Best films written by women

From thrillers psychological to dramas and good comedies, check out the selection of best films written by women whose screenplay credits are partially or entirely for women following the order of titles with 100% approval on Rotten Tomatoes up to 96%.

Summer 1993 (2017)

Original title: STYLED 1993

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Google Play Movies

Script and direction: Carla Simón 

Based on personal memories, summer 1993 is a reflective drama well explored by the protagonists from the female perspective of Carla Simón.

In the story, six-year-old Frida (Laia Artigas) watches in silence as the last objects from her recently deceased mother's apartment in Barcelona are placed in boxes. Although her aunt, uncle and younger cousin welcome her with open arms, Frida finds it difficult to forget her mother and adapt to her new home in the Catalan countryside.

How are you going, Aida? (2020)

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video (rent), YouTube (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Jasmila Zbanic (also director) and Hasan Nuhanovic

In one of the best films written by women, a teacher works as a translator for the UN during the Bosnian War. When the enemy army invades the city, she does everything she can to help the community while desperately trying to save her own family.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Original title: Singin' in the Rain

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to see: Max, Prime Video (rent), AppleTV (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Betty Comden and Adolph Green

In this classic written partially from the female perspective of Betty Comden, Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are two of the most famous stars of the silent film era in Hollywood. Their films are a real success and magazines are betting on a more intimate relationship between the two, which doesn't exist. 

However, talking films arrive to completely change the situation of both in the world of fame. Having decided to produce a talking film with the most famous couple of the moment, Don and Lina must, however, overcome the difficulties of the new method in order to maintain the fame they have achieved.

Hive (2021)

Popular title: Hive

Original title: Beehive

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Max e Prime Video (rent)

Script and direction: Blerta Basholli

Written and directed by a woman, Hive follows a Kosovo widow who starts a small agricultural enterprise to support her family, empowering the women around her and challenging the prejudices of her community.

Laura (1944)

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Screenwriters: Vera Caspary, Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein and Elizabeth Reinhardt

In one of the most famous film Black Set in the 1940s, partly written by women, Manhattan detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of a Madison Avenue executive, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), in her upscale apartment. 

During the investigation, McPherson interrogates Laura's arrogant best friend, gossip columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), and her fiancé, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). Obsessed with the case, the detective discovers that he is in love with the dead woman.

Slalom – To the Limit (2020)

Original title: Slalom

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,6 on IMDb

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video (rent), YouTube (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Charlène Favier (also director), Antoine Lacomblez and Marie Talon

In this film written by women, 15-year-old Lyz (Noée Abita) has just joined the prestigious ski team at Bourg-Saint Maurice High School. Fred (Jérémie Renier), a former champion who takes on the role of coach, decides to put all his money on the new member. Enthusiastic about the support she received, Lyz gives herself body and soul to her goal. But after accumulating successes, she begins to shake under the pressure and dominance exerted by Fred.

The Brotherhood is Red (1994)

Popular title: Three Colors: Red

Original title: Three Couleurs: Rouge

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | x,x on IMDb

Where to see: AppleTV (rent) and Prime Video (rent)

Screenwriters: Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz, Agnieszka Holland, Edward Zebrowski, Edward Klosinski and Marcin Latallo

In this film written by women, a young model runs over a dog and when looking for the animal's owner she meets a retired judge who spends most of his time listening to his neighbors' telephone conversations. From this meeting onwards, the two form a strange friendship.

Before Dawn (1995)

Original title: Before Sunrise

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Max, Prime Video (rent), YouTube (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan

In this film partially written by a woman, Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American, and Celine (Julie Delpy), a beautiful French woman, meet on the train to Paris, and begin a conversation that leads them to make a stopover in Vienna and stay together a little longer, without imagining what fate has in store for them.

Lady Bird: Time to Fly (2017)

Original title: Lady Bird

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to see: balloon play, Google Play Movies (rental), Prime Video (rental) e Apple TV (rental)

Script and direction: Greta Gerwig

Between daily conflicts with her mother and typical teenage situations, Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) dreams of being free. Until she reaches the long-awaited majority, in a relatively religious scenario – I say this because they do not portray Catholic school with the conservatism and fervor that they normally do -, the girl experiences love and learns the value of true friendships.⠀

It is interesting how, from a female perspective, Greta Gerwig portrays Lady Bird's desire to belong to a group and, at the same time, free herself from all the ties that prevent her from following the path she wants. It's a good film about reality, expectations and growing up.

Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always (2020)

Original title: Never Rarely Sometimes Always

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to see: YouTube (rental), Google Play Movies (rental), Prime Video (rental) e Apple TV (rental)

Script and direction: Eliza Hitman

Written and directed by a woman, faced with an unwanted pregnancy and a lack of local support, a teenager and her cousin cross state lines and head to New York City on a journey full of friendship, courage and compassion.

The Happening (2021)

Popular title: happening

Original title: event

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to see: Max e Prime Video

Screenwriters: Marcia Romano, Audrey Diwan (director) and Annie Ernaux

In one of the best films written by women, set in France in the 1960s, when abortion was still illegal in the European country, a young woman fights a physical and emotional battle to gain access to the procedure, in a race against time.

Miss Juneteenth (2020)

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,6 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Script and direction: Channing Godfrey Peoples

Written and directed by a woman, Miss Juneteenth follows a former beauty queen and single mother who prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for a big pageant.

My Zucchini Life (2016)

Original title: My Zucchini Life

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to see: MUBI

Screenwriters: Céline Sciamma, Claude Barras and Morgan Navarro

Céline Sciamma is one of the best directors and screenwriters and I can prove it. She appears here in at least three different productions. 

In this animation, partly written from a female perspective, after the sudden death of his mother, Zucchini, a 9-year-old child, becomes friends with police officer Raimundo, who accompanies the boy to his adoptive home full of other orphans his age. At first, Zucchini struggles to find her place in this strange and, at times, hostile environment. Thus, with the help of Raimundo and new friends, the boy slowly learns to trust, find true love and, in the end, a new family for himself.

ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Original title: ET the Extra-Terrestrial

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

where to see: Prime Video, Telecine, YouTube e Google Play Movies

Screenwriter: Melissa Matison

In the story of one of the best films written by women, the boy Elliott (Henry Thomas) makes friends with a small, harmless alien who is far from his planet. He decides to keep the adorable creature a secret and at home after introducing her to his brothers.

The Tale (2018)

Original title: The Tale

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to see: Max e Prime Video

Script and direction: Jennifer Fox

A film written by women and very personal. This is the idyllic life of Jennifer Fox, an experienced New York documentary filmmaker played by actress Laura Dern. 

Everything changes when her mother discovers a story, written by her at age 13, that describes her special relationship with two adult coaches at a camp. As Jennifer reads the story, she realizes that the details in the manuscript are very different from her memories of that moment 40 years ago, and she is forced to confront the stories we tell in order to survive.

Driveways – An Unexpected Friendship (2019)

Original title: driveways

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video

Screenwriters: Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen

Em Driveways – An Unexpected Friendship, which features the female perspective of Hannah Bos in the script, Cody (Lucas Jaye) is a lonely boy who accompanies his mother on a trip to clean out his late aunt's house. He ends up forming an unexpected friendship with Del (Brian Dennehy), the retired war veteran who lives next door.

The Chambermaid (2018)

Popular title: The Chambermaid

Original title: The chambermaid

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Screenwriters: Lila Avilés and Juan Márquez

In one of the best films written by women, a young chambermaid working at one of Mexico City's most luxurious hotels enrolls in the hotel's adult education program to help improve her life.

Inside Out (2015)

Original title: Inside Out

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Disney +

Screenwriters: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen and Meg LeFauve

Em Divertida Mente, with the move to a new city, Riley's emotions, who are only 11 years old, become extremely agitated. A mix-up in her brain's control room leaves Joy and Sadness out, radically affecting Riley's life.

Could You Forgive Me? (2018)

Original title: Can You Ever Forgive Me?

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Screenwriters: Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty

In one of the best films written by women, partially, a writer of celebrity biographies can no longer be published because her style has gone out of fashion. To get back into the public eye, she starts forging letters from famous people.

Love Sick (2017)

Original title: The Big Sick

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 IMDb 

Where to see: Prime Video

Screenwriters: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani

Based on his real-life story with wife Emily V. Gordon, who co-wrote the screenplay with him, Love sick stars Kumail Nanjiani alongside Zoe Kazan, Ray Romano and Holly Hunter. 

In the romantic comedy, with a touch of female perspective, Pakistani Kumail (Nanjiani) and young Emily (Kazan) fall madly in love, but, at the same time, have to deal with cultural differences. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail is forced to face his parents, his family, and his feelings.

The Babadook (2014)

Original title: T 

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Script and direction: Jennifer kent

Who has never had a type of bogeyman that aroused their greatest fear in childhood? The story from Jennifer Kent's female perspective follows a widowed mother (Essie Davis) struggling with her son's fear of a storybook character coming to life. The film could very well follow a path full of jump scare cliché and lazy, but it actually offers very terrifying scenes that blend with the approach to the burden of solo motherhood.

Before Midnight (2013)

Original title: Before Midnight

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to see: YouTube (rent), Google Play Movies (rent), AppleTV (rent) and Prime Video (rent)

Screenwriters: Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke

With the participation and female perspective of Julie Delpy in the script, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) live in Paris with their twin daughters nine years after their first meeting. He has a son from his first marriage, who lives with his mother in Chicago, and invites him to go with them to Greece, where the family tries to smooth things over.

Marcel the Shell in Shoes (2021)

Original title: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video (rent), Google Play Movies (rent) and AppleTV (rent)

Screenwriters: Dean Fleischer Camp, Jenny Slate and Nick Paley

In one of the best films written by women, Marcel is a shell who leads a peaceful life with his grandmother Connie. However, he longs to find the rest of his family. His life changes when a documentary about him launches him on an adventure in search of his loved ones.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Original title: The Wizard of Oz

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Max, Prime Video, Google Play Movies e AppleTV (rent)

Screenwriters: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf

In this classic that includes female writing in the script, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto are taken to the magical land of Oz when a cyclone passes through her grandparents' farm in Kansas. They travel towards the Emerald City to find the Wizard Oz (Frank Morgan) and on the way they encounter a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) who needs a brain, a Tin Woodman (Jack Haley) without a heart and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants courage. The Wizard asks the group to bring the Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick in order to gain her help.

The Two of Us (2019)

Popular title: Two of Us

Original title: Two

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video (rent), YouTube (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Malysone Bovorasmy, Filippo Meneghetti and Florence Vignon

In one of the best films written by women, Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) have been living a secret romance for years. However, an unexpected event turns this relationship upside down, leading Madeleine's daughter to gradually discover the truth about them.

We'll Be Fine (2019)

Popular title: Hope

Original title: Hope

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to see: YouTube (rent), Prime Video (rent) and AppleTV (rent)

Script and direction: Maria Sodahl

Written and directed by a woman, in We'll be fine, together for 20 years, a couple who have become disconnected over time receive difficult news that will impact the entire family. As they try to absorb the changes, they end up rediscovering the love they feel for each other.

Don't Mess With Her (2018)

Popular title: Working Woman

Original title: Isha Ovedet

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,8 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Screenwriters: Michal Aviad (also director), Sharon Azulay Eyal and Michal Vinik

In this film written by women, Orna Haviv (Liron Ben-Shlush) is a mother of three young children and is experiencing financial difficulties, with her husband's restaurant barely making a profit. When she gets a job as an assistant at a luxury real estate company, it seems that her luck will change, but as she grows within the company, she becomes the target of harassment from her boss, Benny (Menashe Noy), who makes comments about her clothes and hair until aggressive suggestions.

The Farewell (2019)

Original title: The Farewell

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Currently unavailable

Script and direction: Lulu wang

the farewell tells, in a moving way and with a comical touch from a female perspective and directed by Lulu Wang, the story of a Chinese family of a lady who discovers that she only has a short time left to live and, even so, decides not to inform her about the diagnosis. Instead, children and grandchildren get together to try to organize a surprise wedding and bring everyone together for a possible last moment.

Portrait of a Young Woman on Fire (2019)

Popular title: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Original title: Portrait of the girl on fire

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb 

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video, AppleTV (rent) and YouTube (rent)

Script and direction: Céline Sciamma

One of the best films written by women, if not the best, by the way.

With unique delicacy, Céline Sciamma tells the story of Marianne (Noémie Merlant) who is a young painter in 18th century France, with the task of painting a portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) for her wedding, without her knowing. Spending her days watching Héloïse and her nights painting, Marianne finds herself growing closer to her model, falling into a fiery passion.

The Hate You Sow (2018)

Original title: The Hate U Give

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Screenwriters: Audrey Wells and Angie Thomas

In this film written by women, Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a black teenager who witnesses the murder of Khalil (Algee Smith), her best friend, by a white police officer. She is forced to testify in court as she is the only person present at the crime scene. Despite suffering a series of blackmail, she is willing to tell the truth for the honor of her friend, whatever the cost.

Metropolis (1927)

Original title: Metropolis

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video (rent)

Screenwriters: Thea von Harbou and Fritz Lang

In one of the best films written by women, Metropolis is set in the year 2026. The city is rigidly divided between the powerful on the upper plane and the workers, in slavery, living in an underground location with their families.

Five Graces (2015)

Original title: Mustang

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to see: AppleTV (rent) and Google Play Movies (rental)

Screenwriters: Deniz Gamze Ergüven (also director) and Alice Winocour

In this film written by women, five sisters from a Turkish village are punished after playing with boys, an act considered scandalous by the Muslim religion. They are kept trapped at home while the family seeks arranged marriages.

You Can't Imagine (2020)

Original title: The Half of It

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,9 on IMDb 

Where to see: Netflix

Script and direction: Alice Wu

In one of the best films written by women, a shy girl helps the school athlete win over a girl they both secretly like. They end up connecting and learning more about love issues and dilemmas.

Shiva Baby (2020)

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to see: MUBI

Script and direction: Emma Seligman

A claustrophobic chaos and, at the same time, curious and funny to watch from Emma Seligman's female perspective.

College student Danielle (Rachel Sennott) encounters a series of awkward encounters at a shiva, a period of mourning in Judaism. In the presence of authoritarian relatives, she is frightened by the appearance of an ex-girlfriend and her secret sugar daddy, who arrives unexpectedly with his wife and baby.

What time does she come back? (2015)

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to see: Netflix

Script and direction: Anna Muylaert

One of the best Brazilian films and a landmark in national cinema written and directed by Anna Muylaert, What time does she come back? follows Val (Regina Casé), from Pernambuco, who moved to São Paulo with the aim of providing better living conditions for her daughter, Jéssica (Camila Márdila). 

Years later, the girl calls him, saying she wants to go to the city to take the entrance exam. Val's bosses welcome the girl with open arms, but the difference in realities creates discomfort in the house.

Out of Series (2019)

Original title: Booksmart

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video, AppleTV (rent), YouTube (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins and Susanna Fogel

About to graduate from high school, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) realize that they should have dedicated less and enjoyed more. Determined to try to reverse the situation, the girls try to compress four years of fun into a single night.

The timing of the shots is perfect and the plot twist definitely makes the story more fun. The point here is that people are not better off for being diligently dedicated to their studies, and the same goes for those more inclined to only care about parties. It's the sum of everything that makes experiences worth it, even more so at this age. I believe that the fact that it was a female-directed and written film may have influenced the quality of how this story with female protagonists turned out so well.

Till – The Quest for Justice (2022)

Original title: To

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video, AppleTV (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Screenwriters: Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp and Chinonye Chukwu (also director)

Till – The Quest for Justice, one of the best films written by women, is a deeply emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley's relentless search for justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins ​​in Mississippi. In Mamie's poignant journey of grief turned into action, we see the universal power of a mother's ability to change the world.

Persepolis (2007)

Original title: Persepolis

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to see: Currently unavailable

Script and direction: Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud

In one of the best films written by women, Persepolis, a young Iranian woman who dreams of being a clairvoyant closely follows the fall of the Shah and his brutal regime. However, she ends up revolting against the fundamentalist impositions of the rebels, especially against women.

The Ideal Man (2021)

Popular title: I'm Your Man

Original title: Ich bin dein Mensch

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to see: Max, Prime Video e AppleTV (rent)

Screenwriters: Jan Schomburg, Maria Schrader (also director) and Emma Braslavsky

In this curious and captivating plot featuring female direction and writing, in order to obtain funds for her research, Alma (Maren Eggert) is persuaded to participate in an extraordinary study. For three weeks she is forced to live with Tom (Dan Stevens), a humanoid robot designed to be the perfect life partner for her, adapted to her character, personal tastes and needs. The Ideal Man is an entertaining novel about relationships, love, and what it means to be human in the modern age.

Dark Girl Walks the Night (2014)

Original title: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,9 on IMDb

Where to see: MUBI

Script and direction: Ana Lily Amirpour

In this film scripted and directed from a female perspective, a lone vampire wanders the shadows of Bad City, a lawless hell inhabited by members of the underworld, drug users and pimps. Wearing a hijab and striped t-shirt, she follows the locals. One night, she meets Arash (Arash Marandi), an Iranian who looks like James Dean. The attraction is instantaneous.

EO (2022)

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,7 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video

Screenwriters: Ewa Piaskowska and Jerzy Skolimowski

In one of the best films written by women, Eo, a gray donkey with melancholy eyes, encounters good and evil on her journey through life, experiences joy and pain, and faces the Wheel of Fortune.

Halloween: The Night of the Terror (1978)

Original title: Halloween

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to see: Telecine, Prime Video e AppleTV (rent)

Screenwriters: John Carpenter and Debra Hill

Halloween he didn't invent the slasher formula but he definitely stood out among them because John Carpenter and Debra Hill found a perfect formula for the genre.

Fifteen years after murdering Laurie Strode's (Jamie Lee Curtis) sister on Halloween night in 1963, Michael Myers (Nick Castle) escapes from the asylum and returns to the small town of Haddonfield to kill again. His face disfigured and hidden behind a ghoulish white mask, Myers stalks and stabs everyone he sees throughout the film, proving himself immune to bullets and blows. 

The Wonders (2014)

Popular title: The Wonders

Original title: The wonders

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,6 on IMDb

Where to see: AppleTV (rent) and Google Play Movies (rent)

Script and direction: Alice Rohrwacher

In this film written and directed by a woman, Gelsomina (Maria Alexandra Lungu) and her family live the problems and dreams of fame after a reality show, presented by Monica Bellucci, arrives in their small village in Tuscany.

Tomboy (2011)

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb 

Where to see: Telecine e Prime Video

Script and direction: Céline Sciamma

In this moving film written and directed by a woman, including the same director of  Portrait of a young woman on fire, Laurie (Zoé Heran) is a 10-year-old girl who has difficulty socializing. From the moment she is read as a boy without even saying anything, she embodies the role and starts pretending to be a boy to make friends with the neighborhood children. But her connection with Lisa (Jeanne Disson) borders on the romantic and causes her to go through an identity crisis.

My Sister (2012)

Popular title: S

Original title: L'enfant d'en haut

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to see: Prime Video e AppleTV (rent)

Screenwriters: Antoine Jaccoud, Ursula Meier (also director) and Gilles Taurand

In one of the best films written by women, in this case partially, a poor 12-year-old boy steals from visitors to a luxurious ski resort and sells the stolen goods to his neighbors. His sister, Louise (Léa Seydoux), ends up unemployed and starts to depend on his money.

See also other features

All the films that have won an Oscar in the “Best Picture” category

All the films that have won an Oscar in the “Best Picture” category

The 107 best miniseries to binge on the weekend

The 107 best miniseries to binge on the weekend

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim