1. Hidden Figures
Oh, for real, these brilliant Black women at NASA were the actual brains behind the space race, doing complex calculations by hand when computers were barely a thing. Their story isn't just about math; it's about smashing racial and gender barriers with pure intellect and persistence. Total queens, and their contributions were seriously downplayed for too long. It's a whole vibe of getting what's yours despite everything.
2. Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts playing Erin Brockovich? Iconic behavior. She’s a single mom, no fancy law degree, but she took on a whole corrupt corporation for poisoning a town's water. She wasn’t just a legal assistant; she was a force of nature, a true advocate for the voiceless. And yeah, her outfits were a whole thing, but her passion for justice was the real star. No cap.
3. Suffragette
This movie is a gut punch, showing the literal fights and sacrifices women made for something as basic as voting rights. It’s not some gentle history lesson; it's raw, depicting the brutal reality of activism and the personal costs. The suffragettes weren't just asking nicely; they were demanding change, facing prison and violence. This film captures that fierce, unyielding spirit, reminding us how crucial their struggle was.
4. The Farewell
NGL, this film hits different. It's about a family keeping a terminal diagnosis from their grandma, Nai Nai, and the cultural nuances of grief and love. Awkwafina’s character, Billi, navigates this wild emotional ride, trying to do right by her family while also questioning traditions. It’s a beautiful, often funny, look at the strength of matriarchs and the silent burdens women carry.
5. Roma
Yalitza Aparicio's Cleo is the quiet backbone of this whole story. She’s a domestic worker holding a family together in 1970s Mexico City, dealing with her own heartbreaks and societal indifference. The film beautifully highlights the often-unseen labor and emotional resilience of women like her. It's a subtle but powerful nod to the unsung heroes who keep households, and frankly, society, running.
6. Spirited Away
Chihiro starts off as just a kid, kinda whiny, but then she’s thrust into this wild spirit world and has to level up, fast. She faces fears, works hard, and shows insane courage and empathy to save her parents and her new friends. It’s a masterclass in a young girl’s journey from helplessness to becoming an absolute legend. Studio Ghibli really said 'girl power' without even trying.
7. Arrival
Dr. Louise Banks isn't out there with a gun, but she saves the world with language, empathy, and sheer intellectual power. Her journey to understand the aliens isn't just about translation; it's about understanding different ways of thinking and connecting. This film is a mind-bender that proves true strength comes from communication and heart, not just brute force. A total queen moves.
8. A Quiet Place
Evelyn Abbott, played by Emily Blunt, is literally giving birth silently while monster aliens are lurking. If that’s not peak heroism, IDK what is. She’s a fierce protector, resourceful AF, and her love for her kids fuels every move. This movie cranks up the tension, and she’s the one holding it all together, showing that maternal strength is an unstoppable force. Respect.
9. Mad Max: Fury Road
Okay, so Max is in the title, but Furiosa is the main character, period. She's driving the whole damn rebellion, risking everything to free the "wives" and find the Green Place. Her grit, her prosthetic arm, her sheer will to survive and liberate—it’s all next level. She’s the true hero of this chaotic, dusty epic, showing everyone how it’s done. Witness her!
10. Prey
Naru isn't just surviving; she’s proving herself as a warrior against a literal Predator. This film gives us an Indigenous woman absolutely dominating a sci-fi monster with her wits, tracking skills, and sheer determination. She challenges gender norms within her own tribe and outside of it. It's a fresh take on a classic monster flick, showing that the real strength often comes from unexpected places.
