8 documentaries, TV shows and films to add to your watchlist this International Women's Day
This International Women's Day, celebrate the feminist quest for equality by celebrating both real-life activists and artists and fictional empowering stories – all from the comfort of your home.
From Netflix's brand new feminist fairytale Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown, to a documentary exploring two incredible Irish poets lost to history – we've got the best new releases for you to watch, as well as an array of upcoming and existing titles that document the inspirational stories of England's Lionesses, the first Black supermodel and more.
The series explores family dysfunction and the “ordinary reality” of being sober.
Here are our top eight recommendations for you to add to your watchlist this International Women's Day.
Red Shoe ProductionsLily & Lolly: The Forgotten Yeats Sisters
A perfect way to honour forgotten women in history, this documentary dives deep into the story of sisters Susan (Lily) and Elizabeth (Lolly) Yeats – daughters of celebrated artist John Butler Yeats and sisters of well-known “literary genius” WB Yeats. But what about a celebration of them, instead of the male members of their family who are much more known to history? We see how the Yeats sisters contributed to Irish culture and business through textile craftwork and literature.
Watch from International Women's Day (8 March) on Sky Arts and NOW TV.
© 2024 Netflix, Inc.Damsel
There's nothing like a feminist fairytale to ring in IWD 2024. Starring Millie Bobbie Brown, Nick Robinson, Angela Bassett and Robin Wright, it asks what happens if a damsel thought she'd got a happy ending with a prince, until she learns she has been recruited for a sacrifice to repay a kingdom's debt. One thing's for sure, it's a fairytale about saving yourself – and what's more empowering than that?
Watch on Netflix from International Women's Day (8 March)
HBOPelosi In The House
This documentary tells the amazing true story of the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. It tracks her career milestones leading up to the inauguration of President Joe Biden, made by her daughter Alexandra Pelosi. Behind-the-scenes access to an inspirational woman in politics during important moments in history? Count us in. It takes a look at Covid-19, two impeachments and her recollections of the attack on the Capitol in January 2021.
Watch now on Sky Documentaries or NOW TV.
Sky UKLionesses: How Football Came Home
Get to know England women's football team in the lead up to their historic win at the Euro 2022 tournament. From personal home movie footage to deep and meaningful interviews with the players, you'll see the team like you've never seen them before and hear them divulge how they brought football home for all us ladies.
Watch now on Sky Documentaries or NOW TV.
HBODonyale Luna: Supermodel
Donyale Luna was the first Black model to appear on the covers of magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and was known as an inspirational trailblazer. Unfortunately, she died at the age of 33, and this documentary tells the story of her remarkable life and legacy, including how she challenged white beauty standards and withstood the raging racial inequality of the time. We even see her daughter Dream Cazzaniga narrate her mother's diaries to get the most personal of insights.
Watch now on Sky Documentaries or NOW TV.
Dancing Ledge/Channel 4Big Mood
Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan and It's A Sin's Lydia West in this batshit crazy comedy series about friendship, and what happens when poor mental health tests a deep bond. It's an intimate look at the impact of bipolar disorder and how it affects sufferers and the ones that love them the most, all wrapped up in some crazy comedic moments from two of the industry's most talented women.
Coming soon to Channel 4 – add to your watchlist now.
BBC/Rogan Productions/Getty ImagesBecoming Frida Kahlo
Released around 2023's International Women's Day, this documentary follows the extraordinary, epic life of artist Frida Kahlo and the ways in which politics, sex, power and identity drove her. Biographer Martha Zamora, Kahlo's great niece Kristina and a team of art historians dig deep into the life of the Mexican painter, including a love affair with fellow painter Diego Rivera and other major events that influenced her work.
Watch now on BBC iPlayer.
YouTube / TubiMy Bloody Galentine
This upcoming anti-romance film may give you the feminist vibes you're seeking. Three women find themselves plotting revenge on their exes after being dumped on Valentine's Day – only to find their plans have been co-opted by a slasher serial killer and their exes start turning up dead. Dark stuff.
Coming to the UK soon – add to your watchlists now.
