There are very few movies that celebrate female friendships and sisterhood. It is more of a recent phenomenon where we get to see women stand up for other women. It is so comforting to watch.
Female friendships are a bit tricky in this patriarchal world. We have all been ‘pick-mes’ at some point in our lives. We were raised to see other women as competition and men as some prize.
The reason feminism is hated so much probably is because, of course, women are hated and also because the world is scared of women coming together. They always know our power – that scares the patriarchy. More and more women are seeing through this nonsense.
On this Galentine’s day, let us go through a few movies and shows that highlight female friendships and sisterhood.
1. Promising Young Woman (2020)
How far would you go for your best friend? The story of Nina and Cassie will break your heart. In a world dominated by men, Cassie decides to live and die for another woman.
While everyone around her moves on with their lives, forgetting what happened to Nina—the injustice done to her—Cassie just couldn’t let go.
She is constantly gaslighted by everyone around her to move on with her life, being told that she is overreacting. Is she? Whenever a woman refuses to be a doormat, she is called ‘overreactive’.
I have always wondered why more women are not angry at how they are treated in every sphere and stage of their lives.
The title of the movie is actually a play on the term “promising young man” used to describe men who are accused and punished for hurting women. The world seems to be more bothered by the loss of potential of men than by women who have lost their lives. It highlights how little value the world places on women’s lives.
This movie redefines female friendships and gives it another meaning and purpose.
2. Polite Society (2023)
One of the most hilarious movies of last year, this movie is about both sisterhood and female friendships.
This is the story of two sisters – Ria and Lena Khan – and how Ria saves her sister with help from her girl gang.
Seeing a sister who can see through your potential and fights with everyone to help you choose your path on screen is really heartwarming.
The film is a commentary on social and cultural expectations of women while being a complete action/comedy movie. It is a fresh genre, to be honest, a never-before-seen mix of comedy/action/dystopia.
The movie is about women not falling in line and being exactly what they want to be and being experimental with their careers and dreams.
Thoroughly entertaining and empowering.
P.S. Nobody is polite in this movie.
3. Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)
What to see older women on screen – fun older women who have a life of their own? This is the series.
So funny, entertaining, and a very different view on growing old. Sometimes certain friendships seem very unlikely.
Grace’s and Frankie’s is one such friendship. Two people who are polar opposites start a new innings together, and they become each other’s pillar of support and comfort.
A very different TV show and a heartwarming one about older female friendships.
4. Bridesmaids (2011)
The protagonist embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and sheds her former persona of vulnerability.
She confronts pain, failures, and insecurities about friendship, a universal experience that resonates with audiences.
I’d say this movie is relatable. This movie is more about insecurities in female friendships.
5. Little Women (1933, 1949, 1994, 2019)
This was one of my favorite books growing up. If there is a movie on sisterhood, it is this one.
Unlike movies that often fail to portray real women, this movie features several female characters who are vastly different from each other, each with unique worldviews originating from the same household.
The perspectives on marriage, romance, and sisterhood are all refreshingly novel and diverse.
6. Glow (2017–2019)
It was an unexpectedly surprising and good show. It offers a glimpse into the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles during the 1980s.
The series delves into themes of female companionship, betrayal, and competitive spirits. Alison Brie leads the show exceptionally well.
She portrays the vulnerable, ambitious, enthusiastic, and weak Ruth Wilder with humor and depth. Despite the unexpected ending after only three seasons, all three seasons are worth watching.
It showcases a group of women working together and tells the story of female friendships in the workplace.
7. Sex and the City (movies and the show)
The “Sex and the City” brand is synonymous with female friendships. It is the story of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte navigating their adult lives with each other’s support and companionship. It is definitely an easy watch.
The show is an indicator that there is more than one way to be a woman, and all four represent just that. All four are very different from each other yet understand one another.
8. Dead To Me (2019 – 2022)
It is one of the best female friendships ever portrayed on a show. When two women realize that both were victims of the same system in different ways and find solace in one another. It is a great thriller series.
9. Big Little Lies (2017 – 2019)
It depicts the unusual coming together of five women in the upper class strata of society. It also portrays women who enable and raise terrible men.
The series has received critical acclaim, particularly for its writing, directing, acting, production values, cinematography, and soundtrack.
10. Workin’ Moms (2017–2023)
The show chronicles the lives of four women navigating the complexities of love, careers, and parenthood. The show deals with identity crises, postpartum depression, or facing unplanned pregnancies.
11. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Even though it is a romantic movie, the bond between every female character is worth mentioning, especially how Marianne & Héloïse support the maid and are kind to her, making her part of their group. We mostly see only women characters in this movie.
12. Angry Indian Goddesses (2015)
It is the only Indian movie on this list. One of India’s first movies solely focused on female friendships, it depicts a group of girls gathering at their friend’s house in Goa.
The movie addresses themes such as sexism, marriage, gay rights, and violence, shedding light on the reality of being a woman in India. It is a must-watch.
Wish you all a very Happy Galentine’s Day. Happy watching!
