Feminist ArtFilms

Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women' reinterprets Louisa May Alcott's classic novel from a contemporary feminist perspective, exploring 19th-century women's struggles between artistic creation, economic independence, and social expectations, breathing new life into the classic story.

In late 18th century Brittany, France, female painter Marianne is commissioned to paint a portrait of aristocrat Héloïse. This portrait will determine Héloïse's marriage, but she refuses to cooperate. During their time together, the two gradually develop a profound and secret emotional connection.

A biographical drama about 19th-century French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette's growth and awakening. Keira Knightley brilliantly portrays this pioneering female writer who challenged gender norms, fought for authorial credit, and explored gender fluidity in her legendary life.

Disney's 2016 animated masterpiece tells the adventure story of Polynesian teenager Moana who saves her homeland. Voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, this film breaks from traditional Disney princess formulas with no romantic subplot, focusing instead on themes of female empowerment, cultural identity, and environmental protection.

Bel Powley is a breakout as 15-year-old Minnie, a budding cartoonist and soon-to-be harlot (her word, not ours). Marielle Heller's exuberant journey through the teenage psyche has more penis drawings than a Seth Rogen comedy, and the best part? It doesn't judge.

If you can't get something done, do it yourself. Ava DuVernay took this adage to heart and wrote, directed, produced, and financed this family drama about a woman grieving the death of a loved one. It made just a blip on the box office radar, but her debut feature offers a peek at the woman behind the camera.

Director Kelly Reichardt recruits Michelle Williams for her character study mapping out the evolution of homelessness and destitution. With nothing but her pup Lucy, Williams's Wendy fights to survive in a recession-era landscape. Like all of Reichardt's characters, she is flawed, willful, and above all, strong.

Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, this black-and-white animated film tells the story of an Iranian girl's coming-of-age before and after the Islamic Revolution, profoundly exploring women's survival and resistance under religious totalitarianism.

Frida Kahlo's famous self-portrait, with that thick unibrow and unwaxed upper lip, has become an iconic symbol of feminism. Julie Taymor's biopic takes us behind the canvas to reveal the artist, the activist, the revolutionary. And knowing what we do now about lead actor Salma Hayek's off-screen experience, this film proves an even greater victory.

Disney's animated classic 'Mulan' tells the story of ancient Chinese woman Mulan who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. The film breaks from traditional Disney princess frameworks, creating a brave, independent female character who dares to challenge gender norms.

Feminism isn't just about women kicking ass - it's also about allowing us the freedom to be who we want. For the protagonist sisters in Gillian Armstrong's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel, that means a writer, a musician, a housewife, and a free spirit.

Never one to succumb to labels, pioneering filmmaker Jane Campion delivers a love story about a mute woman whose erotic affair has life-altering repercussions. And even though Campion would probably fight us on this, one can't help but spot and appreciate what seems to be a feminist vision.

Canadian avant-garde cinema mostly seen and analyzed by college students, Patricia Rozema's fairy-tale whimsy, about an artist on her journey to self-discovery, is one you should seek out - particularly because it's made by a fantastic team of women.

A classic science fiction horror film where Sigourney Weaver's Ripley becomes one of the most influential female characters in sci-fi cinema history. The film not only redefines the 'final girl' archetype but also deeply explores workplace gender discrimination and the dismissal of female leadership through its space horror packaging.

A romp through a Catholic girls' school courtesy of a pair of mischievous teens, this Hayley Mills classic is all about sisterhood. But the real feminism is happening behind the lens: Ida Lupino, the sole working female director of the '50s, was blazing a trail for the women who would follow.