Women’s History Month is the perfect time to honor the inspiring films that celebrate women. The fat women, the outspoken women, the trans women, the diverse women who have shaped our world. One of the most powerful ways to celebrate them is through film—stories that showcase their strength, resilience, and brilliance. However, there are a few great series that we’d love to include, like How To Die Alone. If you’re looking for real-life icons, fierce fictional heroines, or female-directed masterpieces, these films will uplift and inspire you.
Why It’s Important to Celebrate Women in Film
For far too long, women’s stories have been underrepresented or sidelined in cinema. Women’s History Month gives us a chance to highlight films that celebrate women, break barriers, showcase diverse experiences, and inspire future generations. As plus-size women, we know the power of representation—seeing strong, complex female leads reminds us of our own worth and potential. These films not only entertain but also educate and empower, proving that women’s voices matter.
Biographies
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
In this moving documentary, Maya tells her story.
Becoming
Get an intimate glimpse into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Your Fat Friend
Fat-positive and anonymous blogger Aubrey Gordon goes public for the first time.
RBG
Get unprecedented access to the life and career of U.S Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,
He Named Me Malala
After an attempt on her life, Malala Yousafzai becomes a leading advocate for children’s rights.
Films Based on True Stories
The Six Triple Eight
The story of an all-female army battalion on a mission to restore hope to WWII’s frontlines.
Queen of Katwe
10-year-old Phiona becomes fascinated with chess and soon becomes a top player in Uganda.
Frida
A mesmerizing biopic about the life and art of Mexican icon, Frida Kahlo.
Hidden Figures
The true story of three Black women mathematicians and their vital roles in NASA’s space program.
Harriet
Cynthia Erivo portrays Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist who led many enslaved people to freedom.
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
After singing a ballad about lynchings Billie Holiday finds herself in trouble with the authorities.
Wild
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, this film follows a woman who hikes to reclaim her life.
Fierce Fictional Heroines
One of Those Days
Two besties and roommates race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
Real Women Have Curves
Ana is a first-generation Mexican-American woman battling the views of her parents and family.
Moana
Moana goes on a solo adventure and bravely sets sail to save her people and their island.
Monica
Monica returns home to care for her ailing mother, who doesn’t accept her and she hasn’t seen in years.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Michelle Yeoh stars in this genre-defying masterpiece about a woman navigating multiple realities.
Patty Cake$
A cult classic coming-of-age story about an unlikely rapper who finds her voice.
Mulan
An animated classic about a young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight for her country.
Legally Blonde
Elle Woods shows us how easy it is to get into Harvard Law, and get the right guy (bend and snap!).
Earth Mama
With two children in foster care, a pregnant single mother fights to reclaim her family.
Piggy
Sara sees her bullies being kidnapped. She must decide if she wants to help the police or not.
Wicked
Bullied because of her the color of her skin, Elphaba forges a friendship with the popular girl, Glinda.
Films Directed by Women
The 40-Year-Old Version
A playwright thinks the only way she can salvage her career is to become a rapper at 40.
Clueless
This 90’s cult classic is our favorite retelling of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma,”
Selma
Ava DuVernay’s powerful depiction of the Civil Rights Movement highlights Coretta Scott King’s role.
Blink Twice
In Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut, a tech billionaire invites women to his private island. Until they uncover the truth and hope for a way to make it out alive.
The Woman King
The epic tale of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit in 19th-century West Africa.
Barbie
When Barbie gets a chance to visit the real world she discovers the joys and perils of humans.
Nomadland
This Oscar-winning film centers on a woman embracing a nomadic lifestyle after a personal loss.
Why These Films Matter
From historical icons to fictional heroines, these films celebrate women and highlight the diversity of women’s experiences. They remind us that strength comes in many forms—whether it’s leading a revolution, overcoming personal struggles, or simply existing as you are.
As fat women, representation matters even more. Seeing powerful, multi-dimensional women on screen helps boost confidence and challenge outdated beauty standards. It’s time to celebrate stories that reflect all aspects of womanhood.
Which of these films has inspired you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s uplift women’s stories together!
