2024 has been an absolute cracker for female-led films, with stories that truly get under the skin of what it means to be a woman. While these films don’t always grab the limelight they deserve, when they do, they leave a lasting mark. From heartwarming dramas to nail-biting thrillers, here are some of the best women-centric movies of the year that you absolutely need to watch.
1. Laapataa Ladies
Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is like a warm, familiar hug that takes you straight to the heart of rural India. It’s a beautifully crafted tale about the dreams and suppressed desires of women in a small village. The film shines a light on women’s empowerment in the most subtle and relatable way, making it feel deeply personal. Fun fact: it was also India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards!
2. The Buckingham Murders
Kareena Kapoor Khan absolutely nails it as Jasmeet ’Jass‘ Bhamra, a British-Indian detective grappling with the loss of her child while solving the murder of a 10-year-old in a suspicious little town. This mystery thriller keeps you hooked till the very end, with Kareena’s raw and emotional performance stealing the show. If you’re into whodunnits with heart, this one’s a must-watch.
3. All We Imagine As Light
This gem of a film follows three nurses from Kerala navigating life in bustling Mumbai. It’s all about female friendships and the way women create their own little families in big cities. Unlike the usual Bollywood fare, All We Imagine As Light celebrates the everyday struggles and triumphs of women, making it feel refreshingly real and relatable.
4. Atlas
Jennifer Lopez stars in Netflix’s sci-fi action flick, Atlas, playing a counterterrorism analyst with serious trust issues when it comes to artificial intelligence. After a mission goes south, she’s forced to rely on AI to stop a rogue robot. While it might not reinvent the genre, it’s packed with action and some thought-provoking moments about tech and humanity.
5. Bhakshak
Bhumi Pednekar is a force to be reckoned with in Bhakshak, playing a gutsy journalist who exposes a shocking abuse scandal in a shelter home for orphaned girls. Produced by Gauri Khan, this hard-hitting film isn’t just a story; it’s a call to action. Bhumi’s fearless performance makes it one of the year’s most unforgettable films.
6. Do Patti
Kriti Sanon takes on a dual role as estranged twin sisters, Saumya and Shailee, in this twisty drama. Their complicated relationship and shared love for Dhruv (played by Shaheer Sheikh) lead to plenty of drama, but it’s Kajol as Inspector Vidya ’VJ‘ Jyothi Kanwar who steals the show. Her character’s internal conflict—choosing between rules and doing what’s right—is simply brilliant.
Based on the true story of Claressa Shields, The Fire Inside is all about breaking barriers. Claressa, a teenager from Flint, Michigan, fights her way to becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. It’s an inspiring watch that reminds you what grit and determination can achieve—even when the odds are stacked against you.
These films have brought us stories full of heart, courage, and resilience, showcasing women in all their complexity and strength. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these brilliant films remind you just how powerful female-led stories can be.