Movies About Strong Independent Woman

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by the Wachowskis. It stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It follows Thomas Anderson (Reeves), a computer programmer living a double life as the hacker "Neo". He is contacted by the mysterious Morpheus (Fishburne) who reveals Neo's secret identity as "the One," the chosen one who is destined to save humanity from the Matrix, a simulated reality created by machines to enslave the human race. Together, Neo and Morpheus must fight to save humanity from the machines, while discovering the secrets of the Matrix and unlocking the power of the One.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the book by Thomas Harris. The film follows FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to track down a serial killer named Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). With the help of the imprisoned cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), Starling must face her own personal demons in order to gain insight into the killer’s mind. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Anthony Hopkins. It is a tense, intense, and suspenseful journey that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action film written and directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick. In the film, the cyborg assassin from the first film, the Terminator (Schwarzenegger), is sent back in time to protect John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance against the machines. In order to save him, the Terminator must battle a more advanced and powerful Terminator, the T-1000 (Patrick), sent back to kill him. With the help of Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and the unexpected return of the original Terminator, they are able to foil the T-1000's plan and save John. The film is the sequel to The Terminator (1984), and the second installment of the Terminator series.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, a space crew's warrant officer who confronts a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial life form. The crew of a commercial space tug, Nostromo, is returning to Earth when they are diverted to investigate a mysterious distress signal from a nearby planetoid. After landing on the planetoid, the crew discovers a derelict alien spacecraft and a huge chamber full of alien eggs. When one of the crew members, Kane, is attacked by a facehugger, an alien creature that attaches itself to his face and impregnates him, the crew are forced to take him and the creature back to their ship. Once aboard, the alien escapes and begins to terrorize the crew, killing them one by one. It is eventually revealed that the alien is a deadly killing machine, designed to seek out and exterminate any life it finds. As the crew fight for their lives, Ripley realizes the only way to stop the alien is to self-destruct the ship. After a desperate battle for survival, Ripley is the only one left standing. She ultimately succeeds in destroying the alien and is rescued by a space shuttle.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The story follows a former assassin, The Bride (Uma Thurman), as she seeks revenge against her former boss and lover, Bill (David Carradine), and his deadly squad of international assassins. After a four-year coma, The Bride awakens and sets off on a quest to get even with those who betrayed her. Along the way, she encounters some of the world's deadliest fighters and learns the hidden secrets of her past. With incredible fight sequences, stylish direction, and a gripping storyline, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a thrilling and entertaining ride from start to finish.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Rated Passed

Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name. The film was produced by David O. Selznick and directed by Victor Fleming and stars Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara, and Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes. Set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the story tells the tale of Scarlett's struggles to maintain her family's plantation home, Tara, while dealing with the romantic attention of several suitors including the roguish Rhett Butler. The film follows the epic scope of the novel, starting with Scarlett's romantic aspirations, the Civil War and Reconstruction; the film ends with Scarlett realizing that her one true love is Rhett. Along the way, the two endure the indifference of war, the devastation of Scarlett's beloved Tara, and the loss of loved ones. Despite its very long running time, the film is lauded for its epic scale and its vivid, romantic depiction of the period. The film won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Victor Fleming, and received an additional two nominations. It was the highest-grossing film of all time until the

From Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm
Rated Passed

All About Eve is a 1950 American drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It stars Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Thelma Ritter, and Marilyn Monroe in her first significant film role. The film tells the story of ambitious young actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter), who ingratiates herself into the life of theater star Margo Channing (Bette Davis). Margo and her friends, including fellow actor-director Bill Sampson (Gary Merrill) and her loyal assistant Birdie (Thelma Ritter), are charmed by Eve even as they begin to have doubts and suspicions about her motives. As the film progresses, the secrets of Eve's past come to light and she begins to threaten the life Margo has built for herself. The film was a huge commercial success and was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won 6, including Best Picture and Best Director for Mankiewicz. It has become regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, with the American Film Institute naming it the 14th greatest American film ever made.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in an alternative future where a Nordic supremacist and neo-fascist regime has subjugated the United Kingdom, the film centres on V (Hugo Weaving), an anarchist freedom fighter who attempts to ignite a revolution through elaborate terrorist acts and inspire the people to overthrow the oppressive government. He is aided by a young working-class woman, Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman), who has been rescued from an attempted rape by the police. The two collaborate to launch a violent subversive campaign against the government, which includes blowing up the Houses of Parliament and inspiring the people to revolt against their oppressive leaders. V for Vendetta stands as a powerful and moving statement about the power of freedom, the importance of civil rights, and the danger of oppressive governments.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and adapted from the 2012 novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film stars Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne, a man whose wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. As the police investigation into her disappearance progresses, the media and public become suspicious of Nick's involvement in her disappearance. Nick himself begins to doubt his own innocence as the evidence mounts and his marriage unravels. Meanwhile, Amy's disappearance is revealed to be part of an elaborate plan to frame Nick for her death and ruin his life. Through a series of flashbacks and misdirection, the truth behind Amy's disappearance is eventually revealed.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2015 post-apocalyptic action film directed by George Miller. It is the fourth installment in the Mad Max franchise and stars Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky, a fugitive who allies with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), an insurgent leader, to overthrow a tyrannical ruler in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The two are pursued by the tyrant's henchmen, led by Immortan Joe and his War Boys, in a high-speed chase across the desert. Along the way, they encounter the Rock Riders, a biker gang, and Max also meets Nux (Nicholas Hoult), an acolyte of Joe whose loyalty is tested. Ultimately, Max and Furiosa succeed in overthrowing Joe and restoring peace to the wasteland.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 drama directed by Tate Taylor, based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett. Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the film tells the story of aspiring author Skeeter (Emma Stone) and her relationship with two African-American maids, Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer). The story follows their struggle to tell the truth about their experiences in an era of segregation and rampant racism. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the three women form an unlikely friendship and join forces to write a book that reveals the harsh reality of life for black maids in the Deep South. With the help of Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny fight to empower the black domestic workers in their community to gain respect, dignity and recognition for their hard work. The Help is an inspiring story of courage and friendship that celebrates the strength of women and the power of collective action.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the film, alongside Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman. The film follows Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a waitress from a small town in Missouri, who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. With the help of Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), an aging boxing trainer and Scrap (Morgan Freeman), a former boxer-turned-trainer, Maggie embarks on an unlikely journey to become a champion. As her career progresses, Maggie must face challenges both inside and outside of the ring, as she deals with the harsh realities of the boxing world, while also overcoming her personal demons. Ultimately, Maggie must fight for the title she's been chasing her entire life, and prove that heart and determination can be stronger than any opponent.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane
Rated PG

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy film directed by Woody Allen. It follows the story of Alvy Singer, an insecure, intellectual New Yorker, and Annie Hall, an aspiring singer from the Midwest. As the two become romantically involved, they reflect on their different backgrounds, personalities, and outlooks on life. Throughout the movie, Alvy and Annie experience a roller coaster of joy, pain, and self-discovery. Ultimately, they must confront the harsh reality of their differences and decide if their relationship is worth fighting for. The story is both humorous and heartbreaking, and it is one of the most beloved films of all time.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated PG-13

Arrival is a 2016 science-fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguist tasked with communicating with aliens who have arrived on Earth. Louise and a team of scientists interpret the aliens’ language, learning that they have come to provide humanity with a tool that will help them unite against a common enemy. As Louise attempts to understand the aliens and their language, she must also confront her own emotional turmoil related to a tragedy in her past. With her newfound understanding, Louise must find a way to communicate with the aliens and save humanity from an uncertain fate.

From Theodore Melfi, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner
Rated PG

"Hidden Figures" is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Melfi and Allison Schroeder. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons. The film follows the story of three African-American women working at NASA in the early 1960s: Katherine Johnson (Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Monáe). They serve as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, while struggling against racial and gender discrimination in their workplace. With the help of their white supervisor, Al Harrison (Costner), the women are able to make their mark on the space program and prove their worth in a traditionally male-dominated field. The film is based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name, and was nominated for three Academy Awards—Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Spencer.

From J.J. Abrams, starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is an epic space opera film directed by J.J. Abrams. Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the story follows Rey, a scavenger from the desert planet Jakku, who joins forces with Finn, a defecting stormtrooper, and the legendary Han Solo on a journey to discover the whereabouts of the long-missing Luke Skywalker. Together, they must face a new threat from the villainous Kylo Ren, leader of the First Order, a powerful military force that seeks to destroy the New Republic and rule the galaxy. Along the way, Rey discovers her hidden Jedi powers, while Finn and Han discover the importance of friendship, loyalty, and courage. In the end, the heroes must unite to defeat the First Order and bring peace to the galaxy.

From Gareth Edwards, starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen
Rated PG-13

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a 2016 American epic space opera film directed by Gareth Edwards and produced by Lucasfilm. The film follows a group of rebels on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Led by Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), a group of brave fighters and unlikely heroes—including a defected Imperial pilot (Diego Luna), an ex-con (Riz Ahmed), a blind warrior monk (Donnie Yen), an expert hacker (Alan Tudyk), and a spiritual warrior (Jiang Wen)—band together on a desperate mission to steal the plans for the Death Star and bring a new hope to the galaxy. Along the way, they must battle the Empire’s powerful forces, battle the odds, and make the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish psychological thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. It tells the story of Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist who is hired by wealthy industrialist Henrik Vanger to solve a 40-year-old murder of Vanger's niece, Harriet. Blomkvist enlists the help of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius who soon shows her true worth. Together, the two uncover a dark family secret and uncover a pattern of violence and misogyny that has been going on for decades. In the end, they bring the murderer to justice and Blomkvist and Salander help each other find a new start.

From Joe Wright, starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland
Rated PG

Pride & Prejudice is a 2005 romantic drama directed by Joe Wright and based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen. The film stars Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, and Rosamund Pike in leading roles. The film follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman in 19th century England who must choose between marrying for love or financial security. As the Bennet family faces the pressures of finding suitable husbands for their five daughters, Elizabeth finds herself torn between her feelings for the mysterious Mr. Darcy and her loyalty to her family. Through their interactions and the struggles of their respective families, the two must overcome their differences and find a way to come together in the end.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 American drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski, based on real-life events in Los Angeles in 1928. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother whose son, Walter, goes missing. When the LAPD brings her an imposter claiming to be her son, she refuses to believe it and fights to uncover the truth. The film investigates the themes of child endangerment, child abduction and police corruption in the early 20th century. It is a powerful story of faith and courage as a mother strives to find her son, no matter the cost.

From Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Rated R

Run Lola Run is a 1998 German thriller film written and directed by Tom Tykwer. The film follows 20-minute story of Lola (Franka Potente), a young woman living in Berlin who has to come up with 100,000 Deutsche Marks in 20 minutes in order to save her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu). With only a few hours to save his life, Lola has three chances to find a solution and save Manni. In each scenario, she must run through the streets of Berlin searching for different ways to obtain the money. As the film progresses, Lola's decisions become more and more desperate, leading to a thrilling climax that tests the strength of her relationship with Manni. With its unique visual style and suspenseful story, Run Lola Run has become a cult classic, praised by critics and audiences alike.

From Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook, starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer
Rated G

Mulan is an animated musical comedy-drama film released in 1998. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. The film is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan and follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army. The film follows Mulan's adventures as she tries to protect her family and country from the invading Huns and their leader, Shan Yu. Along the way, she receives help from her guardian dragon Mushu and a lucky cricket named Cri-Kee. With her courage and strength, she proves her worth and earns the respect of her peers. In the end, she becomes a true warrior and saves her country.

From Francis Lawrence, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated PG-13

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the 2013 American science fiction adventure film directed by Francis Lawrence. It is the sequel to 2012's The Hunger Games and the second installment in The Hunger Games film series. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, and Donald Sutherland. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire follows Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, who are chosen to participate in the 75th Hunger Games, a special edition of the annual Hunger Games event in which previous winners of the event are forced to compete. Katniss and Peeta must battle the Capitol and their allies as they fight for their survival in the arena. Along the way, they must face the inner demons of their past and present and stand against the persistent threats of the tyrannical President Snow. With the entire nation watching, Katniss and Peeta must use their strength and courage to survive the Capitol's evil and oppressive regime.

From Directors: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland, starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth
Rated PG-13

Still Alice is a drama set in New York City and follows the story of Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore), a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University. After experiencing bouts of forgetfulness, Alice is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. As she begins to struggle with the debilitating effects of the disease, Alice and her family must come to terms with the fact that Alzheimer's is a terminal illness. At the same time, Alice fights to maintain her identity and independence, and her family must find ways to cope with the situation. Ultimately, Still Alice is a story of resilience and courage in the face of a devastating disease.

From Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It stars Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise, two friends who embark on a road trip with unforeseen consequences. After Thelma experiences an attempted rape by a stranger, Louise kills the attacker in self-defense, prompting the two friends to flee. As the pair travel across the US, they are pursued by a detective who is determined to bring them to justice. Along the way, they discover newfound freedom and a sense of empowerment, as well as a deep bond that will ultimately lead them to their destiny.