The best films directed by women

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some of the leading female directors who have shaped the history of cinema. Through intimist stories, historical dramas and spectacular action films, these women have demonstrated their talent and ability to redefine genres. From Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, to Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet, Nomadland by Chloé Zhao and Ava DuVernay’s Selma, this selection highlights a few of the best films directed by women.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma – 2019

In the 18th century, talented painter Marianne is commissioned to secretly paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young noblewoman who has been promised to a man she has never met. Héloïse refuses to pose, so Marianne must observe her discreetly by day and paint her secretly by night. Over time, a passionate relationship blossoms between the two women.

Known for her feminist outlook and poetic approach to reality, Céline Sciamma made a name for herself with her first feature film, Water Lilies (2007), which explores adolescent desires and emerging identities. She continued in this vein with Tomboy (2011) and Girlhood (2014), affirming her commitment to narratives centered on the feminine, coming of age and gender fluidity. In 2019, Portrait of a Lady on Fire marked a turning point in her career, winning the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes. In 2021, she directed Petite Maman, an intimate tale of grief and passing on memories. A committed director, she co-founded the 50/50 collective to promote gender equality and diversity in cinema.

AlloCiné 4/5
IMDb 8.1/10
Available on myCANAL, Rakuten TV, Apple TV and Prime Video

Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola – 2006

Marie-Antoinette follows the story of the young archduchess, from her arrival at the court of Versailles at the age of 14 through to the French Revolution. Plunged into a world of extravagance, sumptuous parties and constraints, she tries to escape boredom by indulging in the pleasures of fashion, gambling and forbidden love.

Daughter of the famous director Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola made her film debut as an actress before turning to directing. In 1999, she made her mark with The Virgin Suicides, before winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Lost in Translation in 2003. She followed this up with Marie-Antoinette, a daring biopic combining baroque aesthetics and pop influences. This was followed by Somewhere (2010), which won the Golden Lion at Venice, The Bling Ring (2013) and The Beguiled (2017), which earned her the Best Director award at Cannes, making her the second woman to receive this distinction.

AlloCiné 3.3/5
IMDb 6.5/10
Available on Canal VOD

Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig – 2017

In her final year of high school in Sacramento, Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson dreams of escaping her small town to attend a prestigious university on the East Coast. The teenager must navigate family tensions with her overbearing mother, friendships, first loves and the quest for her identity. Both touching and witty, the film aptly explores the passage to adulthood and the complexity of mother-daughter relationships.

First noticed for her roles in independent cinema, director, screenwriter and actress Greta Gerwig made a name for herself as a figure in the mumblecore movement. After several collaborations as co-writer with Noah Baumbach, she moved into solo directing with Lady Bird in 2017, an Oscar-nominated semi-autobiographical tale. She confirmed her talent with Little Women (2019), which reinvented the literary classic, and then Barbie (2023), becoming one of the most influential directors of her generation. Her films sensitively explore themes of coming-of-age, family relationships and female identity.

AlloCiné 3.7/5
IMDb 7.4/10
Available on Canal VOD

The Taste of Others by Agnès Jaoui – 2000

The Taste of Others follows Jean-Jacques Castella, an uneducated businessman who discovers the world of theater during a performance of “Bérénice”. Fascinated by Clara, his English teacher and leading actress, he tries to fit into this artistic world. The film explores the unlikely encounters between different social and cultural backgrounds, highlighting prejudices and the possibilities of overcoming them. Through these characters, Agnès Jaoui cleverly questions notions of taste, tolerance and open-mindedness.

Agnès Jaoui began her career in the theater, where she met Jean-Pierre Bacri in 1987 in Harold Pinter’s play The Birthday Party. The Jaoui-Bacri duo have left their mark on French cinema through their exceptional creative collaboration. Together, they wrote several acclaimed screenplays, including Smoking/No Smoking (1993) and Same Old Song (1997), winning several Césars for best screenplay.

Agnès Jaoui’s first feature film as a director, The Taste of Others (2000) marked a turning point in her career. Co-written with Jean-Pierre Bacri, the film was a resounding success, attracting almost 4 million cinema-goers and winning four César awards, including Best Film, confirming the director’s keen eye for exploring human relationships and socio-cultural differences.

AlloCiné 3.8/5
IMDb 7.2/10
Available on FILMO, LaCinetek, PremiereMax, Pathé Home, Orange, UniversCiné, VIVA et ARTE Boutique, Max, myCANAL, Molotov TV, Amazon Prime Video, CANAL VOD, Apple TV.

Nomadland by Chloé Zhao – 2020

After losing everything in the economic crisis of 2008, Fern (Frances McDormand), in her sixties, decides to leave her Nevada hometown and adopt the life of a modern nomad. She travels the American West in her converted van, taking on one seasonal job after another and forging connections with a community of travelers. Fern discovers a new freedom and an unexpected resilience as she travels through the grandiose landscapes, confronting the loneliness and uncertainty of her existence.

Born in Beijing on March 31, 1982, Chinese-American director, screenwriter and producer Chloé Zhao made a name for herself at the Sundance Film Festival with her debut feature, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015). Her second film, The Rider (2017), consolidated her reputation thanks to its authentic approach and cast of non-professional actors. Her third film, Nomadland, catapulted her onto the international scene, winning numerous awards including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Oscar for Best Film.

Chloé Zhao became the second woman and the first woman of color to win the Oscar for Best Director, Frances McDormand winning the Oscar for Best Actress for this film. Adopting a documentary-like approach and preferring to shoot in natural settings, Chloé Zhao captures with real authenticity the humanity of her characters, often from underprivileged backgrounds.

AlloCiné 3.9/5
IMDb 7.3/10
Available on FILMO, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV

Lee by Ellen Kuras – 2023

The incredible journey of an extraordinary woman, from Vogue model and Man Ray muse to one of the first war photographers. The film follows Lee Miller from the late 1930s on the Côte d’Azur to the horrors of the Second World War, when she became a correspondent for Vogue. Offering a contemporary, feminist look at the Second World War, the film highlights the courage and determination of a woman who broke the conventions of her time. Kate Winslet’s remarkable performance in the title role elevates the film beyond conventional biopics, offering a unique perspective on the horrors of war through the lens of a photographer.

Renowned American cinematographer Ellen Kuras is best known for her work on Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam (1999) and Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). She has also worked on several occasions with Martin Scorsese as camerawoman and cinematographer.

Ellen Kuras made her directorial debut with the Oscar-nominated documentary The Betrayal – Nerakhoon (2008), before going on to direct several episodes of series such as Ozark, The Umbrella Academy and Legion. Lee, her first feature film, marked a milestone in her career, allowing her to apply her expertise in cinematography to her passion for directing.

AlloCiné 3.7/5
IMDb 6.9/10
Available on ARTE Boutique, UniversCiné, VIVA, FILMO, PremièreMax, Canal VOD, Pathé Home, YouTube, myCANAL, Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Amazon Prime Video

Strange Days by Kathryn Bigelow – 1995

The science-fiction thriller Strange Days is set in a futuristic Los Angeles, on the eve of the year 2000. The story follows Lenny Nero, a former policeman who has turned to trafficking in memory clips, sensory recordings that enable users to relive the experiences of others. When he stumbles across a sequence involving a murder, he finds himself plunged into a conspiracy in which violence, corruption and social tensions intertwine.

Through immersive staging and a script exploring the power of memory, the film paints a bleak portrait of American society in the 1990s, while questioning the excesses of technology and voyeurism. Subjects that are still relevant today, 30 years after the film’s release.

Kathryn Bigelow is renowned for her rigorous approach to action and thriller movies. After starting out in independent cinema, she made a name for herself with films combining psychological tension and technical mastery, such as the cult Point Break (1991). In 2010, she became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director for The Hurt Locker. Strange Days, co-written with James Cameron, testifies to her interest in dynamic narratives where violence and suspense serve a broader reflection on society and its excesses.

AlloCiné 3.6/5
IMDb 7.2/10
Available on Prime Video

Raw by Julia Ducournau – 2016

This horror thriller tells the story of Justine, a young vegetarian veterinary student who discovers an irrepressible craving for human flesh after a disturbing hazing. Carried by a chilling atmosphere and visceral direction, the film explores themes of metamorphosis, desire and identity with a rare intensity. Garance Marillier, in the lead role, delivers a gripping performance alongside Ella Rumpf and Rabah Naït Oufella.

French director and screenwriter Julia Ducournau first came to prominence with her short film Junior (2011), before exploding onto the international scene with Raw. The film was widely acclaimed by critics and won numerous awards, including the Prix FIPRESCI at Cannes Critics’ Week in 2016. It also received the Grand Prix at the Gérardmer Festival and was nominated for a César in the Best First Film category. The director also confirmed her talent by winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2021 for her next film, Titane, becoming only the second woman in history to receive this distinction.

AlloCiné 3.6/5
IMDb 6.9/10
Available on Canal VOD, Prime Video, Rekuten TV, Filmo and Apple TV

Wonder Woman by Patty Jenkins – 2017

The superhero film Wonder Woman follows Diana, princess of the Amazons, who grows up on Themyscira, an isolated kingdom where she is trained in combat by her aunt Antiope. Her encounter with pilot Steve Trevor, stranded on a beach in this secret land, reveals to her the existence of the outside world in the midst of the First World War. Convinced that the conflict is influenced by the god Ares, she leaves home to intervene and discovers the complexities of humanity. Part mythological epic, part war film, Wonder Woman reinterprets the story of DC Comics’ iconic heroine, while developing a narrative centered on her courage and determination.

Patty Jenkins made her name with Monster in 2003, a drama based on the life of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, which won actress Charlize Theron an Oscar. After a career punctuated by television productions, she returned to cinema with Wonder Woman, becoming the first woman to direct a big-budget superhero film. Her approach is characterized by a focus on character and fluid direction, combining action and emotion. By giving Wonder Woman a strong, nuanced personality, Jenkins contributes to the diversification of female representation in popular cinema, notably by updating this iconic character from the 1940s.

AlloCiné 3.1/5
IMDb 7.3/10
Available on Netflix, Apple TV and Prime Video

All Your Faces by Jeanne Herry – 2023

All Your Faces is a poignant drama directed by Jeanne Herry, released in 2023. The film explores the theme of restorative justice, a system that enables victims and offenders to engage in dialogue under the guidance of professionals. Through a series of interwoven narratives, it depicts emotionally-charged encounters between people scarred by violence and those who have committed it. The star-studded cast includes Adèle Exarchopoulos, Gilles Lellouche, Leïla Bekhti, Dali Benssalah, Miou-Miou, Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Élodie Bouchez, all of whom deliver deeply moving performances.

French director and screenwriter Jeanne Herry made her film debut with Number One Fan (2014), then confirmed her talent with In Safe Hands (2018), a drama about adoption that received several César nominations. With All Your Faces, she continues to explore powerful social issues with sensitivity and accuracy. The film was unanimously acclaimed by critics and won several awards, including the César for Best Original Screenplay and the César for Best Editing in 2024.

Allociné 4.4/5
IMDb 7.5/10
Available on myCANAL, Apple TV, Prime Video, Rakuten TV

Selma by Ava DuVernay – 2014

Selma recounts the iconic march led by Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, a key moment in the U.S. civil rights movement that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act guaranteeing African-Americans the right to vote. The film sheds light on the political and social tensions of the time, while painting a nuanced portrait of the charismatic leader, brilliantly portrayed by David Oyelowo. He is joined by Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Roth and Common.

Director and producer Ava DuVernay has established herself as one of the leading voices in contemporary cinema. Initially a journalist and documentary filmmaker, she made a name for herself with Middle of Nowhere (2012), which won her the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival. With Selma, she became the first African-American woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director, and the film received a Best Picture Oscar nomination in 2015. It won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Glory”, performed by Common and John Legend.

Allociné 4/5
IMDb 7.5/10
Available on myCANAL, Apple TV, Prime Video, Rakuten TV

The Woman King by Gina Prince-Bythewood – 2022

Inspired by true events, The Woman King tells the story of the Agojie, a regiment of female warriors protecting the kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) in the 19th century. At the center of the story, General Nanisca, powerfully portrayed by Viola Davis, trains a new generation of female fighters to defend their people against external threats, notably the slave trade.

American director and screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood made a name for herself with her first feature film, Love & Basketball (2000), before going on to make films such as The Secret Life of Bees (2008) and The Old Guard (2020). Committed to a more inclusive representation of Hollywood, she focuses on telling stories centered on Afro-descendant female characters. The Woman King received critical acclaim for its direction, its powerful message and the performance of its cast, in particular Viola Davis, who was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for her role. The film also won several awards, including the Audience Award at the Toronto 2022 Film Festival.

Allociné 3.8/5
IMDb 6.9/10
Available on Netflix, myCANAL, Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV

The Power of the Dog by Jane Campion – 2021

In 1920s Montana, brothers Phil and George Burbank run a prosperous ranch. When George marries Rose, a fragile widow, Phil scorns and harasses her, leading to her slow decline. Between tension, domination and buried secrets, a dangerous psychological game begins. Everyone hides their weaknesses, and power gradually shifts sides.

Jane Campion shot to international fame in 1993 with the success of her third feature film, The Piano. She became the first director to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. A true pioneer, the New Zealander maintains a strong conenction with the Festival. In 2014, she presided over the Festival’s jury, becoming the first female director to take on this responsibility, ten years before Greta Gerwig. In 2022, Jane Campion won the Oscar for Best Director for her film The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst.

Allociné 3.5/5
IMDb 6.8/10
Available on Netflix

Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet – 2023

Sandra, a German writer, lives with her husband Samuel and their visually impaired son Daniel in an isolated mountain chalet. When Samuel is found dead at the foot of the house, the investigation struggles to determine whether it was an accident, a suicide or murder. Sandra becomes the main suspect and faces a trial in which her private life is dissected. Between manipulation, family tensions and the quest for justice, doubts creep in.

Justine Triet has been behind the camera four times with great success, establishing herself as one of the leading directors of French cinema. She excels in both comedy (Age of Panic, Victoria) and drama (Sibyl). In 2023, Anatomy of a Fall triumphed: Palme d’or at Cannes, Oscar and BAFTA Awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Film and Best Director at the Césars. At the head of her own production company since March 2024, the French director is currently taking the time to edit her next film together.

Allociné 4.1/5
IMDb 7.6/10
Available on myCANAL, Molotov TV, Prime Video and Google Play Films

Just the Two of Us by Valérie Donzelli – 2023

When Blanche meets Grégoire, she falls under the spell of his charisma and passionate affection. They soon marry, and she settles down with him, far from her family and twin sister. But behind the surface, Grégoire reveals himself to be possessive and manipulative, plunging his wife into a spiral of control and isolation. Little by little, Blanche tries to free herself from his grip, at the risk of losing everything. Her battle becomes a race against destruction, involving passion, oppression and resilience.

French actress and director Valérie Donzelli is best known for her deeply moving film Declaration of War, released in 2011. Director, screenwriter and star of the project, Donzelli tells the story of her struggle with her husband, Jérémie Elkaïm, and her son’s battle with brain cancer. In 2023, she adapts Éric Reinhardt’s novel Just the Two of Us. This psychological drama, about a husband’s narcissistic hold over his wife, won her the César for Best Adaptation and marked her willingness to tackle the taboo of domestic violence in cinema. Valérie Donzelli delivers a poignant film that highlights the silent struggle of many women.

Allociné 3.9/5
IMDb 6.6/10
Available on myCANAL, Prime Video, Apple TV and Filmo

Whether they’re exploring the intimate, reinventing independent cinema or retelling historical events with a fresh perspective, these women directors have left their mark on cinema through their talent and unique approach. Their films, with their thematic and aesthetic richness, bear witness to the diversity of women’s perspectives and their growing influence in the film industry. By highlighting these feature films, we celebrate not only their creativity, but also the importance of continuing to support and value female voices in cinema.