March is Women’s History Month, a time that highlights the contributions of women, both historically and today. The entertainment industry is just one of the places where women have left their marks as directors, producers, screenwriters and actors. Celebrate women in the arts and their stories with this list of movies and TV shows.
“9 to 5”
Stream on Hulu
Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, this movie tells the story of three secretaries who get revenge on their terrible, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. Later, they have a drug-clouded night where they dream of killing their tyrannical boss. The next day, one of them panics thinking they actually killed their boss. 41 years later, this movie still holds up.
“Booksmart”
Stream on Hulu
Directed by Olivia Wilde, this movie is a unique take on a coming of age comedy as Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) try to make up for all the fun they missed out on in high school in one wild night. The strength of their friendship is heartwarming and this movie is sure to make you laugh.
“Captain Marvel”
Stream on Disney+
As Marvel’s first solo female superhero movie, this movie showcases the power of women, super and regular. Carol Danvers and Maria Rambeau’s friendship is an important part of the story as Rambeau raises her daughter and they take on the Kree together. Even better, Rambeau’s daughter grows up to be another powerful female superhero in the Marvel universe.
“Girls Trip”
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
When you just need to laugh and enjoy the antics of a fun friend group this movie is a great one to watch. Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish and Queen Latifah play a group of friends who call themselves the Flossy Posse and the movie follows their antics as they take on the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. This movie is definitely on the raunchier side but it’s a good comedy.
“Hidden Figures”
Stream on Disney+
Based on a true story, this movie is a must-watch for Women’s History Month. It tells the lesser-known story of how Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) were an integral part of the success of the mission with Astronaut John Glenn. They face racist and sexist discrimination while they fight to be respected and have their contributions valued, and end up changing the course of the Space Race and history.
“Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé”
Stream on Netflix
Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance is one of the most elaborate performances the festival has ever seen and she made a Netflix documentary about her preparation leading up to the show. She made history as the first Black woman to headline Coachella and the performance was a celebration of Black culture and artistry. She also released a live album from that performance which definitely is a good soundtrack for Women’s History Month and the entire year.
“Little Women” (2019)
Stream on Starz
This classic story focuses on a group of sisters as they navigate life and romantic relationships. They are all figuring out how to live life on their own terms and Jo March is unwilling to give up her work as a writer to be a wife. Directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring a star-studded cast, it is a reminder to chase your dreams and the value of sisterhood.
“The Queen’s Gambit”
Stream on Netflix
This miniseries received a lot of attention when Netflix first released it. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as an orphan chess prodigy who strives to become the best chess player in the world while dealing with addiction. Taylor-Joy won Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film for her fantastic performance in this period drama.
“Roma”
Stream on Netflix
This award-winning film starring Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira takes place in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. It tells the story of a live-in housekeeper to a middle class family. It’s a visually beautiful movie and tackles important subjects like motherhood, family conflict and more.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker”
Stream on Netflix
This limited series is inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black woman billionaire in the United States. She made her fortune with her line of homemade hair care products and had her own method, the Walker System. She also was a philanthropist and donated to scholarships for women at Tuskegee Institute, the NAACP and more. Octavia Spencer is great in this role. For an even more accurate history, read the biography written by Walker’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker.”
“Unbelievable”
Stream on Netflix
Unbelievable is a heartbreaking story of the justice system failing women, but it’s worth including on this list. The miniseries opens with an 18-year-old woman who is sexually assaulted, but not believed by police and forced to recant her story. This allows the rapist to assault several other women before female detectives follow a suspicious trail and arrest him. The show, based on a true story, is a lesson in the harms that occur when we don’t believe victims of sexual assault. It’s definitely a tough watch but if you can get through it, it’s an important story.
“Wonder Woman”
Stream on HBO Max
The Wonder Woman storyline will always be a classic and Gal Gadot’s version is great. Princess Diana is raised on Themyscira, an island populated by the Amazons, strong female warriors. When a man washes up on their shores and tells them of a conflict going on outside of their world, Diana leaves to save the world and achieve her true destiny.
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- Political Strategist, Organizer, and Author Alicia Garza on What it Takes to Create Change
Aliyah Armstrong is an intern at Better with a passion for arts and entertainment reporting. A senior in Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she is also minoring in Sociological Studies. Aliyah supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Black Youth Project 100, an organization that aims to create justice and freedom for all Black people.
