To commemorate Women's Equality Day, we collaborated with the inspiring women at Cast & Crew to curate a must-watch list of five empowering films and television shows that capture the spirit of the moment. Join us in celebrating the diverse voices and remarkable achievements of women in the entertainment industry by exploring these captivating works.
Please enjoy our 2023 Women’s Equality Day watchlist:
Aliens (1986)
20th Century Fox
Breakdown: After barely surviving an encounter with the horrific xenomorph in 1979’s Alien, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) emerges from decades of stasis. Despite her emphatic protests, she is tasked with reconnecting with a terraforming colony, joining forces with a group of Marines to confront the menacing Alien Queen and her brood in another fierce battle for survival. In Ridley Scott’s Alien, Ripley was seen as an unlikely candidate to be the incident’s sole survivor. Yet her strength and ingenuity saw her win the day, leading to James Cameron’s classic 1986 sequel, where her unwavering resilience and intellect make her the strongest and smartest among the Marines. Ultimately, she once again prevails against all odds in a film that was a giant box office smash—a testament to the power of strong female leads.
Watch trailer: Aliens (1986) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Watch movie: https://www.hulu.com/movie/aliens-b2ae8903-e3c5-4ae1-a9f7-885c04985f96?entity_id=b2ae8903-e3c5-4ae1-a9f7-885c04985f96
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Paramount / UPN
Breakdown: Embarked on a thrilling odyssey, the Starship Voyager and its dedicated crew find themselves abruptly transported to the uncharted far side of the galaxy, separated by a staggering seventy-five-year journey from the Federation at maximum warp speed. Led by the indomitable Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), their mission becomes clear: navigate the vast expanse of space and seek a path back home. Captain Janeway's unwavering leadership was front and center, demonstrating an uncompromising woman who exceled at the helm. Her tenacity, intellect, and courage stand as beacons of inspiration, showing that gender is never a barrier when it comes to running things with prowess and grace.
Watch trailer: Star Trek Voyager Trailer
Watch series: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/star_trek_voyager/
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Warner Bros.
Breakdown: This highly successful film, arguably the best in the series, transforms a franchise centered around a male protagonist by shifting the focus to Furiosa (Charlize Theron)—a fearless woman on a heroic mission to rescue her fellow women from a harrowing destiny. Interestingly, director George Miller entrusted his wife, Margaret Sixel, with the editing, even though she lacked experience in action movies, precisely to avoid the clichés associated with male-directed action films. This decision resulted in a refreshing and distinct cinematic experience that sets this movie apart from the rest, emphasizing the strength and empowerment of its female lead. On top of that, Sixel won an Oscar for her work.
Watch trailer: Mad Max: Fury Road - Official Main Trailer [HD]
Watch movie: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.18b125e2-bfc3-d9fe-5cef-ca32b58fde09?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
CBS
Breakdown: Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is the compelling embodiment of a contemporary, self-reliant woman. Notably, she defied the conventional portrayal of older women by embracing her independence, free from the confines of marriage or motherhood, and found genuine contentment in her circumstance. In addition to her character’s unwavering strength and focus, Lansbury played an instrumental role in shaping the show’s essence, as exemplified by her insistence that Jessica's character remain single throughout the series. Notably, Lansbury's benevolence extended to supporting aging actors, helping them find work so they could qualify for union benefits. Fletcher's character showed that a woman's strength and impact can transcend the boundaries of age and societal norms.
Watch trailer: Murder, She Wrote on CBS promo 1984
Watch series: https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/murder-she-wrote/6083378058394920112
Now and Then (1995)
New Line
Breakdown: This quintessential coming-of-age drama follows a group of four childhood friends as they transition from young girls to women, exploring their evolving relationships. It’s a nostalgic journey that transitions between the group’s cherished memories from the summer of 1970 and their present-day reunion. After forming an unbreakable bond in their formative years, these four small town friends navigate the challenges of adolescence, discovering the true meaning of friendship and the power it holds in shaping their futures.
Watch trailer: Now and Then (1995) Official Trailer 1 - Christina Ricci, Rosie O'Donnell Movie HD
Watch movie: https://www.amazon.com/Now-Then-Christina-Ricci/dp/B085LW76Q9
