The lessons girls learn about themselves often begin with the media they consume. Here are 16 films that celebrate the power of girls.
The lessons girls learn about themselves often begin with the media they consume. Through movies and cinema, adolescent girls often process complex messages about what it means to be a girl — what qualities they should embody, how much space they should take up, and what they’re capable of achieving.
That’s why strong, positive representation of girls in film and television is so important. According to the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, women have historically accounted for only 28.3% of speaking roles in family films — and this has major consequences for young girls because they can’t be what they never see.
Being exposed to female role models in media from a young age allows girls to envision themselves as leaders, visionaries, advocates, and more. Take this example:
In 2012, after the release of “The Hunger Games” and “Brave,” participation of girls in archery rose by an astonishing 105% — inspired by the bold protagonists Katniss Everdeen and Princess Merida.
At Global Catalyst, we believe girls have the power to ignite real, transformative change in their communities and worldwide. We work towards a world where every girl can find her voice and discover her own power. The stories they encounter can help shape that journey.
Our global team is excited to share a list of films with strong female protagonists that can inspire girls to dream bigger, reach higher, and know that there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
Here are 16 movies from around the world that celebrate the power of girls.
Whale Rider
Recommended by Kajal | Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Analyst
This powerful film from New Zealand follows Pai, a young Māori girl who believes she is meant to lead her people, even though her grandfather believes leadership is only for boys. She quietly works towards her goal, even when the people around her doubt her.
“Pai’s story is a reminder that girls can be strong, capable leaders — and that sometimes all they need is the opportunity to show what they can do.” – Kajal
Queen of Katwe
Recommended by Mukonyo | Program Manager, Africa
This inspiring story follows the journey of a young girl navigating life in an impoverished slum in Uganda to become an international chess champion. It reminds us what becomes possible when a girl is given the opportunity to discover her strengths, find her voice and pursue her dreams.
“Phiona’s journey from the streets of Katwe to the international chess stage is a testament to the strength, resilience, and potential that every girl carries within them — even in the face of circumstances that might otherwise limit their opportunities. I hope this film will inspire you to see, once again, why investing in girls matters. One opportunity can change a girl’s life, and one empowered girl can change the lives of many others!” – Mukonyo
Secret Superstar
Recommended by Riya | Senior Manager of Global Advocacy
This heartwarming Hindi-language film shares the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer, but faces opposition from her father.
“A beautiful story of a teenage girl finding her voice, holding on to her dreams, and challenging the limitations placed on her. It’s such a powerful reflection of girls’ courage, resilience, and agency.” – Riya
Mulan
Recommended by Sam | Chief Storyteller
This classic Disney film follows a young woman in imperial China who defies societal expectations to find her strength, protect her father, and bring honor to her family.
“I’ve watched this movie at least a hundred times, and every single viewing, I get emotional when Mulan’s father tells her, ‘The greatest gift and honor…is having you for a daughter.’ May we one day live in a world where every daughter is just as valued! – Sam
Ride Like a Girl
Recommended by Pallavi | Program Officer, Asia
This Australian film is based on the true story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.
“I love how this movie shows that strength isn’t always loud. The protagonist was constantly told she was too small, too weak, and that horse racing wasn’t for girls. But her resilience came from showing up every day, getting back up after setbacks, and believing in herself. A powerful reminder that a girl’s potential isn’t defined by her gender or size, but by her determination!” – Pallavi
The Young Woman and the Sea
Recommended by Hana | Youth Engagement & Creative Projects Manager
This biographical film follows incredible journey of Trudy Ederle: the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
“I know women can do anything, but this movie really made me feel like yes, we really can!!” – Hana
Mooladé
Recommended by Faith | Program Officer, East and Southern Africa
In this moving Senegalese film, a woman courageously protects young girls from female genital cutting and challenges a harmful tradition.
“This movie teaches girls the power of courage, speaking up, and standing together against harmful practices. It reminds us that girls have a right to safety, dignity, education, and the freedom to make decisions about their own lives — and that change becomes possible when women and girls support one another.” – Faith
Little Women (Greta Gerwig version)
Recommended by Victoria | Assistant Director of Engagement
Based on the classic coming-of-age novel, this movie follows the story of four sisters as they navigate life and challenges in New England during the American Civil War.
“The March sisters hold a truly special place in my heart. Every time I watch this film, I resonate with a different one. The way they love each other, learn from each other, and lift each other up is the true essence of girlhood to me.” – Victoria
Matilda
Recommended by Kathy, Program Officer, Latin America
This fun family film, based on a Roald Dahl novel, tells the story of a girl who stands up against cruel adults and discovers her own power.
“Matilda doesn’t let her family, circumstances, or other people’s expectations define who she becomes. Her story reminds girls that, even when they can’t control everything around them, girls can make choices about who they want to be, what they value, and the future they want to create.” – Kathy
Moana
Recommended by Michele | Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
A powerful story about a young girl in ancient Polynesia who discovers that she has the courage, determination, and leadership skills to shape her own future. Despite facing doubt from others and even herself, she trusts her instincts, learns from challenges, and keeps moving forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.
“This movie reminds us that girls are capable of being courageous leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Moana’s journey shows that strength does not mean never being afraid; it means having the resilience to keep going, learn from setbacks, and believe in your own potential. Most importantly, Moana celebrates a girl who recognizes her own power and uses it to make a difference for her community.” – Michele
Lady Bird
Recommended by Pallavi | Program Officer, Asia
Also from Greta Gerwig, this film follows a rebellious teenager as she navigates love, friendship, and her relationship with her mother and herself as she prepares to leave home for her first year of college.
“This movie reminds me that resilience is so very emotional! Ladybird navigates family relationships, identity, dreams, and growing up with courage, vulnerability, and heart. All emotions yet a lot of courage!” – Pallavi
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Recommended by Stephanie | Senior Development Coordinator
A family movie about a young girl and her dog. Emily enrolls in a new school and doesn’t fit in at first. She’s bullied and lonely. She finds a tiny dog who grows to a gigantic size overnight from the power of Emily’s love. Together they face the struggle of being outsiders. To save her dog, Emily learns to be brave and to speak her mind. She wins people over, saves her dog, and finds her voice.
“I have watched this so many times with my nieces. We can all quote the entire movie by now. It’s charming and sweet, but it also shows that sometimes we have to leave our comfort zone to accomplish things that really matter to us. Emily is the same as so many girls: lonely and unsure of themselves until they find the thing that helps them rise to their potential.” – Stephanie
Nil Battey Sannata / The New Classmate
Recommended by Riya | Senior Manager of Global Advocacy
A beautiful Hindi-language film that follows a young girl and her hardworking single mother as they both strive to create a brighter future for themselves.
“It explores a teenage girl’s relationship with education, poverty, aspiration, and the belief that where you are born should not determine how far you can go.” – Riya
Barbie
Recommended by Courtney | Vice President of Engagement and Communications
An international sensation that helped launch a summer of girlhood, this colorful film explores Barbie’s journey towards self-discovery while critiquing gender roles and patriarchal norms.
“I have to add Barbie to our list! Greta Gerwig’s Barbie uses an inverted fantasy world to satirize real-world patriarchy, critique the impossible standards placed on women, and explore how rigid gender roles restrict both men and women.” – Courtney
The Little Mermaid
Recommended by Adrienne | Vice President of Programs
This classic Disney film follows a mermaid princess who dreams of overcoming her restrictive circumstances in search of something greater. She stands up for herself, takes risks, and defies expectations to build the life she chooses.
“I can hear Ariel now…
‘Betcha on land they understand
Bet they don’t reprimand their daughters
Bright young women, sick of swimmin’
Ready to stand’”
– Adrienne
Moxie
Recommended by Riya, Senior Manager of Global Advocacy
This Amy Poehler film follows a teen girl who anonymously launches a feminist zine at her school to start conversations about bullying, harassment, and sexism.
“A beautiful celebration of a girl challenging expectations, finding her voice, and creating change.” – Riya
Want more staff recommendations? Check out our list of 15 Books That Celebrate Girls and Women.
Global Catalyst mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Our signature program, GLOW Club, connects girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas with trusted local mentors and a safe space to express themselves as they develop their agency, find their voice, and build their power. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of more than 100,000 girls, sparking a growing movement of youth-led change that is transforming communities — and the world — for the better.
