Women have slowly begun to infiltrate the film industry by working their way up the ladder into male-dominated roles. One of these positions is as the director of a film, who is the person responsible for ensuring the tone and artistic expression of the film by guiding the cameras and actors. This is a huge responsibility for any person, but it is a big step for women as they have gone on to create hit films.
We have compiled some of the best films out there that have been directed by women that viewers have to see. They range in genre and style, so there is something for everyone. Keep reading to learn about 10 amazing films that had female directors!
Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)
Amy Heckerling directed this film after landing a job with Universal Studios despite not having an agent to represent her. This film uncovers the twists and turns in the life of a high school student in Beverly Hills.
She runs the school but soon learns there is more to life than just popularity. It is fun to watch and her character arc is astounding, but we can appreciate it even more as we know a female director was behind this masterpiece.
A League Of Their Own (Penny Marshall, 1992)
This movie is basically a classic and a woman named Penny Marshall was the director who made all of our dreams come true. Marshall started as an actor and then moved her way up the ladder until she became a director.
This film showcases the evolution of women in baseball during World War II as the owners of professional teams wanted to keep the sport alive. Scouts traveled across the country to find them and the girls who made the cut form a sisterly bond they had never expected. It was truly a knock out of the park as Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Geena Davis play key roles in this film.
Frozen (Jennifer Lee & Chris Buck, 2013)
This film was a co-directing effort between Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, but it became one of the best children's movies of all time. Lee was also responsible for writing the screenplay as well, so she had a hand in several parts during the making of this film.
It features the journies of two sisters as one learns the meaning of love and the other deals with her magic powers that she knows no one will understand. We uncover songs that will stand the test of time, as well as a talking snowman, grisly mountain men, and a lovable reindeer.
Little Women (Greta Gerwig, 2019)
This remake of a classic was recently released and Greta Gerwig was both a writer, and the director, for this film. It reunites four sisters under the same roof when one develops a horrible illness, but each sister still takes their own journey into adulthood.
There is love and heartbreak, as well as creativity, spinning around every corner. Their love for one another trumps all else as they band together to help their dying sister, while still making waves for themselves in their own way.
The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow, 2008)
Kathryn Bigelow is the director of this film, and she even won an Academy Award for her outstanding efforts. It shows the dangerous job of those responsible for disarming bombs while in active combat. It shows the dangers that accompany the position between the bombs themselves, as well as the civilians around them who could cause issues.
It is a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you pray that they make it out alive. This is one female director who knew what she was doing and managed to create something truly exceptional.
American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000)
This film is about an investment banker, who delves into his serial killer fantasies once night falls. He has the perfect cover due to his wealth and fiancée but takes his anger out on those around him, as well as strangers.
Mary Harron directed this epic film, as well as helped write the script based on the original novel. She ensured that feminine influence was present in its making, while still giving it the dark controversy it deserved.
Winter's Bone (Debra Granik, 2010)
Debra Granik was the woman behind this film and she managed to make it epic between her directing and writing talent. This film follows the journey of a girl as she works to provide for her two siblings and a useless mother in a poor region of the Ozark Mountains.
Her father skipped town to become a drug dealer, but he put up their home as a bond for the courts. It is up to her to find her father in order to make things right so her family has a place to live.
Zero Dark Thirty (Kathryn Bigelow, 2012)
This is another hit film created by Kathryn Bigelow and it follows the events that led up to the death of Bin Laden. The film itself won an oscar and follows a woman named Maya on her journey with the CIA to uncover facts about Al Queda.
We see her struggle emotionally as she deals with different methods of torture, but over time it becomes her sole mission to take Bin Laden down. It is an epic film that shares a piece of United States history, as well as makes viewers feel something the moment they start watching it.
Bend It Like Beckham (Gurinder Chadha, 2002)
This film is perfect for soccer fans who want to learn more about the feminine side of the sport. We watch as a young girl s a local women's league at the push of a friend, but she works to hide it from her family as it is against her religion.
Her parents want her to focus on a future in law, as well as finding a husband, but she has other plans for her life. The director of the film is Gurinder Chadha and she did such a great job blending culture and femininity that the movie was awarded several prestigious nominations.
Sleepless In Seattle (Nora Ephron, 1993)
This classic was directed by Nora Ephron, but she also helped to write the screenplay as well. It features stars like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who blew away viewers in the direction of Ephron. The film shows a man and his young son who move to Seattle after the loss of his wife.
He pours his heart out on the radio about how wonderful his wife was, and it leads to women writing him letters about wanting to meet him. It is a touching film, with quite a bit of comedy that is one that viewers love to watch again and again.
