Top 10 Girl Powers Movies Every Woman Should See

Script written by Rahel Losier.

Top 10 Girl Powers Movies Every Woman Should See

Women to the front! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for Top 10 Girl Powers Movies Every Woman Should See.

For this list, we’re looking at films that highlight female empowerment, whether that means they show women asserting their independence, supporting other women, building confidence or overcoming the societal barriers that females sometimes encounter.

#10: “Winter’s Bone” (2010)

Ree is a young woman facing stupendous barriers given her parents’ absence and their life of poverty in the rural Ozarks. However, she is disarmingly levelheaded and strong, managing to care for her two younger siblings despite being only 17 years old. Aside from its chilling realism, an astounding element of this movie is the fact that no judgment is shown towards the surrounding characters. The drama is a fascinating exploration into the all too common experience many older siblings face with absent parents and Ree is as caring and exemplary as can be.

#9: “Precious” (2009)

Based on the novel “Push,” “Precious” portrays a character that faces extreme levels of abuse and disadvantage. You see, Precious has enough imagination, mental strength and determination to fill an ocean, but her success may not be measured in conventional ways, as she cannot read well and has low self-esteem. She has a habit of dissociating herself from her reality because it’s so harsh, yet in these flashes wesee the shreds of hope that she has for a better life. The movie also sees a few older women help Precious open her eyes to the idea that her real world and her fantasy world might not be so different after all - which is very inspiring to say the least!

#8: “Short Term 12” (2013)

Grace, played by Brie Larson, is a veritable brick wall of strength and perseverance. Her job as a supervisor in a group home for troubled teens presents many challenges on a daily basis, with some even mirroring her own tumultuous past and stirring up carefully suppressed memories. Grace’s supportive, comedic nature and independent streak are some of her more consistent, valuable qualities, and she is a delight to watch as she navigates the skeletons in her own closet, especially as she helps a young new arrival open up about her own troubling home situation.

#7: “Brave” (2012)

From deep in the Scottish Highlands comes a new breed of animated princess. Merida is faced with an arranged marriage, but she has other plans – as well as a taste for adventure and a willingness to risk everything for her own freedom. However, she seeks to minimize the damage her pursuits would cause by finding a solution that works best for everyone. Breaking with tradition and her mother’s stifling idea of womanhood, Merida braves the family uproar with wit and charm. This is a hilarious Disney movie with depth that everyone can celebrate, but it also shows that reinventing girlhood might take a male ally like King Fergus, as well!

#6: “A League of Their Own” (1992)

It’s female empowerment in the context of World War II, and a fictionalized tale of the actual experiences of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. Feminism really began inching its way towards the mainstream when women began taking on roles traditionally held by men. The players in this league all come from average lives, but tackle this new challenge with gusto, supporting each other through the roller coaster of travel, the criticism towards their gender bending and the sacrifices they make for the integrity of the team. What’s perhaps equally incredible is that these women played baseball in skirts!

#5: “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

This film is a a thrilling action ride, sure, but it also touches on societal emancipation from greedy, corrupted leaders. Charlize Theron plays an unforgettable heroine, Imperator Furiosa, who leverages her power to try to free the women Immortan Joe has chosen for breeding. The journey taken by the wives as they try to escape their oppressive lives is turbulent, and bears the typical marks of an action adventure movie. However, what makes this a girl power flick is not the fact that most of the stars are women where normally they’d be men, but rather the themes explored in tandem with the courageous women represented.

#4: “Mulan” (1998)

This is the heart-warming story of a maiden who chooses to take her father's place in the army against the invading Huns. The titular Mulan is the female in question, who takes on what her society considers to be a male’s duty. As such, she consistently forges her own path as a brave character and leader. While using her rationality and cleverness as much as her physical and emotional strength, Mulan also has a swashbuckling adventure, swaps gender roles and falls in love all in the same year. It's a cartoon for a reason, but an excellent one that also demonstrates anything can happen. To top things off, Mulan was inspired by a legendary real life Chinese warrior.

#3: “Thelma & Louise” (1991)

“Thelma and Louise” is an inspiring, albeit cautionary, tale about what can happen when women seek liberation. The film sees the titular duo stick together through the complicated circumstances that ensue as they head out on their own. While that includes a sexual assault incident, murder and thievery, the comedy-drama brings up intriguing questions as well, analyzing what freedom really is and how far some people will go to achieve it. Thelma and Louise hit the road, and it is a bumpy ride, but despite the setbacks, both characters gain confidence, their friendship grows and they remain loyal to the end.

#2: “Erin Brockovich” (2000)

This is a biographical film about an unemployed single mom of three who ends up taking on a huge legal battle against a huge gas and electricity company. But Erin's strength, intelligence and confidence ensure her independence as she navigates a burgeoning career in law while also being a mother. The movie shows Brockovich relentlessly pursuing justice in her own fashion and using the legal system to help herself and others. If that means taking up a little space and amplifying her voice, so be it. Plus, she’s witty as hell to boot!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “The Hunger Games” (2012)
- “Legally Blonde” (2001)
- “G.I. Jane” (1997)
- “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002)
- “Sister Act” (1992)

#1: “Whale Rider” (2002)

Our number one pick shows a young Maori girl overcoming entrenched patriarchal mythologies and cultural traditions. By responding to such traditions with her own brand of resistance and compassionate understanding, Pai demonstrates that those societies that covet sons over daughters rely on illogical premises about the value of women. The family drama depicts strong cultural ties, and the beauty that comes from them, as well as the consequences faced by those seeking alternative ways of life. Pai is a girl power character that refuses to change who she is in the face of discrimination, instead seeking to transform the world she’s living in for the better.

Do you agree with our list? Which inspiring girl power movies are your fave? For more memorable top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.