35 Feminist Movies to Stream for Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, which means it’s time to spice up our streaming queue with the best feminist movies. And thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, there are dozens of great options right at our fingertips—whether it’s a groundbreaking ’90s classic that was way ahead of its time or a compelling, women-centric film that challenges common gender stereotypes. From 9 to 5 to Disney’s Mulan, keep reading for the best feminist titles you should watch this month (and beyond).

• Who’s in it? Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge
• Movie rating: PG-13

Seeing Elle Woods (Witherspoon) shatter the dumb blonde stereotype (and look fabulous while doing it) will never get old. Our favorite sorority queen is determined to win back her ex-boyfriend, but along the way, she thrives as a confident and successful Harvard Law student.

• Who’s in it? Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn, Isabella Rossellini
• Movie rating: PG-13

Streep and Hawn are forces to be reckoned with in this satirical fantasy comedy, which focuses on two women who battle for the heart of the same man—but their bitter rivalry is just the beginning. As they start to deal with the side effects of a magical potion that keeps them young, they prove to be fiery, uncompromising heroines who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

• Who’s in it? Cora Lee Day, Barbara O, Alva Rogers, Trula Hoosier
• Movie rating: PG-13

Fun fact, Daughters of the Dust made history as the first feature film directed by a Black woman to be nationally distributed in the United States. Spearheaded by Julie Dash, the indie film follows a family of Gullah islanders as they prepare to move north in hopes of securing a better future. It pays special attention to the narratives of Black women, while also shedding light on the effects on slavery.

• Who’s in it? Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons
• Movie rating: PG

The Oscar-nominated biopic details the inspiring true stories of Katherine Johnson (Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Monáe), three Black women at NASA who played a vital role in launching the first American astronaut into space. It’s a gorgeous tribute to their often-overlooked contributions, and it brilliantly depicts racial tensions in America at the time.

• Who’s in it? David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Madina Nalwanga, Esteri Tebandeke
• Movie rating: PG

Inspired by true events, this heartwarming tale chronicles the life of 10-year-old Phiona (Nalwanga), a Ugandan who uses her incredible chess skills to provide a better life for her family. Nyong'o nails her performance as the no-nonsense mom, and every little girl is bound to see a bit of themselves in Phiona.

• Who’s in it? Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An
• Movie rating: PG-13

The fearless warrior proved that women are just as capable of fighting and serving for their country, so it’s only fitting that we would add this action-packed fantasy to the list. Liu stars as Mulan, a young woman who joins the Imperial Army in place of her father by masquerading as a man. In the process, she becomes a legendary hero.

• Who’s in it? Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison
• Movie rating: PG

A Disney tale about a feminist role model, who single-handedly recues her people without pining for prince charming? Um, sign us up. The movie follows a headstrong teen named Moana (Cravalho), who, with the help of a powerful demigod, embarks on a mission to return a magical relic to the goddess Te Fiti.

• Who’s in it? Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane
• Movie rating: PG

Princess Merida of DunBroch (Macdonald) isn’t one to blindly follow the rules—especially when it means having to marry a stranger against her will. But when her open rebellion inadvertently wreaks havoc on the kingdom, she sets out to end the horrible curse that’s responsible. From stunning animation to strong feminist themes, this Disney flick is a guaranteed hit for every family.

• Who’s in it? Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman
• Movie rating: PG

This '80s classic follows Judy (Fonda), Violet (Tomlin) and Doralee (Parton), three hard-working women who seek revenge against their egotistical and sexist boss. And just like that, Parton's iconic theme song, “9 to 5,” is stuck in our heads.

• Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz, David Strathairn
• Movie rating: PG

After seeing that Major League Baseball is on a quick decline, thanks to hundreds of men serving in World War II, Chicago Cubs owner Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall) launches a professional all-female baseball league. If there’s one thing we enjoy, it’s seeing talented ladies succeed in a male-dominated sport.

• Who’s in it? Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart
• Movie rating: PG

Just to give you an idea of how amazing this film is, it was praised by critics, scored five Oscar nominations and earned Roberts a win for Best Actress. The biographical drama highlights the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mom and environmental activist who, despite her lack of experience in law, built a successful case against PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) for contaminating her town’s drinking water.

• Who’s in it? Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern
• Movie rating: R

Cheryl Strayed (played by Witherspoon) is no Elle Woods, but her incredible, soul-searching journey and resilience will leave you inspired. Based on Strayed’s 2012 memoir, Wild takes us through the highs and lows of her 1,100-mile hike across the Pacific Crest Trail. And during her journey, we get a bit of insight into her complicated past through flashbacks.

• Who’s in it? Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong
• Movie rating: PG-13

Arguably the best movie that Goldberg ever made, The Color Purple centers on a Black Southern woman named Celie (Goldberg), who overcomes years of trauma to become an empowered woman who knows her worth. The coming-of-age film is by far one of the most emotional movies you’ll ever see, but it does a great job of examining issues many Black women have faced, from sexism to domestic violence.

• Who’s in it? Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton
• Movie rating: R

It’s the sci-fi classic that spawned a mega-successful franchise, from video games to Alien-themed toys. But what we love most is the fact that Weaver’s character doesn’t play the helpless victim. Instead, she embodies an action hero who’s brave and skillful enough to take down a deadly creature.

• Who’s in it? Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
• Movie rating: R

After a dark turn of events on their fun road trip, BFFs Thelma (Davis) and Louise (Sarandon) become fugitives on the run—all because they know that the police will be dismissive of the true story. The timeless Academy Award-winner doesn’t shy away from critiquing the patriarchy, and it also celebrates the beauty of independent, carefree, uncompromising women.

• Who’s in it? Pam Grier, Peter Brown, Terry Carter, Antonio Fargas
• Movie rating: R

With her portrayal of Foxy Brown, Grier was among the first to show the world what a fearless and liberated Black woman looks like. Following the murder of her government-agent boyfriend, Foxy is bent on revenge, going as far as posing as a prostitute to catch the mobsters responsible.

• Who’s in it? Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux
• Movie rating: PG-13

The biographical drama chronicles the incredible life of and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, AKA the Notorious RBG. Played by Jones, the movie details how she overcame several obstacles—including sexist hiring policies—to become a successful lawyer and the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

• Who’s in it? Arunachalam Muruganantham, Shabana Khan, Gouri Choudari
• Movie rating: PG

This eye-opening doc focuses on a group of women in Hapur, India, as they work to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation in their community. The 26-minute short reveals how they manufacture affordable feminine hygiene products, while also shedding light on the patriarchal system of India.

• Who’s in it? Chude Pamela Allen, Alta Gerrey, Judith Arcana, Susan Griffin, Rita Mae Brown
• Movie rating: NR

Ride the second wave of feminism as Mary Dore explores the many facets of the movement, including its impact on issues like racism, class, reproductive health and education discrimination. The insightful doc is equal parts provocative and educational, featuring candid interviews with women who were part of the movement.

• Who’s in it? Tracy Camilla Johns, Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, Spike Lee
• Movie rating: R

This Spike Lee joint, which marked his first feature-length film, stars Johns as Nola Darling, a stunning young artist who’s juggling three casual relationships and her own career. Critics have praised the black-and-white flick for its take on Black female sexuality, and it even scored a Netflix reboot of the same name.

• Who’s in it? Jane Fonda, Rachel Maddow, Katie Couric
• Movie rating: PG

Join the biggest women in media as they delve into the negative portrayals and misrepresentation of women in their field. Journalists like—Maddow and Couric—open up about their own experiences and offer insightful commentary about the need for more positive female role models.

• Who’s in it? Vincent Elbaz, Marie-Sophie Ferdane, Pierre Bénézit, Moon Dailly
• Movie rating: NR

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a matriarchal society, where women enjoy all the privileges that men do? Well, I Am Not an Easy Man does a pretty good job of exploring that very concept. In the French film, Damien (Elbaz), a chauvinistic guy, wakes up one day to find that gender roles have been switched. It’s a huge wake-up call when he starts to experience sexism.

• Who’s in it? Hadley Robinson, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Lauren Tsai, Nico Hiraga, Patrick Schwarzenegger
• Movie rating: PG-13

To address the toxic and sexist behaviors of her high school peers, 16-year-old Vivian (Robinson) decides to launch Moxie, a feminist zine that empowers other girls to speak up as they deal with issues like bullying and sexual harassment. While the film does have its flaws, it’s a charming, coming-of-age tale that examines timely feminist themes.

• Who’s in it? Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Cicely Tyson
• Movie rating: PG

From tear-jerker scenes to charming characters, this poignant throwback still gives us all the feels. But what makes it truly timeless is the way that it deals with feminism, aging and racism. Fried Green Tomatoes is a story about an unhappily married housewife, who soon develops a close bond with an elderly woman after learning about her past.

• Who’s in it? Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts
• Movie rating: PG-13

Inspired by Robert Harling's play of the same name, Steel Magnolias mainly revolves around Truvy, who owns a Louisiana beauty shop. The heartwarming film reveals how she and her friends support each other as they navigate the ups and downs of life. (Check this one out if you need a good cry.)

• Who’s in it? Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Meryl Streep
• Movie rating: PG-13

In this moving period drama, Mulligan plays a working-class wife and mother who joins the struggle for British women to vote during the early 20th century—even if it means risking her job and her own life.

• Who’s in it? Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman
• Movie rating: PG-13

You probably remember the infamous 1973 match between Billie Jean King (Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Carell), which was also nicknamed the “battle of the sexes.” But unlike what the name suggests, this film is really an exploration of what gender equality means. See how the legendary King tackled injustice, both on and off the court.

• Who’s in it? Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Mozhan Marnò
• Movie rating: NR

Unbeknownst to the inhabitants of Bad City, an Iranian town, a mysterious vampire (Vand) lurks the streets at night, looking to prey on men who have somehow hurt or disrespected women. But beyond its compelling storyline, the revenge horror also makes room to explore depression, female rage and patriarchy.

• Who’s in it? Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, Lily Gladstone, James Le Gros
• Movie rating: NR

The indie film follows three ordinary women as they deal with everyday struggles that range from sexism in the workplace to a terrifying hostage situation. It’s impossible to not see a bit of yourself in each character.

• Who’s in it? Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Melanie Griffith
• Movie rating: R

Getting ahead in the workplace can be a struggle for women, but it’s not stopping Tess McGill (Griffith)—an ambitious college-educated secretary—from trying. In the movie, Tess pitches a strong idea that could help boost her career, but things get complicated when her boss tries to take all the credit.

• Who’s in it? Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith
• Movie rating: R

Desperate to escape lives of loss and poverty, four Black women and close friends decide to rob a string of banks together, in hopes of finally securing financial stability—but this isn’t merely a fast-paced thriller about brave women. The film also explores how America’s flawed system is designed to keep Black women disenfranchised.

• Who’s in it? Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett, Gloria Reuben, Malik Yoba
• Movie rating: 13+

Although the film is purely fictional, it’s fascinating to see what the close-knit friendship between Coretta Scott King (Blige) and Dr. Betty Shabazz (Bassett) might have looked like, following the deaths of their husbands. It also does a solid job of honoring their legacy and highlighting their impact on Black women.

• Who’s in it? Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Juliet Stevenson, Shaznay Lewis
• Movie rating: PG-13

Thanks to her strict parents, who’ve forbidden her from playing soccer because of her gender, 18-year-old Jesminder (Nagra) must sneak behind their backs to play on the women’s team. But when the team advances to the league tournament, Jess struggles to keep her passion under the radar.

• Who’s in it? Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis
• Movie rating: PG-13

Gadot shines as Wonder Woman, who delivers her own brand of feminism by valuing compassion and empathy over chaos and conflict. In the superhero film, the Amazon princess is on a mission to stop World War I, and naturally, there’s no shortage of stellar performances and action sequences.