10 Best Movies Written by Women, According to Rotten Tomatoes
The film industry has seen an increasing number of critical and commercial successes penned by female screenwriters. These stories bring a diverse range of perspectives to the silver screen and stand as testaments to the talent and vision women bring to the scripting process. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the following 10 films are some of the best movies written by women:
1.”Lost in Translation” – Written by Sofia Coppola, this understated yet poignant film beautifully captures the fleeting connection between two Americans in Tokyo. It’s a meditative exploration of loneliness and understanding that won Coppola an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
2.”Little Women” (2019) – Adapted by Greta Gerwig from the classic novel, this iteration of the March sisters’ story is vibrant, fresh, and deeply relevant. Gerwig’s perspective imbues new life into Louisa May Alcott’s beloved characters.
3.”Juno” – Diablo Cody’s sharp-witted and heartfelt script instantly made “Juno” a standout film. It marries humor with earnestness as it follows a teen navigating an unplanned pregnancy.
4.”The Piano” – Written and directed by Jane Campion, this powerful drama set in the mid-19th century features a mute pianist and her daughter. The movie’s haunting beauty and strong character writing earned Campion an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
5.”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – Although Charlie Kaufman led this script, it’s crucial to acknowledge co-writer Mary Sweeney who helped shape this inventive tale about love and memory.
6.”Thelma & Louise” – Callie Khouri’s Thelma & Louise is a seminal road movie with a feminist bent that has influenced many subsequent films. Its portrayal of friendship and freedom resonates just as strongly today.
7.”Lady Bird” – Another gem from Greta Gerwig tells a coming-of-age story that’s witty, warm, and resonant. Saoirse Ronan’s leading performance anchors Gerwig’s sharp, semi-autobiographical script.
8.”Booksmart” – Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, and Katie Silberman collaborate on this smart teen comedy that turns the genre on its head with its sharp humor and emotionally rich core.
9.”American Psycho” – While not traditionally lauded for its feminist themes due to its violent content, Guinevere Turner co-wrote this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel with director Mary Harron, delivering biting social commentary and an unforgettable satirical horror experience.
10.”Sense and Sensibility” – Emma Thompson adapted Jane Austen’s classic novel for the screen with finesse and inherent understanding of its characters. It resulted in an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay; a testament to her skill in bringing timeless tales to contemporary audiences with grace and humor.
These films are not only essential viewing but also reminders of how impactful storytelling can be when crafted through diverse lenses—a celebration of creativity without boundaries.