We’re living in a post-Barbie era of film and TV. While female-led features were already on the rise, Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar blockbuster shattered records and glass ceilings and made the industry pay attention.
After years of being inundated by Marvel movies and crushing car chases, the biggest summer mega-hit in recent history was a surprisingly subversive adventure story about … a children’s doll? Bringing crowds to the theatres in droves, Barbie proves that — in the words of Reese Witherspoon — women’s stories matter. Yes, it was fueled by the kah-ching of cartoonish dollar signs in their eyes, but Hollywood finally got the memo: stories about women sell, and they sell big.
It proved, unequivocally, that films centering on women — whether they’re dressed in pink or fighting for their lives — aren’t niche. They’re essential. Now, the floodgates have opened, and the industry is delivering some of the most compelling, female-driven stories we’ve seen since the launch of Silent Films.
If that wasn’t enough, we kicked off Women’s History Month 2025 with Anora winning Best Picture at the Oscars, spotlighting Mikey Madison’s incandescent performance. While women are rewarded at award shows, it’s often for films that center around men. Not this year. Anora featured a complex female protagonist who opened the door for other female-centric stories.
Even as actresses like Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, and Charlize Theron consistently deliver powerhouse performances, the industry kept spurting out male-led blockbusters. This award season shattered that myth, leading the way for stories that celebrate women in all their complexity — heroes, villains, visionaries, and green-skinned witches alike.
This is, in part, because we’re seeing more female producers. Many actresses made the shift to production with the belief that they can be the change they needed early in their careers. Margot Robbie’s company Lucky Chap was a producer on the Barbie film.
Reese Witherspoon, Issa Rae, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, and other powerful women are helming production companies that spearhead female-driven content. It’s because they understand that the importance of female-driven storytelling extends beyond entertainment.
On screen representation shapes real-world perceptions. When women are depicted as multi-dimensional, ambitious, and powerful, it challenges outdated gender norms and inspires real change. It’s why stories about female friendship, ambition, resilience, and revolution are more crucial than ever.
As we watched International Women’s Day get quietly removed from Google and Apple calendars and women’s rights get stripped away by the administration, fighting back is about challenging destructive stereotypes and asserting our humanity. While long-form content is growing more diverse, the rise of the trad-wife, sugar baby, and divine feminine content on social media is terrifying. It’s telling women that their biggest dreams should be relying on a man — which is financially irresponsible and regressive. That’s why we need film and TV to give us more choices.
So, what does the post-Barbie era look like? It looks like female directors commanding major budgets. It looks like actresses no longer getting relegated to the love interest or the damsel in distress. It looks like narratives that embrace every facet of womanhood — messy, brilliant, flawed, and even downright evil (looking at you, Madame Morrible).
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve curated a watchlist of films and TV shows that celebrate the versatility of women, sorted by streaming platform. (And while I love the classics, strap in for some recent faves from the post-Barbie world.)
NETFLIX
The streaming giant has upped its original content. But one thing is consistent: Netflix loves spotlighting women’s stories. One of its first — and biggest — shows was Orange Is the New Black (simpler times). Plus, female storylines like Stranger Things, Eleven and Max Running Up That Damn Hill have always been the showstoppers. And the content has only gotten better over the past few years.
Bridgerton (Season 3)
The Bridgerton phenom continues, bringing us another season of scandal, romance, and women defying Regency-era expectations. Only Shona Rhimes could make a show about regency-era marriage feel feminist. In Bridgerton Season 3, it’s Penelope Featherington’s turn in the spotlight, proving that wallflowers have stories worth telling, too. Penelope’s story demonstrates the power of knowing your worth and owning your talents.
Survival of the Thickest
Michele Buteau’s heartfelt and hilarious series is back. It follows plus-sized stylist Mavis Beaumont as she navigates love, career, and self-acceptance in NYC. Bringing a fresh perspective on body positivity and independence — more necessary than ever in the Ozempic age, Survival of the Thickest is the feel-good (and feel-seen) show we all need now that Insecure is over.
Nobody Wants This
The hit show starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell isn’t just good because of its golden-era romantic sizzle. Bell’s character is a fully realized force who pursues passion and love with equal tenacity.
Girls5Eva
The girl group reunion we didn’t know we needed! Girls5Eva is a feel-good sitcom about a one-hit-wonder Y2K pop group as they attempt a comeback decades later. With razor-sharp writing and a powerhouse female cast, this show is a love letter to resilience, reinvention, and late-stage glow-ups. I love seeing older women on screen reminding us that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Plus, Sara Bareilles’ matchless songwriting skills soar.
Running Point
Number one show in the world for a reason. Starring 2000s rom-com legend Kate Hudson, this unprecedented sports drama follows the CEO of a groundbreaking female basketball franchise fighting for respect in a male-dominated field. With the perfect amount of soapy storytelling and Brenda Song’s return to TV (plus more than its fair share of eye candy), Running Point is doing the impossible: seriously making me consider a career in sports.
Do Revenge
Think Mean Girls meets John Tucker Must Die with a twist. This darkly comedic thriller flips the high school revenge trope on its head, giving us two unapologetically messy female leads (Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke). It’s all about reclaiming power — and looking fine while doing it.
The Perfect Find
A rom-com with depth, The Perfect Find follows a journalist (Gabrielle Union) trying to make a career comeback while navigating a complicated romance with a much younger man — certified hottie, Keith Powers. The film explores second chances, ageism in the workplace, and the pursuit of happiness — on your own terms.
Barbie
The movie that defined 2023 is still making waves. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie wasn’t just omni-pink — it packed a punch. And now it’s on Netflix. Get your fill of this deeply feminist (and inspiringly stylish) take on self-identity, patriarchy, and what it means to be a woman. Ryan Gosling’s abs and award-winning performance don’t hurt, either.
MAX
MAX has it all: from blockbusters to addictive TV. Here are our favorite picks starring some of our favorite women.
Sex Lives of College Girls
Mindy Kaling’s hit comedy-drama is back, following four college roommates as they juggle sex, ambition, and friendship. It’s a refreshing take on female friendships. The only flaw is how much we’ll miss Renee Rapp.
Hacks
Jean Smart’s acerbic, stand-up comic Deborah Vance returns, proving that women never age out of being funny, powerful, or relevant. With acerbic wit and razor-sharp commentary, Hacks is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good comeback story.
Am I OK?
Dakota Johnson stars in this tender exploration of late-in-life self-discovery. Am I OK? follows a woman who realizes she might not be as straight as she assumed and her emotional journey.
Love Lies Bleeding
Kristen Stewart leads this action-packed thriller about a woman caught in a deadly web of crime and deception. With heart-pounding suspense and powerful performances, it’s a fresh take on the neo-noir genre. And an impressive set of biceps. Muscle Mommies for the win.
The Color Purple
This breathtaking musical adaptation brings fresh, soulful energy to Alice Walker’s classic story. With powerhouse performances and a message of resilience, The Color Purple is a must-watch. Fantasia’s performance in particular will blow you away and make you weep.
Prime Video
Prime’s original lineup is surprisingly pro-woman. From female-centric romances to female-produced TV shows, here are some not to skip.
The Idea of You
Anne Hathaway stars in this swoon-worthy romance about a 40-year-old woman who falls for a much younger pop star. A terrific take on age, love, and desire, The Idea of You challenges outdated narratives about who gets to be the romantic lead. Yes, it’s based on a fanfiction. But that only adds to its allure.
Blink Twice
A gripping psychological thriller, Blink Twice follows a woman who gets swept away by her billionaire boyfriend to a remote island. As cracks in his perfect facade appear, she suspects a he’s harboring a dark secret. With a riveting plot and a fierce female lead, it’s a must-watch for fans of high-stakes drama. Directed by Zoe Kravitz, it’s an interesting take on the female gaze.
My Lady Jane
This irreverent historical reimagining flips the script on Lady Jane Grey, the infamous “Nine Days’ Queen.” Blending comedy, fantasy, and feminist rebellion, My Lady Jane is the period drama for those who prefer their history with a little chaos.
Bottoms
Bottoms is an absurdly hilarious high school comedy about two queer girls who start a fight club to impress their crushes. It’s wild, ridiculous, and refreshingly original — because sometimes, girls just want to throw a punch.
Hulu/Disney+
The Hulu and Disney merger means more content in one place — and a lot of it highlights women.
How to Die Alone
A refreshingly dark comedy about self-worth and reinvention, How to Die Alone follows a woman who — after a near-death experience — decides to live life on her own terms — no matter how crazy, ridiculous, or unexpected it gets. It’s charming, romantic, and inspiring. What else could you want?
Queenie
An adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ bestselling novel, Queenie is a raw, witty take on a young Black woman’s heartbreak, mental health, and self-acceptance. It’s the millennial coming-of-age story we’ve been waiting for.
Peacock
Don’t sleep on Peacock. The little streamer that could has some underrated original TV and always scoops the best blockbusters from theaters first.
Laid
A darkly comedic look at the aftermath of past relationships, Laid follows a woman who realizes her exes are mysteriously dying. As she unravels the mystery, she’s forced to confront her past in ways she never expected. Stephanie Hsu is the character you don’t want to be but can’t help rooting for.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society
Think Desperate Housewives, but with murder. This dark comedy follows a group of suburban women whose gardening club turns sinister. It’s campy, clever, and packed with plot twists you won’t see coming. Plus, a cast you’ll love and want to be friends with.
We Are Lady Parts
A punk rock comedy about an all-female Muslim band shaking up London’s music scene, We Are Lady Parts is as rebellious and liberated as its protagonists. Expect killer music, biting humor, and a fresh take on friendship and self-expression.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
The iconic Bridget Jones returns—older (sort of), wiser (deff-oh), and navigating the next chapter of life. This long-awaited sequel brings back the signature relatability that made the franchise a cultural touchstone for modern womanhood. And another new-age British heartthrob, Leo Woodhall.
Wicked
The ultimate story of female friendship, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited leap from Broadway to the big screen and to Peacock. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead this dazzling reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. Now you can rewatch the show as many times as I’m sure you’ve rewatched the press tour.
