21 Movies Every Woman Should See At Least Once

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: While the bittersweet film can sometimes be difficult to watch, Promising Young Woman is a much-needed nuanced take on the revenge film that speaks to the complexities of consent. The way this story unpacks and discusses trauma, grief, rage, thwarted ambition, and healing is not only relatable, but necessary.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: The various mother-daughter relationships depicted in this A24 instant-classic are relatable to any young person. Themes of loss, regret, and nostalgia make this movie not only about family, but also one about self-growth.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Yorgos Lanthimos' film doesn't have one lead — it has three. Each female character is portrayed with a compelling, rare complexity that simultaneously makes them all the villain and the hero. And that's incredibly rare. Watch out, though. With dialogue that sharp, you could hurt yourself if you're not careful.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Widows turns the heist movie genre on its head, and places women at the forefront.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Watch Alien for Ellen Ripley, one of the most badass women protagonists in movie history. Ellen becomes a hero by rising to meet circumstances. Alien is the first in a line of stellar sci-fi movies helmed by women (Ex Machina and Annihilation being some of the most recent).

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Though it's a comedy, Nine to Five identifies the toxic power imbalances in workplaces that have been the focus of discussions as of late. 9 to 5 is prescient – and it's also a delight to watch Tomlin, Fonda, and Parton act alongside one another.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: The Oscar-winning movie is considered one of the best (and most heart-breaking) movies about mother-daughter relationships.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: The Color Purple is a remarkable story of endurance, survival, and the relationships that women build with each other that keep them afloat through the unthinkable.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Are they friends? Are they more than friends? The bond between Ruth and Idgie heads into unclassifiable territory. They are there for each other. Fried Green Tomatoes is a lovely, if totally romanticized, portrait of friendship, both between Ruth and Idgie and between Evelyn and Ninny.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: You can go a long time without learning who your mother was before you came into the picture. The Joy Luck Club is a bittersweet look at the sacrifices and joys of motherhood; the realities of immigration and displacement; and proof that the gulfs that often exist between mothers and daughters can be bridged.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Muriel's Wedding is about finding people who love and accept you wholly — something which Muriel's family certainly doesn't do. After spending the movie searching for romantic bliss, Muriel realizes that her person has been by her side, all along.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Growing up happens while you're paying attention to other things. Suddenly, you're old, and your friends are old, too. Now and Then explores the way childhood carries into adulthood, and the incredible endurance of friendships.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Monica and Quincy's relationship is one of the best in movie history. Eventually, one of their careers will have to be prioritized. The movie's last scene will make you smile.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Bend It Like Beckham is a joyous little indie, bursting at the seams with warmth and humor.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: There's a scene in Real Women Have Curves that encapsulates what makes the movie so special. Much to Carmen's horror, Ana and the other workers take off their shirts and show off their real bodies without shame. The movie's about self-acceptance and self-love, but also love for family.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: You should watch it as a reminder to keep the inner Olive alive. Olive is goofy, sweet, loves ice cream, and dances like no one is watching.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: This is the first Middle Eastern feminist vampire spaghetti Western. It's a delight to watch such a refreshing look at the vampire movie genre, helmed by a vampire who keeps concert posters on her wall and really just wants to find an equal.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Apfel Iris is a larger-than-life figure. She devoted her life to pursuing her passions and happened to become very successful doing so. Aside from highlighting Apfel's ambition, the movie also celebrates the relationship that bolstered Apfel her whole life.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: This is an incredible true story, and it's a travesty that it took until 2016 for most of us to learn about it. While you're at it, you might as well read the book, too.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: There's a reason why Greta Gerwig's directorial debut was nominated for multiple Academy Awards. The movie is a revelation. Gerwig's script captures the way people actually speak, and the way adolescence really feels. It's your girlhood, played out on screen.

Refinery29 said Why You Should Watch It: Because it's hilarious! Because it gets the complexities of friendship! And because of Tiffany Haddish!