Movies with Strong Female Characters

Finding positive role models for girls in the movies isn't always as easy as it should be. So let's hear a round of applause for these films with empowering leading ladies. From memorable fictional characters like Elsa, Hermione, and Katniss to real-life heroes like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Misty Copeland, and Bethany Hamilton, strong, smart girls and women are getting the spotlight they deserve. Make sure to talk to kids of all genders about how women are portrayed in the media and what kinds of stereotypes they see. These discussions can counteract harmful messages kids get about body image, sexuality, and role models. For even more media picks with strong female characters, check out these books, games, and TV shows.

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Angelina Ballerina: Dreams Do Come True Poster Image
MOVIE

Angelina Ballerina: Dreams Do Come True

age 4+

Sweet tale celebrates friends, family, positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story

age 5+

Inspirational animated tale of famous black ballerina soars.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
Lilo and Stitch Poster Image
MOVIE

Lilo and Stitch

age 5+

Cute story, great characters, fabulous soundtrack.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Mulan Poster Image
MOVIE

Mulan

age 5+

Disneyfied but dignified tale of Chinese warrior.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
Tangled Poster Image
MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky

age 6+

Sweet American Girl story about finding your voice.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Encanto Poster Image
MOVIE

Encanto

age 6+

Vibrant visuals, catchy songs, moving messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Finding Dory Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Dory

age 6+

Delightful sequel promotes teamwork; some sadness, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Heidi (1993) Poster Image
MOVIE

Heidi (1993)

age 6+

Family entertainment at its best, expect emotional moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Inside Out Movie Poster: Riley's emotions stand in a group, Joy throwing her hands wide
MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Creative, clever story about big feelings has peril, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Mary Poppins Returns Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary Poppins Returns

age 6+

Blunt is a delight in sweet, nostalgic, toe-tapping sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Moana Poster Image
MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Memorable musical with a Pacific Islander lead, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Pollyanna Poster Image
MOVIE

Pollyanna

age 6+

Wonderful family film with excellent messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1960)
The Powerpuff Girls Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

The Powerpuff Girls Movie

age 6+

Funny, exciting, and involving.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
The Princess and the Frog Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess and the Frog

age 6+

First African American Disney princess is a good role model.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Movie Poster: A figure in the shape of a teenage girl lies on a bench with headphones on, while various mystical sea creatures dance above her
MOVIE

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

age 6+

Fun animated coming-of-age fantasy has thoughtful messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Vivo Poster Image
MOVIE

Vivo

age 6+

Touching musical about family and love has a little peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)