According to a study by the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, women only comprised 18% of directors in the film industry in 2022. However, female directors have directed countless award-winning and iconic films. Here are some enjoyable female-directed movies to watch in honor of Women’s History Month.

Awakenings
directed by Penny Marshall
Based on a true story, Awakenings follows Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams, and an experimental drug trial in the 1960s. As the drug begins to work, he forms a bond with one of his patients, Leonard Lowe, played by Robert De Niro. Director Penny Marshall does an incredible job of capturing the unique relationship between doctor and patient, bringing the real story to the big screen. De Niro’s raw talent is especially unforgettable.

Little Women (2019)
directed by Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig is one of the most brilliant directors of the 21st century. Her skills are highlighted in Little Women with the help of a stellar cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and Laura Dern. The beloved story of the March sisters is told elegantly with bits of modern twists. Jo March is a feminist icon everyone can admire.

Pitch Perfect 2
directed by Elizabeth Banks
Although the first film in the Pitch Perfect trilogy was directed by Jason Moore, Elizabeth Banks stepped up to direct the second. The film continues the story of the Barden Bellas, one of Barden University’s all-female, awarding-winning acapella groups. After a humiliating performance at the Lincoln Center, the Bellas decide to redeem themselves at the Acapella World Championship in Denmark. The film showcases entertaining acapella performances and the importance of female friendships.

You’ve Got Mail
directed by Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron is often thought of the queen of romantic comedies. You’ve Got Mail is no exception. An iconic duo, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, play Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox. Kathleen is the owner of a local bookshop while Joe owns the rival book chain, “Foxbooks.” Although “enemies” in real life, they communicate with each other through email, never revealing their true identities. Ephron keeps the audience wondering: “Will they ever realize that they are meant for each other?”

Wayne’s World
directed by Penelope Spheeris
Two slackers/best friends Wayne Campbell, played by Mike Myers and Garth Algar, played by Dana Carvey, create their own public access show called Wayne’s World. Producer Benjamin Kane helps them take the show to real TV, but trouble ensues. Although Wayne’s World began as a skit on Saturday Night Live, Director Penelope Spheeris takes the film to the next level, highlighting Myers’ and Carvey’s hilarious characters.