Girls compete with each other, women empower one another. Nothing brings up your confidence like a bunch of unique stories of women using their talent and personality to make a real difference to the world. In the light of the upcoming Women’s Day, I´ve created for you a list of Women Power Movies guaranteed to inspire you!
*This post has been updated on March 2, 2020
We all need more strong female characters out there to give young girls the broad scope of role models to follow, don´t you think so? The upcoming 8th of March has made me think of all the strong female leads in movies that have inspired me personally over the last few years.
Therefore, if you’re looking for new women power movies to add to your watch list, now is the best moment to channel your inner wonder-woman.
Also read: Let´s Travel Virtually – 30+ Ideas to get inspired from home
I’ve handpicked for you only biographical movies inspired by real-life ladies. Each of them is different and unique in her talent. Hopefully, learning more about their personal stories will make you regain your confidence to follow your dreams no matter what!
We all need a little added inspiration these days! Happy Women’s Day to all of my wonderful female readers around the world!
Top 10 Women Power Movies
1. La Mome (2007)
“I want to make people cry even when they don’t understand my words.” – Edith Piaf
“La Mome” tells a story of the French legendary singer Edith Piaf, from her childhood in Belleville to her glory in New York. I’m sure you’ve heard her iconic songs like La Vie En Rose or Je Ne Regrette Rien. Even though Edith Piaf´s music is on my playlist any time I head to Paris (yes, one of the most romantic travel destinations ever) – I actually knew little of the singer’s biography.
The extraordinary performance of Marion Cotillard (and a well-deserved Oscar), beautiful songs, and heart-touching story – if you still haven´t seen “La Mome”, add this movie to your watch list right now.
2. Gia (1998)
“Too beautiful to die. Too wild to live.” – Gia Carangi
Gia Carangi was one of the 80’s top supermodels. The movie tells Gia´s dramatic personal story of the tragic rise to fame and death at age 26. The leading actress, Angelina Jolie, got an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe award for her powerful performance in this movie.
3. Desert Flower (2009)
“I feel that God made my body perfect the way I was born. Then man robbed me, took away my power, and left me a cripple. My womanhood was stolen. If God had wanted those body parts missing, why did he create them? I just pray that one day no woman will have to experience this pain. It will become a thing of the past. People will say “Did you hear, female genital mutilation has been outlawed in Somalia?” Then the next country, and the next, and so on, until the world is safe for all women. What a happy day that will be, and that’s what I’m working toward.” – Waris Dirie
“Desert Flower” tells the story of Waris Dirie, a Somali model, who became a United Nations spokesperson against the genital mutation. As a young girl, she was forced to undergo ritual female circumcision. Although despite her personal lifetime trauma, she found the courage to raise her voice in order to help other women who are still being mistreated in third world countries on a daily basis.
The biographical story of Waris Dirie really belongs on the list of women power movies: her personal courage and strength helped to raise awareness against female maltreatment and inhuman rituals that should be stopped.
4. Frida (2002)
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a self-taught Mexican artist, famous worldwide for her surrealistic drawings reflecting Mexican culture and traditions.
The film portrays Frida’s complicated relationship with erratic and eccentric husband, Diego Rivera, but focuses on her outstanding professional achievements on the path of an artist. Nevertheless, Frida´s troubled personal life has undoubtedly helped in fueling her passion for drawing. The film brings to life her paintings, which is definitely very captivating to watch.
Also read: Art Lovers – Chairs, Jewels and Islamic Art in Copenhagen
Frida is one of the greatest women power movies: it is a story of a strong personality, someone able to overcome tremendous obstacles on the way of becoming one of the most acclaimed artists in Mexican history.
5. Coco Avant Chanel (2009)
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel
“Coco Avant Chanel” is the story of Gabrielle Chanel, a timeless icon of the fashion world inspiring women till the present day.
It is a personal journey of a headstrong orphan towards becoming the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman. Coco Chanel´s biographical film is one of my favorite women power movies because it´s all about embracing your freedom of expression and style.
5. My Week with Marilyn (2011)
“I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” – Marilyn Monroe
“My Week with Marilyn” is based on a true story of Colin Clark, a young man who worked as a director’s assistant. Colin was invited by Marilyn to her getaway cottage to keep the star a company, while her husband Arthur Miller was away.
Many speculated about Marylin´s romances and personality, but one thing about her causes no doubts – money and fame are not a cure-all. In the movie, we get to see a troubled and self-destructive side of the diva.
Marylin is still some kind of womanly ideal nowadays. There’s something iconic about her rebellions and everlasting sexy image. Monroe´s undeniable charm literally “moved mountains”, so every biographical story revealing her persona belongs on the list of women power movies.
6.Grace of Monaco (2014)
“The freedom of the press works in such a way that there is not much freedom from it.” – Grace Kelly
“Grace of Monaco” is based on a life story of one of the most iconic Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly. She married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and became a real-life princess.
Nevertheless, if you check some documentaries, you´ll realize that Grace´s life was not a happy fairytale at all. “Grace of Monaco” scratches a surface in terms of biographical information, but it is still a beautiful movie not to be missed.
7.Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)
“The American dream is a term that is often used but often misunderstood. It isn’t really about becoming rich or famous. It is about things much simpler and more fundamental than that.”- Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was one of the most famous black actresses to have a successful Hollywood career and also the first black actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 1954’s Carmen Jones.
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As a singer and dancer, she first began performing in black Baptist churches, before moving to LA to pursue her acting career. “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” tells a life story of a woman who was a glamorous black femme fatale at a time when Hollywood divas were supposed to be pretty blondes. Despite her striking beauty and obvious talent, Dorothy had a sad personal life, full of romantic dissapoinments.
8. The Iron Lady (2011)
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” – Margaret Thatcher
“The Iron Lady” is based on a story of Margaret Thatcher, one of the most powerful women of all-time. While she worked as a British Prime Minister, history still remembers Mrs.Thatcher as the iron lady. This Nickname was given to Margaret Thatcher by a Soviet Journalist for her leadership style and a domitating character in British History.
9. Elizabeth (1998)
“I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.” – Queen Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I took the throne of a Catholic country at the age of 25, declared it Protestant, fought off assassination by her rivals, and ruled for 45 years. The film shares a story of her international success by growing from a naive girl to a practical strategist.
Cate Blanchett, one of my favorite actresses, has won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award for her powerful performance in “Elizabeth”.
10. Judy (2019)
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”- Judy Garland
Judy is the newest addition to this list of women power movies. It is a biographical drama film about American singer and actress Judy Garland, played by Renee Zellweger.
Featuring some of Judy´s best-known songs, the film celebrates the power of female strength, talent, and love.
For more movie suggestions check my Pinterest board – What to Watch.
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You need to do one about Netflix series or television series. I am desperate to see Judy.
Gia is a film that I could never bring myself to watch because I know the backstory, but I will eventually get over it. I’m so happy to see Elizabeth on this list. Cate Blanchett is one of my faves too, and I feel like it’s a movie that not a lot of people talk about. I still have my copy on VHS haha.
I didn’t even recognize Angelina Jolie!! These all sound like powerful movies.
I love how you included some European movies. European movies get sidelined a lot. I believe Her Smell is also a very good feminist movie.
All movies are strong and feminist movies. I watched most of the movies here. I like that Iron Lady movie.
I love every film on this list! You just gave me some binge worthy movies to watch today! Thank you!
that’s a great list! i really liked Elizabeth and The Iron Lady. Two British powerhouses.
I have seen most of these or at least had them on my list. I will have to check them out during our time at home!
i haven’t seen some of these. i will def have to check them out. thank you for sharing. saving now to add.
I haven’t seen very many of these, but I would love to watch them all! What a great list; thank you for sharing!
I actually watched the trailer of My week with Marilyn! It’s great. I think Im going to watch this one…
I like the movie La Vie en Rose, but it so sad that she became consumed by her depression and hunger for fame. Grace of Monaco is my favorite for more style inspiration.
Those are all wonderful movies to check out, I’ve heard some of those but will definitely watch those sometime.
You can also include Mona Lisa Smile in the list. It’s a gem when it comes to feminist movie.
La vie en rose is one of my favourite songs, it would be great to see all the other movies as I’ve watched only a few of them.
What better time than not to be passing the time by watching these films, The Iron Lady is a favourite of mine
These look like some great movies! I would love to check these out. Thanks for sharing.