din Djarin, this series also features several strong and fearless women, including Cara Dune and Fennec Shand.
- WandaVision : This Marvel series follows the adventures of Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Vision, with Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany in the lead roles.
- Agent Carter : The adventures of Peggy Carter, an agent of the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) after World War II.
- Diary of a Future President : Elena Cañero-Reed, a young Cuban-American girl dreams of becoming President of the United States.
- High School Musical: The Musical: The Series : this comedy series follows the students of East High School as they prepare for and stage a production of High School Musical.
Best Films and Series on Women – HBO Max
Films :
- Wonder Woman (2017) : Gal Gadot as Diana Prince, an Amazonian princess, becomes the superhero Wonder Woman.
- Little Women (2019) : This adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel features a talented cast of actresses, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh.
- Big Little Lies : based on Liane Moriarty’s novel. This series features an impressive cast of actresses, including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley.
- Harriet : This biographical film tells the story of Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and activist who helped dozens of slaves escape to freedom through the underground network known as the Underground Railroad.
- Ocean’s 8 : This action comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna, is a female-led version of the Ocean’s franchise.
Series :
- The Flight Attendant – This dark comedy series stars Kaley Cuoco. The story of a flight attendant who becomes involved in a mysterious murder.
- I May Destroy You – Written, created, and directed by Michaela Coel. A young London writer struggles to rebuild her life after being sexually assaulted.
- The Nevers – This science fiction series created by Joss Whedon follows a group of Victorian women with supernatural powers in London.
- Sharp Objects – Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, this drama series stars Amy Adams as a journalist who returns to her hometown to investigate the murder of two young girls.
- Mrs. Fletcher – This comedy-drama series follows the life of a single mother, played by Kathryn Hahn, as she explores her sexuality and searches for meaning in life after her son goes off to college.
Immerse yourself in these captivating stories and discover the diversity and strength of women through leading cinematic and television achievements.
Continue to explore these fascinating stories and celebrate the strength and diversity of women through these outstanding cinematic and television works.
Stay tuned for more inspiration on the latest films and series celebrating women on the most popular streaming platforms.
BEST FILMS & SERIES ON WOMEN – LGBTQA++
“The Handmaiden”
This Korean film, directed by Park Chan-wook, presents a complex and sensual plot between a noble Japanese woman and a thief.
“Below Her Mouth”
This Canadian film highlights a passionate affair between two women, one being a fashion editor and the other, a construction worker.
“The L Word: Generation Q”
This American series is a sequel to the original series “The L Word” and follows the lives of lesbian women in Los Angeles, with a particular focus on a new generation.
“Disobedience”
This British film explores the emotional reawakening between two Orthodox Jewish women, former lovers, when they reunite in their native community.
“Carol”
This American film portrays an intergenerational romance between a young photographer and an older, married woman in the 1950s.
“Imagine Me & You”
This British romantic comedy explores the complications of a friendship evolving into a romance between a newlywed woman and a lesbian florist.
“But I’m a Cheerleader”
This American film offers a satirical comedy about a teenager sent to a conversion therapy camp to “cure” her homosexuality, where she instead discovers her true identity.
“The Half of It”
This American film follows the story of an introverted high school student who finds herself ghostwriting love letters for a boy she develops feelings for, but realizes she is also drawn to the girl he is pursuing.
“Gentleman Jack”
This British series chronicles the life of wealthy landowner Anne Lister, who was openly lesbian in the early 19th century, and her relationships with other women in the society of the time.
Prominent Women in Cinema
- Agnès Varda
- Jane Campion
- Kathryn Bigelow
- Ava DuVernay
- Rebecca Sugar
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
- Aïssa Maïga
- Jodie Foster
- Delphine Seyrig
- Agnès Jaoui
Finally, to learn more on the subject, you can also check out the following articles from Movie in the Air:
- 25 films on Women Rights
- Women in 2021
- All films as of March 8th
- Jane Goodall : la femme qui changea la définition de l’homme
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