Imagine being lost in visual art that is beautifully made with brilliant storytelling, captivating dialogues, stunning shots, and a high entertainment value. Visual cinema has the power to provide us with an escape from reality, to let us live the story and be a part of the creative process.
Often watched to unwind and relax, films offer numerous benefits, including entertainment, education, and emotional catharsis. They can stir up powerful emotions in us and be used as a tool for exploring and bringing awareness to social and cultural concerns. They make us cry, laugh, question things, feel things, and, most importantly, influence the way we think, act, and behave.
We’ve put together a list of our top 10 film recommendations that every woman should watch at least once in their life. This list has some iconic and inspiring stories about determination, perseverance, overcoming adversities, self-discovery, mentorship, empowerment, and more!
"Erin Brockovich" (2000) starring Julia Roberts
The movie "Erin Brockovich," which is based on a true tale, shows a single mother's tenacity and determination in battling to seek justice when she takes on a powerful corporation. It showcases the strength and resilience of women and mothers.
As per IMDB, the real Erin claimed that the instances shown in the movie were 98–99% accurate.
"The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) starring Will Smith
A movie most of us have already watched and dearly love. The “Pursuit of Happyness” tells the story of a struggling single father who overcomes numerous obstacles to provide for his family and give them a better life.
Inspired by Chris Gardner’s life, the film is heart warming and tells an emotional story of perseverance and the power of love and family.
"The Blind Side" (2009) starring Sandra Bullock
One of Sandra Bullock’s best performances, the film is based on a true story of a wealthy lady. The story revolves around her role as a mother who takes in a homeless and underprivileged teenager and helps him achieve success in both football and life.
It serves as an example of the transformative impact of mentoring and the significance of giving back to others in any way possible.
Tom Hanks and Geena Davis’ "A League of Their Own" (1992)
The 1992 movie is set during World War II and tells the story of a group of women who form a professional baseball league while the men are away at war. It is a story of female empowerment and the importance of following your dreams, no matter the odds.
“A League of Their Own” beautifully combines comedy with drama and history. Even if you're not a huge fan of movies about sports, you can be sure that this one will still teach you a lot about the perspective and lives of women in the past!
"Million Dollar Baby" (2004) starring Hilary Swank and Clint Eastwood
Beyond his silence, there is a past. Beyond her dreams, there is a feeling. Beyond hope, there is a memory. Beyond their journey, there is love.
Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” is about a determined young woman who wants to become a professional boxer and the relationship that over time, develops between her and her trainer.
A four-time Academy Award winner, the movie is one of the most inspiring women’s stories ever told. It is a powerful tale of overcoming adversity and the importance of having someone believe in you.
"The Help" (2011) starring Viola Davis and Emma Stone
Based on Kathryn Stockett's book, “The Help” follows the story of a young white woman who befriends and helps to empower a group of African American maids. It tells the story of a budding author who chooses to pen a book that describes the struggles faced by African American maids working for white households during the civil rights movement. “The Help” beautifully sheds light on their perspective and their struggles.
It is a story of friendship, the power of community, and standing up for what is right.
Robin Williams’ "Dead Poets Society" (1989)
This movie is about a teacher who inspires his students to think for themselves and to live life to the fullest. An eccentric teacher played by Robin Williams uses poetry and literature to teach his young students about self-expression.
This Oscar-winning film is a story of the power of words and the importance of being true to yourself.
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013) starring Ben Stiller
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a story about a man who daydreams about living a more exciting life but is inspired to act and make those dreams a reality. When Walter and his colleague are about to lose their jobs, he takes on a challenge and embarks on an adventurous journey to find the extraordinary.
Based on the 1939 short story by James Thurber, this is a story about the importance of taking risks and living life to the fullest.
"Julie & Julia" (2009)
The story starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams follows the lives of Julie Powell and Julia Child. They have both authored memoirs, and over time they have discovered that their lives are quite similar—both women are lost despite being separated by time and distance. However, they eventually realise that anything is possible when passion, ambition, and butter come together.
This movie is about a woman who starts a blog to document her efforts to cook every recipe in a famous chef's cookbook. It is a story about the power of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it—a wonderful message portrayed in a fun, light hearted way.
"Wild" (2014) starring Reese Witherspoon
Wild is based on the true story of a woman who embarks on a 1,000-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to recover from personal tragedy and find herself.
"Wild" is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of nature.
*Image courtesy: IMDB
Got a few movies that you think we missed out on our list?
Why not let us know in the comments below?