15 Outstanding 2023 Films by Women Directors

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15 Outstanding 2023 Films by Women Directors

Posted: April 18, 2024 | Last updated: April 18, 2024

<p>Of course, the inclusion of the biggest movie of the year was inevitable on this list. Greta Gerwig's third solo directorial effort stands out as her boldest film to date, particularly in terms of scale. She demonstrated her ability to handle a major production just as beautifully as her previous, more modest films.</p> <p>While "Barbie" isn't flawless (if such a thing exists), especially in terms of the script, Gerwig's sincerity infused the film with genuine fun, featuring crowd-pleasing scenes (the disco party! Ryan Gosling singing!) and heartfelt moments beneath all the pink.</p>

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Barbie (Greta Gerwig)

Of course, the inclusion of the biggest movie of the year was inevitable on this list. Greta Gerwig's third solo directorial effort stands out as her boldest film to date, particularly in terms of scale. She demonstrated her ability to handle a major production just as beautifully as her previous, more modest films.

While "Barbie" isn't flawless (if such a thing exists), especially in terms of the script, Gerwig's sincerity infused the film with genuine fun, featuring crowd-pleasing scenes (the disco party! Ryan Gosling singing!) and heartfelt moments beneath all the pink.

<p>A year after Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” Sofia Coppola shifts the focus to Priscilla's perspective in her biopic. Based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me" (with Priscilla serving as an executive producer), the film is hailed as one of the director's best since "Lost In Translation."</p> <p>The movie delves into Priscilla and Elvis' relationship, leaving no doubt about its predatory nature. Cailee Spaney received acclaim for her performance, as did Jacob Elordi in his portrayal of The King of Rock and Roll. </p>

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Priscilla (Sofia Coppola)

A year after Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” Sofia Coppola shifts the focus to Priscilla's perspective in her biopic. Based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me" (with Priscilla serving as an executive producer), the film is hailed as one of the director's best since "Lost In Translation."

The movie delves into Priscilla and Elvis' relationship, leaving no doubt about its predatory nature. Cailee Spaney received acclaim for her performance, as did Jacob Elordi in his portrayal of The King of Rock and Roll.

<p>Celine Song’s feature debut, "Past Lives," has been one of the most celebrated films of the year. Loosely based on her own experiences, the movie follows Nora, portrayed magnificently by Greta Lee, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two childhood friends who reconnect decades after she emigrates from South Korea to the US.</p> <p>The film is an exploration of fate, love, and the decisions that shape us, whether big or small. It's intimate yet restrained and carefully crafted by Song’s direction. However, the exceptional performances of the cast, including John Magaro’s portrayal of Arthur, are the reason the film has resonated with so many people.</p>

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Past Lives (Celine Song)

Celine Song’s feature debut, "Past Lives," has been one of the most celebrated films of the year. Loosely based on her own experiences, the movie follows Nora, portrayed magnificently by Greta Lee, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two childhood friends who reconnect decades after she emigrates from South Korea to the US.

The film is an exploration of fate, love, and the decisions that shape us, whether big or small. It's intimate yet restrained and carefully crafted by Song’s direction. However, the exceptional performances of the cast, including John Magaro’s portrayal of Arthur, are the reason the film has resonated with so many people.

<p>This British film, marking the directing debut of Nida Manzoor, was written and directed by her. The action-comedy follows Ria Khan, a martial artist-in-training, who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage.</p> <p>The film received recognition at the 2023 British Independent Film Awards, winning in the Best Debut Screenwriter category. Critics praised it for its clever blend of genres, heartfelt storyline, great performances, and the meticulous crafting of action sequences.</p>

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Polite Society (Nida Manzoor)

This British film, marking the directing debut of Nida Manzoor, was written and directed by her. The action-comedy follows Ria Khan, a martial artist-in-training, who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage.

The film received recognition at the 2023 British Independent Film Awards, winning in the Best Debut Screenwriter category. Critics praised it for its clever blend of genres, heartfelt storyline, great performances, and the meticulous crafting of action sequences.

<p>Not too long ago, it was culturally accepted to claim that women weren't funny or couldn't excel in comedy. Of course, that misconception has been debunked countless times, and this year one of the funniest films this year is not only written and directed by women but also stars a female-led cast.</p> <p>In her feature directorial debut, Adele Lim directs "Joy Ride," a raunchy comedy written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao. The film boasts a powerful cast, including Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. It takes the audience on an epic journey across China, where four friends discover the importance of self-love.</p>

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Joy Ride (Adele Lim)

Not too long ago, it was culturally accepted to claim that women weren't funny or couldn't excel in comedy. Of course, that misconception has been debunked countless times, and this year one of the funniest films this year is not only written and directed by women but also stars a female-led cast.

In her feature directorial debut, Adele Lim directs "Joy Ride," a raunchy comedy written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao. The film boasts a powerful cast, including Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. It takes the audience on an epic journey across China, where four friends discover the importance of self-love.

<p>“The Starling Girl” may not have made a splash at the box office, but it stands out as one of the gems of the year. Written and directed by Laurel Parmet in her feature directorial debut, the film follows Jemima "Jem" Starling, a 17-year-old girl struggling to find her place within her Christian fundamentalist community in Kentucky.</p> <p>Starring Eliza Scanlen, renowned for her roles in "Babyteeth" and Greta Gerwig’s "Little Women," she delivers what critics consider her best performance to date. Like many other films on this list, it addresses women’s liberties and the societal pressures that often compel them to repress themselves.</p>

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The Starling Girl (Laurel Parmet)

“The Starling Girl” may not have made a splash at the box office, but it stands out as one of the gems of the year. Written and directed by Laurel Parmet in her feature directorial debut, the film follows Jemima "Jem" Starling, a 17-year-old girl struggling to find her place within her Christian fundamentalist community in Kentucky.

Starring Eliza Scanlen, renowned for her roles in "Babyteeth" and Greta Gerwig’s "Little Women," she delivers what critics consider her best performance to date. Like many other films on this list, it addresses women’s liberties and the societal pressures that often compel them to repress themselves.

<p>Directed and written by Maryam Keshavarz, this comedy-drama stars Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, and Tom Byrne. The story revolves around the struggles of a young Iranian-American woman who frequently finds herself at odds with her family, especially her mother.</p> <p>The film premiered at Sundance, where it clinched two awards, including the Audience Award for the U.S. Dramatic Competition. It also secured a spot on the Top 10 list of independent films by the National Board of Review.</p>

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The Persian Version (Maryam Keshavarz)

Directed and written by Maryam Keshavarz, this comedy-drama stars Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, and Tom Byrne. The story revolves around the struggles of a young Iranian-American woman who frequently finds herself at odds with her family, especially her mother.

The film premiered at Sundance, where it clinched two awards, including the Audience Award for the U.S. Dramatic Competition. It also secured a spot on the Top 10 list of independent films by the National Board of Review.

<p>A.V. Rockwell made her feature directorial debut with 'A Thousand and One,' a film she also wrote. Starring Teyana Taylor, the film follows a single mother's decision to kidnap her son from the foster care system, choosing to raise him herself.</p> <p>It also stars Will Catlett, Josiah Cross, Aven Courtney, and Aaron Kingsley Adetola. Recognized by the National Board of Review, it earned a spot among the top 10 independent films of 2023 for its powerful narrative about parental devotion amid societal inequalities.</p>

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A Thousand and One (A.V. Rockwell)

A.V. Rockwell made her feature directorial debut with 'A Thousand and One,' a film she also wrote. Starring Teyana Taylor, the film follows a single mother's decision to kidnap her son from the foster care system, choosing to raise him herself.

It also stars Will Catlett, Josiah Cross, Aven Courtney, and Aaron Kingsley Adetola. Recognized by the National Board of Review, it earned a spot among the top 10 independent films of 2023 for its powerful narrative about parental devotion amid societal inequalities.

<p>"Theater Camp" is a treat for those who study theater or are fans of the stage. It was co-directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, both making their feature debuts. They also penned the screenplay alongside Ben Platt and Noah Galvin.</p> <p>Starring Gordon, Platt, and Galvin, the film follows the eccentric staff members of an upstate New York theater camp and their efforts to save it after their beloved founder falls into a coma. Weird and funny, it’s perfect for a great time. </p>

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Theater Camp (Co-directed by Molly Gordon)

"Theater Camp" is a treat for those who study theater or are fans of the stage. It was co-directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, both making their feature debuts. They also penned the screenplay alongside Ben Platt and Noah Galvin.

Starring Gordon, Platt, and Galvin, the film follows the eccentric staff members of an upstate New York theater camp and their efforts to save it after their beloved founder falls into a coma. Weird and funny, it’s perfect for a great time.

<p>Emma Seligman’s sophomore feature might well become the definitive 'high school' movie for Gen-Z. Starring the two emerging talents Rachel Senott (who also co-wrote the script with Seligman) and Ayo Edibiri, the film manages to capture a contemporary feel while evoking nostalgia from early 2000s movies.</p> <p>The story revolves around two lesbian girls who create a self-defense club with the aim of connecting with popular cheerleaders. However, the real triumph of the film lies in its ability to be humorous and self-aware of clichés without attempting to be preachy.</p>

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Bottoms (Emma Seligman)

Emma Seligman’s sophomore feature might well become the definitive 'high school' movie for Gen-Z. Starring the two emerging talents Rachel Senott (who also co-wrote the script with Seligman) and Ayo Edibiri, the film manages to capture a contemporary feel while evoking nostalgia from early 2000s movies.

The story revolves around two lesbian girls who create a self-defense club with the aim of connecting with popular cheerleaders. However, the real triumph of the film lies in its ability to be humorous and self-aware of clichés without attempting to be preachy.

<p>Emerald Fennell already made a big splash back in 2020 with her feature directorial debut, "Promising Young Woman," for which she won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. This year, she proved herself as one of the most interesting directors and writers with "Saltburn," a thriller that has been compared to "The Talented Mr. Ripley."</p> <p>Starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and Rosamund Pike, the movie is set in England in the mid-2000s and follows an Oxford University student who becomes obsessed with a wealthy classmate, inviting him to spend the summer at his eccentric family's estate.</p>

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Saltburn (Emerald Fennell)

Emerald Fennell already made a big splash back in 2020 with her feature directorial debut, "Promising Young Woman," for which she won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. This year, she proved herself as one of the most interesting directors and writers with "Saltburn," a thriller that has been compared to "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

Starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and Rosamund Pike, the movie is set in England in the mid-2000s and follows an Oxford University student who becomes obsessed with a wealthy classmate, inviting him to spend the summer at his eccentric family's estate.

<p>Adored by critics but unfortunately overlooked upon its release, this cherished adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel was brought to the screen by director Kelly Fremon Craig, renowned for “The Edge of Seventeen.” Craig successfully convinced the author to entrust her with adapting the story.</p> <p>Fortunately, the film not only did justice to the source material but also stood out as one of the best films of the year. Abby Ryder Fortson shines in her first lead role, with Rachel McAdams delivering one of the most brilliant performances of the year as Margaret's mom.</p>

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Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret (Kelly Fremon Craig)

Adored by critics but unfortunately overlooked upon its release, this cherished adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel was brought to the screen by director Kelly Fremon Craig, renowned for “The Edge of Seventeen.” Craig successfully convinced the author to entrust her with adapting the story.

Fortunately, the film not only did justice to the source material but also stood out as one of the best films of the year. Abby Ryder Fortson shines in her first lead role, with Rachel McAdams delivering one of the most brilliant performances of the year as Margaret's mom.

<p>One of the films that has generated the most buzz this year is the French courtroom drama "Anatomy of a Fall," directed by Justine Triet. The film not only clinched the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival but also secured the European Film Award for Best Director and Best Screenwriter.</p> <p>Co-written by Triet and Arthur Harari, the movie centers around a writer, portrayed by Sandra Hüller, who endeavors to prove her innocence in her husband's death. Both Hüller’s performance and Triet’s direction have garnered universal praise.</p>

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Anatomy of a Fall (Justine Triet)

One of the films that has generated the most buzz this year is the French courtroom drama "Anatomy of a Fall," directed by Justine Triet. The film not only clinched the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival but also secured the European Film Award for Best Director and Best Screenwriter.

Co-written by Triet and Arthur Harari, the movie centers around a writer, portrayed by Sandra Hüller, who endeavors to prove her innocence in her husband's death. Both Hüller’s performance and Triet’s direction have garnered universal praise.

<p>While many films on the list focus on young women, ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ is a delightful dramedy that delves into the challenges of midlife and marriage. Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, this sharp film not only promises laughter but also heartfelt reflections.</p> <p>Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a writer who questions her trust in her husband (Tobias Menzies) after discovering he lied about liking her new novel, the movie also features Michaela Watkins, Arian Moayed, and Jeannie Berlin.</p>

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You Hurt My Feelings (Nicole Holofcener)

While many films on the list focus on young women, ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ is a delightful dramedy that delves into the challenges of midlife and marriage. Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, this sharp film not only promises laughter but also heartfelt reflections.

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a writer who questions her trust in her husband (Tobias Menzies) after discovering he lied about liking her new novel, the movie also features Michaela Watkins, Arian Moayed, and Jeannie Berlin.

<p>Who said the romantic comedy was dead? While the genre has struggled to be as relevant as in the 90s and early 2000s, sometimes there are gems that make us remember why we love it in the first place. And one of those is "Rye Lane."</p> <p>Directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature directorial debut and penned by Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia, this British film stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah. It follows two strangers who, having recently experienced breakups, have a chance encounter and spend the day getting to know each other.</p>

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Rye Lane (Raine Allen-Miller)

Who said the romantic comedy was dead? While the genre has struggled to be as relevant as in the 90s and early 2000s, sometimes there are gems that make us remember why we love it in the first place. And one of those is "Rye Lane."

Directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature directorial debut and penned by Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia, this British film stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah. It follows two strangers who, having recently experienced breakups, have a chance encounter and spend the day getting to know each other.