Seven Strong Female Lead Movies to Honor the Essence of Womanhood This Women’s Day

Published 03/08/2024, 4:00 AM EST

via Imago

Unlike other holidays and festivities, Women’s Day does not come with a strict set of traditions. But it is still the day to honor and empower women from all walks of life. And what better way to mark this day than settling in with movies that portray the complexities of womanhood? That is precisely the goal of this selection of the top seven movies, which will offer the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy some well-deserved downtime on Women’s Day.

Whether one is in the mood for something that will warm their heart or one that will have them rolling on the floor laughing, this list has something for everyone!

Never Been Kissed (1999)

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For those on the hunt for a good laugh, look no further than Never Been Kissed, starring Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan, and Molly Shannon. This 1999 comedy-drama follows a journalist getting into the wild world of high school. It is a light-hearted comedy that knows when to keep it classy. 

Michael Vartan’s character, however, as the English teacher, is a point of concern in this film. And some of the nuances in the film may not sit well with the current generation either. Never Been Kissed is available on Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. 

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So, for those who do not get easily offended by crass humor, this movie is bound to be a laugh-fest. 

Coco before Chanel (2009)

This one is for all the hardworking go-getters out there hustling in the daily grind. Coco Before Chanel offers a glimpse into the journey of Coco Chanel. The tale of Coco Before Chanel kicks off with Gabrielle, a scrappy orphan girl destined to rewrite history.

From her humble beginnings, she morphed into the powerhouse fashionista of the 20th century. Not only did she conquer the world of couture but also spearheaded a revolution, liberating women from the suffocating shackles of late 19th-century fashion norms. Coco Before Chanel is available on Amazon Prime. 

Mean Girls (2004)

Once again, here comes a bona fide cult classic. Mean Girls is not just a typical teen movie- it has brains, charm, and a positive message that does not feel cheesy or overdone. For those in a position in life where starting over is the only solution, this movie will surely provide some inspiration.

It also teaches the way of dealing with bullies and finding a place in the world. And the movie is not afraid to poke fun at the hard stuff young women deal with either. This iconic gem from the 2000s is sure to have one doubled over with laughter every time they press play. There are many options to stream Mean Girls, as it is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. 

Little Women (2019) 

Little Women is a classic that has been brought to the big screen a bunch of times. But there is something special about Greta Gerwig‘s take as she truly brought out the twofold nature of the text.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the narrative showcased the lives of the four March sisters- Meg, Beth, Amy, and Jo- each with her own dreams and desires. Apart from exploring familial bonds between the women, Gerwig also depicts love’s fragility amidst societal expectations in the movie. Little Women by Greta Gerwig is available for streaming on Netflix.

Barbie (2023)

Another gem from Greta Gerwig’s repertoire is the 2023 blockbuster, Barbie, which pushed Gerwig into the elite league of billionaire filmmakers. However, the movie’s popularity goes beyond mere nostalgia or the universal charm of the pink world of Barbie.

The movie pinpointed the unrealistic body standards, old-school gender roles, and bizarre picture of beauty – but in a weirdly comedic way. If there is one flick to watch on Women’s Day that will have one cracking up while also hitting with some deep truths, it is Barbie. This 2023 blockbuster is available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies, and JioCinema.  

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, The Devil Wears Prada is a classic American drama directed by David Frenkel and featuring a fantastic cast, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. The trio recently had a reunion at the 30th Annual SAG Awards, where Oppenheimer emerged as the frontrunner.

From the tough-as-nails boss who knows how to get what she wants, to the new kid who has just stepped into the competitive world, the movie resonates with women from different stages in their professional lives. The Devil Wears Prada is one of those blockbuster movies that gives you the viewers a real peek into the fashion world, making it a must-watch. One can easily catch this classic on Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. 

Erin Brockovich (2000)

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The movie from Universal Studios tells the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mom and advocate who fought for clean drinking water in Hinkley, California. Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her role as Erin, who took on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) after they contaminated the water supply.

The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, captures the intensity of Erin’s fight. It is a powerful portrayal of a woman’s determination, making it a must-watch for International Women’s Day. Erin Brockovich can be streamed on SonyLiv, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and ZEE5.

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To all the amazing ladies out there, why not sit back and relax with one of these fantastic films on your special day? 

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Hriddhi Maitra

898 articles

Hriddhi Maitra is a Hollywood News reporter at Netflix Junkie. An enthusiastic movie buff, Hriddhi found her true calling when she worked as a Cinema Content Writer at My Cinema Story while analyzing movies objectively, and offering constructive feedback. Coming from a background where she worked in different niches like finance, food, travel, medicines, automobile, and entertainment, we can safely say she is a jack of all trades.

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