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Female filmmakers have always existed, but their ability to gain notoriety for their work has been an ongoing battle. The film and TV industry has been dominated by men (primarily white ones) since its inception, and women have been continuously pushed out of roles behind the camera. Historically, women have faced incredibly tough odds in directing even one feature film with a wide release (like Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart), let alone in having a career past that stage — but slowly and surely, we’ve made progress. There’s a growing cohort of directors like Céline Sciamma, Chloé Zhao, Lulu Wang, and more creating movies that dominate the cultural conversation.
To go even further in film and TV history for a minute: women from other marginalized groups, such as women of color, transwomen, disabled women, and low-income women have an even more difficult time breaking in, which makes it all the more important to support new and emerging artists. The women on this list have proven they can break over from artsy indies to blockbusters, like Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey or Nia DaCosta’s upcoming Marvel movie The Marvels, and every woman deserves a shot at having her big break.
Today, more women than ever are being heralded for their outstanding work in film and finally gaining the recognition and lasting careers they deserve — and you should give them that recognition by watching their work too. Read on for the best movies streaming now that have women behind the camera running the show, and enjoy knowing you’re watching a new generation take over.
A version of this article was originally published in March 2021.
Cocaine Bear (2023)
Making it one of the funniest premises in movie history, the Elizabeth Banks-directed movie Cocaine Bear tells the story of just that: a bear high on cocaine. In addition to Banks’ veteran direction, the comedy/thriller stars Keri Russell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Margo Martindale, the late Ray Liotta, and many others. Cocaine Bear is currently in theaters nationwide.
Aftersun (2022)
If Paul Mescal’s nomination for Best Actor at the 2023 Oscars is any indication, Aftersun should also join your must-watch list. The movie, directed by Charlotte Wells, tells the story of Sophie (Frankie Corio), a woman who reflects on the summer vacation she took with her father 20 years earlier.
Women Talking (2022)
Written and directed by Sarah Polley, Women Talking tells the story of a group of women from an isolated religious community that begins to grapple with the stark reality of the world around them. The emotional movie stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Frances McDormand.
The Woman King (2022)
Although Viola Davis was snubbed at the Oscars for her role, The Woman King should still be on your must-see list. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the action-packed movie tells the true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
She Said (2022)
Starring the incredible Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan and directed by Maria Schrader, She Said tells the story of the two journalists, Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who first broke the news of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault allegations. Gripping and truthful.
Alice, Darling (2022)
Directed by Mary Nighy, Alice, Darling, starring Anna Kendrick, tells the story of Alice, a woman who’s stuck in a psychologically abusive relationship. But, after a weekend away with her two longtime friends (Wunmi Mosaku and Kaniehtiio Horn), Kendrick’s Alice begins to open up only to realize the depths of her boyfriend’s toxicity. “It’s a hard movie to give a short description of,” Kendrick told SheKnows, “but those are always my favorite movies.”
Passing (2021)
For her directorial debut, Rebecca Hall creates a visionary adaptation of Nella Larsen’s 1929 book. Passing follows Tessa Thompson’s Irene “Reenie” Redfield, who reconnects with Clare Bellew (Ruth Negga). The film’s title refers to African Americans who had skin light enough that they coud “pass” as white, and the film examines Irene’s relationship with Clare, who has been passing as white.
You can check it out on Netflix.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Among her contemporaries, Jane Campion is one of the most revered filmmakers working today. Having directed films like The Piano, In The Cut, and Bright Star, the Oscar winner takes audiences to the American West in The Power of the Dog, adapted from the 1968 book written by Thomas Savage. It’s a simmering examination of toxic masculinity and deconstructs the American cowboy. Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee star in Campion’s visionary film.
Watch it now on Netflix.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Adapted from Elena Ferrante’s book of the same name, The Lost Daughter is the directorial debut of Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film tackles not only the less joyous moments from motherhood, but also an ambivalence toward motherhood, too. The film stars Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, and Jessie Buckley.
Watch it now on Netflix.
Candyman (2021)
If horror movies are more your speed, then Nia DaCosta’s Candyman will definitely leave you reeling. A sequel to the 1992 horror movie of the same name, DaCosta takes audiences back to the, now-gentrified, neighborhood where the original film took place. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and including plenty of callbacks to the original, it’s a frightening film with meaning and scares aplenty.
You can watch it now on Amazon.
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Writer, director, and producer Channing Godfrey Peoples made her stunning debut with her film Miss Juneteenth. The film exemplifies Channing’s ability to showcase both the beauty and complications within a mother and daughter relationship.
The Farewell (2019)
Chinese-American Lulu Wang is the award winning and heralded director of The Farewell. The family drama is based on her real-life grandmother and has helped her make her mark in the directing world.
Time (2020)
As calls for further examination of the American prison system increase, filmmaker Garrett Bradley’s 2020 documentary Time has an ever increasing importance. The Amazon Studios film follows a woman as she fights for the release of her imprisoned husband and is an essential viewing for all American audiences.
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay is the queen of blood, guts, and family violence. Her most known feature We Need to Talk About Kevin starring Tilda Swinton is a great example of her major themes of interest, and it’s streaming right now.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
French writer and director Céline Sciamma is the genius responsible for the masterful lesbian romance Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This slow burn period drama is a perfect example of Céline’s ability to create a work of art on screen.
The Babadook (2013)
Australian writer and director Jennifer Kent had her breakout as a filmmaker with the heavy and haunting family thriller The Babadook. Her followup film The Nightingale is available on Hulu and is a further example of her interest in the horrors of traditional womanhood.
Shirley (2020)
American filmmaker Josephine Decker is a writer, director, and performance artist with an experimental flair. Her most known films include Madeline’s Madeline and the Elizabeth Moss erotic thriller Shirley which both showcase her signature style.
Nomadland (2020)
Chloé Zhao is the Golden-Globe winning director of the midwestern drama Nomadland, and the second woman ever to win the Best Directing award at the Golden Globes in its 78 year history.
Lingua Franca (2019)
Triple threat Isabel Sandoval is the writer, director, and star of Lingua Franca. This heartbreaking romantic drama follows the life of an undocumented transwoman living in America and is now streaming on Netflix.
Watch here.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)
Writer, director, and producer Eliza Hittman makes use of her slice of life dramatic style in the feature Never Rarely Sometimes Always. The drama about a teen traveling to have an abortion has been called one of the best of 2020 and is now streaming on HBO Max.
First Cow (2019)
Writer and director Kelly Reichert is the master of working-class storytelling. Her features Certain Women and First Cow are beautiful examples of her slice-of-life style.
Birds of Prey (2020)
Chinese-American writer and director Cathy Yan became a household name after directing the female-led DC blockbuster Birds of Prey in 2020. But Yan’s distinct and quirky dark comedic style is most apparent in her debut film Dead Pigs.
Little Woods (2018)
Nia DaCosta is most known as the co-writer and director of the much anticipated Candyman sequel produced by Jordan Peele. She is also set to direct the sequel to Captain Marvel, becoming the first Black woman to direct a Marvel feature. But feature debut Little Woods starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James is the first available look at what DaCosta can do wiith an intimate look at big emotions.
Atlantics (2019)
French writer and director Mati Diop became known for her ghostly romance film Atlantics in 2019 after becoming the first Black female director to win major awards at film festivals. This groundbreaking feature about class and gender politics in Dakar is available for streaming on Netflix.
Watch here.
The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)
Rahda Blank is further proof that there is no “right age” to begin any creative venture. Blank’s first feature The 40-Year-Old Version is an award winning and critically acclaimed film loosely based on her own life and available on Netflix.
Watch here.
Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde’s 2019 film Booksmart is a hilarious anecdote to modern adolescence. Starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, two (you guessed, booksmart) girls have a wild night of partying before graduation. It’s a rockus and touching look at friendship and a coming of age movie that packs heart and hilarity in each scene.
Check it out on Amazon.
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