Top 10 Movies that Surprisingly Pass the Bechdel Test

That’s right, the first entry on our list is a football drama. This movie follows an African American coach who will be leading a high school’s team in their first year of being racially diverse. Coach Herman Boone, along with assistant coach Bill Yoast take it upon themselves to push their team to work together. Although mostly a male-dominated film, the two coaches’ daughters, Nicky and Sheryl, have a quick exchange about playing with dolls. This scene shows how their personalities clash; but they do become friends by the end of the film. That’s besides the fact, though, since this film passes the Bechdel on their short conversation alone.

You probably wouldn’t think this romantic comedy would be here, especially considering it follows a writer who’s working on an article called “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” However, it’s actually one of the quickest passes on our list, as Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, has a work-related conversation with her colleague Jeannie within the first couple minutes of the movie. There’s also a notable scene during a meeting at Composure Magazine where Lori pitches her idea in front of the team. With Andie’s political pitch getting shut down as she gets reminded that they specialize in covering fashion, diets and gossip, this may not be the most feminist entry on the list; but for all intents and purposes, it certainly passes the Bechdel test.

Sit tight for this one. A movie where two horny, teenage boys create a virtual human being – right down to her bra size – actually makes the cut… hmm, perhaps the Bechdel test has its shortcomings? Gary and Wyatt are outcasts at high school and ultimately want to win the affection of their two beautiful classmates, Hilly and Deb. They dream up a bombshell babe and name her Lisa to build their self-confidence instead of you know… just talking to their love interests. However, since a brief conversation between their crushes acknowledging Lisa’s beauty and perfection takes place, this movie is able to cement its surprising spot on our list.

We know what you’re thinking based on the title, but stay with us. The 1950s was a historic decade for civil rights, but left much to be desired concerning gender equality. It’s said that today’s women are becoming the men they wanted to marry, but apparently Marilyn Monroe and the rest of this film’s cast had never heard that. Three women rent a luxurious penthouse in New York City and use it to try and discover rich men to marry. Amid much cringe-inducing dialogue, there’s a conversation about lunch, another about living arrangements, and one about the concept of marriage… we’ll let you decide if the last one counts or not.

While this film’s protagonists managed to have their v-cards punched in the series’ first installment –which unsurprisingly fails the Bechdel test btw – they also waste no time setting up an ultimately unimportant plot that serves as a backdrop for gross out gags and plenty of female nudity. This time, Jim Levenstein and the gang set out to spend their summer at a beach house in Grand Haven, Michigan, and misadventures ensue. The film’s lesbian couple, Amber and Natalie, have a brief conversation about clothes and a dildo… and the result is yet another film that just barely squeaks by. But hey, a win’s a win.

Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly one of the best directors around, but his films tend to revolve around an obsession with New York, the Mob, and lots and lots of depravity. They’re also almost entirely depicted from a man’s perspective. His mobster masterpiece tells the story of Henry Hill, an aspiring gangster who achieves his dream, all while experiencing the highs and lows of the lifestyle. In one scene, his wife, Karen, talks to a woman named Lois about using a baby to smuggle drugs– which may sound questionable, but still counts according to the Bechdel test criteria. Thanks to that exchange, as well as one where Karen talks to Rosie about where they’re from, Scorsese manages to make a film for the ages, which surprisingly avoided the red mark of a failed Bechdel Test.

Michael Bay films have increasingly become known for noisy explosions, low Rotten Tomato scores, and heaping doses of female objectivity. This is perhaps best exhibited in his infamous Transformers franchise. Each installment has more or less the same plot; a male protagonist finds himself trapped in the crosshairs of warring Transformers, Autobots defeat the Decepticons, and Optimus Prime gives a moving speech. There’s also a different, but consistently highly attractive female lead that runs around bearing cleavage for 2 hours. Luckily for the franchise, conversations about a character’s hair and overall beauty, as well as another conversation about a bomb, constitute a qualifying score.

We’re hard pressed to find a scene containing a woman fully dressed who’s not a prostitute in this film… yet, it technically still passes the Bechdel test. Frank Miller’s neo-noir adaptation of his acclaimed graphic novel gained notoriety upon its release. Recounting the intertwining stories of Basin City’s gritty anti-heroes as they pursue corrupt politicians, mobsters, and beyond; explicit abuse and objectivity is seen onscreen time and time again. However, a handful of brief sentiments from some of the City’s prostitutes, including a conversation between Gail and Becky, gives this film a passing grade.

If there’s one entry that’s best to watch on an empty stomach, this is it. Shock value alone propelled this movie forward to quote-unquote “success,” but the film’s female characters were given ample time to talk about more than just guy stuff. After being kidnapped by a German surgeon, three tourists are thrown head… or in this case, mouth first into a horrifying surgical abomination. Let’s just say, they don’t really have an opportunity to pass the test in the latter half of the movie. Still, a conversation regarding lost directions and a broken down car gives the film a green light for our list.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

“Snakes on a Plane” (2006)

“Last Tango in Paris” (1972)

What if we told you that a movie about six dudes travelling to a stripper convention was the most feminist film on our list? Well, it just might be, and it manages to look damn fine while doing so. Magic Mike XXL is the sequel to the 2012 box office and critical success that surprisingly delivered. As the aforementioned gang drops everything to attend one last stripping convention in Myrtle Beach, the message given is women are sexual beings and that’s entirely okay. Although delivered from the male perspective, the film unapologetically challenges the status quo of female sexuality, while barely squeaking by on the Bechdel test due to a certain conversation between club owner Rome and Paris.

Do you agree with our list? Which movies caught you off guard by passing the Bechdel Test? For more progressive Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.