Movies to explore for International Women's Month (Photo stylised by Celine Dabao)
Cover Movies to explore for International Women’s Month (Photo: edited by Celine Dabao)
Movies to explore for International Women's Month (Photo stylised by Celine Dabao)

Whether inspiring personal growth or collective action, these women-centred films prove that storytelling is a powerful force in creating a more equitable, vibrant world

Women’s Month is the perfect time to celebrate stories highlighting resilience and empowerment—but these films deserve to be watched all year round. From biopics of trailblazing women to gripping narratives of justice, these movies showcase the strength and complexity of women’s experiences across cultures. 

Each film provides unique insights into the complexities of womanhood. From the fight for access to quality education to the creative lives of female artists, Tatler has rounded up a watchlist you don’t want to miss.

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‘The Joy Luck Club’ (1993)

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The Joy Luck Club, adapted from the novel by Amy Tan (Photo: Asian American Christian Collaborative Website)
Above ‘The Joy Luck Club’, adapted from the novel by Amy Tan (Photo: Asian American Christian Collaborative Website)
The Joy Luck Club, adapted from the novel by Amy Tan (Photo: Asian American Christian Collaborative Website)

Based on Amy Tan’s novel, this intergenerational drama follows four Chinese-American women who navigate the complex relationships with their immigrant mothers, uncovering long-buried family secrets and cultural expectations. With an intimate lens, the film explores identity, sacrifice and the deep emotional bonds between mothers and daughters. 

‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000)

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Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich (Photo: IMDB)
Above Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich (Photo: IMDB)
Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich (Photo: IMDB)

Julia Roberts stars as a determined legal assistant who uncovers a corporate cover-up involving contaminated water harming an entire town. Her relentless pursuit of justice leads to one of the largest environmental lawsuits in U.S. history, proving the power of perseverance and speaking truth to power.

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

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Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Photo: IMDB)
Above Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’ (Photo: IMDB)
Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Photo: IMDB)

Elle Woods, a stylish and bubbly sorority president, enrolls at Harvard Law School to win an ex-boyfriend back. There, she discovers her brilliance and passion for law. Defying stereotypes, she proves that femininity and intelligence do coexist, redefining success on her own terms.

‘Frida’ (2002)

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Salma Hayek as Frida in the 2002 film on Frida Kahlo (Photo: IMDB)
Above Salma Hayek as Frida in the 2002 film on Frida Kahlo (Photo: IMDB)
Salma Hayek as Frida in the 2002 film on Frida Kahlo (Photo: IMDB)

This visually stunning biopic follows the life of Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist known for her bold self-portraits and unflinching exploration of pain, identity and love. Starring Salma Hayek in a career-defining performance, the film delves into Kahlo’s tumultuous marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera and her unwavering spirit, celebrating her legacy as a feminist and cultural icon.

More from Tatler: 5 female patrons who revolutionised modern architecture

‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008)

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Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah in The Secret Life of Bees (2008) (Photo: IMDB)
Above Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah in ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008) (Photo: IMDB)
Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah in The Secret Life of Bees (2008) (Photo: IMDB)

Set in 1960s South Carolina, this heartfelt drama follows Lily Owens (played by Dakota Fanning), a young girl escaping her troubled past. She finds refuge with the Boatwright sisters—three strong Black women who run a beekeeping business. Through their love and wisdom, Lily discovers the power of family, resilience and self-acceptance in a world of racial and personal struggles.

‘Girl Rising’ (2013)

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A still from the Rising Girls film (Photo: IMDB)
Above A still from the film (Photo: IMDB)
A still from the Rising Girls film (Photo: IMDB)

This powerful documentary tells the stories of nine girls from countries like Haiti, Nepal, and Cambodia, who overcome immense social and cultural barriers to pursue education. Through a blend of real-life narratives and stunning visuals, the film highlights the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of poverty and oppression for young women globally.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

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Janelle Monáe, Taraji P Henson and Octavia Spencer in Hidden Figures (Photo: Netflix)
Above Janelle Monáe, Taraji P Henson, and Octavia Spencer in ‘Hidden Figures’ (Photo: Netflix)
Janelle Monáe, Taraji P Henson and Octavia Spencer in Hidden Figures (Photo: Netflix)

This inspiring true story follows three Black women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played crucial roles at NASA during the 1960s space race while facing racial and gender discrimination. Their brilliance and perseverance helped launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit, forever changing history. 

‘Bombshell’ (2019)

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Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in Bombshell (Photo: IMDB)
Above Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie in ‘Bombshell’ (Photo: IMDB)
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in Bombshell (Photo: IMDB)

A gripping drama based on true events, Bombshell follows the experiences of female Fox News employees—Megyn Kelly, Gretchen Carlson and Kayla Pospisil—who expose the toxic culture of sexual harassment within the network. Their brave decision to speak out brings down powerful media mogul Roger Ailes, igniting conversations on workplace harassment and gender dynamics.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

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Carey Mulligan as Cassie in Promising Young Woman (Photo: IMDB)
Above Carey Mulligan as Cassie in ‘Promising Young Woman’ (Photo: IMDB)
Carey Mulligan as Cassie in Promising Young Woman (Photo: IMDB)

Cassie, a sharp-witted woman with a traumatic past, embarks on a calculated mission to confront predatory men by posing as vulnerable in bars and exposing their true intentions. As she seeks vengeance for her best friend’s assault, the film subverts traditional revenge narratives, delivering a darkly comedic and thought-provoking feminist thriller.

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Celine Dabao
Associate Editor for Tatler Homes, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Celine Dabao

About 

Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.  


Work 

Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.  

For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.