12 Women’s History Month Movies You Must Watch

As screenwriters and producers gear up for Women’s History Month, choosing standout women’s history month movies isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about harnessing powerful female narratives to fuel your next script.
These films spotlight formidable women who’ve rewritten history, providing inspiration for character development and storytelling. Below, we’ll explore a curated selection of essential movies that challenge norms and drive creativity in your projects.

1. Hidden Figures: Celebrating Women in STEM

Step into the world of early space exploration. “Hidden Figures” spotlights the often-overlooked contributions of African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. This movie isn’t just about computations and rockets; it’s a powerful narrative about perseverance, equality, and breaking through societal barriers. For writers, this film offers a treasure trove of themes about pushing boundaries in male-dominated fields. It’s a remarkable story of resilience that echoes in today’s narratives as well.

• Katherine Johnson: Her calculations ensured John Glenn’s orbit around the Earth. Her story illustrates how intellect can challenge and change perceptions.
• Dorothy Vaughan: Mastered the IBM 7090 computer, teaching herself and others to adapt in a changing world.
• Mary Jackson: Fought legal battles to become NASA’s first black female engineer—a testament to grit and determination.

Understanding these bold vanguards can enrich your screenplay by handling complex themes like systemic bias and empowerment.

2. Suffragette: A Battle for the Vote

“Suffragette” takes you to the grit and grime of early 20th-century Britain, where women fiercely battled for their right to vote. These narratives of sacrifice and struggle offer countless insights for writers eager to capture the essence of activism and reform in their work. The film underscores the reality that monumental change often begins with the courage of individuals standing against injustice.

• Maud Watts: A fictional composite reflecting the real suffragettes who risked everything for equality. Through her lens, you witness the stakes—prison, family ostracism, and violence.
• Real Historical Context: Incorporate timelines and hardships faced by women demanding equality to give your scripts authenticity and depth.

These historical insights can powerfully drive narratives centered around seeking justice and societal change.

3. The Color Purple: Overcoming Adversity

Tap into a poignant exploration of resilience and triumph in “The Color Purple.” The powerful journey of African-American women navigating oppression offers a lens into overcoming adversity with grace and strength. It is a touching resource for screenwriters interested in deep discussions of systemic oppression and inner transformation.

• Celie’s Story: From oppression to empowerment—her journey is a deep dive into finding voice and identity.
• Subtle Themes of Sisterhood: Highlights the importance of female solidarity against societal challenges, vital for nuanced character-building in scripts.

Consider exploring themes of personal growth amidst adversity, enhancing your narrative authenticity with compelling, relatable characters.

4. A League of Their Own: Women in Sports

Explore the exhilarating arena of sports barriers being shattered in “A League of Their Own.” This film takes you through the inception of women’s professional baseball during World War II, illustrating how societal norms shifted, creating narratives ripe for exploration in contexts beyond sports.

• Pioneering Spirit: The grit of athletes like Dottie Hinson challenges the notion that women don’t belong in sports. Apply these themes to characters who push through unwritten rules.
• Team Dynamics: Presents opportunities to depict teamwork, persistence, and overcoming odds—elements that can add depth to your script narratives.

This backdrop is perfect for creators eager to show women thriving in male-dominated spaces.

5. Erin Brockovich: Individual Impact on Social Change

Erin Brockovich’s story is about harnessing individual power to bring immense social change. The film shows how personal commitment can shift massive systems—a crucial insight for writers dealing with themes of activism and justice.

• Empowerment through Knowledge: Brockovich’s self-education in environmental law—highlighting how determination can overcome perceived limitations.
• Community-Driven Change: Shows how one determined person can unite a community to take on corporate giants.

Dive into creating characters driven by determination and tenacity, shaping narratives that underscore real-world impact.

6. Frida: Art and Identity

“Frida” offers a vibrant look into the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, blending her personal challenges with creative milestones. This film serves as a mirror for exploring themes of identity, passion, and overcoming personal and societal hurdles through artistic expression.

• Frida Kahlo’s Legacy: An emblem of independent spirit and unrestrained creativity, enabling narratives in your screenwork that fearlessly tackle personal challenges.
• Relationship Dynamics: Showcases her complex relationship with Diego Rivera, illustrating love and conflict—essential elements for crafting multidimensional characters.

Kahlo’s life is a perfect example of authentic storytelling, encouraging depth and creativity in script writing.

7. The Iron Lady: Portrait of Leadership

Take an insightful journey with “The Iron Lady.” This film reflects on Margaret Thatcher’s rise and leadership. It’s a goldmine for examining complex women in power, particularly for writers wanting to portray characters navigating male-dominated fields.

• Thatcher’s Leadership: Navigate through controversies and reforms, showing a leader’s steadfast vision amidst challenges.
• Personal Sacrifice: Her struggles with dementia later in life highlight the human side of leadership—a nuanced layer for enriching character development.

This narrative invites examination of the personal costs of public life, offering deep material for nuanced storytelling in screenplays.

Delivering impactful narratives through these films can propel your screenplay projects to new heights. Women’s stories—filled with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination—provide rich texture for your storytelling and allow for exploring multidimensional characters. Keep refining those scripts, one character arc at a time.

8. Little Women (2019): Family and Feminism

Grab your pen and take notes from “Little Women (2019)”—an empowering dive into family dynamics, independence, and feminism. Greta Gerwig’s adaptation brings a modern perspective to a timeless tale, ideal for creating characters with depth and agency.

• Jo March: Embodies ambition, breaking free from societal constraints. Her journey offers valuable lessons in portraying independent female leads.
• Sisterly Bonds: Illustrates how relationships and personal growth intersect, providing rich narrative opportunities for heartfelt storytelling.

This film serves as a blueprint for delving into character-driven stories that celebrate family and individuality.

9. Queen of Katwe: Unveiling Hidden Talents

“Queen of Katwe” showcases the awe-inspiring rise of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Her story unveils themes of determination and opportunity-seizing, which can energize screenwriters to create narratives that spotlight untapped potential.

• Phiona’s Journey: From the slums of Katwe to chess halls of fame, her path shows how perseverance unlocks new possibilities.
• Mentorship’s Role: Highlights how guidance and support fuel talent, a theme that can enrich stories focused on growth and overcoming societal limits.

Master the art of crafting compelling backstories by exploring narratives that challenge stereotypes and uplift marginalized voices.

10. Coco Before Chanel: Fashion as Liberation

Coco Chanel redefined fashion—and with “Coco Before Chanel,” you can harness themes of creativity as liberation. Her journey underscores themes of breaking societal norms through innovation, perfect for scripts centered on transformative personal journeys.

• Coco’s Vision: Emphasizing comfort and simplicity, she rewrote fashion’s rules, illustrating creativity as a tool for empowerment.
• Social Change Through Style: Chanel’s influence exemplifies how changing aesthetics can herald broader societal shifts, providing a canvas for addressing class and freedom.

Explore themes of individuality and cultural change, enhancing narratives with character arcs that inspire and transform.

11. On the Basis of Sex: Gender Equality in Law

“On the Basis of Sex” chronicles Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s early legal career and battle for gender equality. It’s an ideal narrative for exploring themes of justice, resilience, and how strategic legal maneuvers can upend established norms.

• Pioneering Legal Battles: Emphasize her early victories that helped dismantle gender discrimination, providing blueprints for scripts highlighting social justice.
• Partnership: Her teamwork with her husband Martin Ginsburg showcases how collaboration fosters success, enriching personal story arcs.

Craft transformative legal dramas by focusing on characters who challenge the status quo through intellect and perseverance.

12. The Help: Finding Voices in History

Step into the complex world of “The Help,” where African-American maids in 1960s Mississippi narrate their own stories amidst racial tensions. This film offers insights into storytelling’s power to drive social change, perfect for scripts that give voice to overlooked communities.

• Courage to Speak Out: Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson’s stories highlight the transformative power of voice, a theme that resonates in impactful writing.
• Social Dynamics: Depicts layered relationships between domestic workers and employers, inspiring deep exploration of power and inequality.

Utilize these narratives to amplify marginalized voices, fostering scripts that resonate with authenticity and drive important conversations.

Why Women’s Stories Matter in Screenwriting

Women-centric stories aren’t just important—they’re imperative for redefining societal narratives. They provide diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and broadening representation on screen.

• Inspiring Change: Stories like these are catalysts for discussion and reflection on gender roles and expectations, vital for evolving social narratives.
• Complex Characters: Female leads often offer richer narratives with varied backgrounds, enriching screenplays with their complexity and realism.

By leaning into powerful women’s stories, you can create projects that not only entertain but also inspire and educate.

Authentic storytelling centered on women’s narratives brings rich texture and depth, encouraging empathy and action across diverse audiences.

Conclusion

The films we’ve explored illuminate the landscape of women’s contributions to history. For screenwriters and producers, they offer a wellspring of inspiration for crafting compelling, multidimensional characters. These stories, rooted in truth and resilience, are vital for shaping powerful narratives. They encourage storytellers to push boundaries, elevate female voices, and inspire audiences worldwide.

Keep these insights close as you embark on your next screenplay project, energizing your work with characters and stories that resonate and endure. With each new script, you have the power to champion these influential narratives, continuing the legacy of women who have shaped our world.