Want a sneak peek into the exciting world of documentaries about women? We have 16 exciting documentaries to get you started.
Documentaries have become an effective medium of storytelling that filmmakers have used to share powerful real-life stories with a global audience.
In recent years, quite some documentaries about women have been put out.
These documentaries showcase different experiences and perspectives of women from all walks of life.
Here are some of our favorite picks to see the world from other women’s eyes.
1. RBG (2018)
- Starring: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Ginsburg, James Steven Ginsburg, Nina Totenberg, Clara Spera, Gloria Steinem.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
RBG is one of the documentaries about women, and in this case, one of the most prominent women in American history.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the outstanding figure behind the RBG story.
RBG starts by giving viewers a peek into Justice RBG’s life when she was still a student before her career began.
It is an authentic life portrayal from the eyes of those who worked with Justice Ginsburg in some shape or form throughout her phenomenal career.
Some of the difficulties and successes Ginburg enjoyed throughout her career, which other women might be able to relate to, can be seen throughout the movie.
2. Miss Representation (2011)
- Director: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Miss Representation is a documentary that will make you think twice about how women are portrayed in the media.
The media has a way of representing women in ways that play a significant role in affecting women’s self-esteem.
Miss Representation shows interviews with Nancy Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, and Katie Couric.
From different pieces of the interviews, you can see the effects of the media over the years and how it led to the objectification of women.
Women have faced many challenges in the workplace and have been denied entry into seats of power over the years.
Miss representation will reveal in shocking detail the double standards women face when running for office or seeking promotions in the workplace.
In case you are uneasy already, the film isn’t all doom and gloom but offers solutions and will empower you to take action.
3. The Hunting Ground (2015)
- Director: Kirby Dick
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Hunting Ground is among the documentaries about women that shed light on the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses.
It showcases the brave survivors who have fought to hold their schools accountable for their inaction.
You’ll hear heartbreaking stories of people who were assaulted but were silenced and ignored by their schools.
Their courage and determination will empower you to make a difference in your community.
This series reminds us that we have a role to play in ending sexual violence anywhere we are.
4. Girl Rising (2013)
- Narrators: Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Liam Neeson, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra, Chloë Grace Moretz, Freida Pinto, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Alicia Keys, and Kerry Washington.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Girl Rising is an absolute knockout. In it, you’ll find nine incredible young women worldwide who have overcome immense challenges and adversity to pursue their dreams.
These girls are absolute powerhouses; their stories will tug at your heartstrings and leave you cheering for their success.
The film uses a combination of storytelling, statistics, and interviews to highlight the unique struggles of these women.
Brace up because this show will spark a newfound appreciation for the resilience and strength of women everywhere in the world.
5. She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014)
- Director: Mary Dore
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry is a flick that will ignite that fire in your belly.
It is one of the fierce, unstoppable documentaries about women who fought for their rights and changed the world as we know it.
From the first frame, it’s clear that this film is no run-of-the-mill documentary.
It’s a rhetorically brilliant piece of filmmaking that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll feel proud to be a woman.
6. 13th (2016)
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
The Unforgettable 13th is one of the outstanding documentaries about women, their rights, and social justice.
If you’ve ever pondered the thirteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution, this documentary makes a bold statement.
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crimes.
Turns out, there is a loophole allowing the perpetuation of mass incarceration of black and brown bodies.
The documentary offers you an in-depth look into the hypocrisy and absurdity of the corrupt criminal justice system.
7. Free Angela and All Political Prisoners (2012)
- Director: Shola Lynch
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Free Angela and All Political Prisoners is somewhat of a political heavyweight, wouldn’t you say?
It packs quite the punch when it comes to addressing women’s experiences in the political realm.
Angela Davis is the star of the show here, and she does shine brighter than a diamond in the rough.
Her story is one of resilience and determination as she fights against the injustice of the legal system.
Her journey from accused criminal to freedom fighter is a real nail-biter, and you can’t help but only hope she finishes strong.
The other women in the film are just as impressive. They all have a voice that demands to be heard and stories that will make you turn in your seat.
They prove that when it comes to being a political prisoner, gender knows no bounds.
8. The Vagina Monologues (2002)
- Writer: Eve Ensler
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
You might read the title and think of this as women making a fuss again.
But on the contrary, this is one of those documentaries about women that is positively dripping with insights and humor.
The Vagina Monologues, like a good chardonnay, has aged quite well since its release in 2002.
It’s a documentary that’s bold, brave, and unapologetically feminist.
It reminds the world that women are not just objects but individuals with desires, dreams, and voices.
9. Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
- Starring: Hilary Swank, Frances O’Connor, Julia Ormond, Anjelica Huston.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Iron Jawed Angels deliver an exciting story about the women’s suffrage movement in America.
Hilary Swank is the leading lady, playing the role of suffragist Alice Paul with absolute grace and tenacity.
Her performance shows how much determination it takes to fight for a cause you believe in.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Alice Paul and her fellow suffragists are jailed for their protests.
It’s an absolute gut-punch moment, but when you look deeper, it feels like a triumph rather than a defeat.
This is one of those documentaries about women that you’ll find to be a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
10. A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers (2015)
- Editor: Maya Mumma
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
The documentary, A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers is a keeper.
A group of female peacekeepers are tasked with keeping the peace in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
These ladies are tough as nails and unafraid to get their hands dirty to pursue peace.
But the show isn’t just about brawn and bravery. The documentary showcases the emotional and personal journeys of these women in their roles as peacekeepers.
It presents women as being capable just as men when it comes to bringing a unique perspective to the table.
11. Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018)
- Starring: Laurie Anderson, Phyllis Chesler, Judy Chicago.
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
Looking around, some still think feminism is just a bunch of “bra-burning” radicals who want to emasculate men.
But this documentary proves that feminism is about so much more than that. It’s about equality, justice, and smashing the patriarchy!
The show builds on women’s voices from all walks of life, with their perspectives on what it means to be a feminist in today’s society.
But at the end of the day, “What Were They Thinking?”. This is more than just a bunch of clever soundbites and funny quips.
The show is a call to action for everyone to join the fight for gender equality. It shows the need never to stop pushing for a better, more inclusive world.
12. The Invisible War (2012)
- Director: Kirby Dick
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The Invisible War may be invisible by name, but it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed in the category of documentaries about women.
It exposes the real war happening under our noses – the war on women.
The film uncovers the hidden and silent battles women face every day, primarily the tendencies of sexual assault.
In this case, it is within the United States military. Women who have survived these atrocities narrate firsthand the courageous fight they put up to bring justice to their fellow sisters-in-arms.
13. No Más Bebés (2015)
- Director: Renee Tajima-Peña
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
You might be wondering what the rush is with a documentary whose title isn’t even English.
After all, there are plenty of documentaries about women out there, right? Just relax; No Más Bebés is in a unique league among documentaries in the feminist film world.
It tells the true story of women sterilized without consent in the 1970s.
Just so you know, It takes a lot of grit to tackle a topic like this head-on, but the filmmakers knocked it out of the park.
The film raises awareness about the violation of informed consent.
14. The Punk Singer (2013)
- Starring: Kathleen Hanna, Joan Jett, Adam Horovitz.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Punk Singer rocks in so many ways. The show is one of the best documentaries about women in music.
It’s like a punk rock concert for your eyes and ears but without you in the crowds.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Punk Singer, here’s the 411. This documentary is about Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of the punk bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre.
She’s a total riot ‘grrrl’ and feminist icon, and this film captures her story in all its riotous glory.
But don’t just take our word for it. The film has been getting rave reviews. You should check it out if you want a real ‘punk-u mentary’ masterpiece!
15. Daughters of Destiny (2017)
- Starring: Shilpa Anthony Raj, Abraham George, Ajit George.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Daughters of Destiny are a group of young girls from impoverished backgrounds in rural India.
These girls strive to break free from the shackles of their circumstances and pursue their dreams of a better future. Talk about some serious girl power!
The struggle is real when it arrives at winning the war against the setbacks that come with marginalized communities.
Daughters of Destiny leaves no stone unturned in capturing what it means to be a woman fighting for her place in the world.
Get inspired, uplifted, and ready to take on anything standing in your way after watching this show.
16. Period. End of Sentence. (2018)
- Starring: Arunachalam Muruganantham.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Now, you feel a documentary about periods is taboo, but this film proves otherwise.
It is one of the few documentaries about women that opens up on a topic that has been stigmatized for far too long.
The show is empowering for women who want to take control of their bodies and their lives.
Period. End of Sentence is like a tampon commercial that employs a disruptive marketing strategy.
It shows how access to menstrual products can be life-changing for women and girls worldwide.
It’s about time we stop pretending that periods are “gross” or “icky” and start acknowledging the real issues menstruating women face.
