Movies That Proved The True Scope Of Girl Power In 2023
If there's one theme we got from the cinema of 2023, it was that movies about women knocked it out of the park. From the juggernaut that was Barbie, to smaller comedies like Joy Ride and 80 for Brady, this was a banner year for showcasing female talent, whether that be actresses, directors, writers, or producers.
With Disney properties like The Little Mermaid and The Marvels and unique thrillers like Totally Killer and The Wrath of Becky - it seems that Hollywood is finally starting to understand that audiences will support films that feature strong women leads.
We can only hope this trend will continue into 2024. For now, have your say in the best movies of the year that proved girl power is a force to be reckoned with.
- 141 VOTESPhoto: Prime Video
If Back to the Future and Halloween had a baby, it'd be Totally Killer. And just like Halloween, this film has a strong female protagonist at its helm. Jamie (played by Kiernan Shipka) is your normal teenager. Her mother does have kind of a tragic past (her three friends were murdered when she was in high school), and this ends up catching up with her when she's killed by presumably the same killer.
As Jamie is mourning her mother, she finds herself being chased by the killer - and hides in her friend's time machine. She is then transported back to the ‘80s, where she has the chance to catch the killer once and for all, while also getting to know her teenage mother (Olivia Holt). It’s an unusual meld of horror and time travel, but it works, and Shipka deftly keeps it all together.
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- 247 VOTESPhoto: Sony Pictures Releasing
Jennifer Lawrence had already proven her ability to lead dramas or action movies several times over. In No Hard Feelings, she demonstrates that she can be a comedic star, too, with a plot that lets her be both a mess but also undeniably likable. As Maddie, a 32-year-old Uber driver in Montauk who desperately needs cashflow after her car gets repossessed, she accepts a very questionable job. A wealthy couple hire Maddie to date their 19-year-old son Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) in order to help him come out of his shell before he goes off to college.
While that premise raises some eyebrows off the bat, the film threads the needle between saccharine and alarming to find the humor in Maddie and Percy's relationship, which grows into more of an unusual friendship where they both learn from each other. Feldman gives a strong performance, but Lawrence, of course, steals the show. She also wasn't afraid to bare it all for an uproarious scene involving a beachside fight while skinny-dipping. No Hard Feelings proves original comedies are still a worthy investment for studios and audiences alike.
More No Hard Feelings- #577 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 351 VOTESPhoto: Universal Pictures
Cocaine Bear is more about girl power than one would think - beyond the simple fact that it's directed by Elizabeth Banks. The comedy-thriller is very loosely based on a true story, following what happens when a plane dumps its payload of cocaine into a park, where a large bear partakes it. After Sari (Keri Russell) realizes her daughter Dee Dee (Brooklynn Prince) has gone to that same park, she turns into a “mama bear” herself and embarks on a rescue mission, undaunted even as she finds evidence of the creature's victims.
The plot unfolds with plenty of chaos and plenty of gore, as gangsters seek to reclaim the cocaine, while other characters simply seek to escape the hyped-up bear's rampage. Sari is fierce and determined, finding her daughter - and also finding out the bear is protecting two cubs of her own.
More Cocaine Bear- #502 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 446 VOTESPhoto: Universal Pictures
If you count M3GAN herself, this film has three women as its stars (we'll let you decide if you think a robotic doll deserves top billing). The horror-comedy M3GAN became a viral hit upon its wide release in January 2023 for its depiction of the murderous wrath of the titular character.
The movie revolves around the relationship of eight-year-old Cady (Violet McGraw) and her aunt Gemma (Allison Williams), whom Cady is sent to live with after her parents die in a car accident. Gemma, a roboticist, introduces Cady to an AI-powered doll named M3GAN, in hopes of helping her feel supported in her new life. As one can expect in a horror flick, M3GAN soon grows overly protective of Cady, threatening (and harming) anyone who gets too close. The film debuted to exuberant praise for its skilled balance of scares and laughs.
- 563 VOTESPhoto: Warner Bros. Pictures
The biggest movie of 2023 not only was centered around a female character, but it was also directed and co-written by a woman. On top of that, Greta Gerwig now holds the title for highest-grossing film for a movie directed by a woman. The film itself further supported the girl power behind the camera with its plot and protagonist, Barbie (played by the equally iconic Margot Robbie, whose production company also produced the blockbuster).
Barbie not only addresses the pressures women face as Barbie learns the difficulty of being human from Gloria (America Ferrera), it also pokes fun at the ridiculousness of toxic masculinity as Ken (Ryan Gosling) attempts to bring patriarchy back to Barbie Land… but seems to think it mostly has to do with horses. It's a wacky, visually stunning film that also has a strong message about the boxes we try to put both men and women in, and the difficulty of choosing to step outside those boxes.
- 630 VOTESPhoto: Netflix
Girl power wasn't restricted to only live-action films in 2023. Animated films also got in on the female empowerment train, particularly the film Nimona. The story takes place in a futuristic-yet-medieval setting, where knights protect the royalty of the land against magical beasts.
However, when a knight is framed for a crime, his only hope turns out to be Nimona (voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz), a shapeshifter. Together, Nimona and Ballister (voiced by Riz Ahmed) two embark on a quest to clear his name. For fans of animated films, Nimona is a must-see for its unique story and beautiful art style.
More Nimona- #336 of 450 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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- 734 VOTESPhoto: Metro-Goldywn-Mayer Pictures
Bottoms is a classic R-rated teen comedy in the tradition of American Pie, this time with a queer, Gen Z twist. Josie (Ayo Edebiri) and PJ (Rachel Sennott) are the designated “ugly, untalented gays” of their high school, but still hold out hopes of attracting their popular-girl crushes, Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber). They cook up a poorly-planned scheme of starting a fight club to teach other girls self defense, winning the admiration - and hopefully attraction - of their crushes.
From there, the story only spirals into more hilarious chaos, with plenty of girls beating each other up, overdramatic football players, and even some unexpected murder. Bottoms is unapologetically wacky, and a perfect showcase of its lead duo, as well as many other talented actresses.
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- 822 VOTESPhoto: Hulu
An unfortunate side effect of the SAG-AFTRA strike was that films released during the strike's duration didn't get the same publicity that other 2023 films did. This was the case for Jessica Yu's Quiz Lady, which was quietly released in early November on Hulu.
Starring powerhouses Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, the comedy shows the strained relationship of sisters Anne (Awkwafina) and Jenny (Oh) as they are forced to work together to try and bail their mom out of a gambling debt. Jenny's proposed solution is for Anne to go on a quiz show that she is incredibly good at playing from home. It's both a tender story about sisters reconciling as well as an off-the-wall comedy that stars Will Ferrell as a Trebek-inspired game show host and features Oh at her comedic best.
More Quiz Lady- #572 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 928 VOTESPhoto: Lionsgate
While Adele Lim's Joy Ride flew under the radar when it was released in July 2023, it made a positive impression on those who saw it, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The plot follow childhood friends Audrey (Ashley Park) - who was adopted by white parents - and Lolo (Sherry Cola) as they embark on a trip to China to close a deal for the law firm Audrey works for. They're joined by Audrey's college friend turned Chinese drama star, Kat (Stephanie Hsu), as well as Lolo's awkward, K-pop obsessed cousin, “Deadeye” (Sabrina Wu).
What starts off as a simple business trip soon goes incredibly awry, and hilarity ensures as the women try to close the deal while tracking down Audrey's birth mother. There's friendship, raunchy, off-the-wall humor, and also some genuine emotions that might have viewers reaching for the tissues. Joy Ride is an excellent comedy that follows in the footsteps of hits like Bridesmaids or Girls Trip for a raucous good time.
More Joy Ride- #573 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 1019 VOTESPhoto: Lionsgate
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. was championed by fans around the world for its realistic portrayal of an 11-year-old girl's experience moving to a new town, as told in Judy Blume's novel of the same name.
The coming-of-age story tackles topics like religion, making friends, and the changes that happen to our bodies as we get older. Specifically, the film explored the theme of girls getting their periods for the first time. Audiences were happy to see a film actually talk about such a common health aspect rather than skirt around the issue.
That didn't stop some viewers from criticizing the film for not actually showing period blood on-screen. Either way, it's a worthy adaptation of Blume's work and a heartwarming watch for viewers of all ages.
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- 1124 VOTESPhoto: Paramount Pictures
“Aging out” is a term many Hollywood actresses are familiar with. It's unfortunately common for women to receive fewer and fewer roles after they turn 40, even some of the most talented actresses of their generation. 80 for Brady combats that idea, starring four legendary actresses who are all over the age of 75. (At the time of the film's release, Sally Field was 76, Lily Tomlin was 83, Jane Fonda was 85, and Rita Moreno was 91.)
The movie is based on a true story for four lifelong friends who are huge fans of the New England Patriots, and particularly quarterback Tom Brady. By sharing their story, they win tickets to the 2017 Super Bowl. The film details their journey in getting to the game, highlighting how older women can have just as much fun as their younger counterparts. It doesn't hurt that Tomlin, Fonda, Field, and Moreno are four of the most versatile and talented performers out there. Together, they deliver an unabashedly fun film.
More 80 for Brady- #630 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 1238 VOTES
While Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) has famously been one of the leading female superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, 2023's The Marvels teams her up with two more women with superpowers, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Together, the three form “The Marvels." Together, they must figure out their unique connection to one another (which includes switching places with each other) in order to defeat Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton).
The film is truly spearheaded by women directed by Nia DaCosta (known for Little Woods and Candyman). It's also a wonderful chance to get all these characters together, and to get Kamala Khan on the big screen after her MCU debut in the TV series Ms. Marvel.
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- 1324 VOTESPhoto: Netflix
In The Mother, Jennifer Lopez proved that moms can be pretty badass. Lopez's lead character, known only as “The Mother,” is a military operative who becomes pregnant while sleeping with two very dangerous men. One night, The Mother is ambushed by one of the potential fathers, who stabs her pregnant belly. While the baby is saved, she is sent to live with an adopted family for her safety.
Over a decade later, The Mother is pulled out of hiding to help protect her child and hunt down the one of the men from so long ago. What ensues is a pulse-pounding action-thriller as The Mother strives to rescue her daughter Zoe (Lucy Paez) after a kidnapping. Lopez thoroughly demonstrates that she has just as much talent for action as she does for romantic comedies, making this a must-see.
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- 1412 VOTESPhoto: Focus Features
Book Club: The Next Chapter is another example of a women-led cast by women all over 70. It's a sequel to the 2018 film Book Club, starring the same leading ladies - Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen.
The Next Chapter catches up with the book club after the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic have eased up, and they're able to get back together in person for a trip to Italy. While on their adventure, they come across love interests, encounter thieves, and have to work together to get their trip back on track. It's a lighthearted romantic comedy which shows off the best talents of its four highly-accomplished stars.
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- 1533 VOTES
Is Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour technically a movie? Well, given that it has brought in over $240 million in box office sales, it'd be hard not to consider it a blockbuster film of 2023.
The film is essentially a chance for audiences to witness the record-breaking Eras Tour for themselves, if they're not able to spend the high ticket price to see Swift in person. Even some fans who attended the tour may relish the opportunity to relive it with cinema quality.
Swift has certified herself as an all-time earner with the US leg of her tour alone bringing in a reported $780 million. Her financial power was surely appreciated by movie theaters who got a share of the profits from this concert film.
- 1636 VOTES
One of the most anticipated films of 2023 was the live-action adaption of The Little Mermaid. With Halle Bailey at the helm of the film, audiences were excited to see how Disney would update the classic to be more aligned with the environment of 2023.
The film stuck pretty close to the original plot, with Ariel (Bailey) wanting to leave her underwater life behind to live with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) on the land, striking a questionable deal with Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) to help her venture onto land. A few new songs and fleshed-out details make it worth a watch for those who enjoyed the original film or new viewers alike. If for no other reason, The Little Mermaid is worth a watch for Bailey's rising star power alone.
- 1711 VOTESPhoto: Quiver Distribution
When Becky was released in 2020, it was a relatively indie movie shot with a small budget. However, the thriller about a teenage girl who expertly kills her enemies quickly developed a cult following, to the point where a sequel was ordered. The Wrath of Becky continues the story of the eponymous hero, Becky (Lulu Wilson). The story takes place three years after the events of the first film, during which Becky's father was killed. Becky now lives on the road with her loyal dog, Diego.
A woman named Elena (Denise Burse) takes Becky in, and it seems Becky's life might actually have stability. After a run-in with a group of misogynistic men, Becky finds herself having to rescue Diego after he's been taken. Just like the first film, this is a showcase of Becky's power and will to survive, and Wilson plays the character with aplomb.
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- 187 VOTES
