Art of Five Women Laying their Heads on Each Other. CC BY-SA 2.0 (No changes made)
It is March, which means that it is officially Women’s History Month. To celebrate or acknowledge why it is important, here are films to watch that may greaten appreciation or understanding.
“The Stepford Wives”
A 1975 film directed by Bryan Forbes and stars Katharine Ross, Paula Prentiss and Peter Masterton. The film takes place in the quaint and quiet town of Stepford, Connecticut where Joanna Eberhart moves with her family. At first, everything seems normal, nearly perfect even, but as the days go by, Joanna notices something strange going on with the female residents of the town. “The Stepford Wives” focuses on themes of anti-feminist backlash, misogyny, loss of identity, dehumanization and objectification. Though the film does not show the empowerment of women, it shows how dangerous 1950’s gender roles were. It explores why society should always look back in history to avoid these sexist roles.
“The First Wives Club”
A 1996 film directed by Hugh Wilson and stars Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton. The plot focuses on three women who seek revenge on their ex-husbands for leaving them for younger women. “The First Wives Club” is a great comedy that leaves viewers feeling satisfied and jubilant with the amusing dialogue. It also features thecatchy Leslie Gore song, “You Don’t Own Me” played as an anthem of empowerment for the women. The film explores female empowerment, relationships, and the devaluation of older women.
“The Help”
A 2011 period drama film that follows an aspiring author during the 1960s movement who decides to write a book in an African American maid’s point of view on the white families they work for as well as the discrimination and hardships they have to face day after day. The film explores racism, courage, female solidarity and the power of storytelling. “The Help” won a single Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role which was awarded to Octavia Spencer for her role as Minny Jackson.
“Thelma & Louise”
A 1991 buddy comedy-drama directed by Ridley Scott and stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. The film follows best friends Thelma and Louise who plan to go on a fishing trip up in the mountains for a few days to escape their neglectful lovers. However, a major accident takes place and Thelma and Louise go on the run in hopes that they can start a new life in Mexico. “Thelma & Louise” contains many twists and turns along with frightening and hilarious moments. The film is greatly important in the feminist community due to the themes of female friendships, liberation and rebellion against patriarchal oppression.
“If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You”
A 2025 film written and directed by Mary Bronstein and stars Rose Bryne as Linda, a mother struggling with her mental illness along with her daughter’s ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Linda has to deal with her struggling home life and exhausting demands of her daughter’s illness. These cause her to slowly go irrational until she reaches a near breaking point. The film features heavy topics, which means that it is suggested the viewer look them up before viewing so they will not become triggered. “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You” features themes of maternal sacrifice, the emotional and mental toll of rigorous responsibility, and anxiety. The film was nominated for one Oscar in the 2026 awards ceremony which is Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
“Hidden Figures”
A 2016 period drama based on the true story of three mathematician African American women who are working on the process of John Glenn’s launch into orbit. The women, Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson face the severe issues of misogyny and racism in their work field. “Hidden Figures” key themes include perseverance, excellence, racial and gender discrimination, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The film was nominated for three Oscars which includes Best Motion Picture of the Year. It also won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Kill Bill: Volume 1” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2”
A 2003 and 2004 woman-centered action duology. The iconic films are written and directed by the famed Quentin Tarantino and stars Uma Thurman. After The Bride spends four years in a coma violently induced by her former lover, Bill, the ex-assassin seeks revenge on all who have wronged her. After everything that occurs in the first film, “Kill Bill: Volume 2” continues with The Bride’s revenge journey towards more wrongful people and her ex, Bill. Quentin Tarantino considers these two separate films as one. His original intent was to have them be combined and called “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair” but due to the four hour runtime, they got split into two separate films, though “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair” is available to rent/buy on Prime Video.
Most viewers prefer to watch “Kill Bill: Volume 1” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2” back to back. There are slight differences between the single and double films. The films are iconic to cinephiles, with “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair” being the 46th top-ranked movie on IMDb.
