Where to Watch What is a Woman Movie: Best Streaming Services and Platforms

I. Introduction

Movies shape our perceptions of the world, and as such, it’s important to watch films that positively showcase women. Sadly, Hollywood hasn’t always done a great job of portraying women positively, which is why it’s vital to intentionally seek out film titles that have messages of empowerment, strength, passion, and resilience, which is what woman movies offer. This article explores some of the best streaming services and platforms to find and watch woman movies, feminist films, and female-driven movies.

II. Top 7 Streaming Services to Watch “Woman Movies”

Streaming services have become the norm for movie and TV show watching, and there are plenty of streaming services to choose from. While the subscription fees are reasonable, not every service features the best “woman movies.” However, below are top picks where viewers can find heartening, thought-provoking, and entertaining woman movies.

1. Netflix

Starting at just $8.99 a month, Netflix is the industry titan that offers an impressive selection of woman movies. From popular TV shows to classic movies, subscribers can find a variety of films with female leads. Some standout titles include “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Crown,” “Bridgerton,” “Moana,” and “Unorthodox.”

2. Hulu

Hulu is another excellent streaming service that offers a wide variety of woman movies and TV shows. With plans starting at $5.99, subscribers can binge-watch popular shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” or catch up on classic titles like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Murphy Brown.”

3. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is an excellent streaming service that features a variety of woman movies and TV shows, including originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Hannah,” “Transparent,” and more. Subscribers get access to 2-day shipping and Prime-exclusive deals for a $12.99 monthly subscription fee.

4. HBO Max

With HBO Max, subscribers get access to the entire HBO library, in addition to several female-led movies, shows, and documentaries. While it’s a bit pricier than most streaming services, HBO Max is well worth the subscription price of $14.99 for fans of woman movies and TV shows.

5. Disney+

Disney+ has a broad collection of films and TV shows produced and owned by the Walt Disney Company. It’s the perfect streaming service for kids and adults alike, with a slew of female-led films and TV shows. Subscribers will find titles like “Mulan,” “Frozen,” “Brave,” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

6. Criterion Channel

Criterion Channel is an on-demand streaming service that offers a wide array of critically acclaimed films from around the world. It features a range of woman movies, including feminist masterpieces such as “Girlfriends,” “Losing Ground,” and “Daughters of the Dust.”

7. Shudder

Horror fans also have several options for streaming woman movies, with the most notable being Shudder. This platform is solely dedicated to the horror genre and features several female-centric films, including “The Witch,” “The Babadook,” and “Raw.”

III. 7 Empowering Films to Watch for Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to watch some inspiring woman movies that celebrate women’s struggles and accomplishments throughout history. Below are seven must-watch woman movies for Women’s History Month.

1. Hidden Figures (2016)

“Hidden Figures” tells the story of three African-American women who played a massive role in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. These three women – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – dealt with systemic racism and sexism but persevered and achieved their dreams.

2. Suffragette (2015)

“Suffragette” offers a snapshot of the British women’s suffrage movement that fought for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. It stars Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, and Helena Bonham Carter and is a must-watch for anyone interested in women’s rights movements.

3. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

The film tells Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story and sheds light on the historic case that helped her win and shape civil rights for generations to come. It features Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, and Kathy Bates.

4. Harriet (2019)

Cynthia Erivo starrs as political activist Harriet Tubman, a critical figure in American History. “Harriet” tells the story of how Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and helped hundreds of other slaves do likewise on the Underground Railroad.

5. A League of Their Own (1992)

The movie tells the story of an all-female baseball team that was formed during World War II, illuminating this little-known yet critical slice of feminist baseball history and stars Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Lori Petty.

6. Norma Rae (1979)

“Norma Rae” tells the story of a young textile worker named Norma Rae Webster (Sally Field) who rebelled against the harsh working conditions of a cotton mill. Even though the movie is old, it’s essential to watch as it champions women’s rights, specifically about fair compensation and worker conditions.

7. The Help (2011)

The Help is a heartwarming and uplifting movie that tells the story of African American maids working in white households in Mississippi during the 1960s Civil Rights movement. The movie stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Bryce Dallas Howard.

IV. The Best Places to Find Feminist Films Online

Feminist films explore the female experience and often shed light on women’s issues, femininity, and power dynamics between genders. These films offer a deep understanding of feminism’s impact on pop culture and influence people to be more aware and supportive of women’s rights. Below are the top platforms to find feminist films.

1. Kanopy

Kanopy is a library streaming service that provides free access to movies, TV shows, and documentaries. The platform has a collection of feminist films, including documentaries, classics, and recent releases for free.

2. SundanceNow

SundanceNow is an online streaming service that’s perfect for fans of independent films. The platform’s focus is on providing intelligent, thought-provoking, and diverse films, including feminist films. It offers a seven-day free trial and costs $6.99 a month.

3. Women Make Movies

Women Make Movies is a non-profit organization that supports independent female filmmakers. It offers a unique selection of feminist films made by women filmmakers worldwide, covering almost every genre.

4. The Bechdel Test

The Bechdel Test is a simple and informative test that measures gender bias in media. It analyzes the film’s representation of women and compares it to men while highlighting whether the movie meets threshold standards. The platform features a vast collection of feminist films that pass the Bechdel test.

V. The Ultimate List of Female-Driven Movies You Can Stream Now

Female-driven movies are movies created based on and written with a viewpoint contextualizing the female experience, which covers everything from care work to employment opportunities to sensual desire and romance not centered on male interests. They show female power, resilience, and multi-dimensional personalities that break from long-observed stereotypes. Here are a few female-driven movies to stream right now.

1. Little Women (2019)

The adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Little Women,” features a cast of strong female leads that embody femininity in different ways. It stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, and Laura Dern.

2. Eve’s Bayou (1997)

“Eve’s Bayou” tells the story of the Batiste family, a wealthy Black family in Louisiana, through the eyes of ten-year-old Eve. The film showcases the powerful performances of Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, and Jurnee Smollett.

3. What Women Want (2000)

What Women Want is a classic comedy in which Mel Gibson plays chauvinistic advertising executive Nick Marshall, who suddenly can hear every woman’s thoughts. It stars Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Judy Greer, and Lauren Holly.

4. Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman is a superhero origin movie that tells the story of how Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) became Wonder Woman. It paved the way for female-centric superhero films and stars Chris Pine and Robin Wright.

5. Erasure (2020)

“Erasure” is a budding indie film that tells a lesbian story focusing on the problems that gay women deal with in contemporary society. The film, directed by Aisha DeVitre, highlights specific aspects of relationships in the LGBTQ+ community.

VI. Exploring Gender and Genre: Where to Watch Movies by and for Women

Gender and genre intersect in multiple ways, shaping and informing our perspectives on events and questions. Women-led films have existed across genres, from horror to superheroes to dramas. Here are some standout films from genres in which female-led films excel and where you can find them.

1. Romantic Comedies

Romantic comedies can be a hit or miss genre, but there are a few movies that resonate deep in our memories. Check out Netflix for films like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018), “The Incredible Jessica James” (2017), and “Set It Up” (2018).

2. Superhero Movies

Superhero films can be thrilling, action-packed adventures that are mainly dominated by male leads. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen an increasing number of female-led superhero movies. Check out Disney+ for “Captain Marvel” (2019), Netflix for “Jupiter Ascending” (2015), and Amazon Prime for “Wonder Woman” (2017).

3. Horror Movies

Women have been underrated in the horror genre, often left as the damsel in distress. Thankfully, the tables have begun to turn, and now we have several films that showcase women as self-sufficient survivors. Check out “Hereditary” (2018) on Amazon Prime, “The Invitation” (2015) on Netflix, or “The Last Exorcism” (2010) on Hulu.

4. Dramas

The drama genre is among the most extensive genres in the movie industry. Dramas showcase the struggles, joys, and heartbreaks of everyday life. Check out “The Farewell”(2019) on Amazon Prime, “Marriage Story”(2019) on Netflix, and “If Beale Street Could Talk”(2019) on Hulu.

VII. How to Support Women in Film: Streaming Services You Need to Know

Women have played an essential role in shaping the film industry, and supporting women in film can go a long way in making a difference. Here are several services that support women in film that you need to know.