Published March 3, 2025
BY TULLAH MCCOLL
Women’s History Month is a time to highlight the impactful contributions women have made throughout history. For many, the interest in reading a biography or historical novel may not contend with watching a movie, so here are five great films that spotlight famous women and will leave you feeling inspired by the time the credits roll.
(courtesy of PERFECT WORLD PICTURES)
“Harriet” (2019)
Taking place in 1849 America, the film follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman and her involvement in the Underground Railroad. From her escape from slavery to the extremely dangerous journey she led in order to free hundreds of slaves, “Harriet” is a moving piece about a powerful woman who continually risked her life trying to save others. Tubman says, “I’m gonna be free or die.”
(courtesy of COLUMBIA PICTURES)
“Little Women” (2019)
This is the best adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” Based on the pioneer female writer’s groundbreaking novel from 1868, the film follows complex female characters and sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, who have ambitions and dreams that challenge traditional gender roles. Through the sisters, viewers are able to understand the struggles women faced at the time, like work, domesticity and true love. The movie embodies womanhood in a beautiful way. The second eldest sister, Jo March, explains, “Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts… I’m so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for.”
(courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES)
“On the Basis of Sex” (2018)
Starting in 1956, when future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg decides to take on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, the film follows the story of how the case changed the trajectory of her career and altered the way courts view sexism. Seeing one of America’s most famous modern day advocates rise up against discrimination is powerful. Young RBG says, “If the law differentiates between people on the basis of sex, then how will women and men ever become equals?”
(courtesy of 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS)
“Hidden Figures” (2016)
The film follows three intelligent Black women‒Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson‒as they work for NASA during the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1961, a huge achievement that helped the nation advance in the Space Race. The sexism and racism the three overcome while working in a male-dominated field is impressive and inspirational to watch. Dorothy Vaughan says, “Separate and equal are two different things. Just ‘cause it’s the way, doesn’t make it right, understand?”
(courtesy of TSG ENTERTAINMENT)
“Battle of the Sexes” (2017)
In 1973, the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs became the most watched televised sports event of all time. “Battle of the Sexes” illustrates when Riggs, a sexist, challenges King, the top women’s player to a match. King wins despite the media and personal battles she was fighting. The movie shows King’s journey that would lead her to be an advocate for female athletes and the LGBTQ+ community. The film is funny, exciting and empowering. Billie Jean King says, “I’m not saying women are better. I’ve never said that. I’m saying we deserve some respect.”
