Women’s Day Special: 14 empowering movies to binge watch

Cinema has treated us to a host of powerful, female-led films that underscore the passion and resilience of women. These films are a constant reminder that even the impossible can be achieved once a woman sets her mind to something. This Women’s Day, celebrate yourself and your girls by watching these empowering movies. Here's a list of our favourite movies that truly inspired us—whether it is a group of women sending a rocket into space or pursuing their football dreams or regaining their self-confidence by learning a language. Get ready to see women rule the screen!

A League of Their Own (1992)

Baseball fans will thoroughly enjoy this one! A film that's all about victory and sportsmanship, A League of Their Own—starring Geena Davis, Loris Petty, and Tom Hanks—centres on a team of women attempting to take over the male-dominated world of baseball by starting the very first female professional baseball league during World War II. The movie highlights the struggle that the women (of that era) had to endure to prove themselves, not just as athletes but also as individuals, encouraging female viewers, young and old, to embrace the champion stifled inside each one of us.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Based on the real-life story of Erin Brockovich, this movie is a prime example of the power and resilience of a strong-willed woman. Julia Roberts plays the titular role—one of her best performances to date—of a single mother who agrees to work as a legal assistant for her lawyer to maintain her livelihood. Unfortunately, she fails to make an impression at the beginning with no law background, her inappropriate clothing, and her blunt nature. However, when she discovers a horrifying cover-up that has caused a devastating illness among locals, she becomes determined to fight for justice for those in need. 

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Bend It Like Beckham is all about shattering stereotypes and tackling cultural expectations. It revolves around the life of Jess Bhamra, a first-generation Indian immigrant in the UK who dreams of playing football. She joins a football team without her family’s knowledge and realises that she was born to play the game. The support and friendship that she gets from the team gives her the strength she needs to stay true to herself—something that we so badly need in the world that we live in today. 

Kahaani (2012)

Starring Vidya Balan, Kahaani is an emotional rollercoaster film that depicts the courage, will, and strength of a resilient woman. Balan plays a pregnant woman who travels to the City of Joy (Kolkata) from London in search of her missing husband, a journey that only takes her from one dead end to another. The film has a gripping narrative that leaves the viewer on the edge of their seats anticipating the next scene and eagerly awaiting the climax. And boy, it was one that no one could have ever imagined—justice and vengeance served on a plate.

English Vinglish (2012)

Sridevi has delivered many iconic performances throughout her career, and English Vinglish is among our top favourites. The film centres on Shashi Godbole (Sridevi), a doting housewife who is looked down upon by her family simply because she cannot speak English. However, when visiting her sister in New York for a wedding, Shashi decides to take an English coaching class to regain her self-confidence and earn the respect of her family members. This film reminds viewers how important it is to love ourselves first and why we should never be afraid of taking risks. 

Wild (2014)

Wild is a film that is sure to inspire and motivate you. The film is adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir, which documented her 1,100-mile life-changing solo hike in 1995. Reese Witherspoon takes on the role of Strayed, who after the death of her mother, the end of her marriage, and a host of other stormy challenges, sets out to hike along one of the longest and toughest trails in America—the Pacific Crest Trail. The movie is highly motivating and might even have you take the first little steps towards self-improvement.

Hidden Figures (2016)

The movie maybe eight years old, but this masterpiece is still fresh in everyone’s memory. This biographical drama is based on the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—three black women who worked at NASA and played an instrumental role in the organisation’s early space missions. The film highlights their fight against racism, gender discrimination, and all the obstacles they faced while trying to pursue their dreams and passions in a male-dominated industry. The American heroes (read heroines) in this Oscar-nominated film are sure to leave you feeling inspired to make your mark in this world. 

Moana (2016)

Gone are the days when a princess in a Disney film was a damsel in distress. One of Disney’s most impressive films in recent years, Moana paints a picture of an adventurous, strong-willed, Polynesian girl who defies the expectations of her family and her tribe to set sail on a daring mission to save her people. Throughout her journey, she fulfils an ancient quest that her ancestors left incomplete to discover the one thing she was always trying to find—her true identity. If you’re looking for a film that celebrates female courage, determination, and the importance of following one’s path, you won’t find one that’s better than Moana. 

Aramm

A political thriller, Aramm is a movie you do not want to miss. The film stars Nayanthara in the lead role as an IAS officer named Madhivadhani who refuses to compromise on her ethics and will do anything in her power to resolve the problems of her village. This film shows us that all it takes is the right intent to make a difference. 

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, is a must-watch for everyone. It features a star-cast ensemble with Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timotée Chalamet. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story follows the four March sisters—Meg, Beth, Amy, and Jo, four strong-willed women who teach us to not take no for an answer and fight for what we believe in. The film beautifully portrays the complexities of sisterhood, female resilience, and finding one's voice in a difficult world.

Thappad (2020)

‘It’s just a slap, but nahi maar sakta’ (It’s just a slap, but he cannot hit me) was more than a dialogue in the film; it was food for thought. The fact that it was ‘just one slap’ was immaterial for the real question that the film asked, which was why should there even be one instance of domestic violence and abuse. Starring Taapsee Paannu, the film revolves around the character of Amrita whose life is turned upside down when her husband slaps her at a party. She then takes a stand for herself by filing for divorce showing everyone how important it is to take a stand for ourselves. 

The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)

If there was ever a film that made one stand up and take notice of patriarchy, this was it. On watching the film, one tends to realise the deeply-rooted problem that exists in households where women are treated as mere cooks and cleaners whose sole job is to prepare food. Nimisha Sajayan is at the top of her game playing a newly-wedded wife who simply cannot deal with the daily grind in the kitchen. The amazing camerawork across countless scenes in the film showcases the contrast between the delectable food, and the horrible plight of the ladies making it. With Nimisha finally reaching the point where she liberates herself from her misery, The Great Indian Kitchen is an eye-opening film that you cannot afford to miss.

Kathal (2023)

The film is a must-watch if you wish to see a powerful portrayal of resilience against societal bias. Sanya Malhotra plays the role of Mahima Basor as she confronts prejudice and underestimation as a Dalit woman police inspector. In a society riddled with caste discrimination, Mahima's journey embodies resilience against societal bias. Through her sharp mind and determination, she unravels the case of seemingly silly thefts of jackfruits, exposing underlying social commentary. 

Bhakshak (2024)

Inspired by true events, the movie features Bhumi Pednekar play the role of Vaishali Singh, a journalist running a local news channel all by herself who uncovers the stories of abuse of girls at a shelter home. It's another film that's a stark reminder of how messed up society can be with people completely oblivious to the horrific crimes taking place around them. That said, the film shows how one can fight for justice and ignite that fire in one's belly. If they have the appetite to make a difference for the better, this is the movie they need that'll leave them behind with ample food for thought.