Entertainment
It's been a rough few months, both in general and more specifically, in Hollywood. Ever since the #MeToo movement followed a barrage of sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein, the pervasiveness of harassment towards women has taken a forefront in the news cycle. After Weinstein stepped away from his job, allegations against Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, and many more famous and powerful men came out. All the news probably makes a lot of women want to give up on Hollywood all together, but you shouldn't lose hope just yet. These are still plenty of reasons to celebrate the industry, and these 33 female led movies & TV shows you can watch right now will remind you how badass the women in Hollywood are.
Not only do many of these shows and movies feature powerful women in leading roles, but many of them also boast women in production behind the scenes. That's no coincidence, either. As a study from San Diego State University's Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film reveals, TV shows with at least one female creator portray women as major characters much more frequently than shows with all male creators do. The more women working behind the scenes in Hollywood, the better. And these 33 shows and movies only prove that women can and should take the lead more often.
1
'Lady Bird'
Everyone's been talking about Greta Gerwig's movie that stars Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf for a reason. It really is that good.
2
'Girls Trip'
The breakout star from Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish, may have just gotten snubbed by the Golden Globes, but that's all the more reason to watch it.
3
'The Handmaid's Tale'
The top comments that people have about this show is that it is both really good, and terrifyingly realistic. It takes dystopia to a new level, and you shouldn't miss it.
4
'Landline'
Landline will transport you back to the '90s in the best way possible.
5
'Glow'
Feeling angry about the state of the world? Watch a bunch of women fight and flex in Glow to feel better.
6
'Big Little Lies'
It's basically made a clean sweep in the acting categories in the recently announced Golden Globe nominations, so you'd better catch up on the HBO series. The fact that it was just officially renewed for a second season is even more reason to watch the first season now.
7
'The Shape Of Water'
Sally Hawkins is already being considered an Oscar contender for her role in this movie about her romance with a non-human creature.
8
'SMILF'
The new Showtime series just got two Golden Globes nominations, and it show hasn't even finished its first season yet. Its creator/writer/director, Frankie Shaw, is a comedic genius and you should probably get to know her work.
9
'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'
This show is considered by many to already be Amy Sherman-Palladino's best — and she created Gilmore Girls. That's a big statement, but The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel really does deliver.
10
'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'
Frances McDormand is a powerhouse in this movie that's in theaters now.
11
'Feud: Bette vs. Joan'
Two present-day Hollywood legends portray two past Hollywood legends in this Ryan Murphy limited series.
12
'I, Tonya'
If you lived through the early '90s scandal surrounding Tonya Harding's involvement with the attack on her figure skating rival, Nancy Kerrigan, you need to see this movie. On second thought, you should see it no matter what. Catch it in theaters now.
13
'Molly’s Game'
Aaron Sorkin's newest movie, a fast-paced dramedy, will hit theaters on Dec. 25.
14
'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'
This show is having an amazing third season right now, and it should be required viewing for everyone.
15
'Wonder Woman'
It was the movie of the summer that broke box-office records only two days after its release. Oh yeah, Wonder Woman did that — thanks to director Patty Jenkins, of course.
16
'Jessica Jones'
The trailer for Season 2 just came out, and fans of Jessica Jones must be so happy that their favorite hero is coming back.
17
'Jane The Virgin'
Gina Rodriguez isn't the only badass Latinx actor in this show — the whole cast is stacked.
18
'One Mississippi'
Tig Notaro is a prime example of how you can take your life's greatest struggles and make it into something hilarious.
19
'Grace & Frankie'
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin tackle ageism and sexism as Grace and Frankie, respectively, and they're downright hilarious while doing it.
20
'Insecure'
Issa Rae, the creator of Insecure had an amazing 2017, and she deserves every success.
21
'Broad City'
Even though the show just wrapped its fourth season, you can probably watch every episode over and over again and never get sick of it.
22
'Younger'
TVLand's hilarious show features awesome actors like Hillary Duff, Sutton Foster, and Debi Mazar. Talk about a powerhouse cast.
23
'She's Gotta Have It'
Nola Darling is back, on a show that came out on Netflix in late November. It's all about celebrating female sexuality and you will feel so inspired.
24
'Atomic Blonde'
Speaking of inspiring, Charlize Theron's role in Atomic Blonde was one of 2017's most exciting creations. You will most definitely feel more motivated to kick ass after watching this movie.
25
'The Incredible Jessica James'
For ever 20-something, Jessica Williams' role in this movie is so relatable, and the film is available on Netflix right now.
26
'The Beguiled'
Colin Farrell plays the only male character in The Beguiled, and none of the women really know how to handle his presence.
27
'Ingrid Goes West'
If you've been missing Aubrey Plaza in your life since Parks and Recreation wrapped, this movie gives you a great dose of the hilarious actor.
28
'How To Get Away With Murder'
Shondaland has a lot of dynamic female characters, but none quite as electrifying as Viola Davis' Annalise Keating.
29
'One Day At A Time'
Jane the Virgin's Justina Machado and Rita Moreno star in this 2017 Netflix series.
30
'Orange Is The New Black'
If you're looking for a show with an almost all-female ensemble cast, you need to watch Orange is the New Black. Not only are the men far and few between, but the women get to be seen as complex, real people.
31
'Battle Of The Sexes'
Emma Stone plays real-life tennis hero Billie Jean King, and you can channel all your anger through her in this film.
32
'Patti Cake$'
Patti Cake$ presents the unlikely hero that you might need right now. You'll be cheering for her in no time.
