19 Inspiring Movies To Watch On International Women’s Day

Get inspired!

International Women’s Day is a time to recognize women’s achievements, contributions, and struggles. One way to celebrate this important day is by watching an inspiring movie or two.

These movies could highlight the incredible stories of women who’ve overcome adversity, broken down barriers, and made history. Or they could be fun flicks that get you pumped up to achieve your dreams.

Whatever your goal, here are some inspiring movies to watch on International Women’s Day (there’s something for all ages):

1. Ghostbusters (2016)

First on the list is the Ghostbusters reboot! 32 years later, it’s an all-women cast! This movie is a great choice for International Women’s Day because it celebrates the talent and humor of women in the film industry and showcases female empowerment.

2. Moxie (2021)

Moxie is a coming-of-age film that follows Vivian as she starts a feminist revolution in her high school. The movie empowers young women to use their voices and take action, while highlighting the importance of allyship and intersectionality, and addressing issues related to gender equality.

3. The First Wives Club (1996)

The First Wives Club is a classic comedy-drama film that tells the story of three middle-aged women who decide to seek revenge on ex-husbands who left them for younger women. The film portrays strong, independent women who refuse to let their age or gender define them. It also showcases the power of female friendship and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.

4. A League Of Their Own (1992 or 2022)

Whether you choose the 1992 classic film or the more recent Netflix series, A League of Their Own is a great choice for International Women’s Day. It tells the story of a group of women who played professional baseball during World War II. The movie highlights the challenges these women faced as they fought for recognition and acceptance in a male-dominated sport.

5. Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Blonde is a comedy film that follows a young woman as she navigates through law school and fights against gender stereotypes. The movie celebrates female empowerment and the importance of female friendships while addressing important issues related to gender discrimination.

6. Becoming Jane (2007)

Becoming Jane is a period drama film that explores the life of Jane Austen, one of the most celebrated female writers in history. The movie celebrates the achievements of women in history, while highlighting the struggles faced by women in the past and encouraging women to continue the fight for gender equality.

7. Iron Lady (2011)

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood, so it’s no surprise that her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady is truly remarkable. This biographical drama depicts Thatcher’s journey from her humble beginnings, as she fights against gender and class biases to become the first female Prime Minister of the UK.

8. Frozen & Frozen II (2013 and 2019)

Both Frozen and Frozen 2 are great movies to watch on International Women’s Day. Not only are they family-friendly, but they also promote female empowerment and feature strong female characters.

Both films showcase sisters who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and resilience, inspiring viewers to believe in themselves and their abilities. The stories also break away from traditional fairy tale tropes. Instead of relying on a male savior, these female characters pursue their own destinies.

9. Mulan (1998 or 2020)

Mulan is another great International Women’s Day movie for the whole family. The movie tells the story of a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. Mulan’s courage, strength, and determination inspire everyone around her, as she becomes a hero in her own right.

10. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Eat, Pray, Love is a story about a woman, who, despite having everything society deems essential for a modern woman’s success, feels unfulfilled and unhappy. In an attempt to rediscover her true self and her purpose in life, she embarks on a life-changing journey. Through her travels, she learns to embrace new cultures and experiences and discovers what truly brings her joy and fulfillment.

11. Little Women (Any Year Really)

Since 1917, Little Women has been made into 6 feature films, as well as TV Shows and plays. Any of these movies or shows are a great choice for International Women’s Day.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Little Women follows the four March sisters and their different ambitions. The women teach us to not take no for an answer and fight for what we believe in.

12. Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures is a powerful and inspiring movie that tells the story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA during the 1960s. These women played a crucial role in the success of the space program, yet their contributions were largely unrecognized. Addressing both gender and race-based issues, the movie highlights the struggles and triumphs of these women and the barriers they faced in a male-dominated industry.

13. Bombshell (2019)

Bombshell sheds light on the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and the power dynamics that can perpetuate it. The film is based on real-life events and follows the story of women at Fox News who spoke out against the company’s former CEO, Roger Ailes, for sexual harassment. Watching this movie on International Women’s Day can help spark important conversations about gender equality and the need to address sexual harassment in all industries.

14. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich is a true story about a woman who fought against a large corporation that was polluting a small town’s water supply. Despite facing obstacles and opposition, Brockovich’s tenacity and determination ultimately led to a victory for the people of the town.

15. Selena (1997)

Jennifer Lopez stars in this 1997 biopic about Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. Her meteoric music career was tragically cut short when she was killed by her former fan club president at the age of 23. The film celebrates Selena’s life and legacy, showing how she defied stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Latina artists.

16. Frida (2002)

Frida is another biopic, this time about the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The movie explores Kahlo’s life, her struggles with illness, and her artistic genius. The movie also highlights her activism and her fight for women’s rights and equality.

17. Suffragette (2015)

Suffragette is a historical drama that tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement in Britain. The movie follows the struggles and sacrifices of the women who fought for the right to vote, highlighting the bravery and determination of these trailblazing women.

18. Queen of Katwe (2016)

Queen of Katwe is a true story about a young girl from the slums of Uganda who becomes a chess prodigy. The movie highlights the power of education and the potential of young women to break free from poverty and change their lives.

19. The Help (2011)

The Help is a powerful movie that tells the story of African-American maids working in white households in Mississippi during the 1960s. The movie highlights the struggles and injustices faced by these women, as well as their fight for equality and justice.

These inspiring movies are just a few examples of incredible stories about women who have made a difference in the world. On International Women’s Day, take the time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether it be by watching movies, reading books, sharing stories, or going to a local event.

Feature Image: Screenshot from Netflix’s 2021 movie Moxie