Inspiring Storytelling To Watch For International Women's Day
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
February 27, 2026
A curated guide of movies and shows that celebrate women’s lives, ambitions, and impact
Heart, determination, and wisdom are just a few heroic qualities women bring to the worlds they touch. In honor of International Women’s Day, we invite you to discover and draw inspiration from our hand-picked collection of stories about brave, bold women. Whether you’re watching solo or with family and friends, you’re sure to find something spectacular to stream among the captivating documentaries, animated classics, and Marvel Super Hero epics below.
Movies & Shows With Strong Female Leads
Pretending To Be Someone Else Can Help You Find Yourself: Mulan (1998)
A fearless Mulan proves her worth when, disguised as a male soldier, she takes her ailing father’s place in China’s Imperial Army. Helped by her guardian dragon Mushu and lucky cricket Cri-Kee, Mulan tries to win the respect of her fellow soldiers. Mulan’s adventures lead her on a path of self discovery with the future of the Empire in her hands.
A Super Spy Reckons With Her Past: Marvel Studios’ Black Widow
In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow, confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha / Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei / The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz is Melina. Black Widow — the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.
Add Marvel Studios’ Black Widow to Watchlist
A Rebel With A Cause: Ahsoka
After the fall of the Empire, former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) remains committed to pursuing justice and integrity. An independent thinker and leader, she utilizes her skills to gather allies and embark on a mission to confront the forces threatening the galaxy.
Challenging Stereotypes In Post-War America: Marvel’s Agent Carter
It’s 1946, and peace has dealt Agent Carter a blow as she finds herself marginalized when the men return home from abroad. Working for the covert SSR, Peggy finds herself doing administrative work when she would rather be out in the field taking down the bad guys. She is also trying to navigate life as a single woman in the wake of losing the love of her life, Captain America. When old acquaintance Howard Stark finds himself framed for unleashing his deadliest weapons, he contacts Peggy to track down those responsible and clear his name.
Add Marvel’s Agent Carter to Watchlist
Movies About Women’s Rights & Real-Life Achievements
A Biopic Of A Female Chess Prodigy: Queen of Katwe
The heartwarming true story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a young Ugandan girl whose extraordinary talent for chess opened up a new world of possibilities. Starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo this is a movie about perseverance, community, and fulfilling your potential.
Add Queen of Katwe to Watchlist
The Woman Who Went Where No Man Dared: National Geographic’s Jane
This documentary about trailblazing conservationist Jane Goodall is made up of over 100 hours of previously unseen archival footage from the 1960s. It chronicles Jane’s early days as an intrepid, untrained chimpanzee researcher in a male-dominated field. We see the challenges Jane faced, her joy, and the indelible impact she had on her field and the world.
Add National Geographic’s Jane to Watchlist
Experts Striving To Improve Life On Earth: National Geographic’s Women of Impact: Changing the World
From household names to rising stars, this documentary highlights over 40 trailblazing women. Featuring interviews with photographers, marine biologists, journalists, and more, who are breaking the glass ceiling and changing our world.
Add National Geographic's Women of Impact: Changing the World to Watchlist
Coming-Of-Age Stories Of Women Finding Their Voice
Archery & Swordfighting In The Scottish Highlands: Disney and Pixar’s Brave
Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. When her actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, Merida must harness all of her skills and resources to undo a beastly curse before it's too late…and discover the meaning of true bravery.
Add Disney and Pixar's Brave to Watchlist
Inspired By Polynesian Myths, With A Strong Young Woman At The Center: Moana (2016)
When her island comes under threat, adventurous teenager, Moana, must set sail on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she meets demigod Maui, and together, they navigate turbulent waters and battle marine monsters. Moana’s adventures lead her to find the key to an ancient quest tied to her ancestry and find her own destiny.
The Power Of Sisterly Love: Frozen
Anna must embark on an epic mission when her sister, Elsa, traps her home of Arendelle in a perpetual winter. Mustering all her strength and courage, and with the support of ice courier Kristoff and snowman Olaf, Anna traverses the wilderness in the hopes of reconciling with her lost sister and saving the kingdom.
Inspiring Women’s Stories
Retro-Futuristic Sci-Fi: Marvel Studios’ WandaVision
Marvel Studios presents WandaVision, a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) — two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives — begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
Add Marvel Studios’ WandaVision to Watchlist
Culture Clashes & Corner Kicks: Bend It Like Beckham
Torn between her traditional Indian family's expectations and her love for soccer, Jess (Perminder Nagra) decides to pursue her passion by secretly joining a local team. Supported by her new teammate and friend Jules (Keira Knightley), and her coach Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), Jess dribbles and scores goals, but most importantly, she dares to be herself.
Add Bend It Like Beckham to Watchlist
About International Women’s Day
Rooted in the 20th century labor movements, March 8 marks the day women are recognized for their historical and ongoing efforts to attain equality and liberation worldwide. It celebrates the women who have driven changes in gender parity and how we can all continue their legacy.
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