The Panther’s Picks: films and TV shows to watch during Women’s History Month

The Panther compiled a list of the best films and TV shows directed by or starring women in honor of Women’s History Month. Photo collage by DANIEL PEARSON, staff photographer 

While the month of March may be home to St. Patrick’s Day, Holi and spring break, it is also home to Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s role in the history of the U.S., as well as their continued contributions to our modern society. 

This year, The Panther has selected eight films and television shows that we feel honor Women’s History Month. Some of these works tell historical stories with women at the forefront, some tell modern-day stories and some are simply made by female directors. All of them celebrate women in every shape and form, with each one making an inspiring, celebratory watch for the month of March. 

“Little Women” 

While there is one specific film being referred to in our top slot, it is worth noting that the “Little Women” title applies to six movies, four mini-series, various stage adaptations and one famed novel. 

All of the works under the “Little Women” title are sure to fit nicely under the Women’s History Month umbrella, but The Panther’s pick is Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film “Little Women." Not only does the film focus on a group of young women, each approaching marriage and identity differently, but the film was directed by one of the most notable female directors of the past decade.
“(‘Little Women’) shows the complexity of womanhood and the beauty of the various aspects of femininity,” Video & Podcast Editor Lisa Wong said. “Women are extraordinary and exquisite and this movie reminds you of that truth. Plus, it's just such a good time.”

“Hidden Figures” 

No movie was more recommended by our staff than “Hidden Figures.” Starring Taraji. P Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer, the film tells the previously untold story of three female African American mathematicians who worked at NASA in the 1960s. 

“Hidden Figures highlights the story of female African American scientists working at NASA,” Wong said. “(It) showcases how history for so long has undermined the intelligence of women and the importance of spotlighting these unknown stories.”

“The Mindy Project” 

Any Mindy Kaling project is worth a watch — “Never Have I Ever” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls” could easily fit on this list. But Kaling’s “The Mindy Project,” which she created, produced and starred in, is a fun, romantic comedy that centers on an Indian-American woman who is not often the star of her own television show. 

More than anything, “The Mindy Project” allows Kaling to shine with her original brand of quirky comedy. 

“Mindy Kaling is someone who I am always in awe of because of her talent in writing,” Features & Entertainment Editor Megan Forrester said. “Seeing such inspiring and badass women in creative fields gives me so much more strength to follow in their footsteps.”

“Sex and the City” 

While the 2008 and 2010 “Sex and the City” films might be the reason this famed title remains in the cultural zeitgeist, the show, premiering in 1998, is where the real story of 30-year-old women lives and breathes. Not only was “Sex and the City” groundbreaking for its portrayal of sex and single females, but it portrayed four different women and their varying approaches to life and relationships. 

“Two (of the women) got married and had kids, one never wanted to get married and one never wanted kids,” Features & Entertainment staff writer Emily Hewitt said. “Sometimes they were unemployed, sometimes they were making big career moves. The work lives of each woman really varied. However, they were always portrayed as absolute icons in their own right, no matter what.”

While the show receives criticism for its lack of diversity and insensitivity towards the LGBTQIA+ community, it still manages to capture the struggles of being a woman in a man’s world. 

“The Farewell”

Written and directed by Lulu Wang, “The Farewell” is a testament to complicated family dynamics and what it means to be a Chinese American. The film features a wonderful dramatic turn for Awkwafina, and is simultaneously a tear-jerker and comedy. 

“Lulu Wang does an incredible job balancing a mix of tones in this lighthearted family drama,” Assistant Features & Entertainment Editor Nicholas De Lucca said. “Although she’s just getting started in Hollywood, I expect Lang to cement herself as one of the top directors in years to come.”

“Dead to Me”

Starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, and created by Liz Feldman, “Dead to Me” managed to showcase grief in a way not a lot of shows have managed to, conveying the struggle of losing a loved one with both drama and humor. 

“(‘Dead to Me’) is about female friendship and empowerment, even though they do kill people,” Copy Editor Greta Cifarelli said. “I feel like it really reflects the grieving process and relationships between women.”

“Turning Red” 

The only animated film recommended, “Turning Red” made Domee Shi the first woman with a sole directing credit on a feature-length Pixar film. Not only was the film a landmark moment for women in film, but the story is relatable to every woman who faced the trials and tribulations of puberty.  

“The movie is empowering and discusses generational trauma as well as funny, cringe, preteen feelings,” Business Manager Julia Sousa said. 

“She Said”

Just like Hollywood likes to talk about Hollywood, journalists like to talk about journalists. But this film is worth spreading the word about. Directed by Maria Schrader, “She Said” tells the true story of New York Times journalists Meghan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, whose reporting exposed the decades of sexual abuse by former film producer Harvey Weinstein.

“It's not only a great journalism movie, but it also highlights the powerful work of female leaders in the journalism industry and the strength of words,” said Editor-in-Chief Angelina Hicks. 

Though midterms are approaching and the spring semester is in full swing, Women’s History Month is here and worthy of celebration. The women who created these films, starred in them and inspired them are worth celebrating, and their contributions to our world should not soon be forgotten.