7 Inspiring Documentaries About Women

With it being International Women’s Day, it’s a good time to pause and become inspired by the stories of women around the world. We’ve put together a list of some of the very best documentaries about women, whether iconic famous faces or lesser-known stories of activism and feminism. Here’s eight documentaries to inspire you:

Twiggy

Twiggy, one of the most iconic faces of the 1960s, is the subject of this acclaimed documentary released last year. Featuring interviews with Dame Lesley Lawson, who in that decade adopted the nickname Twiggy, the film charts her career as she was catapulted to fame through her modelling. But while it examines her part in the swinging sixties, with London at the forefront, the doc also goes beyond and follows how she would move into film, Broadway and more, and remains a success today. It’s directed by actress Sadie Frost.

out in cinemas on 7th march

He Named Me Malala

Another iconic woman of the 21st century, Malala Yousafzai, has become an internationally renowned advocate for the rights of girls and of education and a hugely inspiring figure. Her story is, of course, well known, having been shot by a Taliban soldier for her activism and then subsequently recovering from the life-changing ordeal. He Named Me Malala goes into these events and her fight for survival, and her subsequent rise to prominence through speeches, writings and being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at just 17 years of age. It’s an essential watch.

Available on: Apple TV, Sky

Bread and Roses

Bread and Roses tackles a similar subject matter to the previous entry on this list, spotlighting women in Afghanistan. This documentary was released after the retaking of the country by the Taliban and had its genesis when Jennifer Lawrence (who produces) saw coverage of the fall of Kabul as American and Western forces withdrew. It focuses on three Afghani women whose lives are impacted by the seismic geopolitical event: ex-employee of the government Sharifa, Taranom, a woman who flees to Pakistan as a refugee, and Zahra, an activist organising women to protest. Each woman fights for her rights to education, work and other things that many can easily take for granted.

Available on: Apple TV+

Frida

Frida, which is available to watch on Amazon Prime, takes us on a journey through the life of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, who, 70 years after her death, remains an important part of art and culture. The Mexican painter, best known for her portraits and work reflecting her country’s national identity, is well known, but this documentary brings her inner thoughts, ideas and struggles to the forefront. Using excerpts from her diary along with essays, letters and more, it paints a picture of the woman and who she really was, accompanied by animation drawing on her artwork. It also covers her marriage to Diego Rivera, and her political beliefs and views on issues like gender and class.

Available on: Amazon Prime

Simone Biles Rising

The world’s most famous gymnast, Simone Biles received much publicity when she withdrew from competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. This documentary series from Netflix delves into why: her concerns about her mental health caused her to put a pause on her career, going on hiatus. With the world of athletics being a high-pressure environment on both body and mind, as well as the intense scrutiny of social media, there’s much that can cause someone to feel the need to “get out.” Biles also addresses being sexually abused by a member of the US gymnastics team, and the role of race in sport. But overall, it’s a film about building yourself up again from turmoil.

Available on: Netflix

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Nan Goldin is an activist and artist, and the centre of the absorbing and poignant documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. Golin became a well-known photographer who captured subcultures of the LGBT community and in particular, the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and beyond. This film goes into her life, as well as her campaigning efforts that she embarked on in 2017 after a near-fatal drug overdose. Founding the advocate group PAIN, she became outspoken against the company Purdue Pharma due to what she perceived as its role in the opioid epidemic, and in particular, its prominent owners, the Sackler family.

Available on: iPlayer and Amazon Prime

Feminists: What Were They Thinking

A documentary centred squarely on the idea of feminism itself, Feminists: What Were They Thinking? sees many different women of varying backgrounds interviewed about the subject. At its core is a book, Emergence, released in the late 70s, featuring photographs of women with a feminist theme. Films and art like the 1980 film 9 to 5 are referenced, and topics like race, motherhood and identity are discussed. As those interviewed use the photos in the book to revisit the period, they discuss how feminism has developed since and how progress is still needed. Some of the most famous faces featured (some in archive) include Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Germaine Greer and Shirley Chisholm.