In honor of the upcoming Women’s Day, I’ve put together a list of empowering movies featuring strong women guaranteed to inspire you! While girls may compete, women uplift and support each other. There’s nothing more confidence-boosting than watching powerful stories of women who use their talents and personalities to make a real impact in the world.

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Must-see Women Empowerment Movies

Strong Female Characters on Screen

We definitely need more strong female characters to give young girls a diverse range of role models to look up to, don’t you think? With International Women’s Day coming up on the 8th of March, it got me thinking about all the powerful female leads in movies that have personally inspired me in recent years. So, if you’re looking to add some empowering films to your watch list, now is the perfect time to embrace your inner Wonder Woman! I’ve curated a selection of biographical movies, each telling the story of a remarkable real-life woman. These women, each unique in their talents, have faced incredible challenges and triumphed. Hopefully, their stories will inspire you to pursue your dreams with confidence, no matter the obstacles. We could all use a little extra inspiration these days!

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 Môme” (also known as La Vie en Rose) tells the remarkable story of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf, tracing her life from her difficult childhood in Belleville to her international fame in New York. You’ve probably heard her iconic songs like “La Vie en Rose” or “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” but like me, you may not know much about her personal story. Though Edith Piaf’s music is always on my playlist whenever I visit Paris one of the most romantic destinations in the world – I wasn’t familiar with the details of her life. The film features an extraordinary performance by Marion Cotillard, whose portrayal earned her a well-deserved Oscar. With beautiful songs and a heart-wrenching story, if you haven’t seen La Môme yet, I highly recommend adding it to your watch list immediately.

2. Gia (1998)

“Too beautiful to die. Too wild to live.” – Gia Carangi

Gia Carangi was one of the top supermodels of the 1980s. The movie tells Gia’s dramatic personal story, portraying her meteoric rise to fame and her tragic death at the age of 26. Angelina Jolie, who plays the lead role, received an Emmy nomination and won a Golden Globe for her powerful performance in the film.

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 inspiring story of Waris Dirie, a Somali model who became a United Nations spokesperson against female genital mutilation (FGM). As a young girl, Waris was forced to undergo this painful ritual, but despite the lasting trauma, she found the strength to speak out and advocate for other women still suffering from such practices in many parts of the world. Her biographical story is a powerful example of women’s resilience and courage, and it rightfully belongs among films that showcase female empowerment. Through her bravery, Waris helped raise global awareness about the need to end these inhumane rituals.

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, renowned worldwide for her surrealist works that vividly reflect Mexican culture and traditions. The film about her life delves into Frida’s complex relationship with her unpredictable and eccentric husband, Diego Rivera, while highlighting her remarkable achievements as an artist. Despite the focus on her professional journey, it’s clear that Frida’s turbulent personal life played a significant role in fueling her creative passion. The film brings her powerful, evocative paintings to life, making them captivating to watch. “Frida” stands as one of the ultimate women’s empowerment films, telling the story of a resilient individual who overcame tremendous challenges to become one of the most celebrated artists in Mexican history.

5. Coco Avant Chanel (2009)

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

“Coco Avant Chanel” tells the story of Gabrielle Chanel, a timeless icon of the fashion world who continues to inspire women today. The film follows her personal journey from a determined orphan to the legendary couturier who redefined the modern woman. This biographical movie about Coco Chanel is one of my favorite women empowerment films because it’s all about embracing individuality, freedom of expression, and personal 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 the true story of Colin Clark, a young man who worked as a director’s assistant. During the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl, Colin was invited by Marilyn Monroe to her cottage retreat to keep her company while her husband, Arthur Miller, was away. While many have speculated about Marilyn’s romances and personality, one undeniable truth remains: money and fame are not a cure-all. The film reveals the troubled, vulnerable, and self-destructive side of the iconic star. Marilyn Monroe continues to represent a certain ideal of femininity to this day, with her rebellious spirit and timeless, sexy image. Her undeniable charm captivated millions, and any biographical portrayal of her life naturally belongs on the list of empowering films about women.

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 the life of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and became a real-life princess. However, if you watch documentaries about her, you’ll realize that Grace’s life was far from a happy fairytale. While “Grace of Monaco” only scratches the surface in terms of biographical depth, it’s still a beautiful movie worth watching.

 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 iconic Black actresses to achieve significant success in Hollywood. She made history as the first Black actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. A talented singer and dancer, Dorothy began her career performing in Black Baptist churches before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. The film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge portrays her life, showcasing her as a glamorous Black femme fatale during a time when Hollywood stars were expected to fit the mold of the blonde, white diva. Despite her undeniable beauty and immense talent, Dorothy’s personal life was marked by romantic heartbreak and personal struggles.

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 the story of Margaret Thatcher, one of the most powerful women in history. During her time as British Prime Minister, she became known as the “Iron Lady,” a nickname given to her by a Soviet journalist due to her strong leadership style and dominant presence 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 ascended to the throne of a Catholic country at the age of 25, declared it Protestant, survived numerous assassination attempts by her rivals, and ruled for 45 years. The film portrays her journey from a naive young woman to a shrewd and practical strategist, highlighting her international successes. Cate Blanchett, one of my favorite actresses, delivered a powerful performance in “Elizabeth,” earning both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award for her portrayal.

10. Judy (2019)

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”- Judy Garland

“Judy” is my newest addition to this list of women-power movies. It is a biographical drama about the American singer and actress Judy Garland, portrayed by Renée Zellweger. Featuring some of Judy’s best-known songs, the film celebrates the strength, talent, and love of women.

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