Top 15 Empowering Movies about Women You Should Watch on International Women's Day

Based on a true story, this film tells the inspiring tale of Erin Brockovich, a woman who faced overwhelming challenges. After two divorces, she found herself nearly destitute, raising three children alone with only $74 to her name, while trying to pay off a massive debt.

By chance, Erin discovered a crucial case file at the law firm where she had recently landed a job. With incredible courage, she pursued a lawsuit against a powerful corporation, eventually becoming a hero in the legal world of California. Facing off against a huge utility company, she forced them to compensate residents who had been exposed to toxic waste they had covered up for years.

The story of Erin Brockovich highlights her immense strength, but also her vulnerability, showing how sometimes women's perceived weakness is actually a luxury they cannot afford. With sheer determination and compassion, Erin achieved what seemed impossible. This film is a motivational boost if you're feeling drained or defeated.

Frida is a biographical film about the life of Frida Kahlo, the celebrated 'Saint of 20th Century Art.' After a devastating car accident, Frida endured severe physical pain and permanent disabilities, despite being young. During her recovery, she began to paint, and it was through art and politics that she met renowned artist Diego Rivera.

This film is an unforgettable portrayal of a woman who defied incredible odds. With a rebellious spirit, boundless energy, and an unquenchable desire to pursue her dreams, Frida's story proves that any woman can overcome challenges to achieve greatness. It's not just about Frida—it's a testament to the power of all women in pursuit of their passions.

It would be a shame not to mention the stunning, fashion-forward, and emotional film The Tailor of Saigon by producer Ngo Thanh Van in this list. A movie that created quite a stir last year, The Tailor of Saigon made waves both locally and internationally upon its release.

Even before its premiere, Ngo Thanh Van promised to showcase a message of female empowerment, and the film certainly delivered. It introduced audiences to a confident, beautiful, and talented Vietnamese woman wearing the traditional áo dài. The Tailor of Saigon is a film inspired by the iconic Vietnamese áo dài, following Như Ý, the 10th generation heir to Thanh Nữ tailor shop, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery while reconnecting with her family's traditional values. She challenges the expectations of her mother, Thanh Mai, who is frustrated by her daughter's refusal to follow in the family's footsteps.

The Manifesto of Being Single is the perfect pick for single women seeking to explore the unique joys that life outside of marriage offers.

Based on the bestselling novel by Liz Tuccillo, this film provides a refreshing perspective on modern women who take control of their lives and embrace their independence. The story revolves around four women—Alice, Robin, Lucy, and Meg—and their experiences navigating life and relationships.

Watching The Manifesto of Being Single will help you realize that being single is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a time for personal growth, self-exploration, and understanding that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from a romantic partner—it's something you can create for yourself.

The first film to mention on this list is Confessions of a Shopaholic, adapted from the novel in the famous five-book series by author Sophie Kinsella. The series includes titles such as "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan," "Shopaholic Ties the Knot," "Shopaholic and Sister," and "Shopaholic and Baby," all of which became publishing sensations, captivating readers in both the UK and the US.

The story follows Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), a shopaholic who throws herself into every sale and spends without a second thought on luxury items.

The result is a massive debt of over $9,000, far beyond what she can pay off. Living with her best friend, Rebecca’s room is overflowing with clothes and shoes, most of which she’s never even worn. Despite repeated advice from her friends, Rebecca shows no signs of waking up to her problem. When she loses her job, her only way out is to land a job at a fashion magazine. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she ends up working at a financial publication, Successful Savings.

Rebecca’s boss is Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), a handsome, no-nonsense finance guy, and their surprising dynamic adds an unexpected twist to her life. Will Rebecca be able to pay off her debts? That’s the central question in this comedic, romantic journey.

Living in the glitzy city of New York, Rebecca Bloomwood is a passionate, even overly enthusiastic shopaholic. She’s always at fashion parties and shopping at the biggest designer stores. She dreams of working for her favorite fashion magazine but realizes she’s financially unfit to do so. However, fate introduces her to Luke Brandon, and everything changes from there...

Combining fashion, humor, romance, and a relatable yet whimsical story, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a film that almost every woman wouldn’t want to miss.

Joy – The Woman Named 'Joy' is a biographical comedy-drama directed and written by David O. Russell. In her role as Joy, Jennifer Lawrence delivered an outstanding performance that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, along with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, among other accolades.

The film follows a smart and resilient woman named Joy (played by Jennifer Lawrence), who after a failed marriage, becomes a single mother to three young children. Her already hectic life becomes even more challenging as she faces chaos within her own family.

Amidst these personal struggles, Joy decides to change her life by pursuing a passion for invention that she has held since childhood. She navigates the turbulent waters of business to build a billion-dollar empire that earns her widespread admiration. Curious about Joy's inspiring journey? Watch the movie to discover how she rises to the top.

Defying the wishes of their family, Lucia and Tonio happily wed, and their joy grew when Lucia discovered she was pregnant. However, when she gave birth, everyone was shocked to find that the baby did not have a normal form like other children: Instead of legs, the baby had a mermaid tail. They decided to name her Dysebel.

Despite her unusual appearance, Tonio and Lucia loved Dysebel dearly. However, as time passed, their peaceful neighborhood was struck by disaster after disaster, and everyone blamed Dysebel for the misfortunes. After countless sleepless nights, the couple made the heartbreaking decision to return her to the sea, where they believed she truly belonged.

Years later, Dysebel had grown into a beautiful mermaid. The vast ocean outside her world seemed full of wonders, and its mysteries called to her. Adventurous and curious, she often rose above the water to gaze upon the enchanting world. It was during one of these excursions that she met Fredo.

Dysebel’s heart skipped a beat upon meeting this handsome stranger. Determined to find him, she braved many challenges, even though loving Fredo meant abandoning her world beneath the sea to live a life against nature’s laws. Yet, her love for Fredo was stronger than anything, and thus began her journey out of the ocean...

With an intriguing plot full of surprises and mystical elements, the return of the famed duo Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes promises to create a storm on the screen.

After her father's death, the beautiful Danielle is forced to serve her wicked stepmother and her two cruel stepsisters. One day, she accidentally meets Prince Henry, and they are instantly smitten with each other. But with her lowly position and many obstacles in her path, will Danielle be able to find her way to the man she truly loves?

Among the many films inspired by Cinderella, Ever After: A Cinderella Story is considered the most successful and the most realistic portrayal of the beloved fairytale. This version doesn’t feature fairies or magic spells to help Cinderella win the prince’s heart.

Instead, the story shows how the real Cinderella must rely on her own courage to find happiness. Directed by Andy Tennant and starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, and Jeanne Moreau, this film is a perfect choice for March 8th.

Captain Marvel is the 21st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This movie introduces the mysterious character who was briefly revealed in the post-credits scene of the blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

Not only is this the first standalone film for a female superhero in the MCU, but she is also promised to be the most powerful hero the MCU has ever seen. The protagonist of Captain Marvel is considered the key figure to directly resolve the cosmic conflicts that will unfold in the upcoming Avengers: EndGame, and is expected to become a cornerstone for the MCU in the near future.

The story of Captain Marvel takes place in 1995. Vers (Brie Larson) is an officer in the Kree alien species' Starforce division. After a devastating accident, she lost her memory and has been questioning her origins and past, which remain shrouded in mystery. At this point, the Kree and Skrull races are engaged in a tense war. During a rescue mission, Vers is captured by the Skrull army. She manages to escape their captivity and crashes on Earth.

Here, Vers stumbles upon clues that lead to the revelation of her true identity: Carol Danvers, a former U.S. Air Force pilot. As the secrets surrounding her identity unravel, the long-standing war between the two alien races becomes clearer.

Easy A is a romantic comedy aimed at teenagers, telling the story of Olive, a well-behaved high school student with a dull life who feels largely unnoticed.

One day, Olive decides to give herself a makeover and stir up gossip by spreading fabricated rumors about her love life. She transforms into a bold and flirtatious persona, becoming the center of attention at school and attracting the interest of many boys.

The film offers a humorous yet insightful look at the mindset of teenage girls striving to be the “center of the universe” and how they react to unexpected situations.

With her performance in this film, 23-year-old Emma Stone received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. Easy A was also praised for its educational value in addressing the emotional growth of young modern women.

One of the most beloved chick flicks of all time, *Bridget Jones’s Diary* explores themes that many women can relate to: weight loss and the search for true love.

Renee Zellweger received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Bridget, a lovable but awkward woman in her 30s, who embarks on a quest to find her 'perfect man.' Her journey takes a turn when she meets two men: her charming but unfaithful boss Daniel (Hugh Grant) and the kind, if clumsy, Mark (Colin Firth). Despite a modest budget of $26 million, the film went on to gross nearly $300 million worldwide, thanks to its massive appeal with female audiences.

Women admire Bridget for her humor and because many see themselves reflected in her relatable struggles.

Before playing Cosette in *Les Misérables*, Amanda Seyfried became a sensation in the lively and colorful musical *Mamma Mia!*

Following the same storyline as the Broadway version, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), on the verge of marriage, seeks to find her father from the list of men her mother Donna (Meryl Streep) once dated. Sophie's playful search leads to a delightful adventure on a beautiful Greek island.

Directed with style and featuring timeless songs by ABBA, *Mamma Mia!* is a perfect mix of unforgettable music, fun dance moves, and stunning visuals. The all-star cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep, and Colin Firth, adds warmth and sweetness to the story of love between two women from different generations.

Beyond romantic love, *Mamma Mia!* also celebrates motherhood, exemplified in the tender care Donna shows her daughter as she prepares for her wedding, beautifully highlighted in the song 'Slipping Through My Fingers.'

Breakfast at Tiffany’s became an iconic film by introducing the image of a modern, sophisticated woman who knew how to love and care for herself.

Even after nearly 60 years, it remains one of the most celebrated films that explores the theme of women’s empowerment. The film earned five Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars, including Best Original Song for 'Moon River.'

Adapted from the novella of the same name, the film follows Holly, a charming and beautiful young woman who dreams of escaping her poor, rural Texas life to immerse herself in the glamorous world of New York City. She works as a messenger for a prisoner named Sally Tomato at Sing Sing prison.

Holly throws extravagant parties at her apartment to blend in with high society. But everything changes when a young, struggling writer named Paul Varjak enters her life, and Holly begins to understand the true meaning of life.

Legally Blonde, or 'A Lawyer Without a Degree' in Vietnamese, is an inspiring film that encourages women to break free from societal stereotypes and embrace who they truly are. The film became a huge hit upon its release, winning numerous awards.

The story follows Elle Woods, a beautiful and wealthy woman who seems to have it all, including a wealthy boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, the son of a senator. Elle and Warner are the perfect couple in everyone’s eyes.

However, things take a turn when Warner unexpectedly dumps Elle, giving the ridiculous reason that she has blonde hair. Heartbroken but determined, Elle Woods channels her energy into caring for her beloved dogs, even lobbying for legislation to protect them. From a fun-loving girl always holding her pup, she transforms into a brilliant young lawyer at a prestigious firm.

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American boxing drama film directed by Clint Eastwood. The story follows a coach seeking redemption as he trains a novice boxer, helping her achieve her dream of becoming a professional fighter. The film is praised for its raw portrayal of the harsh realities of life.

It captivates audiences with its honest depiction of struggle, urging viewers to confront the challenges life throws at them. While some may view the film as heavy, it focuses on the journey of a young woman striving to make it as a boxing star, offering a powerful message about resilience.

Though the film ends on a somber note, it’s the inspiring journey toward greatness that empowers women to push beyond their limits.