Movies To Watch On International Women’s Day

Since the beginning of cinema women have been behind the camera. The first film directed by a woman was the 1896 film La Fée aux Choux, directed by Alice Guy-Blaché. Throughout history, even when female filmmakers were few and far between, women have left a mark on film and have made some of the best, most influential films of all time. Below I have a list of movies spanning multiple decades that were directed by women so you can celebrate International Women’s Day by appreciating these pioneers in the field. Read our list of movies to watch on International Women’s Day below. 

Dance, Girl Dance

From 1927 to 1943, Dorothy Arzner was the only female director working in Hollywood. Her most popular film, Dance, GIrl Dance, is about two women played by Maureen O’Hara and Lucille Ball. The film tells the story of Judy, who dreams of being a respected ballerina. When the company she dances for closes, Judy goes off with Bubbles, played by Ball, who took to burlesque dancing to get by. Romance and comedy ensues, with a darker subtext bubbling under the surface. When looking deeper into the film you get an examination of the male gaze and the troubles of women in the entertainment industry. The film stands as the first time a female director examined the idea of a male gaze versus female gaze, making it a landmark in feminist cinema. Dance, GIrl Dance is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Youtube, or Apple TV. 

Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is the ultimate depiction of girlhood and mother daughter relationships. This ABBA jukebox musical is a campy, good time that will bring you to your feet. The story follows Donna, played by Meryl Streep, who in her twenties got pregnant after spending time with three different men. Her daughter, Sophie, is the same age she was then and is now getting married. Sophie dreams of her father walking her down the aisle, so she invites all three potential dads without telling her mother. A story of female joy, self discovery, and love. If you are in the mood to celebrate all the aspects of being a woman then Mamma Mia is the film for you. You can stream Mamma Mia on Hulu or rent it on Amazon. 

Marie Antoinette

At the time of release most critics dismissed Marie Antoinette for not being complex enough. In retrospect it is clear to see that the critics were not looking past the candy colored exterior. Sofia Coppola skillfully tells the story of the rise and fall of Marie Antoinette, from her first days as queen to the fall of Versailles. The film brings a real humanity to Antoinette, depicting her as a teenage girl struggling with the expectations and constraints of her position as queen. The other strong suit of the film is its visuals. Dusted in baby pink and pastel blue, and capturing the time period while taking some creative liberties. With a killer soundtrack as well. I recommend giving this film a chance if you at once dismissed it, because it captures a unique aspect of the teenage girl experience. You can watch Marie Antoinette on Tubi for free. 

Cléo from 5 to 7

One of the most important female directors is Agnès Varda. A trailblazer in both narrative and documentary film, Varda has left her mark by telling intimate stories that are experimental yet down to earth. My personal favorite of her works is Cléo from 5 to 7. The film follows Cléo, a famous singer, as she waits two hours for test results. We watch the lead walk through Paris discussing her fears, enjoying the scenery, and before our eyes subtly coming to life changing realizations in the process. I could recommend a plethora of Varda’s work, from her pro choice film One Sings, the Other Doesn’t to her biographical documentary about being a director Varda by Agnès, but Clèo from 5 to 7 always stood out to me for its simplicity and the unexpected affect it can have on the viewer. You can stream Cléo from 5 to 7 on The Criterion Channel or Max. 

Daisies 

The next film by Czech director Věra Chytilová is a hard film to describe. Daisies follows two girls both named Marie as they realize that the world is bad and spoiled, so they will be the same. They pull pranks, trick men, and rebel in their destruction. The film is angry, yet a rowdy good time. It is a clear critique on the materialistic nature of society and an attack on those who stick to every rule. The film was banned in Czechoslovakia for depicting food waste, but it can be speculated that its free thinking themes lended to its ban as well. Celebrate International Women’s Day with this audacious and unique eighty minute ride that will make you laugh and think at the same time. You can stream Daisies on Max. 

Revenge 

In 2025 Coralie Fargeat became the tenth female director to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars with The Substance so it is the perfect time to rewatch her directorial debut, Revenge. Revenge is an entry into the rape revenge genre in horror. The film follows Jen after she is left for dead by three men after one attacked her. With an adrenaline rush of rage, Jen does all she can to survive and ultimately get her revenge on her abusers. Rape revenge films are a point of controversy but Coralie puts a fresh spin on the genre and comes out unscathed. A huge trigger warning for this film, but if you think you can handle it then you will be getting a stunning portrait of female perseverance. You can rent Revenge on Amazon. 

A New Leaf

In the 1970’s female directors were still not given the platform or opportunities they deserved, unless you were Elaine May. May was not only a director, she was a writer and actor. A true triple threat. A New Leaf is Elaine Mays first film and in many ways one of her best. This comedy, romance follows a snotty man named Henry, who has finally run out of his inheritance. Having never worked a day in his life, Henry is left to scrabble to find a rich woman to leech onto. His master plan is to marry and then kill her so he can keep up his lavish lifestyle. Elaine May places the rich woman Henry sets his sights on perfectly and hilariously. You can watch this witty, dark comedy on Pluto TV for free. 

The Watermelon Woman 

I would be remiss to leave out a film directed by a black woman. I considered Drylongso, Selma, Love & Basketball, or Pariah, but at the end of the day I had to go with The Watermelon Woman. The director Cheryl Dunye has gotten my attention for making films that deal with race, sexuality, and gender from the lens of a black lesbian. The Watermelon Woman follows Cheryl, an aspiring filmmaker, who is in the process of researching a 1940’s actress who was given the name “The Watermelon Woman.” The film touches on Dunye’s personal experience as a black woman and gives an authentic portrayal of what it feels like to be invisible. The film is influential for its blend of documentary and narrative film and its depiction of lesbian relationships. You can rent The Watermelon Woman on Amazon or Youtube. 

Thanks for reading this article! If you liked this list of movies to watch on International Women’s Day, make sure to check out our other lists at Feature First.