8 March marks a special day to celebrate women around the world of all races and ages. This year’s theme for the International Women’s Day is “Choose to Challenge” which is to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality as well as to seek out and celebrate women's achievements.

In Hollywood, more and more women are getting the spotlight with them being casted as the lead. To celebrate this, we list down some of the films featuring strong female leads that are set to release in 2021.

#1 ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’


Watch out Disney princesses, a new Southeast Asian princess/warrior is ready to make her mark! The long-anticipated film ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is finally here to bring you on a cultural and magical journey to find the Last Dragon, Sisu. Be prepared for plenty of girl power and laughters!

Cast: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong
Release Date: 5 March 2021

#2 ‘Black Widow’


After being delayed for over a year, ‘Black Widow’ is finally meeting Marvel fans in cinemas this year. Natasha Romanoff gets her first ever standalone film where it’ll showcase the events of her life in Russia, pre-Avengers. It turns out that she’s not the only Black Widow that exists in this world.

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, David Harbour
Release Date: 7 May 2021

#3 ‘F9’


It seems that there’s not pulling the breaks for the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise as they’re releasing the ninth installment of the film after postponing due to COVID-19. Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren is set to return as Cipher and Magdalene Shaw respectively, turning up the heat for the rest of the men in the film.

Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese, John Cena, Ludacris
Release Date: 25 June 2021

#4 ‘A Quiet Place Part 2’


‘A Quiet Place’ had to stay quite for a while thanks to the pandemic as well, but this year, they’re about to make some noise at the box office. Evelyn Abbott continues her journey for survival after her husband’s tragic death. They are still haunted by ghastly creatures that feast upon noises no matter how loud or soft they are and along the way, they meet Emmet.

Cast: Emily Blunt Cillian Murphy, John Krasinski, Djimon Honsou
Release Date: 28 May 2021

#5 ‘Cruella’


The idea of Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil set in the 1970s London punk revolution? We’re sold! Duplicating the success of ‘Maleficent’, Disney now shines the spotlight on another iconic Disney villain – Cruella. The film will have a darker tone based on its trailer peppered with some psychotic elements that’ll instantly remind you of Harley Quinn.

Cast: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Mark Strong
Release Date: 28 May 2021

#6 ‘Jungle Cruise’


From what was once a popular attraction at Disneyland has now been turned into a cinematic screenplay that’s set to meet fans soon. The film tells the tale of Frank, a riverboat captain who’s on a mission to find the Tree of Life, which is said to possess healing powers. During his voyage, he brought along Dr. Lily Houghton who shares the same vision.

Cast: The Rock, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall
Release Date: 30 July 2021