The number of women within the film industry is small yet powerful. According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, in 2016 women accounted for 7 percent of all directors. This staggering statistic doesn't stop them from making blockbuster films just the same. Don't make the mistake of assuming that all movies created by women are girly or chick flicks either. You would be surprised how many of your coveted guy flicks were created by women.
1. Point Break (1991)
This classic was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, a renowned director who is behind a lot of the movies I am going to mention and many more you most likely know. It is believed that with this film and Near Dark Bigelow was able to be the first female director to cross the threshold of mainstream Hollywood.
2. Big (1988)
This blockbuster hit was directed by Penny Marshall, a woman praised for her directing as well as her acting. This was only her second feature directing gig and it turned out to be the first film directed by a female to gross over $100 million.
3. Hurt Locker (2008)
Again, we have Kathryn Bigelow. A name you will probably get tired of hearing, but in a good way. This film won nearly universal praise as well as the Academy Award for Best Picture.
4. American Psycho (2000)
This American favorite can be attributed to Mary Hannon, who only directed one film before this one. The now famous director had to deal with a lot of criticism and backlash when the film first came out.
5. Deep Impact (1988)
Another name that will undoubtedly pop up again is Mimi Leder. She is a director that is actually known for making action movies with crazy special effects. Leder herself has talked about the divide in women and men directors and believes women have more barriers and obstacles to overcome.
6. Punisher: War Zone (2008)
Directed by former World Karate and Kickboxing Champion Lexi Alexander this film became known for its violent images and scenes.
7. The Peacemaker (1997)
This turned out to be yet another hit for Mimi Leder, making a total of $110,463,140 worldwide.
8. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
None other than the great Kathryn Bigelow directed this major political action film, which reached No. 1 at the U.S. box office in its first week of nationwide release and has become one of the most politically divisive motion pictures to date.
