15 Female-Centered Stories For International Women's Day
In honor of International Women's Day, here's a list of 15 female-focused movies and shows you won't want to miss.
As Women's History month rolls on, March 8 marks International Women's Day, the annual global celebration of the women we love. In honor of the occassion, we put together this list of 15 female-focused stories now available on Sling. Whether real-life pioneers like RGB and Margaret Thatcher or wisecracking women like Awkwafina and Amy Poehler, Sling has plenty of options to keep you informed and entertained. For even more International Women's Day programming, check out our curated list of titles under the "On Demand" tab in the app.
Historical Films
Hidden Figures
This biopic tells the story of NASA’s ‘hidden figures’ who diligently worked as human computers behind the scenes during the Space Race. These real-life ladies pioneered a lasting legacy for so many women, especially Black women, to pursue successful careers that previously had been limited to just men. The inspiring film is propelled by its star cast including Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson. - Peyton Lombardo
Watch on FXX on March 11th at 12pm or rent on demand $3.99
The Iron Lady
If you couldn’t get enough of Gillian Anderson’s performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, I’ll raise you one and recommend the always incredible Meryl Streep as The Iron Lady. This 2011 movie earned Streep the Best Actress Oscar and deservedly so. The film chronicles the life and career of the pioneering British Prime Minister, from the height of her fame to her eventual resignation. - PL
Click here to watch on demand on Showtime
Erin Brockovich
Hot take: Julia Roberts was born for this role, perhaps moreso than Pretty Women. This true story of the unlikely title character—who went from being an unemployed single mom to a ground-breaking legal activist who exposed one of the biggest environmental scandals ever—was not only a box office hit (raking in $260 million) but the film that finally got Roberts a Best Actress Oscar. - PL
Rent on demand for $3.99
Jackie
This biographical movie quietly debuted in 2016 with Natalie Portman portraying the famous First Lady. The film is loosely based on the popular televised tour of the White House Mrs. Kennedy gave in 1962. The mise en scène here is pure eye candy, from the elaborately and exquisitely designed sets to the iconic wardrobe Kennedy was so famously known for. - PL
Rent on demand for $3.99
Ruth - Justice Ginsburg In Her Own Words
If you’re looking for a matter-of-fact retelling of the RBG story instead of a supersized Hollywood blockbuster, look no further than this documentary on one of the most beloved Supreme Court justices of all time. This 100-minute documentary packs a punch in its short runtime, giving us insight into Ginsburg’s early judicial career and eventual rise to the highest court in the land. - PL
Click here to watch on demand on Starz
Movies With Strong Female Leads
The Edge of Seventeen
Navigating high school as a socially awkward teen is hard enough, and it only gets worse for Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) when her popular brother (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson). In her crisis, she chooses to explore new friendship while leaning on her often aloof teacher Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson). This coming-of-age dramedy is as funny as it is heartwarming. - PL
Click to watch on demand on TBS
Little Women
I really can’t get enough of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of this Louisa May Alcott classic. Adolescence can be a complicated experience, especially when you have three other sisters (like the March girls) all leading their own intricate lives. When so many timepieces feel like women are in the backseat, Gerwig manages to make this timeless story seem like it was made just for us, right now. - PL
Watch on demand on Starz
Thelma & Louise
This 1991 movie gets a lot of credit for launching a shirtless Brad Pitt into the bedroom fantasies of a wide swath of the population, but its enduring legacy stems from turning the buddy road film concept on its head. Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as the titular women on the run, the Oscar-nominated feminist classic stands as a depiction of the unbreakable bonds of female friendship. - Janine Schaults
Watch on demand on AMC
First Wives Club
Three college friends find themselves in the same middle-aged boat – left by their husbands for younger women. Seeking revenge, the trio reconnect and concoct a plan to get remuneratory revenge. Divas Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler embody the divorcees with a slapstick bent that makes their exploits all the more satisfying and relatable. - JS
Watch on demand on Showtime
Captain Marvel
As Marvel’s first leading lady, Brie Larsen shines (literally) as the title character. Similar to how Black Panther weaved in provocative ideas about the Black experience, Captain Marvel tells a harrowing story of female (super) empowerment inside the framework of a ‘90s-set adventure. There are also some clever casting choices and surprising pivots away from what comic book fans might have expected. - Mark Schiff
Watch on demand on TNT
Female-Focused Television
Awkwafina is Nora From Queens
This semi-autobiographical take on rapper/comedian/actress/general badass Awkwafina’s upbringing in Queens manages to be zany and heartfelt in the span of a single masterbation joke. - JS
Watch on demand on Comedy Central
Cagney & Lacey
Christine Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey walked so Olivia Benson could run. The pair of no-nonsense New York police detectives dominated the primetime network schedule in the ‘80s while the actresses portraying them (Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly) reigned over the Best Lead Actress in a Drama category at the Emmys for the show’s entire duration. - JS
Airs daily on StartTV
Killing Eve
A seductive game of cat-and-mouse takes British Intelligence investigator Eve Polastri (played by Sandra Oh) and fashionable, but sociopathic assassin Villanelle (played by Jodie Comer) across Europe and beyond. Devilish, dangerous and doe-eyed, Villanelle in Comer’s hands easily tops any list of iconic characters—no matter the gender. - JS
Watch on demand on BBC America
Parks and Recreation
Although Parks and Recreation boasts an incredible ensemble cast, Amy Poehler stands front-and-center as the endearingly officious Leslie Knope. But over the course of the series, it’s satisfying to see how her determination and optimistic spirit makes an impact in both the town of Pawnee and well beyond. - MS
Watch select episodes on demand with Comedy Central
Wynonna Earp
Where most of the characters on this list are defined in part by their strength, Melanie Scrofano's Wynonna Earp is notable thanks to her vulnerability. Marked with responsibility due to her bloodline, Wynonna is forced to fight the forces of hell when she’d rather be downing shots of Fireball. Despite her supernatural enemies and demon-slaying talents, Wynonna remains relatable. - MS
Watch the final six episodes of season 4 beginning Friday, March 5 at 10pm ET on SYFY
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