Women, throughout history, have overcome prejudice, oppression, and all manner of adversity. For this reason, the film industry is abounding in stories of strong, powerful, and exceptional women, many of them reminiscent of women who actually once existed. These films explore women in various contexts, reflect on their roles throughout history, and continue to inspire women today. Here are a few of my personal favorites which I believe no woman should go without watching.

1. "The Duchess"

This period drama is by far the most riveting and heart-wrenching depiction of the female plight you'll ever see. Based on the true story of Georgiana Cavendish who became Duchess of Devonshire upon her marriage to the Duke, the film explores the unrelenting woes induced by societal pressures upon women of the time. The principal, driving force behind the film is the character of Georgiana who, in the face of misfortune and tragedy, remains strong.

2. "Eden"

Also based on a true story, "Eden" does not merely entertain. It opens eyes and sheds light on the real horrors of human trafficking and the prostitution industry. I happened to stumble upon this film on Netflix one day, and I was amazed that I had never heard of it before. Since then, I've brought it up in conversation many times, and no one ever seems to have heard of it either. I truly believe that this film deserves more publicity than it receives and that every woman can learn an important lesson from it.

3. "Jane Eyre" (2011 version)

The film is based on Charlotte Bronte's novel, which is arguably one of the first works of feminist literature to ever be published. As in most book-turned-film cases, the film cannot compare to the book. However, if you really aren't a reader, I would suggest watching the 2011 version of "Jane Eyre" as it best captures the essence of the novel in my opinion.

4. "Mulan"

You've probably seen this as a kid, but if you haven't re-watched it as an adult, you need to. The music is phenomenal, and you'll appreciate the cleverness of the lyrics so much more now than you used to. Breaking free of the traditional expectations for women in her culture, Mulan is the perfect role model and inspiration for women today.

5. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (American version)

I only recommend the American version because I have not seen the Swedish. This film features a very alternative female character. Her sexuality is ambiguous, her social skills are shoddy, but her capabilities within her craft are prodigious. In dealing with rape, solving a murder case, and saving her investigation partner's life, she is a force to be reckoned with and one of Hollywood's most hard core heroines.

6. "The Immigrant"

This film follows the life of Ewa Cybulska, a Polish immigrant fighting to survive upon her arrival in America. While her methods of doing so are questionable (she is coerced into prostitution), her tenacity and determination are admirable. "The Immigrant" is an excellent historical drama, and the portrayal of Ewa's struggles as a woman are both realistic and heartrending.

7. "Girl, Interrupted"

While this film has been deemed the female version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," it also presents themes and messages of its own as it explores the rather dark issues of suicide and mental illness among women. Set in a mental hospital for women in the 1960's, the film features female characters who suffer from a variety of traumas and illnesses: a sexual abuse victim, a pathological liar, a physically distorted sufferer, and an unruly sociopath.

8. "The Help"

Set in the 1960's, "The Help" follows the lives of African American female servants and their relationships with the white families for whom they work. It deals with women facing prejudice for a variety of reasons (race, status, physical appearances), and merges each of their stories seamlessly.

9. "Gone with the Wind"

You've heard of this film before, but it seems that many women of the millennial generation have yet to see it. It's a wonderful movie for its content, but even more importantly, for what it was at its time. It was one of the first films to ever be carried so strongly by a female lead. The weight of the film fell so heavily on Vivien Leigh's shoulders, and she performed exquisitely. The film was absolutely revolutionary at its time and continues to be regarded as one of the greatest works of cinema in history today.

10. "Doubt"

This film delves into the inner workings of a Catholic church, exploring women in the context of religion. It subtly contrasts the cultures of the women in the church against the men, and ultimately deals with the clashing between a woman's word against a man's. Meryl Streep's character is headstrong and unwavering with a dominance that one might not expect from a woman in her context. However, the films leads the audience to both admire her and become deeply invested in her commission.

If you have yet to see any of these films, I strongly advise you to add them to your watch-list. As a woman, it can never hurt to be inspired, informed, and educated on the history of women and the variety of tribulations that they have faced and still continue to face today.