9 Movies That Pass the Bechdel Test With Flying Colors
Alison Bechdel created the Bechdel Test as somewhat of a joke, but it’s become a decent measuring tape for how well a story represents women. And when we use it to test modern movies, more often than not, we find the film is lacking females.
Luckily, there are still plenty of movies that are for women, with women, and about women. These films all get an A++ on the Bechdel Test, so we want to celebrate them.
How a Movie Passes the Bechdel Test
The Bechdel Test is a measure consisting of three parts used to assess the representation of women in films. To pass the test, a movie must (1) have at least two named female characters (2) who talk to each other (3) about something other than a man.
This seemingly simple test highlights the often limited roles women play in films and encourages more diverse and meaningful representation. A movie can score a 1, 2, or 3, but we only consider it a “pass” if it gets a 3. And all these movies effortlessly pass the test early on in the story.
1. Hidden Figures (2016)
This is an exemplary film that not only passes the Bechdel Test but also celebrates the achievements of African American women in a male-dominated field. Hidden Figures tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three brilliant mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the space race.
The film showcases their professional conversations about complex mathematical and engineering challenges, highlighting their contributions beyond the confines of gender and race.
It is a powerful narrative of resilience, intelligence, and sisterhood, making it a stellar example of female representation in cinema. Of course, their gender plays a large role in the film, but these characters are much deeper than just their sex and race.
2. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde is a film that challenges stereotypes and empowers women through its protagonist, Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon. Who said movies that pass the test can’t also be flirty and fun? No one.
The movie follows Elle as she navigates Harvard Law School, proving her intelligence and capability in a male-dominated environment. The film features numerous conversations between Elle and other female characters about law, education, and personal growth, rather than romantic interests.
In the film, we see women uplifting one another, not tearing each other down. We see women trumping men in professional and intellectual settings. It celebrates female ambition and friendship, making it a shining example of a movie that passes the Bechdel Test with flying colors.
3. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max: Fury Road is a high-octane action film that features strong female characters, particularly Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron. The movie includes significant interactions between Furiosa and other female characters, such as the “Wives” and the “Vuvalini.”
We love the movie for its portrayal of women as powerful and independent, challenging traditional gender roles in the action genre, a space dominated by men for far too long. Women can kick ass too. Its emphasis on female agency and collaboration makes it a delicious watch, and shows women being awesome in different ways than, say, Legally Blonde* does.
4. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This film centers on Jess, a young woman from a traditional Sikh family in England, who dreams of playing football professionally. Bend It Like Beckham explores themes of cultural identity, gender roles, and personal ambition.
In the movie, Jess and her friend Jules discuss their passion for football frequently, their families, and their futures, not boys. It highlights the challenges and triumphs of these young women pursuing their dreams in the face of societal expectations, making it a standout film for female representation.
5. Frozen (2013)
Frozen is a groundbreaking animated film that centers on the relationship between two sisters, Elsa and Anna. If you haven’t heard of it by now, where have you been? The movie includes countless conversations between the sisters about their lives, challenges, and responsibilities, rather than focusing on romantic interests.
Considering marriage and a male ruler are concerns of the kingdom, it’s impressive how female-focused the story is. The film breaks away from traditional fairytale narratives by emphasizing the importance of family and personal growth. As a children’s movie, its impact on little girls is immeasurable and beautiful.
6. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a heartfelt film about friendship and personal growth. Yes, it’s a little cheesy, but we can’t help but adore it anyway. It follows four best friends who share a pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly (magic!), symbolizing their bond.
The girls talk about their challenges, aspirations, and support for one another. While romantic interests absolutely come up, and often, it’s all about the strength of female friendships and the importance of supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
7. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Make sure you have your tissues ready for this one. Steel Magnolias is a classic film that captures the essence of the feminine spirit. Set in a small Southern town, it follows a group of women who support each other through life’s joys and sorrows, including the death of one of their own.
The movie is filled with conversations about life, love, and loss, showcasing the depth and complexity of women’s relationships. It is a touching portrayal of the strength and empathy women possess, resonating with audiences across generations.
And with stars like Julia Roberts and Sally Field, who are inspirations in their own right, it’s a must-watch for women.
8. Bridesmaids (2011)
Bridesmaids is a comedy that flips the script on traditional wedding movies by focusing on the friendships and personal struggles of its female characters.
Maybe we see the actual groom once or twice, but who cares about him? It’s not about him, not even a little bit. It’s about the bridesmaids as they navigate the challenges of planning a wedding and dealing with personal issues.
While friendship is at the core of the film, it also addresses themes of self-worth and personal growth. The film’s success in portraying women as complex and relatable characters makes it a shining example of women in comedy.
9. Moana (2016)
Moana is an animated film that tells the story of a young Polynesian girl on a quest to save her island. Moana’s interactions with her grandmother and other female villagers about leadership, courage, and tradition are emotional and authentic.
The movie breaks away from the typical princess narrative by focusing on Moana’s journey of self-discovery and her role as a leader. That’s right, she’s destined to lead her people, not her husband or brother or male cousin.
The ending even dives into the duality all women have inside them — a lava monster and an earthly goddess. Or whatever duality you have in you.
Where Are the Women?
A 2022 study found that, of the most popular films from the last 40 years, only 49.6% passed the test. You may be thinking, well that makes sense, not every movie has to be about women.
However, the Bechdel Test doesn’t demand the film be fully focused on the female characters. All it asks is that films show women as real people who exist in the real world — because they do.
For reference, that same study found that roughly 95% of the same movies passed the reverse Bechdel Test, meaning there were two named male characters who spoke about something other than women.
Why are women still shoved in the background of movies and treated more as props than people? It’s a great question. Thankfully, we have movies like these to show how mighty women can be.
13 of Our Favorite Modern Feminists (It’s a Femininomenon!)
Let’s send a little light and love to the women who wake up every day and try to make the world better for other women.
Women like Susan B. Anthony, bell hooks, Betty Friedan, and Virginia Woolf contributed significantly to feminism and its evolution. However, that evolution is far from over, and we want to highlight some female feminists breaking barriers today.
Yes, men can be (and should be) feminists too. But this list is about the women shaping modern feminism. As Chappell Roan would say, it’s a femininomenon (feminine + phenomenon).
READ: 13 of Our Favorite Modern Feminists (It’s a Femininomenon!)
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READ: How Women Voters Will Shape the 2024 Election
Choosing Where to Be Pregnant: Which States Are Conducive To Safe Pregnancy
Women are facing a relentless assault in our nation, with the fundamental right to bodily autonomy hanging precariously in the balance. Increasingly, women are being stripped of their ability to choose whether or not they wish to carry a pregnancy to term, and vital healthcare services that could save lives are being withheld in an attempt to curtail women’s autonomy.
In response, we have identified 25 states where we believe women can reasonably expect conditions conducive to safe pregnancy.
READ: Choosing Where to Be Pregnant: Which States Are Conducive To Safe Pregnancy
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