Women contain multitudes. To see that range in action, look no further than the silver screen, where female directors have been serving up a stunning array of Oscar-nominated films, feminist documentaries, intimate character portraits, and yes, even sequel reboots like “Freakier Friday.”
According to the latest report from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, women directed only 8.1% of Hollywood’s top films in 2025, a sharp drop from recent years.
As they fight for representation in the film industry, women filmmakers need support more than ever.
That’s why we made this primer on some recent releases, from fan favorites like “KPop Demon Hunters” to hidden gems like “Cutting Through Rocks.”
7 recent releases all directed by women
Sara Khaki’s “Cutting Through Rocks”
Genre: Documentary
Where to watch: MUBI
Co-directed with Mohammadreza Eyni, this international documentary introduces viewers to Sara Shahverdi, the first councilwoman to be elected in her Iranian village. Pushing back against generations of sexism, Shahverdi hopes to break cycles of violence and suppression by teaching young girls how to ride motorcycles — and ending child marriages.
Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet”
Genre: Historical Drama
Where to watch: Peacock
Based on the book by Maggie O’Farrell, this period drama conjures up a fictional retelling of the lives of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley). After a tragedy unravels their lives, Shakespeare turns his heartbreak into inspiration for his play, “Hamlet.”
A still from “Hamnet.” Image via Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features
Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby”
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: HBO Max
In this poignant depiction of gender-based violence — and the healing that follows — “Sorry, Baby” centers on Agnes (Eva Victor), a professor of literature at a liberal arts college in rural New England. As a dark memory from her past resurfaces, she finds comfort in unexpected places, whether she’s rescuing a kitten, sharing a sandwich with a stranger, or reuniting with an old friend (Naomi Ackie).
Rachael Holder’s “Love, Brooklyn”
Genre: Romance
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
In an ever-evolving Brooklyn, a love triangle ensues as Roger (André Holland) finds himself holding on to feelings for his ex, Casey (Nicole Beharie), even as he falls for Nicole (DeWanda Wise), a recently widowed single mother navigating heartbreak of her own.
Hikari’s “Rental Family”
Genre: Comedic Drama
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
After one successful toothpaste commercial in Tokyo, American actor Phillip Vanderploeg (Brendan Fraser) is forever chasing acting gigs so he can pay the bills. When he’s given the opportunity to be a stand-in for hire, he finds himself bonding with the people who are “renting” him out for his acting chops.
Nisha Ganatra’s “Freakier Friday”
Genre: Family Comedy
Where to watch: Disney+
Twenty-two years after they first magically switched bodies, Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and her mom Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) face another body-swapping debacle, this time involving Anna’s teenage daughter, Harper, and her future step-daughter, Lily.
Maggie Kang’s “KPop Demon Hunters”
Genre: Animation
Where to watch: Netflix
Between sold-out concerts on the global stage as the K-pop girl group Huntrix, Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) lead double lives as highly trained demon hunters. Their two callings converge when a rival boy band full of demons threatens to disrupt the barrier between the human world and the demon realm.
Image via Netflix
[AUTHOR’S NOTE: Streaming services may change. While seeing films in theaters and through streaming is the most direct way to financially support female-led films, you can always inquire about these selections at your local library.]
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2026 Feminist Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image via Netflix
