The Best Movies Directed by Women

The history of cinema is replete with masterworks directed by women who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. From the early pioneers of the silent era to the visionary filmmakers of the modern age, these directors have explored a wide array of genres and themes with precision and depth. Many of these films have earned prestigious awards, including Academy Awards for Best Director and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This selection highlights fifty of the highest-rated films helmed by female directors, ordered by their critical and audience acclaim. Their work continues to influence new generations of filmmakers and redefine the possibilities of the medium.

‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2018)

Directed by Naoko Yamada, this animated drama follows the complex relationship between two high school musicians, Mizore and Nozomi. As they prepare for a final concert together, their personal dynamics mirror the story of a fairy tale about a girl and a bird. The film is a spin-off from the ‘Sound! Euphonium’ series but functions as a standalone exploration of friendship and emotional distance. It is noted for its delicate watercolor-style animation and a meticulously composed musical score.

‘The Seduction of Mimi’ (1972)

Lina Wertmüller directed this Italian satirical comedy about a laborer who loses his job after refusing to vote for a Mafia-connected candidate. The protagonist moves to Turin, where he becomes embroiled in complicated romantic affairs and political schemes. The narrative serves as a sharp critique of social structures, honor, and masculinity in Italian society. This film helped establish Wertmüller as a prominent international voice in cinema during the 1970s.

‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ (2011)

Jennifer Yuh Nelson took the directorial helm for this sequel, making her the first woman to solo-direct a big-budget animated feature from a major Hollywood studio. The story follows Po and the Furious Five as they attempt to stop a new villain, Lord Shen, who possesses a weapon capable of ending kung fu. Po must also confront his mysterious past and find inner peace to succeed in his mission. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

‘The Virgin Suicides’ (1999)

Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut is an adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel about five sisters living in a suburban Michigan neighborhood. The story is told through the perspective of a group of neighborhood boys who remain obsessed with the girls long after a series of tragic events. The film explores themes of isolation, adolescence, and the repression of female desire within a strict household. It is recognized for its ethereal visual style and its influential soundtrack by the band Air.

‘Fish Tank’ (2009)

Directed by Andrea Arnold, this gritty social realist drama centers on a volatile 15-year-old girl named Mia living in an Essex housing estate. Her life takes a turn when her mother brings home a new boyfriend, played by Michael Fassbender, who initially seems to encourage Mia’s interest in dance. The film captures the harsh realities of working-class life and the vulnerability of youth in a neglected environment. It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and the BAFTA for Best British Film.

‘Hester Street’ (1975)

Joan Micklin Silver directed this independent historical drama set in the late 19th century on New York City’s Lower East Side. The story focuses on a Jewish immigrant who struggles to assimilate into American culture while his wife remains deeply tied to their traditional roots. The conflict between modernization and religious heritage drives the emotional core of the film. Produced on a small budget, the movie became a critical success and earned Carol Kane an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

‘Detroit’ (2017)

Kathryn Bigelow directed this intense historical drama based on the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit riots. The film depicts the harrowing confrontation between police officers and a group of civilians that resulted in the deaths of three black men. It utilizes a documentary-style approach to recreate the claustrophobic and terrifying environment of the hotel interrogation. The production focused on historical accuracy, utilizing survivor testimonies to reconstruct the events of that summer.

‘The Edge of Seventeen’ (2016)

Kelly Fremon Craig wrote and directed this coming-of-age comedy-drama starring Hailee Steinfeld as a cynical high school student. The protagonist’s life becomes increasingly complicated when her best friend begins dating her popular older brother. The film is praised for its authentic dialogue and its nuanced portrayal of the anxieties associated with modern adolescence. It avoids many traditional teen movie tropes by focusing on the character’s internal growth and flawed relationships.

‘Beau Travail’ (1999)

Claire Denis directed this visually striking film that reimagines Herman Melville’s ‘Billy Budd’ within the context of the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti. The narrative focuses on an officer who becomes obsessed with a young, charismatic recruit, leading to a breakdown of discipline and order. The film is renowned for its choreography, capturing the rhythmic movements of military training against a stark desert landscape. It is frequently cited by critics as one of the greatest films in world cinema.

‘Nomadland’ (2020)

Chloé Zhao directed, wrote, and edited this drama about a woman who leaves her hometown to travel through the American West as a van-dwelling nomad. Starring Frances McDormand, the film features real-life nomads playing fictionalized versions of themselves, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. It explores themes of grief, economic displacement, and the search for community outside of traditional societal structures. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Zhao.

‘Point Break’ (1991)

Kathryn Bigelow directed this high-octane action thriller starring Keanu Reeves as an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate a group of surfers suspected of being bank robbers. Patrick Swayze plays the charismatic leader of the group, who views the robberies as a way to fund their pursuit of the ultimate wave. The film is famous for its innovative skydiving and surfing sequences, which were filmed using practical effects. It has since gained a significant cult following and remains a definitive example of 1990s action cinema.

‘Monster’ (2003)

Patty Jenkins wrote and directed this biographical drama based on the life of Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who was executed in 2002. Charlize Theron underwent a significant physical transformation to portray Wuornos, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. The film examines the tragic circumstances and abusive history that led the protagonist toward a life of crime. It was noted for its unsentimental and humanizing approach to a highly controversial subject.

‘Big’ (1988)

Penny Marshall directed this classic fantasy comedy about a young boy who makes a wish to be “big” and wakes up as an adult. Tom Hanks stars as the adult version of Josh Baskin, who must navigate the corporate world of a toy company while maintaining his childhood innocence. The film was a massive commercial success and established Marshall as a leading director in Hollywood. It remains a beloved cultural touchstone, particularly for the iconic scene involving a giant floor piano.

‘Happening’ (2021)

Directed by Audrey Diwan, this French drama is an adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel set in 1963 France. The story follows a bright university student who discovers she is pregnant and faces the immense physical and legal risks of seeking an illegal abortion. The film uses a tight aspect ratio and close-up shots to create a sense of urgency and intimacy. It won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival for its unflinching portrayal of female agency.

‘Rocks’ (2019)

Sarah Gavron directed this vibrant British drama about a teenager in East London who must look after her younger brother after their mother abandons them. The film was developed through extensive workshops with non-professional actors, resulting in a highly authentic depiction of contemporary youth culture. It highlights the strength of female friendships and the resilience required to navigate the social care system. The production was praised for its collaborative approach and its diverse representation of London life.

‘Frozen’ (2013)

Jennifer Lee co-directed and wrote this Disney animated phenomenon, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The story subverts traditional fairy tale tropes by focusing on the bond between two sisters, Anna and Elsa, rather than a romantic interest. Elsa’s struggle to control her icy powers serves as a metaphor for self-acceptance and the fear of social isolation. The film’s soundtrack, featuring the hit song ‘Let It Go’, achieved massive global popularity and won two Academy Awards.

‘Wonder Woman’ (2017)

Patty Jenkins directed this blockbuster superhero film, which served as the first solo outing for the iconic DC Comics character. Starring Gal Gadot, the story follows Diana Prince as she leaves her island home of Themyscira to help end World War I. The film was a critical and commercial landmark, proving the viability of female-led superhero movies at the box office. Jenkins’ direction was praised for balancing large-scale action with character-driven moments and themes of heroism and compassion.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

Kathryn Bigelow directed this political thriller detailing the decade-long international manhunt for Osama bin Laden. The film centers on Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst played by Jessica Chastain, whose singular focus leads to the eventual discovery of the target’s compound. It depicts the intelligence-gathering process and the tactical military operation conducted by Navy SEALs. The movie sparked significant public debate regarding its portrayal of “enhanced interrogation” techniques used by the United States.

‘Lady Bird’ (2017)

Greta Gerwig made her solo directorial debut with this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in Sacramento, California. The film follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior who navigates a turbulent relationship with her mother while dreaming of attending college on the East Coast. It explores themes of class, identity, and the bittersweet nature of leaving home. The movie received five Academy Award nominations and established Gerwig as a major voice in American independent cinema.

‘An Angel at My Table’ (1990)

Jane Campion directed this biographical drama based on the three-volume autobiography of New Zealand author Janet Frame. The film depicts Frame’s life from her impoverished childhood through her struggles with mental illness and her eventual success as a writer. Originally produced as a television miniseries, it was edited into a feature film and won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. It is celebrated for its evocative use of color and its compassionate portrayal of a misunderstood creative spirit.

‘Swept Away’ (1974)

Lina Wertmüller directed this provocative Italian drama about a wealthy socialite and a communist sailor who are shipwrecked on a deserted island. On the island, the traditional social hierarchy is reversed as the sailor takes control, leading to a complex and controversial romantic entanglement. The film serves as a harsh allegory for class struggle and political ideology in 1970s Italy. It is considered one of Wertmüller’s most famous and debated works due to its intense depiction of power dynamics.

‘Whale Rider’ (2002)

Niki Caro directed this New Zealand drama about a young Māori girl named Paikea who fights against her grandfather’s strict patriarchal traditions. According to legend, the leader of their tribe must be a first-born male, but Paikea believes she is destined to lead. The film blends contemporary social issues with traditional Māori mythology and culture. Keisha Castle-Hughes received an Academy Award nomination for her performance, becoming one of the youngest nominees in history at the time.

‘Selma’ (2014)

Ava DuVernay directed this historical drama chronicling the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The film focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership and the strategic political battles fought to secure the Voting Rights Act. It provides a detailed look at the internal dynamics of the Civil Rights Movement and the violent opposition faced by activists. The movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and won for Best Original Song.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

Emerald Fennell wrote and directed this stylized thriller starring Carey Mulligan as a woman seeking revenge for a past trauma. The protagonist lives a double life, feigning drunkenness at clubs to confront men who attempt to take advantage of her. The film uses a candy-colored aesthetic to contrast with its dark themes of sexual assault and societal complicity. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and sparked widespread discussion regarding the “Me Too” movement and gender politics.

‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011)

Lynne Ramsay directed this psychological thriller adapted from Lionel Shriver’s novel about a mother coming to terms with her son’s horrific crime. The narrative moves back and forth in time, exploring the difficult relationship between Eva and her son, Kevin, from his birth to his adolescence. The film uses striking visual symbolism and a fragmented structure to depict Eva’s guilt and trauma. Tilda Swinton received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a woman grappling with the possibility that her child was born evil.

‘The Hurt Locker’ (2008)

Kathryn Bigelow directed this intense war drama about an elite Army bomb disposal unit during the Iraq War. The story follows Sergeant First Class William James, whose reckless approach to his dangerous job creates tension with his teammates. The film focuses on the psychological toll of combat and the addictive nature of high-stakes adrenaline. Bigelow became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, and the film also secured the Best Picture prize.

‘The Piano’ (1993)

Jane Campion directed this historical drama set in the mid-19th century about a mute Scottish woman sent to New Zealand for an arranged marriage. She brings her young daughter and her beloved piano, which becomes the central focus of a bargain with a local woodsman. The film explores themes of passion, communication, and colonialism in a rugged wilderness setting. It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Campion.

‘The Farewell’ (2019)

Lulu Wang directed this comedy-drama based on a true story from her own life regarding a family secret. When a grandmother in China is diagnosed with terminal cancer, the family decides not to tell her and instead schedules an impromptu wedding to bring everyone together. Awkwafina stars as Billi, a Chinese-American granddaughter who struggles with the cultural differences regarding grief and honesty. The film provides a nuanced look at the immigrant experience and the bonds of family across continents.

‘The Gleaners and I’ (2000)

Agnès Varda directed this influential documentary that explores the world of modern-day gleaners who collect leftover food and discarded objects. Using a handheld digital camera, Varda travels across rural and urban France to interview people who survive on what others throw away. The film connects the ancient tradition of gleaning with contemporary issues of waste and poverty. It is also a deeply personal essay, as Varda reflects on her own aging process and her role as a filmmaker.

‘Happiness’ (1965)

Agnès Varda directed this visually stunning French New Wave film about a seemingly happy carpenter who begins an affair with a local postal clerk. Despite his infidelity, he believes he can maintain his idyllic family life, arguing that happiness is additive rather than exclusive. The film utilizes a bright, impressionistic color palette that contrasts sharply with its unsettling moral implications. It serves as a critique of patriarchal views on marriage and the superficiality of social constructs surrounding happiness.

‘Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles’ (1975)

Chantal Akerman directed this landmark of feminist cinema, which depicts three days in the life of a widowed mother in Brussels. The film uses long, static takes to show the repetitive nature of her domestic chores, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for her son. These mundane tasks are presented with the same cinematic weight as the shocking climax that eventually occurs. In 2022, ‘Jeanne Dielman’ was voted the greatest film of all time in the Sight & Sound critics’ poll.

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Mary Harron directed this dark satirical horror film based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel about a wealthy investment banker who is also a serial killer. Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a man obsessed with status, consumerism, and superficial perfection in 1980s Manhattan. The film uses hyper-violence and dark humor to critique the vacuity of corporate culture and toxic masculinity. Initially controversial, it has since become a cult classic and is praised for Harron’s sharp directorial vision.

‘Love and Anarchy’ (1973)

Lina Wertmüller directed this Italian film set in the 1930s about a peasant who comes to Rome to assassinate Benito Mussolini. He stays in a brothel, where he falls in love with one of the women while preparing for his mission. The story examines the conflict between personal happiness and political duty within the context of a fascist regime. The film is recognized for its intense emotional performances and its operatic style, winning the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Vagabond’ (1985)

Agnès Varda directed this bleak and powerful drama about the final weeks of a young drifter named Mona. The film begins with the discovery of her frozen body in a ditch and then uses a series of flashbacks and interviews to reconstruct her journey. Mona is portrayed as a woman who refuses to conform to societal expectations or accept help from others. The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and is considered one of Varda’s finest narrative achievements.

‘Aftersun’ (2022)

Charlotte Wells directed this poignant debut feature about a young woman reflecting on a vacation she took with her father twenty years earlier. The film utilizes home movie footage and sensory memories to explore the relationship between the two and the father’s hidden struggle with depression. It is noted for its subtle storytelling and its ability to convey deep emotional resonance through small gestures and atmosphere. Paul Mescal received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as the young, troubled father.

‘Seven Beauties’ (1975)

Lina Wertmüller directed this harrowing and satirical epic about a petty criminal in Fascist Italy who deserts the army and is sent to a concentration camp. To survive, the protagonist must seduce the camp’s brutal female commandant, a task that tests his dignity and morality. The film explores themes of survival, honor, and the dehumanizing nature of war and totalitarianism. Wertmüller became the first woman ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for this film.

‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)

Sofia Coppola wrote and directed this atmospheric drama about two lonely Americans who form an unlikely bond at a luxury hotel in Tokyo. Bill Murray plays an aging movie star in town to film a commercial, while Scarlett Johansson portrays a young woman accompanying her photographer husband. The film captures a sense of displacement and cultural isolation through its quiet pace and neon-lit cinematography. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was a major critical and commercial success.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (2023)

Justine Triet directed this French legal drama about a writer, played by Sandra Hüller, who is accused of murdering her husband after he falls from their chalet. The film focuses on the subsequent trial, which deconstructs the couple’s volatile marriage and the ambiguities of the evidence. It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, making Triet only the third woman to receive the top prize. The narrative is praised for its intellectual depth and its complex exploration of truth and perception.

‘Faces Places’ (2017)

Agnès Varda co-directed this charming documentary with the French street artist JR. The two travel through rural France in a van equipped as a portable photo booth, taking large-scale portraits of the people they meet and pasting them onto buildings and structures. The film is a celebration of art, community, and the beauty of ordinary lives. It also serves as a moving meditation on Varda’s legacy and her encroaching blindness as she nears the end of her life.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

Celine Song directed this romantic drama about two childhood friends from South Korea who reconnect decades later in New York City. The story explores the concept of ‘In-Yun’, a Korean belief about fate and the connections between people in their previous lives. The film avoids traditional melodrama, instead focusing on quiet conversations and the bittersweet reality of paths not taken. It received universal critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and the performances of its lead actors.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

Greta Gerwig wrote and directed this innovative adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the four March sisters. Gerwig’s version utilizes a non-linear structure, interweaving the sisters’ childhood memories with their adult lives to emphasize their personal and artistic growth. The film focuses on themes of economic independence and the challenges faced by female creators in the 19th century. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and was praised for breathing new life into a well-known story.

‘Shrek’ (2001)

Vicky Jenson co-directed this animated blockbuster that satirizes traditional fairy tales and helped establish DreamWorks Animation as a major industry power. The film follows an ogre named Shrek who embarks on a quest to rescue a princess to reclaim his swamp from a group of displaced fairy tale creatures. It is famous for its use of pop culture references, celebrity voice acting, and its subversion of “happily ever after” tropes. ‘Shrek’ won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘Cléo from 5 to 7’ (1962)

Agnès Varda directed this essential work of the French New Wave, which follows two hours in the life of a singer as she awaits the results of a medical test. The film takes place in nearly real-time, capturing Cleo’s movements through the streets of Paris as she grapples with her mortality and her identity. It transitions from a focus on Cleo as an object of beauty to a more self-aware and observant individual. The movie is celebrated for its stylistic innovation and its feminist undertones.

‘CODA’ (2021)

Sian Heder directed this heart-warming drama about Ruby, the only hearing member of a deaf family who discovers a passion for singing. The acronym stands for “Child of Deaf Adults,” and the film features several deaf actors in leading roles, including Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin. Ruby must balance her responsibilities to the family’s struggling fishing business with her own dreams of attending a prestigious music college. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

‘Persepolis’ (2007)

Marjane Satrapi co-directed this animated biographical film based on her graphic novel of the same name. It tells the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the subsequent war with Iraq. The film uses a stark black-and-white visual style to convey the emotional weight of Satrapi’s personal and political experiences. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

Céline Sciamma wrote and directed this French historical romance about a painter commissioned to create a wedding portrait of a young noblewoman. Set on an isolated island in Brittany, the two women develop a deep emotional and physical connection as they observe each other. The film is celebrated for its “female gaze,” focusing on the intimacy and agency of its female characters without the presence of men. It won the Queer Palm at Cannes and is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece of queer cinema.

’13th’ (2016)

Ava DuVernay directed this powerful documentary that explores the history of the United States’ prison system and its relationship to racial inequality. The title refers to the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. Through interviews with activists and historians, the film argues that the mass incarceration of black Americans is a modern form of slavery. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won several Emmy Awards.

‘A Silent Voice: The Movie’ (2016)

Naoko Yamada directed this acclaimed Japanese animated film about a high school student who seeks redemption for bullying a deaf girl in elementary school. The narrative explores themes of social anxiety, forgiveness, and the difficulty of communication. It is praised for its sensitive handling of heavy topics such as suicide and disability, as well as its beautiful and symbolic animation. The film was a significant critical success in Japan and abroad, becoming one of the highest-rated anime movies of its decade.

‘Capernaum’ (2018)

Nadine Labaki directed this devastating Lebanese drama about a 12-year-old boy living in the slums of Beirut who sues his parents for the crime of giving him life. The film features a cast of non-professional actors whose own lives mirror the struggles depicted on screen, including the young lead, Zain Al Rafeea. It provides a raw and unflinching look at child poverty, neglect, and the lack of documentation for refugees. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes and was nominated for an Academy Award.

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Lana and Lilly Wachowski wrote and directed this groundbreaking science fiction film that redefined action cinema and visual effects at the turn of the millennium. The story follows a computer programmer named Neo who discovers that reality is a simulated construct created by machines to harvest human energy. The film introduced “bullet time” and utilized a blend of philosophical themes, cyberpunk aesthetics, and martial arts choreography. It was a massive global phenomenon and remains one of the most influential films in the history of the genre.

Please share which of these groundbreaking films by female directors is your personal favorite in the comments.