Within recent years there has been a rise in female-fronted films. From badass female heroes trying to save the world, to coming-of-age stories that show girls growing up into women, there is no shortage of brilliant movies with female leads that have managed to capture our attention. Here is a list of our favourite female-led movies, even featuring some fantastic female directors, such as Patty Jenkins and Greta Gerwig.
Wonder Woman (2017)
One of the first major superhero movies starring a female lead and proving that saving the world isn’t reserved just for boys, this DC movie stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince and alter ego Wonder Woman. Diana leaves her home – an all-female Amazonian sanctuary, to help Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and end all wars, discovering the extent of her true powers along the way. Diana Prince is a fantastic role model for young girls also hoping to save the world one day!
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Starring Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, an unemployed single mother who pleads with her lawyer to give her a job after losing her lawsuit. Despite initially not being taken seriously, Erin digs deeper to discover terrible injustice going on within the community. Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich is also an inspirational tale, proving that even the most unsuspecting people can make a huge impact. The real Erin Brockovich even makes a cameo within this Steven Soderbergh film.
Little Women (2019)
This 2019 flick is the sixth time this classic story by Louisa May Alcott has been featured on the big screen. Whether you have seen the story of the March sisters told a hundred times, or never before, Greta Gerwig’s adaptation will not disappoint. We follow Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) through the highs and lows of their lives, growing up from young girls to little women. One of the best scenes in the movie is Amy’s speech to Laurie about a woman’s place within society and the transactional nature of marriage.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
As the title suggests, Thelma & Louise features two female leads – best friends who embark upon a crazy adventure, with unexpected consequences. This Ridley Scott movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, taking home the Best Original Screenplay award. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon give incredible performances as Thelma and Louise, cementing this film as one of the greatest feminist movies of all time.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Anything that combines Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy is guaranteed to be hilarious, and Bridesmaids is no exception. The movie stars Wiig as Annie Walker, who is asked to be her best friend’s maid of honour. When Annie becomes jealous of another bridesmaid, the wedding planning becomes competitive, and chaos eventually ensues. This female-led comedy will have you laughing out loud the entire movie.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Based on a true story, Hidden Figures details the lives of the black female mathematicians who helped get the first man on the moon. Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film even offered free screenings to charities who work towards helping young people getting into STEM careers. Hidden Figures is a fantastic, female-led film that will inspire anyone who watches it.
Amélie (2001)
Amélie is a French film, set in modern-day Paris and stars Audrey Tautou as the titular character. The main charm of this film derives from the character Amélie, who is a shy and innocent girl, that finds some old belongings in her apartment and decides to return them to their rightful owners. This whimsical, female-fronted movie was nominated for five Academy Awards and has been included in many lists of ‘movies you must watch before you die’.
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