March is Women's History Month, but you can celebrate strong, intelligent, empowered women all year round! Make your next family movie night an inspiring one when you watch one of these films together.
Amelia (PG)
Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly a plane solo across the Atlantic Ocean. At age 39, during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, her plane suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and she was never seen again.
A Ballerina’s Tale (NR)
This documentary about the beautiful and talented ballerina Misty Copeland covers her career, race, and body image in the world of dance.
A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story (NR)
Once called "the world's ugliest woman," Lizzie Velasquez, who has an extremely rare congenital disease, has been bullied her entire life, both online and in person. Now a motivational speaker and author, Velasquez has made it her mission to inspire and empower a more positive online environment. Her story is worth knowing.
Erin Brockovich (R)
In this true David-and-Goliath story, a single mother without a formal law education is instrumental in building a legal case against California's Pacific Gas and Electric Company for polluting the water supply of the town of Hinkley. The case was settled for $333 million, the largest settlement that had ever been paid in a direct-action lawsuit.
A Note to Parents: This is a "soft R" film since foul language is the primary reason for the rating. Erin Brockovich's courage and passion are inspiring; she still advocates for clean water today!
Frida (R)
A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, one of the most intriguing women of her time, who channeled her physical and emotional pain to create incredible works of art. Nominated for six Academy Awards®, including Best Actress.
Girl Rising (PG-13)
This inspiring documentary follows nine girls from different countries — Afghanistan, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nepal, Peru, and Sierra Leone — on their journeys to acquire an education.
He Named Me Malala (PG-13)
The true story of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban on her way to school. Since then, she has become a vocal activist for girls' education, addressing the United Nations, establishing the Malala Fund, and pursuing a college degree at Oxford University.
Harriet (PG-13)
Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and became one of America's greatest heroes. With courage and determination, she helped free hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Hidden Figures (PG)
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book, Hidden Figures is the incredible true story of the black women who worked for NASA and played an instrumental role in some of America's greatest achievements. In 2017, the movie received three Academy Award® nominations, two Golden Globe® nominations, and nearly 80 additional nominations!
Iron-Jawed Angels (NR)
Alice Paul and Lucy Burns are not as well-known as some of the other American suffragists, but their story deserves to be told. These two activists pushed boundaries and fought valiantly for the right to vote.
Available to stream for free on HBO Max.
A Note to Parents: This made-for-TV movie is not for young viewers; these women were brutalized and tortured in an attempt to silence their voices. But after watching this movie, I vowed to honor their sacrifices by always, ALWAYS casting my vote in every election.
The Iron Lady (PG-13)
Margaret Thatcher was one of the 20th century's most interesting and influential women. Get an in-depth look at the life of the first and only female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, played by Meryl Streep, one of Hollywood's most interesting and influential women, who earned an Oscar® for this role.
Jackie (R)
All eyes were on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. This movie is an intimate look at the days following his death, as Jackie struggled to walk through her own grief while preserving her husband's legacy. Natalie Portman earned a Best Actress Oscar® nomination for her role as the iconic First Lady.
A League of Their Own (PG)
Although this movie about two baseball-playing sisters is fictional, it was inspired by the documentary of the same name about the short-lived, but very real, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). It's a comedy, not a tear-jerker, because "there's no crying in baseball!"
Mona Lisa Smile (PG-13)
Set in the 1950s, Katherine Watson is a college professor at a women-only school, where she encourages her students to question society's traditional gender roles. It isn't based on true history... or maybe it is... since many women can name a mentor who encouraged them to grow into the woman they were always meant to be.
Mulan (G for animated version; PG-13 for the live-action film)
Based on an ancient Chinese ballad, Mulan tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a young man so she can take her father's place in the Imperial army.
Norma Rae (PG)
Based on the biography of Crystal Lee Sutton written by New York Times reporter Henry P. Leifermann, Norma Rae is a young single mother who helps unionize the employees in the textile factory where she works. Sally Field won the Oscar® for Best Actress for her role.
Suffragette (PG-13)
In early 20th century England, women risked all to join the growing suffragist movement and fight for equality for women. Parliament passed an act in 1918, granting the vote to more than 8 million women. (The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the vote was ratified in 1920).
Kyrie Collins is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree in Colorado.
