The International Women's Day is dedicated to all the women out there by celebrating "the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women” and “a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”
So, how will you be celebrating this full on ‘girl power’ day?
Be it marching with your girlfriends and fighting for your causes, sharing books or stories about women who are an inspiration to the society; no matter what you do, as long as it makes you happy and uplifts you as a woman; go for it.
And if you’re planning to just curl in bed while watching movies that empower women, we’ve got just the list for you to start your weekend movie marathon.
#1 Hidden Figures
Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field -- especially those of colour -- were rarely heard of more than 50 years ago. ‘Hidden Figures’ is the prime example that you shouldn’t undermine one’s capability based on the colour of their skin or gender. Based on a true story, the film tells the inspiring tale of a team of African-American females working for NASA and was part of historically important projects such as Project Mercury.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons
Released in: 2016
#2 Captain Marvel
Steering away from the same ol’ leading-male-saves-the-day narrative, ‘Captain Marvel’ shows who truly runs the world (or galaxy) – girls! Despite getting tonnes of flak from male characters who tries to belittle her capabilities, Carol Danvers continues to glow and grow throughout the movie; putting those haters back in their place. If you thought Thanos was the strongest and most intimidating character in the MCU, then wait till you meet Captain Marvel. Check out our review right here.
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn, Gemma Chan, Lee Pace
Released in: 2019
#3 Mulan
'Mulan' was such an iconic film, especially if you grew up in the 90s. Training with men, cutting off her long luscious hair and going to war, Mulan was indeed a badass in her era and for centuries to come. The release of this Disney film also meant that the studio was becoming more inclusive of the type of stories they were churning out. Hilarious, inspiring, and songs that were truly a bop; we don’t need any more reasons to make you watch the movie.
Starring: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer, June Foray, Pat Morita
Released in: 1998
#4 Legally Blonde
Blondes are often stereotyped as being not so bright, so when a blondie named Elle Woods enrols into law school, many people with premature judgment predicted that she’s setting up herself to fail. With no one in law school taking her seriously, Woods became an underdog and eventually helped win a murder case. She eventually graduates from Harvard with honours. The definition of beauty and brains, this girl.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber
Released in: 2001
#5 Bend It Like Beckham
For some parents, hearing your daughter’s dream of becoming a football star may not be taken seriously. They may just consider it a ‘phase’. But for one girl who grew up in an orthodox Sikh family, it’s all she ever wants to be and she’s about to prove it to her parents and the world. A beautiful tale of friendship, acceptance, and passion, ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ should be on your must-watch list with your friends and family.
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Archie Panjabi, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Shaznay Lewis
Released in: 2002