8 Empowering Movies to Watch on International Women's Day

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day. It is a day to honor women's strength, courage, and achievements across history. In 2026, the date falls on a Sunday. That makes it the perfect chance to slow down and do something meaningful. What better way to celebrate than by watching empowering movies? These are stories of women who changed the world, broke barriers, and refused to give up.

In this article, we have put together a list of eight empowering movies worth watching this International Women's Day. Pick one to watch alone, with friends, or with your family.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

The first on our list is this Oscar-nominated true story about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. They were three brilliant Black women who worked at NASA during the 1960s Space Race. Despite facing racial and gender barriers every single day, they helped send astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, and directed by Theodore Melfi, this film is equal parts inspiring and eye-opening.

Where to Watch: YouTube TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, Spectrum On Demand

Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Meryl Streep, this is a beloved adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. It follows four sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, as they grow up in 19th-century America. Each sister wants something different from life: independence, love, art, or security. The film shows how women can pursue their own dreams, even when society tells them they cannot.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV Store

Starring Reese Witherspoon in an Oscar-nominated role, this film is based on a true story. It follows Cheryl Strayed, a woman who decides to hike over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail completely alone. She had no prior hiking experience. After years of grief and loss following her mother's death, the journey becomes her path to healing. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, it is a raw and honest portrait of a woman choosing to save herself.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

This Disney animated film tells the story of Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian chief. She sets sail across the open ocean to save her island. No one believes she can do it, but she trusts herself and goes anyway. Voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, with Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui, the film celebrates courage, identity, and the power of listening to your own voice. It is a wonderful watch for all ages, with a beautiful soundtrack to match.

Where to Watch: Peacock Premium, YouTube TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand 

Next, we have this classic film directed by Penny Marshall, starring Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, and Madonna. Set during World War II, it follows a group of women who join the first professional all-female baseball league. The male players are away at war, and these women step up to keep the sport alive. The film is funny and warm, but it also takes the women's love for the sport very seriously. It gave the world the famous line: "There's no crying in baseball!"

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Plex

Directed by Walter Salles, this powerful Brazilian film is based on the true story of Eunice Paiva. She is a mother of five whose husband is taken by Brazil's military government in 1971 and never returns. Instead of breaking down, Eunice fights back. She rebuilds her life and eventually becomes a human rights lawyer. Fernanda Torres delivers a stunning, award-worthy performance, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. This is one of the most talked-about films of recent years.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV Store 

This film tells the story of the Agojie, a real group of female warriors in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. Viola Davis plays General Nanisca, who trains a new generation of soldiers to protect their people. They face slave traders and rival armies. It is an action-packed, emotionally charged film about female strength, loyalty, and sacrifice. Davis gives one of the most powerful performances of her career, and the action sequences are genuinely thrilling.

Where to Watch: fuboTV, Paramount Plus, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV Store

Starring Salma Hayek in an Oscar-nominated performance, this biographical film follows the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. As a young woman, she survived a serious bus accident that left her in lifelong pain. Despite this, she went on to become one of the most recognized artists in history. Directed by Julie Taymor, the film also explores Kahlo's political beliefs and her complex relationship with artist Diego Rivera. Visually stunning from start to finish.