While growing up, I was exposed to so many different movies. At the time, all I looked for was a good storyline and a happy ending, but as I've grown up, I have rewatched each of these films and understood their true meanings about what they mean for society and the lessons they mean to teach us regarding gender stereotypes and women inequality.
Here are some of the feminist classics that all of us need to learn from:
1. Mulan (1998 )
In this 1998 Disney animation, Mulan is able to overcome and challenge gender stereotypes. Throughout her journey, she is able to become an incredible soldier by repeatedly rescuing men in the movie such as her father and other soldiers. Today Mulan is a symbol in Disney and inspired thousands if not millions of girls all over the world.
2. Pocahontas (1995)
In this Disney classic, Pocahontas defies stereotypes and saves John Smith, not the other way around. Throughout the movie, we see Pocahontas pursue her path rather than marry a guy. She shows women everywhere romance and marriage are important, but not enough to give up her destiny. Even today, she inspires women to put themselves first.
3. Matilda (1996)
Unlike her mother, Matilda is not concerned about her looks, but rather she is curious and devours every piece of knowledge she can get. Matilda breaks gender stereotyping everywhere by proving that knowledge is as or more important than looks and shows girls and women everywhere to be independent and believe in themselves.
4. Harry Potter (2001-2012)
Hermoine, a main character in the series, grows as a character and empowers women everywhere. Through her many positive features, such as being independent, loyal and clever, Hermoine has become a symbol for feminism and has inspired many.
5. Princess Diaries 2 (2004)
By telling her grandmother and her country that she did not need to marry to become queen, Mia proved to the world that traditional gender stereotypes could be broken. As the film progressed, Mia was able to show the world woman empowerment and equality as she need to depend on anyone else to become a queen.
6. Legally Blond (2001)
Elle showed the world that through perseverance and hard work, women could do anything they believed and became an iconic symbol as she inspired many to follow their dreams and work hard.
7. Clueless (1995)
Throughout the film, Cher learns that looks are not all that matters and inspires us through her confidence and independence. She shows us that we can make a difference by believing in ourselves.
8. She's the Man (2006)
In She's the Man, Viola poses as her twin brother to prove to the world that girls are just as athletic, clever and strong as men and can do anything they believe in. She breaks the stereotype and proves over and over that gender equality can be achieved.
9. The First Wives Club (1996)
The First Wives Club is a feminist icon which proves that women do not need to be dependent. This band of divorced wives was able to fight for women empowerment and equality and inspire all of us with them.
10. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
This feminist film starring Julia Roberts was able to encourage women to step out of their boundaries and aim for an education and a career rather than simply marriage.
11. Hunger Games (2012)
In the dystopian trilogy, Katniss inspires women everywhere to break out of gender roles as she fights for her life and saves Peeta in the Hunger Games. Her independence and fearlessness truly capture feminist ideologies.
