As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024, we highlight incredible stories that inspire girls to envision bold futures. This year’s theme emphasizes the hopes, dreams, and potential of girls worldwide to lead, innovate, and reshape the world around them. In alignment with this vision, the following movies showcase strong, determined young female characters breaking barriers, facing challenges, and achieving greatness. Here’s our top picks of films that have not only appealed to audiences across generations but have also inspired viewers with powerful messages of resilience, courage, and ambition. The list is curated based on criteria such as audience appeal, the level of inspiration, box office success, and recognition through awards.
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10
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of Beth Harmon, a young orphan with a natural talent for chess. Overcoming personal struggles with addiction and the male-dominated world of competitive chess, she rises to become a world champion. Her journey from an orphanage to international fame highlights determination, genius, and independence. The movie was a major hit among young adults and chess enthusiasts. It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.
9
Brave (2012)
In medieval Scotland, Princess Merida defies expectations of royal life by rejecting an arranged marriage. Instead, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery to change her fate. Along the way, she must mend the bond with her mother and find the courage to face her challenges head-on. It was a great hit with younger audiences and Disney fans. Merida’s fight to control her own destiny teaches girls about independence and courage. The movie won an academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
8
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Queen of Katwe is based on the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Katwe, Uganda, who discovers an exceptional talent for chess. With the help of her coach, she rises to become one of the country’s top players, showing that intelligence and perseverance can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. The movie was a hit inspiring those interested in sports and overcoming adversity, Phiona’s journey from poverty to becoming a chess champion is a story of hope and triumph. It was nominated for various awards, including the NAACP Image Awards.
4
Little Women-(2019)
The movie is based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women and tells the story of the four March sisters as they navigate their dreams, family dynamics, and societal expectations in post-Civil War America. Each sister carves out her own path in a world where women’s opportunities are limited, making this story timeless and inspiring. The March sisters’ determination to achieve their goals despite societal pressures resonates with audiences all around the world and was nominated for six Academy Awards.
3
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures tells the untold story of three African-American women working at NASA during the space race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson work behind the scenes, overcoming racial and gender barriers to contribute to some of the greatest advancements in space exploration. Their determination and brilliance paved the way for future generations and their groundbreaking contributions to NASA inspire girls to pursue STEM fields. The movie was nominated for multiple Oscars.
2
Moana (2016)
Moana follows the journey of a young Polynesian girl chosen by the ocean to save her island. With courage and determination, Moana sails beyond the reef to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, bringing harmony back to her world. Along the way, she learns about leadership and self-reliance. Moana’s leadership and connection to her culture make her an inspiring figure for girls and made box office Sales for $643 million.
1
Frozen (2013)
Frozen tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna. When Elsa accidentally unleashes her ice powers, plunging their kingdom into eternal winter, Anna sets out to find her and mend their broken relationship. The film focuses on sisterhood, love, and self-acceptance, breaking the traditional princess narrative. Elsa and Anna’s love for each other, along with their courage and self-discovery, inspire girls to be true to themselves. The movie’s made a record box office sales of $1.28 billion and won an academy award for Best Animated Feature.
7
Mulan (2020)
Mulan, a young woman in ancient China, disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the army. Along her journey, Mulan shows bravery and leadership, proving that courage knows no gender. The film is a story of self-discovery, honor, and challenging societal norms. It has a strong appeal to both young girls and families. The movie was nominated for Academy Awards.
6
A League of Their Own (1992)
During World War II, when male baseball players were drafted, women were given the opportunity to play professionally. A League of Their Own follows two sisters as they navigate the challenges of joining the first-ever professional women’s baseball league. This heartwarming story explores themes of perseverance, sisterhood, and breaking gender norms. Its a movie loved by sports fans and history enthusiasts and shows the strength of breaking barriers. With a box office sale of $132 million and was nominated for Golden Globes.
5
Wonder Woman (2017)
The movie is about Diana, a princess of the Amazons, who is raised on a sheltered island, trained to be an unstoppable warrior. When a pilot crashes on her island and tells her of a war raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home to fight. As Wonder Woman, she uses her strength and compassion to save the world and fight for justice. A favorite among superhero fans and action enthusiasts. Diana’s heroism inspires girls to embrace strength, compassion, and bravery and nominated for multiple awards.
4
Little Women-(2019)
The movie is based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women and tells the story of the four March sisters as they navigate their dreams, family dynamics, and societal expectations in post-Civil War America. Each sister carves out her own path in a world where women’s opportunities are limited, making this story timeless and inspiring. The March sisters’ determination to achieve their goals despite societal pressures resonates with audiences all around the world and was nominated for six Academy Awards.
3
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures tells the untold story of three African-American women working at NASA during the space race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson work behind the scenes, overcoming racial and gender barriers to contribute to some of the greatest advancements in space exploration. Their determination and brilliance paved the way for future generations and their groundbreaking contributions to NASA inspire girls to pursue STEM fields. The movie was nominated for multiple Oscars.
2
Moana (2016)
Moana follows the journey of a young Polynesian girl chosen by the ocean to save her island. With courage and determination, Moana sails beyond the reef to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, bringing harmony back to her world. Along the way, she learns about leadership and self-reliance. Moana’s leadership and connection to her culture make her an inspiring figure for girls and made box office Sales for $643 million.
1
Frozen (2013)
Frozen tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna. When Elsa accidentally unleashes her ice powers, plunging their kingdom into eternal winter, Anna sets out to find her and mend their broken relationship. The film focuses on sisterhood, love, and self-acceptance, breaking the traditional princess narrative. Elsa and Anna’s love for each other, along with their courage and self-discovery, inspire girls to be true to themselves. The movie’s made a record box office sales of $1.28 billion and won an academy award for Best Animated Feature.
