With Women’s Month drawing to a close, it is important to acknowledge the representation that women had on and behind the camera. Going through all film categories, the filmmaking world had opened opportunities for women and girls to represent crucial bits of the movie landscape. And looking back, there have been high points worth celebrating of female representation simply creating wonderful films.
In the standpoint of family films, girls have been the focal point of most movies for general audiences. For that, here are the top 10 children’s films featuring one or more female protagonists as the story’s main focus.
Labyrinth (1986)
While this is a product of 1980’s imagination, Labyrinth emerged as a cult classic. The film is an odd combination of dark fantasy, otherworldly scenery and villain showmanship in the form of David Bowie song numbers. The plot is simple: a stubborn teenager named Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) inadvertently wishes her baby brother away to Jareth the Goblin King (Bowie), leading her to a quest through a labyrinth.
While she was assisted by the grumpy Hoggle, the gentle Ludo and the giddy Sir Didymus. And it gave ample opportunity for Jim Henson to find spots for his creatures, Sarah proved herself.
Little Women (1994)
There have been many adaptations of this Louisa May Alcott literary masterpiece to different formats. And it will take on its distinction on how such an adaptation will be the definitive version of the book. For the 90’s generation, there is the Gillian Anderson-directed version, a more family-friendly approach to the tale.
Like the classical book, the plot revolves around the March sisters – Jo (Winona Ryder), Meg (Trini Alvarado), Beth (Claire Danes) and Amy (Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Mathis) – and how they deal with their slice-of-life situations during the Civil War. Poignant and heartfelt, this 1994 version honors Alcott’s story.
Mulan (1998)
Mulan is one of the best animated features during Disney’s animation Renaissance, featuring the first Disney Princess not to be born of royalty. This princess epic loosely tells the folklore of Hua Mulan, a female warrior who took her father’s place by disguising herself as a man to join the army ranks. So, expect American stereotyping of China.
Setting the misrepresentation aside, Mulan retains the spirit of its titular heroine. Mulan is a steadfast girl, willing to take her father’s place and learn how to be a skilled soldier. And with a power ballad in “Reflection”, she is truly memorable.
Frozen (2013)
Frozen is undoubtedly the most iconic animated film of the 2010’s. Thanks to its mesmerizing animation, stunning visuals, unforgettable songs and memorable characters, the film became an icon for generations to come. But the true reason why this Disney film resonated hugely is on its two core characters.
Then Queen Elsa is Arendelle’s ruler who possessed uncontrollable ice powers. And then Princess Anna is Elsa’s sister determined to restore her estranged sisterhood. Both represent the extremes of socializing, with Elsa being too secretive and Anna being too open. And both sisters deal with their sisterly bond in a heartfelt manner.
Moana (2016)
Speaking of Disney Princesses, Moana is considered to be the first Polynesian on the lineup. Daughter to an island chief and heir to the throne, this Disney princess is rather eager to explore the seas than to serve the throne. But when she was confronted with a misfortune, Moana is encourage to follow the footsteps of her ancestral voyagers and find a way to stop an incoming tribal scourge.
As the titular heroine, Auliʻi Cravalho gives a powerful performance to help carry the journey. And her self-taught skills and unwavering spirit equipped her to voyage perilous worlds and unexpected adversaries.
Matilda (1996)
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, Matilda is the timeless tale of a precocious 6-year-old girl, who is both a bibliophile and a telekinetic. On her first days in school, she has to deal with the ignorance of her boisterous parents and cruelty of her tyrannical headmistress.
The film finds its way to be a cult classic for a reason. The character of Matilda has unorthodox ways to deal with her problems, yet she has a good heart to her friends and her teacher Miss Honey. The film is just a feel-good tale that encourages any child to explore.
Whale Rider (2002)
Whale Rider is an underrated gem from New Zealand that is a must-watch for families. The story, based on a novel by Witi Ihimaera, revolves around a 12-year-old Māori girl named Pai who fights for her right to be hailed as chief of her tribe, a title is only reserved for males. As Kahu Paikea Apirana, Keisha Castle-Hughes gives an empathetic performance for an up-and-coming teen who has to deal with strife from her grandfather and oppression on a male-dominated communal.
Her redemption journey is truly hard. But that is what makes her worth rooting for, till her victorious moment.
A Little Princess (1995)
The children’s novel A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett has been a popular piece of literature. Likewise, Alfonso Cuarón directed his own adaptation of the classic that retains the spirit of the source materials but crafts its own identity.
The story is focused on a girl named Sara, born to a military aristocrat, who was consigned to a life of servitude for a cruel headmistress of a boarding school after she received the news of her father’s death. Sara’s journey to overcome her hurdles is a poignant one, and will easily relate to girls holding on to their dreams.
Spirited Away (2001)
Spiritual Away is a fantasy like no other. Coming from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki and the creative talents of Studio Ghibli, this animation classic revolves around a girl named Chihiro who finds herself in spiritual realm taking place in a bathhouse and works her way to freedom.
The film is a mesmeric experience to behold from an animation standpoint. From the designs of the creatures to the world-building of the spiritual world, it is a fairytale like no other. And as for Chihiro, her arc progresses her from a stubborn figure to an unwavering girl. That way, Chihiro easily resonates with such a visceral journey. This is the first step for Studio Ghibli experience.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar might have to outdo themselves with crafting coming-of-age tales with the existence of Inside Out. The animation studio has been notable to deliver emotionally resonating fables that gave souls to unexpected beings (like monsters, rats and robots). This time, director Pete Docter gave souls to emotions inside a girl’s mind, dealing with a rocky move to the city.
The film primarily centers on polar opposites Joy and Sadness as they find their way back to headquarters, while they learn the importance of each other to help Riley cope with her stay. Like any Pixar masterpiece, this one hits right in the emotive gut. And it brings a newfound angle on how kids and adults must deal with their emotions.