Discover films that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the remarkable journey of women across cultures and time
There’s something powerful about settling in with a great film that celebrates women’s stories. As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, I’ve curated a special list of must-see films that showcase female strength, resilience, and achievements. Whether you’re planning a movie marathon or looking for that one perfect film to mark the occasion, this list spans genres and cultures to appeal to movie lovers across the US and India.
Why Movies Matter on Women’s Day
Films have the unique ability to transport us into different lives and experiences. On Women’s Day, they become powerful vehicles for empathy, inspiration, and sometimes necessary social commentary. The best women-centric films don’t just entertain; they illuminate struggles, celebrate victories, and help us understand the complex journey toward gender equality.
Now, let’s dive into my top picks for Women’s Day 2025:
1. “Hidden Figures” (2016)
This biographical drama tells the incredible true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA who played crucial roles in the American space program while fighting both racial and gender discrimination.
What makes it special: Based on real events, this film beautifully balances entertainment with education, showcasing how these remarkable women overcame systemic barriers through sheer brilliance and determination.
2. “Queen of Katwe” (2016)
A heartwarming biographical drama about Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the Ugandan slums who discovers her extraordinary talent for chess and rises to international championship level, changing her life and inspiring her community.
What makes it special: This film beautifully portrays the powerful combination of individual talent, supportive mentorship, and a mother’s fierce determination to create opportunities for her daughter against tremendous odds.
3. “Parched” (2015)
Set in rural India, this unflinching drama follows four women as they question and ultimately break free from centuries-old traditions that keep them in servitude. Director Leena Yadav creates a visually stunning and emotionally powerful narrative about female friendship and liberation.
What makes it special: For Indian audiences particularly, this film strikes a perfect balance between acknowledging cultural realities while celebrating the universal desire for freedom and dignity.
4. “Little Women” (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel brings the March sisters to vibrant life. The film beautifully explores how these young women navigate their ambitions, artistic pursuits, and personal relationships in 19th-century America.
What makes it special: Gerwig’s direction brings a modern sensibility to this classic story without losing its period authenticity, making it feel surprisingly relevant to contemporary audiences.
5. “Persepolis” (2007)
This unique animated autobiographical film tells the story of Marjane Satrapi growing up during the Iranian Revolution. Through striking black-and-white animation, it captures her experience of world-changing political events through a young woman’s eyes.
What makes it special: The animation style allows this complex political story to be told with remarkable clarity and emotional impact, making it accessible to viewers unfamiliar with Iranian history.
6. “English Vinglish” (2012)
A housewife and caterer Shashi, played brilliantly by Sridevi, enrolls in an English class to stop her family from mocking her lack of English skills, and in the process, rediscovers her self-worth and identity.
What makes it special: The film resonates deeply with audiences in both India and the US through its universal themes of self-discovery and the quiet courage it takes to step outside one’s comfort zone.
7. “Nomadland” (2020)
Chloé Zhao’s Oscar-winning film follows Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman who embarks on a journey through the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession, living as a modern-day nomad.
What makes it special: Through McDormand’s nuanced performance, the film offers a meditation on resilience, independence, and finding community and purpose later in life – themes that resonate deeply on Women’s Day.
8. “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002)
This beloved sports comedy-drama centers on Jess Bhamra, a British Indian Sikh teenager who rebels against her traditional parents’ wishes to pursue her dream of playing professional soccer.
What makes it special: With its perfect blend of humor and heart, this film speaks to the universal experience of balancing family expectations with personal dreams, particularly for young women navigating multiple cultural identities.
9. “The Farewell” (2019)
Based on director Lulu Wang’s own experiences, this comedy-drama follows a Chinese-American woman who returns to China when her beloved grandmother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, which the family has decided to keep secret from the grandmother herself.
What makes it special: The film beautifully explores cultural differences, family bonds, and the particular role women play as emotional caretakers across generations and continents.
10. “Lipstick Under My Burkha” (2016)
This bold Indian film follows four women in Bhopal as they search for freedom and independence in their everyday lives, exploring their secret desires and ambitions while challenging the constraints of traditional gender roles.
What makes it special: Director Alankrita Shrivastava creates an unflinching yet empathetic look at women’s lives that resonated so powerfully it initially faced censorship challenges—a testament to its cultural significance.
FAQs About Women’s Day Films
What makes a good Women’s Day movie?
A good Women’s Day film typically features strong female characters driving the narrative, explores women’s experiences authentically, and often addresses themes of empowerment, struggle, or achievement. The best ones entertain while also providing insight into women’s diverse experiences.
Are there family-friendly options for watching with children on Women’s Day?
Absolutely! Films like “Bend It Like Beckham,” “Queen of Katwe,” and “Hidden Figures” are excellent choices for family viewing, offering positive messages while remaining engaging for viewers of different ages.
Which of these movies addresses women’s rights directly?
“Parched” and “Lipstick Under My Burkha” most directly address women’s rights and gender equality, particularly in the Indian context. “Hidden Figures” examines both racial and gender discrimination in 1960s America.
Are there any recent women-directed movies worth watching for Women’s Day?
Yes! “Little Women” (Greta Gerwig), “The Farewell” (Lulu Wang), and “Nomadland” (Chloé Zhao) are all exceptional recent films directed by women, with Zhao winning the Academy Award for Best Director.
Conclusion: More Than Just Entertainment
The films on this list do more than entertain; they help us understand the complex, diverse experiences of women around the world. By watching these stories on Women’s Day, we participate in a form of cultural celebration that acknowledges both struggles and triumphs.
Whether you’re organizing a movie marathon with friends or seeking a meaningful solitary viewing experience, these films offer windows into women’s lives that can inspire, educate, and move us. After all, stories have always been one of our most powerful tools for creating empathy and understanding—something we could all use more of in 2025.
What’s your favorite film that celebrates women’s stories? Will you be watching any of these this Women’s Day? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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