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Hello, Hollywood! It’s time to wake up and remember that there are women out there over 50 and thriving in this season of life. Just look at Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, and Halle Berry… do we need to go on? There are so many actresses just hitting their stride and they are working well into their 80s. That’s why we are getting films like Moving On with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (out on March 17) because there are so many stories to be told.
Fonda is one A-list star who has leaned into the narrative that women are still sexual beings and frankly, are quite good in bed as they age. “Women, I think, tend to get better because they lose their fear of saying what they need,” she told Andy Cohen. “But when we get older, it’s like: ‘No, I know what I want. Give me what I want.’” That’s why rom-coms, featuring people over the age of 50 tend to do so well at the box office. We are talking about an underrepresented community.
And movies are now showing women in their second half of life as action heroes, romantic leads, and comic foils — it’s their best chapter yet. The latest crop of films, from Magic Mike’s Last Dance to The Woman King, prove that 50 is the new 30 and we won’t have it any other way. So, check out this list of films that highlight how women are just getting started in this stage of life — you know Miranda Priestly is still working hard at Vogue — and learn that aging gracefully is a privilege that we should all embrace and look forward to.
‘Moving On’
When you pair Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin together, you know you are getting comedy gold. In Moving On, they play estranged friends who are seeking revenge against the husband of their late bestie. And of course, they put their past behind them and move forward with a beautiful friendship.
‘The Woman King’
While it’s hard to believe that Oscar voters overlooked Viola Davis’ performance, we are here to celebrate the 57-year-old star. The Woman King is based on true events about an all-female tribe of warriors who powerfully defended their nation.
’80 for Brady’
Tom Brady may have had a rocky year in real life, but seeing women over 70 headlining a comedy about their love for him is perfection. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field’s show why female friendships are important in every season of life — especially when you’re headed to the Super Bowl to see the NFL star play.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’
Miranda Priestly, stunningly played by Meryl Streep, has always lived an unapologetically fabulous life, even when she makes her assistants miserable. She shows flashes of heart from time to time, but the head of Vogue is always in it for herself — and that’s the choice she’s making.
‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’
Men have had younger love interests onscreen for years, but it’s rare to see the roles reversed. That’s where Magic Mike’s Last Dance enters the picture for some steamy moments between Salma Hayek and Channing Tatum. If this isn’t living your best life, we don’t know what is.
‘Juanita’
Sometimes you need a fresh start and that’s exactly what Alfre Woodard’s character does in Juanita. She leaves her adult children behind and puts herself first, which is the ultimate act of self-care.
‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’
We love it when women, like the delightful Mrs. Harris, find a way to make their dreams come true. She’s always wanted to purchase her own House of Dior gown, just like her wealthy employer, and she finds a way to make that happen, thanks to a French marquis (her fairy godmother). Of course, things go comedically awry when she loans the gown to a young actress, but Mrs. Harris has got this situation handled like the queen she is.
‘Ticket to Paradise’
Can you rekindle those romantic feelings with an ex? Julia Roberts, in Ticket to Paradise, is here to tell you that you are never too old to feel young again — especially when your ex-husband is George Clooney.
‘Wine Country’
There’s nothing better than a gal pal trip to Napa Valley, especially when you’re celebrating your 50th birthday with those who have known you through your best and worst times. Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, and Maya Rudolph in Wine Country will make you look forward to your next milestone decade.
‘Good Luck To You, Leo Grande’
Emma Thompson dives into a raw role as a widow who is looking to explore her sexual side. She hires a young sex worker to help her rediscover herself with a night of pleasure focused completely on her.
‘Something’s Gotta Give’
Diane Keaton is in her 50s, super successful, and looking for love. She unexpectedly finds it in a man who is the complete opposite of her, but ready to tame his womanizing ways. (Jack Nicholson is always so good playing this type of role.)
‘Gloria Bell’
Julianne Moore plays a divorcée living in LA, who spends her nights dancing at clubs around the city that play 1970s and 1980s music. Along the way she finds herself in an unsatisfying relationship only to realize that the best partner she has ever had in life is… herself.
‘First Wives Club’
First Wives Club is a 1996 classic starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton who are all divorced and BFFs. They decide to seek delicious revenge on their ex-husbands for having left them for younger women. Hey, karma never forgets an address!
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’
Several British retirees decide to move to Jaipur, India, to enjoy the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel — they are hoping for luxurious accommodations but find it’s in total disrepair. That doesn’t deter them though because they discover beauty and love in the most unexpected places.
‘Book Club’ Franchise
Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda have cornered the market by playing women who are living their best life. Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen join their book club and read Fifty Shades of Grey, which awakens their sexual needs in this season of life.
‘It’s Complicated’
Meryl Streep has the best love triangle going on — two men want her, and she has to make the decision between her ex-husband, played by Alec Baldwin, or the handsome architect, Adam, played by Steve Martin. We know who we think she should pick!
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