From Reversing Roe to Becoming, these feminist documentaries need to be added to your watchlist.
Are you wondering what to watch on Netflix? Have you gone through all your true crime, cult favourites and new releases? These feminist documentaries are a raw, inspiring, and powerful display of strength that every man and woman should watch. From happy and sentimental to thought provoking and shocking, this list has something for everyone.
Don't forget to add these to your List on Netflix!
Feminist Documentaries Every Woman Needs to Watch
Reversing Roe (2018)
What it is. This movie takes a look at the political campaign to try and overturn Roe v. Wade with interviews from abortion rights supporters and opponents.
Why it’s important. This was hard to watch, as it takes an unfiltered look at abortion laws and how they became so politicized. With interviews from both sides of the debate, Reversing Row gives an in depth look at the history and current state of abortion laws in America. Did I say it was hard to watch?
Seeing Allred (2018)
What it is. This movie dives into the life and career of women's rights attorney Gloria Allred.
Why it’s important. Feminist crusader Gloria Allred is known for taking on high-profile and controversial cases, especially those involving women's rights. After suffering her own horrific assault as a young woman, she turned her experience into a career defending victims of sexual assault and harassment. Most notably, Allred has been involved in cases with R Kelly, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein.
Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018)
What it is. This documentary takes a "then and now" approach, as they revisit photos from a 1977 book of photographs of women. They catch up with them to discuss the world they were born into, the stereotypes they were forced into as kids, and the challenges they have faced shedding societies expectations of what a woman should be.
Why it’s important. Worthy of a spot on this list of feminist documentaries, they cover everything from motherhood to race, as well as the role societal and cultural views of women have impacted their lives. They speak to women of all ages, and shine a light on the progress - and lack thereof - they've witnessed throughout their lives.
Athlete A (2020)
What it is. Athlete A exposes the history of abuse and trial of disgraced Team USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, and his trial as he is brought to justice.
Why it’s important. Even though this movie focuses on Larry Nassar, it's also an inspiring story of the hundreds of courageous women who came forward to tell their story, and hold Nassar accountable.
This Changes Everything (2018)
What it is. This Changes Everything is an eye opening documentary, with top actresses discussing gender discrimination in the media and entertainment industry.
Why it’s important. This thought provoking documentary takes an in depth look at female representation in Hollywood - and the numbers will shock you. It also highlights the role the media plays in shaping our culture, and its impact on kids. My personal favourite on this list of feminist documentaries!
RBG (2018)
What it is. Another documentary on a pioneer for women's rights, we look at the career of the American Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Why it’s important. This documentary recounts the life of the notorious RBG, and her impact on women’s rights. For decades, RBG fought for rights we now take for granted, and her story is one of the most important feminist documentaries on this list.
Knock Down the House (2019)
What it is. Follows four female Democrats running for Congress in the 2018 United States elections.
Why it’s important. While we now know AOC through her savage Twitter clap-backs, Knock Down the House began filming back in 2016 after the Presidential election. This movie is a great reminder that change can be made, even if the odds aren't in your favour.
Becoming (2020)
What it is. This documentary explores the life and career of former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.
Why it’s important. Michelle Obama, icon and female powerhouse, reflects on her life growing up and her time in the White House. Based on her book by the same name, any fan of the Obamas should add Becoming to their list.
Other Feminist Netflix Titles Every Woman (and Man) Needs to Watch
Firefly Lane (2021)
What it is. A story of friendship between two women as they take different paths in life, Firefly Lane takes us on a journey as they are faced with the complexities of lifelong friendship.
Why it's important. As you'll find out in This Changes Everything, it's less common than you think to have women engage in a conversation about something other than men. Firefly Lane covers the challenges of love heartbreak, and returning to the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mom, a reality shared by many women.
Series. Season 1 out now, and renewed for season 2 in May 2021.
The Chair (2021)
What it is. This dramatic comedy follows Sandra Oh’s character, Ji-Yoon, as she navigates being the first woman of colour to occupy the chair of a failing English department.
Why it's important. This 6 episode series places an Asian American woman as the main character, bringing much needed representation to your screen - something Sandra Oh has spoken out on in the past. The Chair gives Ji-Yoon all the dimension you would expect of a lead character, showing the diversity that is so desperately needed in television. Oh brings with her the brilliant humour she is known for on the cult favourite Grey's Anatomy.
Series: Season 1 out now, with no word yet on renewal for season 2.
Grace and Frankie (2015)
What it is. This comedy series tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two women moving into the next stage of their lives. After they find out their husbands are leaving them (for each other), they venture back into business and dating together.
Why it's important. With ageism in Hollywood, we rarely see women over 50 on screen as main characters (if that). Grace and Frankie gives us a glimpse at the challenges and beauty of ageing with a beautiful friendship between women moving into the next stage of their lives, with spice. These two award winning actresses bring charisma and laughter to your screen in a seven season series currently on Netflix.
Series: Seasons 1-7 out now on Netflix.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
What it is. This movie tells the true story of Erin Brockovich, a legal clerk with no training, who was instrumental in building a case that brought the largest lawsuit in United States history.
Why it's important. Even though it's an older movie, it's show of a strong independent women earns it a spot on this list (and who doesn't love Julia Roberts?).
Have you seen any of these feminist documentaries? What did you think? Comment below!
