Female empowerment movies are some of the most inspiring stories we can watch or rewatch. From timeless classics like Little Women to modern coming-of-age tales with strong female leads, feminist films encourage us to take action in our own lives. They also celebrate one of the most powerful bonds in the world, sisterhood and female friendship, while making us laugh, cry, and feel empowered in our day-to-day lives.
Here are the best female empowerment movies and TV shows you need to watch, from new releases to timeless classics we love.
Find Your Next Watch: Female Empowerment Movies and TV Shows
Classic Female Empowerment Movies
Here are the most-talked-about female empowerment movies. From Legally Blonde to The Color Purple and Little Women, these famous movies explore womanhood through different centuries .
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1860s novel Little Women celebrates independence, ambition, and sisterhood. Each March sister embodies a different path of empowerment, reminding us that women can define their own futures, whether through art, family, or personal freedom. Watching it might even inspire you to celebrate sisterhood in your own life and call your sister.
The Color Purple (1985)
Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman who overcomes years of abuse and hardship to find her voice and reclaim her strength. With deeply moving performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover, the film highlights resilience, sisterhood, and the power of self-discovery in the face of oppression. It is one of the most famous female empowerment movies that every woman should watch.
Hidden Figures
The phenomenal true story of the Black female mathematicians at NASA, Hidden Figures (2016), follows Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations helped launch John Glenn into orbit. The film tells the untold story of women behind one of history’s greatest achievements and highlights their perseverance and groundbreaking contributions.
The Pride and Prejudice
Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice brings Elizabeth Bennet to life as one of literature’s most independent and outspoken heroines. Refusing to compromise her values or marry for convenience, Elizabeth shows that women can pursue love and happiness on their own terms while challenging the social expectations of her time.
Mona Lisa Smile
Set in the 1950s at Wellesley College, Mona Lisa Smile (2003) stars Julia Roberts as an art history professor who refuses to accept society’s narrow expectations of women. Through her passion and bold teaching, she leaves a lasting mark on her female students, encouraging them to imagine futures they had never considered before meeting her. The film speaks to the power of female role models, the courage to challenge norms, and the effervescent people who can change the course of our lives.
The Help
Set in 1960s Mississippi, The Help (2011) follows a group of very different women who build an unlikely friendship through a secret writing project that shares the voices of Black maids raising white children in the South. With moving performances from Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, the film highlights the courage of women who speak truth to power and the transformative role of storytelling in driving change.
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde (2001) is more than a pink-filled comedy; it’s the story of Elle Woods, a woman who refuses to be underestimated. After following her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law, Elle proves her intelligence, resilience, and confidence can outshine stereotypes. Her journey reminds us that empowerment often means believing in yourself when no one else does.
More Modern Feminist Films
Here are more inspirational films for women that you should watch in 2026.
Barbie (2023)
Barbie (2023) is both a playful comedy and a sharp cultural commentary. When Barbie leaves Barbieland and discovers the real world, she is forced to confront identity, gender roles, and what it truly means to be female. The film is anchored by Gloria’s now-famous speech on the impossible expectations women face, a moment that had women everywhere cheering. More than just a blockbuster, it stands as one of the most powerful modern female empowerment films of today.
Clueless
Clueless is a coming-of-age teen comedy known for its witty satire of 90s teen culture, clever adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, and iconic performances. This cult classic continues to inspire new generations, proving that even in a Beverly Hills high school, feminism and friendship can shine through.
Erin Brockovich
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich (2000) stars Julia Roberts in her Academy Award–winning role as a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation accused of polluting a town’s water supply. This female empowerment film tells the story of her heroic journey. Now a household name, when you hear the name Erin Brockovich, you think strong, tough, and stubborn.
Gone Girl
Gone Girl (2014) flips the script on the traditional thriller by giving us Amy Dunne, one of the most complex and unforgettable female characters in modern cinema. Played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike, Amy takes control of her own narrative in shocking ways, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about marriage, power, and identity. It is not your traditional feminist movie, but enthralling.
Promising Young Woman
A revenge thriller and comedy that takes on toxic masculinity and the culture of silence around assault in very privileged spaces. It follows Cassie seeking revenge for her best friend. This is one of the most proactive female empowerment films that will make you laugh, cry, and feel enraged.
Wild
Wild (2014) follows Cheryl Strayed, played by Reese Witherspoon, as she hikes more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail after losing what she describes as her true soulmate, her mom. Alone in the wilderness, she confronts grief, addiction and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe (2016) tells the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Uganda who discovers a gift for chess that changes her life. The film is a celebration of perseverance, hope, and the idea that brilliance can come from anywhere and unlikely places.
Ladybird
Lady Bird (2017) is a coming-of-age story that follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, played by Saoirse Ronan, as she navigates high school, family struggles, and her dreams of leaving her small hometown. It is an emotional and relatable film that makes you fall in love with the rebellious teenager and her relentless, messy search for growth.
The Substance
The Substance (2024) is a provocative feminist horror film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley that takes a sharp look at society’s obsession with youth and perfection. Through its unsettling storyline, it explores themes of aging, beauty standards, and the pressures placed on women to remain desirable. It is one of today’s most thought-provoking female empowerment movies, encouraging women to reflect on self-worth, identity, and the ways society defines beauty.
Feminist TV Shows to Binge-watch
While there are many powerful female empowerment movies that we can watch, don’t forget about feminist TV shows. There are many highly entertaining and popular feminist TV shows that you can binge-watch. Variety reported that women are making historic gains in Hollywood, accounting for 36% of creators of television programs on streaming in the 2024-2025 season. More women creators means more female-driven stories.
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit became a global sensation by telling the story of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who rises to the top of a male-dominated world during the Cold War era. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the series explores themes of genius, addiction, and resilience through a female lens.
The Bold Type
The Bold Type follows three best friends as they navigate careers, relationships, and personal growth while working at a women’s magazine in New York City. The series highlights the highs, lows, and victories of millennial women fighting for success in a male-dominated world. More than just entertainment, it is a celebration of modern womanhood where every episode delivers both joy and empowerment.
Sex and The City
Sex and the City redefined what television could say about women, relationships, and independence. As one of the most iconic feminist TV shows, it glamorized the life of single women in Manhattan and sparked a cultural shift. Suddenly, we saw empowered women grabbing after-work drinks, talking about sex openly, and having conversations that were once only whispered about. Plus, the show offers the ultimate business casual outfit inspiration.
Not always likeable but always real, Sex and the City was as much about friendship as it was about love.
The Morning Show
The Morning Show dives into the high-stakes world of morning television, tackling themes of power, accountability, and resilience in the #MeToo era. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, the series explores how women navigate media, scandal, and ambition while fighting to control their own narratives.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
This limited series tells the incredible true story of one of the most famous black female entrepreneurs, Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America. From selling haircare products door to door to building a business empire, her journey is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers.
Fleabag
Fleabag, created by and starring brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a raw and darkly funny exploration of love, grief, and identity. With its groundbreaking fourth-wall breaks and unfiltered honesty, the series gives us a flawed yet fiercely relatable heroine who speaks directly to the audience. It’s messy, emotional, and unapologetic, and it stands as a true reflection of what it means to be a modern British woman.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies brings together powerhouse performances from Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley in a gripping drama about motherhood, secrets, and survival. Set in an affluent California town, the series peels back the glossy surface to reveal the real lives and resilience of affluent women. It is one of the most entertaining feminist TV shows.
Lessons in Chemistry
The series follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant autistic chemist in the 1960s who is impossible not to root for. After facing blatant sexism, being unfairly fired from her job, and raising a daughter on her own, she unexpectedly ends up as the host of a cooking show. What follows is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate the resilience and strength of women.
Maid
Maid tells the gut-wrenching story of Alex, a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship and takes on cleaning jobs to provide for her daughter. Starring Margaret Qualley, the series is raw and emotional, shedding light on poverty, resilience, and the struggles faced by women trying to rebuild their lives and be independent.
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What Makes a Movie Feminist?
Defining female empowerment in cinema
At its core, a feminist movie gives women agency, depth, and meaningful roles beyond stereotypes. These films center women’s experiences and allow female characters to drive the story rather than just support it.
Common themes in feminist films
Feminist films often explore themes like independence, resilience, equality, and the fight against social or cultural limitations. They can be inspiring true stories, sharp social commentaries, or intimate portraits of women’s lives, but all share the goal of amplifying women’s voices.
Representation of strong female leads
Representation matters, and female empowerment films put strong, complex women at the center. These leads are not flawless superheroes but multi-dimensional characters who reflect real struggles and triumphs. By seeing women portrayed as leaders, survivors, innovators, and change-makers, audiences gain stories that both entertain and empower. They can also inspire us to embark on our journey of growth, fight against traditions, and be ambitious. The sky is the limit.
Feel Empowered
From timeless classics to groundbreaking modern releases, female empowerment movies and feminist TV shows remind us of the strength, resilience, and complexity of women’s stories. Whether they explore sisterhood, justice, or personal growth, these films and series can inspire real change off-screen.
There’s never been a better time to celebrate empowering stories — to rewatch old favorites, discover new feminist films, and share them with others. Because when women’s voices are amplified in cinema and television, we all feel a little more powerful in our own lives.
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FAQs: Films About Women
What is a feminist movie?
A feminist movie centers women’s experiences, giving female characters agency, complexity, and meaningful roles. These films highlight empowerment, equality, and representation while being thought-provoking and challenging stereotypes.
What Netflix series has a strong female lead?
Netflix has several great shows with strong female leads, including The Queen’s Gambit, Maid, and Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. Each explores empowerment through resilience, independence, and ambition.
What are the best female empowerment movies?
Some of the best female empowerment films include classics like Little Women and The Color Purple, modern favorites like Barbie and Promising Young Woman, and inspiring true stories like Hidden Figures and Erin Brockovich.
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