With our play-dates, sports practices, extra-curricular activities, and social engagements on hold, we’re finding ourselves with a lot of time on our hands- especially in the evenings. Family movie nights are just what we need! But sometimes deciding what to watch takes longer than actually watching a movie. If you’re looking for some fun and empowering movies, read on for 15 Girl Power movies your whole family will love! (Girl Power ISN’T just for girls, after all!)
Kiki’s Delivery Service
In this heartfelt and adorable coming-of-age story, Kiki (a witch in training) sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in her seaside community. But when she begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, Kiki must overcome her self-doubt to get her powers back.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins is an eccentric, joyful, and classic Disney movie! You really can’t go wrong with Julie Andrews AND Dick Van Dyke. This movie has it all – a magic nanny, wonderfully odd songs, dancing penguins, and sound moral lessons hidden in every corner.
The Princess and the Frog
A fun animated Disney movie that the whole family will enjoy! Hardworking and ambitious, Tiana dreams of one day opening the finest restaurant in New Orleans (talk about girl power!). Her dream takes a slight detour when she’s mistakenly turned into a frog by Prince Naveen and must find a powerful priestess to reverse the spell.
Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken
An inspiring girl-and-her-horse story for young girls. The story is set in the 1930’s and follows a runaway named Sonora who dreams of being a daredevil in the carnival.
Moana
Powerful songs, thrilling adventures, and a strong girl at the heart of it all. It’s impossible to watch Moana and NOT feel empowered by the end of it. Fair warning: you and any children in your house will be singing these songs non-stop for at least a week.
Zootopia
In the bright and vibrant mammal metropolis of Zootopia, Judy Hopps is trying to prove herself as the first rabbit in the police force. Underneath the fun and clever plot, Zootopia tackles many lessons about stereotypes that can be applied to real life.
Mary Poppins Returns
Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda may not be Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, but they’re an extraordinary duo all the same! Mary Poppins Returns is full of the same eccentric energy and heartwarming lessons that we expect from a Mary Poppins tale. A must watch for sure!
Little Women (2019)
Not just for women (of whatever size)! Director Greta Gerwig created a stunning, beautifully acted film that is heartwarming, empowering, and is sure to please the whole family. If you didn’t catch it in theaters, now is the time to watch this version of Little Women!
Lilo and Stitch
“Ohana means family.” Lilo, a young and lonely girl, rescues an ugly “dog” and names him Stitch. However, Stitch is actually the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial. Through her unwavering love, kindness, and belief in Ohana, Lilo helps unlock Stitch’s heart and gives him the ability to care for someone else.
Akeelah and the Bee
In a warm family story, an 11-year-old girl from a rough neighborhood discovers a talent for spelling. She is lifted by hard work and a supportive community to compete in the national spelling bee where she finds confidence in herself and gains a new perspective.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Long-lost twins, an identity swap, and summer camp. Need we say more?
The Hunger Games
Many girls have been inspired by Katniss Everdeen, the brave and tough protagonist of The Hunger Games series, to take up archery- which is AWESOME! This action-packed series shows off a headstrong girl who loves her family and will do anything to keep the ones she loves safe.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman has been inspiring girls for generations. We’re used to seeing male heroes fight the bad guys and win the day, but it is so empowering for girls (of all ages) to see themselves represented as the hero. Wonder Woman is a must-watch for the whole family!
Captain Marvel
If you’re more of a Marvel comics fan, you’ve got plenty of strong girl heroes to choose from. Carole Danvers (a.k.a. Captain Marvel) is one of our favorites. She is smart and brave and compassionate. All the things that #girlpower is all about.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The latest (and last) Star Wars trilogy focuses on its first ever female protagonist. Rey, like many other female protagonists on this list, has become a huge role model for girls all over the world. She is capable, smart, creative, and kind. Reminds us of our Skyland girls.
Gather the family, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a Girl Power movie night the whole family is sure to love!
Most of these titles can be found on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. For more #girlpower ideas, check out our blog post about Women’s History Month.
