To those who have not yet read the book, this movie is about women seeking empowerment in their unique ways, but without oppressing anyone. It is heartwarming, beautiful and exulting to see these women each in their way chafing a bit while finding their way under the confines of the patriarchal society of the time and finding strength in each other. The film offers a conspiratorial wink to conventions of the novel’s era with a lighthearted take on romantic comedies; a lively and smart protestation that women were more than merely lovely ornamentations. There’s modern messaging in it, without losing any of the original charm.
1. Stepmom [1998] (Comedy, Drama)
![Stepmom [1998]](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Stepmom-1998-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
The story about the mother, father is excessively self-centred. He is like another child being taken care of by two women (the mother and the stepmother), and he does not take his paternal responsibilities seriously. He is present but does not give enough time to actively care for his children like a loving father should.
The Best Part
The mother and Julia have a conflict and neurosis from this. The school schedule and the rhythm aggravate the relationship between parents and children, and other people. The values and morals of this movie, in comparison to those nowadays, are just admirable.
The Characters
The cast is phenomenal, even the kids’ acting was great, especially the teen daughter. We know this is Julia’s movie, but Susan Sarandon caught our attention here.
IMDb Rating – 6.8/10
2. Little Women [2019] (Romance, Drama)
![Little Women [2019]](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Little-Women-2019-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
A simple story, following the lives of four simple girls, is a reminder of the importance of happiness in our lives and the kinds of people we surround ourselves with. How, with different circumstances and emotions, can we maintain the same kind of relationship we have with them?
The Best Part
You have Saoirse Ronan, who commands every scene she is in and gives her Jo so much life and makes her also very unpredictable in emotions and reactions. It’s really nice to see Ronan on the edge to truly become her generation’s Meryl Streep.
The Characters
The excellent performances of Florence Pugh as Amy, Eliza Scanlen as Beth & by Emma Watson ( a few minor hiccups aside ) as Meg. Laura Dern as Maurmie has rarely been better.
IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
3. The Joy Luck Club [1993] (Romance, Drama)
![The Joy Luck Club [1993]](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Joy-Luck-Club-1993-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
It talks about typical asian moms’ unhealthy expectations towards their children. This movie delivers a powerful feminist message and encourages young women, wives and mothers to know their worth, stand up for themselves and be confident because there’s literally no reason for them to be insecure.
The Best Part
The struggle of women in society and the relationships between mother and daughter. The impact of this film and book surpasses any cultural or ethnic boundaries. One of the most outstanding movies ever made. Although it’s based on Asian culture, the way it is told hits many other cultures too.
The Characters
The protagonist, June Tan, herself was a rebellious youth and worked as a freelance copywriter when she wrote the novel. The Joy Luck Club was left with the task of representing.
IMDb Rating – 7.7/10
4. Lady Bird [2017] (Comedy, Drama)
![Lady Bird [2017]](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lady-Bird-2017-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
Aspiring to be part of the city culture, Sacramento-bred Christine “Ladybird”, as she calls herself, is much like a rebel. She is also hideous about her family’s economic condition, which has been grappling financially, owing to her father’s loss of job and mental depression, rendering her mom the single earning member.
The Best Part
In contrast to many teen rom-com adaptations, “Lady Bird” distinguished the compassionate yet anguished nature of a teenager, serving greatly as a teenage redemption. The film feels honest in a way that isn’t overly nostalgic or based solely on a teenage perspective. Subtextually, the film and its themes appear to be an honest reflection on one’s earlier time in life.
The Characters
Performances are never less than great, Laurie Metcalf fully inhabiting their characters and performing phenomenally. and the anguish character of a high school girl portrayed amazingly by Saoirse Ronan.
IMDb Rating – 7.4/10
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5. Freaky Friday [2003] (Family, Comedy)
![Freaky Friday [ 2003]](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Freaky-Friday-2003-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
It is Disney’s 3rd of 4 adaptations of the same story. This movie shows exactly what should happen in that particular circumstance. You can’t swap bodies in the real world, but family members must show each other what problems they deal with in their daily lives, whether it be at work, school, etc. Some parents tend to disregard their children’s point of view and outlook on life without taking a closer look at their everyday world, and children tend to do the same thing to their parents.
The Best Part
It’s warm without being cloying, cool without trying too hard, and funny without being at the expense of most of the characters. There’s nothing worse than being bullied at school and telling your parents about it, only for them to completely disregard your feelings and defend the bully.
The Characters
The cast are Anna, Maddie, Peg, Jake, Tess, Harry, and Ryan. Jamie Lee and Lindsey have such great chemistry in this film as a mother-daughter duo.
IMDb Rating – 6.3/10
Written by Nilesh Shiv