The 200+ Best Movies Directed By Women
Photo: Wonder Woman / Warner Bros. Pictures

The 200+ Best Movies Directed By Women

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 170.4K views 231 items
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43.5K votes
2.8K voters
11 reranks
Voting Rules
Films directed by a lady. Vote up your favorite female-directed film.
Latest additions: The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed, Band Aid, Parachute
Most divisive: Something's Gotta Give
Over 2.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies by Female Directors

It’s no longer just a man’s world out there, women have been taking over Hollywood for years in some pretty big ways and there are some amazing female directors out there! From becoming some of the world’s top actresses to screenwriting and directing, women have certainly started to make their mark in the world of movies. In fact, some of the top box office hits and award winners of recent years have been produced or directed by women! But what are the best movies directed by a woman?
 
The movies featured on this list have been ranked as the all time best films directed by women. Perhaps one of the most surprising success stories of women in film came when Kathryn Bigelow but a woman's stamp on the usually male-dominated war movie genre. Her film, The Hurt Locker was both a commercial and critical success. No matter what genre you’re craving there is sure to be a movie, directed by a woman, on this list that will do.
 
This list is made up of the best movies that were directed by a woman, including: Away From Her, Frida, Clueless, The Piano, The Kids Are All Right, Lost In Translation, and American Psycho. Vote up your favorite female-directed films below or add your favorite movies, directed by a woman, if they aren't already on the list.

  • Big
    1

    Big

    Penny Marshall
    953 votes
    In the classic comedy-drama Big, Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) is an everyday 12-year-old boy who yearns for adulthood. After making a wish on a mystical arcade machine, he wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man. Now navigating the adult world with a child's heart, Josh encounters everything from finding a job at a toy company to experiencing his first love with coworker Susan Lawrence (Elizabeth Perkins). Directed by Penny Marshall, Big earned Hanks an Academy Award nomination and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. The movie gracefully explores the contrast between childhood innocence and adult responsibilities, serving both laughter and thought-provoking moments.
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  • Clueless
    2

    Clueless

    Amy Heckerling
    868 votes
    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.
  • American Psycho
    3

    American Psycho

    Mary Harron
    1,075 votes
    American Psycho, a chilling psychological thriller, follows the life of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a successful Wall Street executive by day and a gruesome serial killer by night. Balancing an outward appearance of wealth and normalcy with an inner world steeped in violence, Bateman's double life spirals out of control as his homicidal tendencies escalate. This film, noted for its exploration of materialistic culture and the dark underbelly of American society, is a stark portrayal of a man's descent into madness. Directed by Mary Harron, the movie offers a disturbing glimpse into the mind of a killer concealed beneath a veneer of sophistication.
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  • A League of Their Own
    4

    A League of Their Own

    Penny Marshall
    853 votes
    In the heart of World War II, A League of Their Own unfolds. This comedy-drama, brimming with historical significance and a dash of humor, is directed by Penny Marshall. Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty), two sisters from Oregon, are recruited to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The league was formed when the male baseball players were drafted into the war. Under the guidance of their hard-drinking coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), they and their teammates struggle to keep the league alive amidst societal expectations and personal conflicts. Their journey redefines women's roles in sports and society, challenging stereotypes along the way. To this day, it remains a classic for its portrayal of a significant chapter in American history.
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  • Wonder Woman
    5

    Wonder Woman

    Patty Jenkins
    616 votes
    In the 2017 film Wonder Woman, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is introduced as an Amazonian princess, living on the secluded island of Themyscira. Raised by her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), Diana's life takes a turn when American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes on their shores. With tales of a massive war ravaging the outside world, Diana feels compelled to intervene. Leaving her home behind, she becomes Wonder Woman, fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars. The movie, an action-packed superhero adventure directed by Patty Jenkins, deftly explores themes of courage and sacrifice while offering a fresh narrative within the DC Extended Universe.
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  • Brave
    6

    Brave

    Brenda Chapman
    777 votes
    In the animated film Brave, a young Scottish princess named Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom, causing chaos in her kingdom. Determined to carve her own path in life, she unknowingly unleashes a curse and must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo it. Supported by Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), King Fergus (Billy Connolly), and her triplet brothers, Merida embarks on an epic journey. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, this movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A tale of courage, adventure, and self-discovery, it's a cinematic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its stunning visuals and compelling narrative.
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  • The Hurt Locker
    7

    The Hurt Locker

    Kathryn Bigelow
    844 votes
    In the gripping war film The Hurt Locker, Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner) leads a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War. The movie is a high-stakes portrayal of their perilous mission, where every moment could be fatal. This intense drama unfolds against a backdrop of chaos and conflict, with characters like Sergeant J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) adding depth to the narrative. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker won six Academy Awards in 2010, including Best Picture and Best Director.
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  • Lady Bird
    8

    Lady Bird

    Greta Gerwig
    301 votes
    In the indie dramedy film Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan portrays Christine Lady Bird McPherson, a high school senior from Sacramento. She navigates her way through the trials and tribulations of adolescence, clashing with her mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf), who works tirelessly to keep their family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is punctuated by Lady Bird's interactions with her best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein) and her romantic interests (Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet). With five Academy Award nominations, it remains a compelling exploration of coming-of-age in early 2000s America.
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  • Wayne's World
    9

    Wayne's World

    Penelope Spheeris
    760 votes
    In Wayne's World, Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey), two music-loving slackers, host a public-access television show in Aurora, Illinois. Their laid-back lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe), a slick television producer, offers to take their show to the big leagues. As fame and fortune beckon, Wayne's relationship with his rock singer girlfriend Cassandra Wong (Tia Carrere) starts to falter. This comedy film, peppered with iconic 90s rock-n-roll, explores the duo's struggle to maintain authenticity amidst commercialization.
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  • Point Break
    10

    Point Break

    Kathryn Bigelow
    735 votes
    In Point Break, adrenaline-charged action meets the thrilling world of crime. Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), a young FBI agent, infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze). The athletes are suspected of carrying out unprecedented corporate heists under the veil of extreme sports. As Utah ventures deeper into Bodhi's lifestyle, his own loyalties are tested. This electrifying blend of action and crime, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, keeps viewers on the edge with its stunning stunts and high-stakes drama.
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  • Monster
    11

    Monster

    Patty Jenkins
    697 votes
    In the chilling drama Monster, we plunge into the turbulent life of Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron), a Florida prostitute who spirals into serial murder. The film, directed by Patty Jenkins, is grounded in reality, based on a true crime story that shocked America. Theron's transformative performance, which garnered her an Academy Award, explores the depths of Wuornos's despair and desperation. Christina Ricci stars as Selby Wall, Wuornos's lover, whose relationship with Wuornos adds a poignant layer to this grim tale. Monster is a disturbing exploration of the human capacity for violence and the circumstances that can drive it.
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  • The Parent Trap
    12

    The Parent Trap

    Nancy Meyers
    606 votes
    In the delightful family comedy The Parent Trap, Hallie Parker and Annie James (both played by Lindsay Lohan), are identical twin sisters separated shortly after birth by their divorced parents. Unaware of each other's existence, they serendipitously meet at a summer camp. Swiftly recognizing their uncanny resemblance, they hatch a plan to switch places in an attempt to reunite their estranged parents, Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) and Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid). The movie unfolds as a light-hearted caper filled with heartwarming moments and humorous hijinks.
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  • Frozen
    13

    Frozen

    Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
    794 votes
    Frozen is a captivating animation, set in the mystical kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) possesses an extraordinary but perilous power - she can create ice and snow. Her younger sister, Princess Anna (Kristen Bell), embarks on a daring adventure to bring her sister back after Elsa's powers inadvertently plunge their kingdom into eternal winter. Joined by rugged mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven, they encounter trolls, harsh conditions, and magic at every turn. The film, noted for its memorable songs and stunning visuals, won two Academy Awards - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Let It Go.
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  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    14

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High

    Amy Heckerling
    656 votes
    In the iconic 80s coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, teenage life is under the microscope. Amidst Southern California's sun-soaked malls and high schools, we follow a group of students as they navigate adolescent adventures. Our key characters include Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a young girl grappling with her burgeoning sexuality, her best friend Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) the shy novice in love, and Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), the perennial surfer dude. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this movie weaves together tales of love, loss, and teen angst against a backdrop of carefree adolescence and rock 'n' roll.
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  • Lost in Translation
    15

    Lost in Translation

    Sofia Coppola
    772 votes
    In Lost in Translation, a film that swept up an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), an aging movie star, finds himself marooned in Tokyo. Concurrently, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young woman grappling with her own existential crisis, is also navigating the same foreign cityscape. Both characters, adrift and alienated, form an unlikely bond in this subtly humorous drama. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo's vibrant nightlife and serene temples, this Sofia Coppola-directed masterpiece explores themes of loneliness, inscrutability of love, and the fleeting nature of human connection.
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  • Little Women
    16

    Little Women

    Gillian Armstrong
    318 votes
    In Little Women, the March sisters - Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy - navigate life's challenges in post-Civil War America. With dreams and aspirations that defy societal expectations, they bond through heartbreak and joy, learning the importance of family, love, and personal growth.
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  • Sleepless in Seattle
    17

    Sleepless in Seattle

    Nora Ephron
    570 votes
    In Sleepless in Seattle, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widower, sparks nationwide interest when his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) calls into a radio talk show. Across the country, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a journalist, hears Sam's poignant story and becomes intrigued by him. As fate would have it, their paths cross in a climactic meeting atop the Empire State Building. This romantic drama, directed by Nora Ephron, garnered two Oscar nominations and is hailed for its charming blend of comedy and pathos. It's a testament to love transcending boundaries.
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  • Zero Dark Thirty
    18

    Zero Dark Thirty

    Kathryn Bigelow
    578 votes
    Zero Dark Thirty, a gripping military thriller, unfolds the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. The protagonist Maya (Jessica Chastain), a relentless CIA analyst, drives the narrative with her unwavering pursuit of justice. Marked by intense realism and meticulous detail, director Kathryn Bigelow captures the murky ethics and high stakes of covert operations. This Oscar-winning film features an ensemble cast including Jason Clarke and Joel Edgerton who contribute to its stark portrayal of counterterrorism efforts in the post-9/11 world.
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  • Pet Sematary
    19

    Pet Sematary

    Mary Lambert
    515 votes
    In the chilling horror film Pet Sematary, Dr. Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) relocates his family to rural Maine, unaware of the eerie pet cemetery near their new home. The story takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes, leading Louis to an old local named Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne). A secret, ancient burial ground with sinister powers is unveiled by Jud. As the Creeds grapple with death and its unnatural reversal, director Mary Lambert masterfully unravels a tale of escalating dread and unspeakable horror. Characters plunge into a nightmare where boundaries between life and death hauntingly blur.
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  • Boys Don't Cry
    20

    Boys Don't Cry

    Kimberly Peirce
    534 votes
    In Boys Don't Cry, we follow the gripping journey of Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank), a young woman navigating life in rural Nebraska. Transgender before the term was mainstream, she transforms herself into Brandon Teena, charming and loved by many. Yet, her secret lies like a ticking time bomb, threatening to upend her newfound life. Peter Sarsgaard plays John Lotter, whose turbulent friendship with Brandon forms the crux of the narrative. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, this film won Swank an Oscar for Best Actress. It's a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the human spirit.
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  • The Secret Garden
    21

    The Secret Garden

    Agnieszka Holland
    282 votes
    Adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic fairy tale, "The Secret Garden." Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is an orphan sent to live with her uncle at his mansion that is full of secrets. She discovers a crippled cousin she never knew she had and a neglected garden she is determined to bring back to life.
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  • The Prince of Egypt
    22

    The Prince of Egypt

    Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
    419 votes
    The Prince of Egypt is a captivating animated musical drama. The movie chronicles the life of Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer), a Hebrew baby adopted by Pharaoh Seti's wife, Queen Tuya (Helen Mirren). Raised as an Egyptian prince alongside his step-brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes), Moses learns of his true heritage and embarks on a divine mission to free his people from slavery. This cinematic retelling of the Book of Exodus boasts stunning visuals and an Oscar-winning soundtrack. It explores themes of identity, faith, and destiny without sacrificing entertainment value.
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  • The Piano
    23

    The Piano

    Jane Campion
    507 votes
    Set in mid-19th century New Zealand, The Piano spins a tale of Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute pianist and her daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin). Sold into marriage by her father, Ada's life is thrown into chaos when her new husband, Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill) refuses to transport her beloved piano from the beach where it was left. George Baines (Harvey Keitel), an illiterate neighbor strikes a deal with Ada - the piano for lessons. A grim love triangle ensues, underpinned by the haunting melody of the neglected piano. This film won three Academy Awards including Best Actress for Holly Hunter.
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  • Bend It like Beckham
    24

    Bend It like Beckham

    Gurinder Chadha
    325 votes
    Bend It Like Beckham, a British comedy-drama, weaves the story of Jesminder Bhamra (Parminder Nagra), a young Sikh woman smitten with football. Amidst cultural clashes and family expectations, she nurtures her passion clandestinely, inspired by her idol David Beckham. Her talent catches the eye of Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), leading to an unlikely alliance in a local women's team. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, this film won the BBC's Britain's Best Film award. It explores themes of identity, aspiration, and friendship, against the backdrop of multicultural London. Multilayered yet accessible, it's a unique blend of sports and social commentary.
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  • You've Got Mail
    25

    You've Got Mail

    Nora Ephron
    545 votes
    In the romantic comedy You've Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) is a charming bookstore owner in New York City. She finds herself enamored with an anonymous pen pal she meets online, unaware he is none other than her business rival, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), who owns a large bookselling chain. As their digital love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the bustling Big Apple, their real-life animosity takes a surprising turn. This delightful film, directed by Nora Ephron, explores themes of modern romance and identity in the age of the internet.
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  • The Babadook
    26

    The Babadook

    Jennifer Kent
    211 votes
    A chilling venture into the realms of psychological horror, The Babadook is a masterful exploration of grief and fear. Amelia (Essie Davis), a widowed mother, struggles to manage her troubled son Samuel's (Noah Wiseman) nightmarish visions of a monster he believes is coming to kill them. The line between reality and imagination blurs when they discover a sinister storybook titled Mister Babadook. As the unsettling occurrences escalate, Amelia is forced to confront the presence that has taken root in their home. Directed by Jennifer Kent, this Australian horror film won the AACTA Award for Best Direction in 2014.
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  • Winter’s Bone
    27

    Winter’s Bone

    Debra Granik
    463 votes
    Faced with an unresponsive mother and a criminal father, Ozark teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) does what she can to manage the household and take care of her two younger siblings. Informed by the sheriff (Garret Dillahunt) that their father put their home up for bond and then disappeared, Ree sets out on a dangerous quest to find him. Her entire family's fate now in her hands, Ree challenges her outlaw kin's code of silence and risks her life to learn her father's fate.
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  • The Virgin Suicides
    28

    The Virgin Suicides

    Sofia Coppola
    501 votes
    In The Virgin Suicides, an enigmatic tale unfolds in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The Lisbon sisters, Lux (Kirsten Dunst), Mary (A.J. Cook), Therese (Leslie Hayman), Bonnie (Chelse Swain), and Cecilia (Hanna Hall) are the focus of fascination for a group of neighborhood boys. Guided by the strict hand of their mother (Kathleen Turner) and passive presence of their father (James Woods), these girls navigate adolescence under a heavy shroud of repression and mystery. As the film meanders through this labyrinth of teenage turmoil, it subtly explores themes of isolation, longing, and the tragic consequences of suffocating innocence. This dramatic piece is directed by Sofia Coppola, who won Best First Feature at Independent Spirit Awards for this haunting debut.
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  • Carrie
    29

    Carrie

    Kimberly Peirce
    633 votes
    High school can be tough for many teenagers, but for Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), it's especially hellish. A shy and awkward teen being raised by a religious zealot (Julianne Moore), Carrie is frequently the target of bullies. But Carrie has a secret talent: She can make things move with her mind. One fateful night, an especially cruel prank at her senior prom pushes her over the edge, and Carrie unleashes her telekinetic powers on all who get in her way.
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  • Look Who's Talking
    30

    Look Who's Talking

    Amy Heckerling
    490 votes
    The romantic ups and downs of accountant Mollie Jensen (Kirstie Alley) are viewed cynically by a most unusual bystander -- her talking newborn, Mikey (Bruce Willis). She becomes pregnant through an affair with a married man, Albert (George Segal), and then counts on the friendship of taxi driver James (John Travolta) once she discovers Albert is a lying cad. Although Mikey likes James, and James cares for both the baby and Mollie, she isn't sure she can settle down with a blue-collar boyfriend.
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