Today is International Women’s Day and there’s no better way to celebrate than by taking a look back at some of the films directed by women that you can’t miss! Cinema has traditionally been dominated by men, especially when it comes to directing. Female directors who make it to the top are few and far between and rarely seen. It’s time to celebrate some of the many women who are making their mark in the industry. Ready?
Here we go!
1. Coralie Fargeat
Coralie Fargeat is a French director and screenwriter whose approach to horror cinema is stylized, visual, and visceral. Her work is notable for its visual audacity and its exploration of violence and the body.
What they’ve directed:
• The Substance (2024)
• Revenge (2017)
2. Gina Prince-Bythewood
American director, screenwriter and producer, Gina Prince-Bythewood stands out in the industry for telling deep and emotional stories. She focus on strong and complex female characters.
What they’ve directed:
• The Woman King (2022)
• The Old Guard (2020)
• Beyond the Lights (2014)
• The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
• Love & Basketball (2000)
3. Amy Heckerling
Amy Heckerling is an American filmmaker known for her iconic comedies that capture the youthful spirit of her time, turning her films into cult classics. Her fresh and humorous style has made her one of the most recognized and influential directors in the industry.
What they’ve directed:
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
• Johnny Dangerously (1984)
• National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
• Look Who’s Talking (1989)
• Look Who’s Talking Too (1990)
• Clueless (1995)
• Loser (2000)
• I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007)
• Vamps (2012)
MORE: International Women’s Day: Fictional Ladies Who Rock
4. Cathy Yan
A Chinese-American director and screenwriter, Cathy Yan made a name for herself with her independent film debut before making the leap to major superhero productions with a unique and daring style.
What they’ve directed:
• Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
• Dead Pigs (2018)
5. Jennifer Kent
Jennifer Kent is an Australian director who has specialized in psychological horror films. Her debut feature, The Babadook, was hailed as one of the most innovative horror films of the last decade.
What they’ve directed:
• The Babadook (2014)
• The Nightingale (2018)
MORE: International Women’s Day: Fictional Ladies Who Rock
6. Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig began her career as an actress and screenwriter before establishing herself as a director with a distinctive style that blends sensitivity, intelligence, and a keen sense of comedy and drama.
What they’ve directed:
• Barbie (2023)
• Little Women (2019)
• Lady Bird (2017)
• Nights and Weekends (2008)
7. Patty Jenkins
Patty Jenkins is an American director and screenwriter who has broken barriers in superhero cinema with Wonder Woman. She marked a milestone by showing that films made up by women can be huge box office hits.
What they’ve directed:
• Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
• Wonder Woman (2017)
• Monster (2003)
