I hate to be the one to break it to you, but, Hollywood isn't exactly overflowing with female directors. At least, not ones that are employed. A new study published in January of 2017 from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University found that only seven percent of the top-grossing 250 movies released in 2016 were directed by women, a two percent decline from 2015, and an all around awful number. Clearly, it can be difficult to find female-directed films in movie theaters, and that's why the movie gods invented Netflix. These 17 awesome films from female directors on Netflix right now are ones you should add to your queue ASAP.
It might be easier to find female-directed movies on Netflix than at the cineplex, but that's not because the site is some kind of haven for women in film. Women represent a minority behind the camera everywhere, not just in Hollywood. Netflix just happens to be a platform for movies that don't necessarily count on box office profits or success, like independent films or foreign films that don't get big releases in the U.S. Netflix is a huge stepping stone towards getting female-directed movies seen, but it doesn't fix the problem. Still, the only way we're going to get more women directors in Hollywood is if the audience for female-directed movies grows louder. Watching these 17 awesome films from female directors on Netflix is a start.
1
'Take This Waltz'
Sarah Polley directs Take This Waltz, a movie about a married woman (Michelle Williams), who finds herself attracted to her sexy artist neighbor.
2
'Life Partners'
Life Partners, directed by Susanna Fogel, is perfect for those of us just figuring out this whole adulting thing.
3
'Fish Tank'
Fish Tank, from director Andrea Arnold, tells the story of a 15-year-old girl who struggles when her mom brings home a sexy new boyfriend (Michael Fassbender).
4
'Tiny Furniture'
Lena Dunham's breakout film, Tiny Furniture, is pretty much Girls-lite.
5
'We Need To Talk About Kevin'
Lynne Ramsay's We Need To Talk About Kevin, the story of a strange boy who grows up to commit an atrocity, is not for the fait of heart — you have been warned.
7
'The Invitation'
Creepy and just this side of horror, The Invitation, directed by Karyn Kusama, is worth a look when you're ready to be freaked out by a beautiful dinner party.
8
'Mustang'
Deniz Gamze Ergüven's Mustang, a film about five orphan girls who struggle to live in the confines of their ultra conservative and controlling guardians, is not to be missed.
9
'A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night'
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night, from writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour, is a vampire Western, so yeah, check it out.
10
'Step Up'
Step Up, aka the movie that gave us Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum, was director Anne Fletcher's debut feature. She went on to direct 27 Dresses and The Proposal.
11
'The Wolfpack'
Crystal Moselle's documentary, The Wolfpack, offers a unique look into how movies and entertainment impact our lives and behaviors. It's really one of those, "you have to see it to believe it" films.
12
'Bridget Jones's Diary'
The film that started it all, Bridget Jones's Diary doesn't just star a kickass (and hilarious) woman, it was directed by one (Sharon Maguire).
13
'One Day'
Minus the not-so-happy happy ending, Lone Scherfig's adaptation of One Day is 100 percent romantic awesomeness.
14
'The Babadook'
Written and directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook shook the horror film world when it was released in 2014, and certainly lives up to its reputation.
15
'13th'
There's a reason Ava DuVernay's documentary about the legacy of the 13th Amendment and the prison industrial complex was just nominated for an Academy Award, and you should see it to find out why.
16
'2 Days in New York'
Julie Delpy wrote, directed, and starred in 2 Days in New York, a wacky romantic comedy featuring a great performance from Chris Rock and a crazy French family.
17
'Somewhere'
There's no denying Sofia Coppola's touch in Somewhere, with its indie music soundtrack and gorgeously shot sequences. It's a pretty good way to spend a few hours, if you ask me.
Supporting other women has never been so easy (or fun).
