“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
On every 8 March, the social, cultural, political and economic successes of women are honoured. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a pivotal day in the fight for women’s rights all over the world. Officially marked for the first time in 1911, this day continues to be celebrated annually in various ways.
One of the ways we recommend? Round up your best friends or family for a movie night on that day. We have a list of movie
We’ve got 20 movie recommendations that remind us of the strength of women.
The Color Purple (1985)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same title, this film tells the story of an African-American woman’s painful experience with sexism, violence and racism. The Color Purple is an inspirational film on self-worth and the power of supportive female friends, the perfect choice for movie nights on IWD.
The Color Purple is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Mulan (1998)
Disney’s Mulan checks all the boxes if you’re looking forward for a movie with a strong female protagonist who’s filial and honourable. One of the most iconic classic Disney movies made and beloved by generations, Mulan is the epitome of a brave role model to young girls all over the world.
Mulan is available for rent on Google Play for S$3.98.
Legally Blonde (2001)
An iconic comedy featuring Reese Witherspoon that inspires girls to be both the beauty and the brains, Legally Blonde is not a foreign title to anyone. A film that breaks sexist stereotypes and focuses on protagonist Elle Woods’ grit and determination, Legally Blonde is empowering, funny and a great addition for your IWD celebrations.
Legally Blonde is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
An educational film on the process of demanding constitutional amendment for women’s rights, Iron Jawed Angels talks about the movement that led to our celebration of IWD today. The movie follows the American suffrage movement and features the tactics, strategies and dialogues used to revolutionise feminism in America.
Iron Jawed Angels is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Iron Lady (2011)
Featuring Emmy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, celebrate revolutionary women this IWD with Iron Lady. The first female and longest-serving prime minister of the UK who broke gender norms and glass ceilings, Margaret Thatcher rewrote history for women all over the world.
Iron Lady is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
The Help (2011)
The Help features an award-winning cast comprising of Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Bringing to light the racism faced by Black domestic workers in 1960s America, dedicate this IWD to the appreciation of how far society has come in its support for Black women.
The Help is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
The Hunger Games (2012)
No fictional character made as huge an impact as the famous Katniss Everdeen in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The film, setting the record for biggest opening day, tells an inspiring story of a brave young woman who took the world by storm with her selfless display of sisterhood.
The Hunger Games is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Selma (2014)
A film to transport you back in time to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights marches led by James Bevel. This film focuses on women who laid the groundwork and foundation of the civil rights movement and was nominated for four golden globes.
Selma is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
He Named Me Malala (2015)
He Named Me Malala is an American documentary focuses on the extraordinary Pakistani activist who changed the world with her fierce advocacy for girls’ rights to education. Nobel prize winner Malala Yousafzai is highly regarded as one of the most influential youths in history, the perfect role model to celebrate this IWD.
He Named Me Malala is available for rent on Google Play for S$4.98.
Suffragette (2015)
Suffragette is a film that’s not to be missed this IWD – its portrayal of women’s prisons and the long and arduous journey of advocacy for women’s suffrage is informative yet heart wrenching. If you’re looking for something that goes back to IWD’s roots, this is the film for you.
Suffragette is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Moana (2016)
Disney movies are beloved by children and adults alike, so why not celebrate IWD this year with a movie starring a brave and resourceful female protagonist? With its central themes of female empowerment and independence, this Disney movie will inspire the next generation of young girls to grow up as fighters, just like their hero Moana.
Moana is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Loosely based on the novel by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures is an empowering story about the African-American female mathematicians who worked at NASA. The film’s central themes feature the entering into a male dominated workplace and challenging gender inequality is an inspirational reminder to girls all over the world.
Hidden Figures is available for rent on Google Play for S$4.98.
And Still I Rise (2016)
Inspired by her poem, this film explores the myths that surround Black women and their sexuality alongside the misrepresentation of such issues by the media. Both empowering and critical, And Still I Rise is impactful and might just be exactly what you need to celebrate a meaningful IWD this year.
And Still I Rise is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Wonder Woman (2017)
We’ve all dreamed of being superheroes with formidable magic powers. Not only does Wonder Woman hold the record for the highest grossing film by a solo female director, but its message of female empowerment is perfect for IWD and a movie night at home.
Wonder Woman is available for rent on Google Play for S$4.98.
Oceans 8 (2018)
Oceans 8 will be the top choice if you’re looking for a suspenseful and fast-paced action movie with a racially diverse female cast. Featuring stars such as Sandra Bullock, Awkwafina and Rihanna, this female-driven heist film is perfect for movie nights with your girlfriends.
Oceans 8 is available for streaming on Netflix.
On The Basis Of Sex (2018)
Celebrate IWD 2021 with an American biographical legal drama about the life and career of trailblazer Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Justice Ginsberg’s success in the face of sexism carries a strong message on the importance of tenacity and resilience guaranteed to inspire girls all over the world.
On The Basis of Sex is available for purchase on Amazon for S$13.99.
Roma (2018)
Roma sheds light on a domestic worker’s life in the politically tumultuous Mexico in the 1970s. The film depicts a moving story of an indigenous domestic worker going through the ‘hoods’ a woman encounters in her life: girlhood, womanhood and motherhood. Roma received 10 nominations for the 91st Academy Awards and ultimately won three.
Roma is available for streaming on Netflix.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Don’t pass up Marvel’s first female-led superhero film this IWD. Brie Larson remains an iconic super heroine for young girls in the midst of an extremely saturated male-superhero industry. The first female-led superhero film to pass the billion-dollar mark, Captain Marvel is the perfect film to remind girls that they too, can be extraordinary super heroines.
Captain Marvel is available for rent on Amazon for S$3.99.
Charlie’s Angels (2019)
If you’re in the mood to celebrate IWD over a funny, action-packed spy movie that sends a message that girls are not to be trifled with, this will be your top pick. Filled with hilarious banter and futuristic gadgets, this film is perfect for a laid back girls’ weekend.
Charlie’s Angels is available for streaming on Netflix.
Little Women (2019)
A coming-of-age film suitable for all ages, Little Women features a star-studded cast consisting of Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan and Meryl Streep. No movie sends a clearer message of the importance of sisterhood, close familial ties and breaking free of societal gender norms. This film earned five British Academy Film Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.
Little Women is available for streaming on Netflix.
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