Women’s History Month shines a spotlight on the achievements and stories of women throughout history. These Inspirational movies portray women’s struggles, victories, and enduring spirit. These stories offer a unique blend of entertainment and education for those of us who like to follow them.
They bring to life the very real challenges and breakthroughs experienced by women.
The Importance of Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to spotlight the pivotal role of women in shaping history. Though often underrepresented in textbooks, the achievements and struggles of women are essential to the full narrative of past and present societies.
Movies offer a way to celebrate these contributions, featuring films about women that chronicle their monumental achievements.
Recognizing women’s contributions provides a more complete understanding of our collective history. This month serves to enlighten many on the female experience, promoting equality by acknowledging women who’ve made significant impacts across various fields.
Documentary chronicle and biopic like those on Maya Angelou and Billie Jean King bring to life the stories of women who have made history, including the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress and the first black woman to make significant strides in various domains.
Equality
Emphasizing equitable representation in historical accounts encourages the valuing of both men’s and women’s achievements equally.
Female Experience
Examining history through women’s perspectives offers insights into half the population’s life experiences, often overlooked.
Women’s History Month is not just about looking back but also empowering current and future generations. When young people learn about accomplished women, they receive a powerful message about their own potential. It’s an affirmation that strengthens society’s push towards gender equality.
Films like those telling the true story of Maya and others standing outside the Swedish Parliament for climate action inspire and educate.
Recognition
The month is a chance to honor women who have been instrumental in the fight for civil rights, scientific advancements, and cultural enrichment. Celebrating Women’s History Month with inspirational movies is a great way to celebrate the indelible contributions women have made to history.
One cannot underestimate the importance of Women’s History Month. Its observance ensures women’s stories are heard, serving as a reminder that progress hinges on the recognition of all peoples’ contributions.
Trailblazing Stories in Film
The film serves as a powerful vehicle for showcasing the lives and achievements of groundbreaking women. Additionally, this section celebrates narratives that have shaped perspectives and movies to watch that inspire. Moreover, it has stirred conversation and inspired audiences.
This inspiration comes through varying interpretations of women’s contributions making them perfect movies for Women’s History Month.
Historical Biopics and Documentaries
RBG
For instance, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s monumental life and career as a Supreme Court justice is depicted in RBG. This is an intimate documentary film that takes audiences closer through intimate archival photographs and videos.
Hidden Figures
Similarly, “Hidden Figures” tells the remarkable story of NASA mathematicians. Brilliant African-American women like Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson are in the cast including Janelle Monáe.
Each one is an embodiment of brilliance and perseverance in the face of segregation. This makes it one of the essential movies of all time for celebrating the women’s liberation movement.
Inspirational Fiction
A League of Their Own
This film offers a fictionalized account and film follows the story of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. It showcases women who worked tirelessly to play professional baseball.
mulan
Meanwhile, Disney’s “Mulan” celebrates the courage and strength of a young Chinese immigrant girl who defies tradition to defend her nation. This becomes a pop culture icon and championing heroism and the defiance of societal norms.
International and Cultural Narratives
Queen of Katwe
Films like “Queen of Katwe” explore international landscapes and follow a young Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi. Her journey to becoming a chess champion marks a significant biographical drama.
The Joy Luck Club
This movie delves into the bonds of Asian women, specifically looking at Chinese women. It observes the complexities of mother-daughter relationships within the Chinese-American community.
the farewell
Furthermore, “The Farewell,” starring Awkwafina, examines family dynamics under the guise of a wedding celebration. It honors women working through generational and cultural shifts.
Contemporary Relevance
she said
In a similar vein, “She Said” visualizes the investigation into sexual assault allegations, sparking a global conversation. It was performed by Carey Mulligan addressing the grim reality of rape cases and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature.
the woman king
Likewise, “The Woman King,” led by Viola Davis as Nanisca, depicts the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors. This inspires discussions on strength and leadership, and paying homage to the first female warriors like the Mother of the Blues.
Action and Empowerment
Captain Marvel
Marvel blockbusters featuring superheroes like Lashana Lynch as Nawi bolster the depiction of women taking charge. They fight battles on multiple fronts, in honor of Women’s History Month.
Everyday Heroes and Role Models
booksmart
Stories such as “Booksmart,” directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as high school seniors, emphasize the importance of friendship and self-discovery. These films underscore everyday challenges and highlight the strength found in everyday heroism. It impacts positive role models, featuring brilliant women and their journeys, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans and women globally.
Spotlight on Women’s Achievements in Science and Tech
March marks a significant period dedicated to honoring the contributions of women in various fields, especially science and technology. During this month, inspirational movies and documentaries emerge as influential platforms. They highlight the pioneering accomplishments of women who have overcome obstacles and challenged societal norms.
In documentaries, the focus on women in science and technology continues to motivate. The storytelling in this domain significantly alters public perception. It dismantles gender biases and showcases female trailblazers who have excelled in research, innovation, and leadership.
| Women in STEM Documentaries |
|---|
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks |
| Picture a Scientist |
| Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story |
As these narratives unfold on screen, they reinforce the significance of acknowledging women’s historical and ongoing contributions to these essential sectors.
The Influence of Fictional Female Characters
Moving to fictional portrayals, female characters in movies provide another layer of inspiration. They depict various ways women face challenges and achieve success. During Women’s History Month in March, these characters become particularly influential. Viewers seek out role models and stories of empowerment.
Movies about women often weave in important themes about society’s expectations and the female experience. Here are a few key takeaways from these films:
Resilience: Female characters overcome obstacles, reinforcing the idea that resilience is key to success.
Empowerment: Stories highlight women empowering themselves and others, sparking conversations about gender equality.
Breaking Barriers: Films depict women pushing past societal boundaries, inspiring viewers to challenge the status quo in their lives.
Actresses and Characters Breaking Stereotypes
Women’s History Month provides the perfect opportunity to engage with films that focus on inspiring female figures and narratives that challenge traditional roles. In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s dive into a selection of actresses and characters who have defied societal expectations.
HIDDEN FIGURES
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe starred in Hidden Figures, a powerful documentary depiction of the brilliant women, specifically African-American mathematicians at NASA. These women in America played critical roles in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The film took a deep dive into showcasing their intelligence and resilience, challenging the gender and racial stereotypes of their time, significantly contributing to rights and gender equality.
Taraji P. Henson
Plays Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose calculations were vital for the success of manned spaceflights, representing the first female African-American mathematician to be recognized in this context.
Octavia Spencer
Portrays Dorothy Vaughan, a mathematician and programmer who became the first African-American woman supervisor at NASA, showcasing how black Americans were instrumental in space exploration.Janelle Monáe depicts Mary Jackson, NASA’s first black female engineer.
Janelle Monáe
Depicts Mary Jackson, NASA’s first black female engineer.
Queen of Katwe
The stirring film Queen of Katwe is another narrative that challenges the status quo, based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi. It tells the tale of a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess prodigy, questioning the notion of who can succeed in a highly intellectual and competitive field. This is much like a Disney princess battling against odds.
mother of the blues
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a Netflix series based on the life of “Mother of the Blues”, Ma Rainey, illustrates the struggle and triumph of black Americans in the early 20th century. This series, like others mentioned, was nominated for best documentary feature, highlighting the cultural and historical impact of these brilliant women.
Chasing Coral
A powerful documentary that explores the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs, includes the narrative of young activists who strike for climate action outside the Swedish parliament. This documentary, though not directly related to women’s achievements, aligns with the spirit of Women’s History Month by including the efforts of female activists in the global climate action movement.
Iron Jawed Angels
Lastly, Iron Jawed Angels, focusing on Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, delves into the movement from 1966 to 1971 for women’s suffrage in the United States. This powerful documentary captures the essence of Women’s History Month by showcasing the relentless fight for rights and gender equality.
Advancements in Women’s Rights and Equality
The journey of women’s rights has been a trail of resilience and tenacity, marked by milestones that changed the course of history. One notable figure in advancing gender equality was Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in 1993, Ginsburg’s legal career was largely dedicated to breaking down gender bias. She fought gender discrimination cases, ensuring that women’s rights were recognized as constitutional.
The fight for women’s rights is ongoing, but the progress made illustrates a pattern of growing equality. As women continue to break barriers in all aspects of society, they honor the work of pioneers like Ginsburg.
Here’s a snapshot of significant advancements in women’s rights:
- 1920: The 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
- 1963: The Equal Pay Act was enacted, addressing wage disparity based on sex.
- 1972: Title IX of the Education Amendments prohibited gender discrimination in federally funded education, including sports.
- 1993: Ruth Bader Ginsburg took office as Supreme Court Justice, later ruling on critical cases shaping gender equality law.
Ginsburg’s legacy includes her majority opinion in the United States v. Virginia case, declaring Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy as unconstitutional. This landmark case underscored that gender bias had no place in a society striving for equality. Ginsburg’s approach to the law demonstrated that the judiciary could be a powerful tool for change.
Platforms Showcasing Women-Centered Movies
Streaming services are celebrating Women’s History Month by spotlighting films that highlight the stories and achievements of women. They’re hosting a variety of movies ranging from documentaries to dramas that center around powerful female protagonists.
- Netflix keeps its library ripe with diverse narratives, including women-led stories across all genres. For instance, viewers can stream empowering titles like “The Woman King” directly through Netflix.
- Disney+ presents both contemporary and classic films featuring strong female characters. It allows audiences to explore classics like “9 to 5,” inspiring tales of women making significant impacts.
- Amazon Prime Video offers a wide selection, including feminist films perfect for the month. Viewers can stream or rent movies like “Death Becomes Her” and documentaries on figures like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
- Peacock curates content that celebrates women’s history, including unique stories like “We Are Lady Parts.” It reflects the spirit and resilience of women.
- Tubi provides a surprise with its free, ad-supported streaming of movies and documentaries on women’s experiences and achievements.
Here’s a quick guide on where to find these inspirational stories:
- Netflix: “The Woman King”
- Disney+: “Good Girls Revolt”, “9 to 5”
- Amazon Prime Video: “Death Becomes Her”, “RBG”
- Peacock: “We Are Lady Parts”
- Tubi: Offers a range of women-centric movies for free
These platforms are actively broadening their collections with movies that not only entertain but also educate and celebrate the lives and achievements of women throughout history.
Behind the Scenes
When celebrating Women’s History Month through film, the achievements of women behind the camera are as influential as those on screen. Let’s spotlight the female directors and screenwriters driving change and the productions that foreground women’s stories.
Female Directors and Screenwriters
Emerging Voices: The last few years have seen a surge in recognition for female directors.
Best Director: Chloe Zhao won the Best Director award at the 2021 Oscars for her film “Nomadland.” Similarly, Emerald Fennell received acclaim for directing “Promising Young Woman,” a riveting thriller with a feminist edge.
Seasoned Storytellers: Directors like Lulu Wang and Greta Gerwig have brought intimate stories to life. Wang’s “The Farewell” and Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” paved the way for unique female-centric narratives, and Gerwig’s adaptation of “Little Women” earned her a nod from the Academy.
- Inspirational Figures: Women like Olivia Wilde transitioned from acting to directing, showcasing her chops with the critically acclaimed comedy “Booksmart.”
- Trailblazers: Directors such as Ava DuVernay, who helmed “The Woman King,” and Wayne Ting, known for “The Joy Luck Club,” have also made significant contributions to representing women’s diverse experiences.
Productions Celebrating Women
Documenting Reality: “I Am Greta” is a profound documentary that follows teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg. It’s a raw and powerful portrayal of young female leadership challenging the global narrative on climate change.
- Period Dramas: Films that depict the lives of women in historical contexts, like “The Woman King,” not only entertain but also educate by bringing to light the untold stories of female warriors and leaders.
- Intergenerational Tales: Productions like “The Joy Luck Club” explore the dynamics between mothers and daughters, cultures, and generations, widening the lens through which audiences view the female experience.
These films and the women behind them are carving a path not just for themselves but for future generations of female storytellers who wish to share their truth with the world.
Educating the Next Generation
When commemorating Women’s History Month, there’s a genuine opportunity to guide the next generation through films that celebrate and honor women’s experiences and achievements. Movies can be a powerful medium for young girls and high school students to reflect on the complexities and achievements of womanhood, from being a working professional to embracing motherhood.
| Age Group | Movie Title | Inspirational Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Young Girls | Brave | Showcases a young princess determined to carve her own path in life, defying age-old expectations. |
| Young Girls | Akeelah and the Bee | Illustrates the power of determination as a young girl from South Los Angeles competes in a national spelling bee. |
| High School Students | Hidden Figures | Features the remarkable true-story of African American women mathematicians at NASA who played a pivotal role in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. |
| High School Students | Legally Blonde | While seemingly light-hearted, it delivers a crucial message about self-reliance and challenging stereotypes. |
For those interested in the balance of career and family life, films like “Erin Brockovich” depict the real-life story of a woman’s fight for justice while managing her role as a mother. Similarly, “9 to 5” offers a satirical yet poignant look at working women pushing back against an oppressive workplace.
Closing Thoughts – INTEGRATE LEARNING AND GROWTH THROUGH WOMEN’S INSPIRATIONAL MOVIES
Celebrating Women’s History Month isn’t just about reflecting on the past. It’s about inspiration and understanding the resilience of women through their stories. This month is an excellent opportunity for educators and individuals to integrate these cinematic experiences into their learning and personal growth journeys.
Ultimately, cinema has the power to influence and inspire. That is why, watching these films is a time to honor, learn from, and be inspired by the heroines of both the past and present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some empowering movies about women that we can watch during Women’s History Month?
For those looking to celebrate Women’s History Month, movies like “Hidden Figures,” which tells the story of African American mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA, and “Erin Brockovich,” featuring a strong female lead fighting for justice, are excellent choices.
Which female historical figures have inspired movies that are suitable for Women’s History Month?
Movies such as “On the Basis of Sex” and “The Iron Lady” offer cinematic takes on the lives of remarkable women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Margaret Thatcher, respectively, showcasing their significant contributions to history.
Can you suggest any movies that showcase feminist ideals or women’s rights, especially on Netflix?
Netflix offers films like “RBG,” a documentary about the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and “Feminists: What Were They Thinking?” which revisits the women’s movement and its profound impact.
What women-centric films are great for students to watch in celebration of Women’s History Month?
Students may find both inspiration and education in films like “Suffragette,” highlighting the women’s suffrage movement, or “The Color Purple,” a tale of resilience and triumph over adversity, featuring strong women characters.
Could you list some movies that embody the spirit of ‘girl power’ and female empowerment?
Films like “Legally Blonde” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” convey strong messages of female empowerment, featuring protagonists who defy expectations and take control of their destinies.
Why is it important to watch films that celebrate women’s achievements and struggles during Women’s History Month?
Watching films that celebrate women’s achievements allows audiences to gain insight into the diverse narratives of women’s history, recognize the progress made in the fight for gender equality, and inspire continued advocacy for women’s rights.
