Looking through the Netflix movie list can be overwhelming, so we did it for you. Check out some of our favorite movies directed by women, and available to stream now, below. For a list of our favorite movies with a strong female lead, click here.
Wine Country (2019)
Marking Amy Poehler’s directorial debut, Wine Country tells the story of six old friends who travel to Napa for Rebecca’s (Rachel Dratch) 50th birthday. Poehler also stars in the comedy alongside an almost exclusively female cast, including Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer and Tina Fey. This movie is a heartwarming and sweet venture with a cast guaranteed to make you laugh.
Obvious Child (2014)
Spun off the 2009 short film of the same name, Obvious Child provides another directorial debut for writer Gillian Robespierre. The movie follows young, immature and freshly-dumped comedian Donna (Jenny Slate), who has a one-night stand and subsequently finds out she’s pregnant. Tracking Donna in her decision to have an abortion, this film produces a poignant and impactful story that tackles the sensitive subject of abortion through maturity, honesty and all the wit that is expected from a movie starring Jenny Slate.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, The Edge of Seventeen goes beyond normal teenage angst to display a full coming-of-age story for the main character, Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld). Dealing with crushes, the impending romance between her best friend and her popular older brother and the loss of her father, Steinfeld, alongside Woody Harrelson who plays Nadine’s high school teacher and reluctant confidante, delivers a funny and emotional performance in this comedy-drama
American Fable (2016)
American Fable brings a coming-of-age story into a fantasy world. Written and directed by Anne Hamilton, this film tells the story of a young girl, Gitty, who discovers a man who can grant wishes being held captive in her family’s silo. Forced to chose between doing what is right and protecting her family, this movie offers a fresh, and somewhat creepy, spin on the fantasy genre.
6 Balloons (2018)
Written and directed by Marja-Lewis Ryan, 6 Balloons tells the story of a sister, Katie (Abbi Jacobson), struggling with the guilt and responsibility she feels after her brother, Seth (Dave Franco), relapses in his heroin addiction. The film follows the siblings as they attempt to get Seth checked into a rehab facility.
Miss Stevens (2016)
Directed by Julia Hart, Miss Stevens follows a high school English teacher (Lily Rabe) who agrees to chaperone three of her students to a state drama competition. Also starring Lili Reinhart and Timothée Chalamet, this film addresses subjects like failure, loneliness, mental health and behavior disorders. While it may not be classified as a “feel good” movie, it is earnest and warmhearted.
Someone Great (2019)
If you are looking for an feel-good, girl power movie, this is it. Someone Great, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, tells the story of freshly-dumped, music journalist Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), who is looking for one last wild night out in New York with her two best friends before taking her dream job across the country. It’s a funny, realistic and charming movie with a soundtrack that should not be overlooked.
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
This is the first feature film ever directed by an African-American woman to be distributed theatrically in the United States. Julie Dash, who also wrote and produced the film, tells the story of three generations of Gullah women, living on Saint Helena Island off the South Carolina coast, preparing to move to the northern United States. The visual impact and unconventional storytelling led Daughters of the Dust to widespread critical acclaim.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Written by comedian Ali Wong and directed by Nahnatchka Khan, Always Be My Maybe tells the story of two childhood sweethearts living in San Francisco who reconnect after a falling out 16 years prior to the movie’s events. Wong also stars as the lead character, Sasha, alongside Randall Park as Marcus. A funny and charming representation of an Asian-American love story, this film is a classic feel-good rom-com.
Buster’s Mal Heart (2016)
Written and directed by Sarah Adina Smith, Buster’s Mal Heart follows an eccentric and conspiracy theory-obsessed drifter (Rami Malek) as he survives the winter and alludes authorities. Flashing back to his life as a well-adjusted family man and the events that led to his breakdown, Malek’s performance makes this film impactful due to casting alone.
