There are quite a lot of comedy movies that seem to use women as the butt of the joke. However, in recent years, there has been an influx of comedy films that lean towards the feminist route instead of more misogynistic ones. Many of those comedy movies from the past are still enjoyable for audiences, but some humor and the ways in which they've used women has gotten a bit old for some viewers. Female audiences want to be able to watch a comedy movie without feeling degraded.
Update August 19, 2023: This article has been updated with even more great feminist comedy inspired by the box office smash hit Barbie and the release of the upcoming film, Bottoms.
The films on this list do not have women as the butt of the joke but instead as protagonists in their own stories. The women in these comedy movies are not only hilarious but allow women to be powerful and the center of their story. These funny films are important for promoting equality in more palatable forms for audiences of all ages and genders. Take a look at some of the best feminist comedies.
10 She's the Man
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
A great example of feminist comedy is 2006's She's the Man. The film follows Viola (Amanda Bynes), who is a better soccer player than the girls at her school, but they won't allow her to play with the boys. Thus, she chooses to dress as her brother while he is out of town and takes his spot on the soccer team at his school. Throughout the film, Viola is able to prove time and time again that she can play just as well, if not better, than the boys she plays against. Viola is able to prove that sport has no gender, and she can play against anyone and win.
This is obviously done through comedy, and the movie is quite funny. The film has a broad demographic, from kids to feminists and teens to intellectuals, as it's even an adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, again allowing it to be enjoyed by wider audiences. Despite the feminist tones of the film, it has never been seen as a bad film due to the feminist themes.
9 Bridesmaids
Considering that Bridesmaids stands out with a mostly female cast and feminist views, this movie clearly deserves to be a part of this list. The comedy proves that it does not always require men to make jokes because the women in Bridesmaids are more than hilarious, each in their own way.
When Annie's best friend, Lillian, shares the news of her engagement, it is out of the question that Annie will step into the shoes of the Maid of Honor. With that title comes a ton of responsibility, which, considering that her own life is falling apart, Annie might not be ready to take on. She is more than dedicated, though, and wants to prove to Lillian's other friends that she was born to be a Maid of Honor, even if it requires some (or a lot of) bluffing. A classic "fake it till you make it" mindset, which promises an abundance of hilarious moments, and, keeping its release in 2011 in mind, finally gave the floor to funny women instead of men.
8 Ibiza
The perfect foundation for a feminist comedy is a business trip turned hardcore girl trip with a big splash of female empowerment and a spicy note of sexy love. Ibiza offers just that. When workaholic Harper has to go to Spain to seal a business deal, her two best friends turn her plans upside down. Nikki and Leah take Harper out to go clubbing with them, where she lays eyes on DJ Leo West. What makes Ibiza a brilliant film is equality on every level because when she awkwardly interacts with Leo, he fails to keep his cool and equally stumbles over his words. There are no boring clichés that tear down the refreshing power dynamic that was carefully built.
Ibiza basically motivates women to make the first move and generally reaches far beyond obsolete societal expectations. While Harper and Leo's love story is the underlying theme of the movie, it actually focuses more on Harper, Nikki, and Leah as three independent women who follow their dreams and personal needs. Fun is at the top of the list, so do not hesitate and join these three ladies on their girls' trip.
7 Mean Girls
Mean Girls is a rite of passage to watch for young girls everywhere, not only because of its empathetic depiction of high school but also due to its great portrayal of women. The female characters in the film are not all particularly likable, but they are relatable, and that's powerful. There are not many funny, powerful women portrayed kindly in media, but Mean Girls has more than one of them.
Regina George is probably one of the worst people ever written, but she is powerful and very feminine, a combination not often seen in Hollywood, as many powerful women in media tend to be shoved into a less feminine box in order for them to be powerful in the world they inhabit. She is the queen of the school, but she also has blackmail on people and is able to control them with her words, all while wearing pink. What young girl doesn't want to rule the world and everyone in it, all while wearing pink? This was the film that taught many people how to be a feminist.
6 Plan B
Plan B was one of the most underrated movies of 2021. The film follows two best friends, Sunny (Kuhoo Verma) and Lupe (Victoria Morales), who embark on a cross-country road trip to retrieve the Plan B birth control pill after Sunny losses her virginity at a party and is worried she might be pregnant. The duo can't go to their local pharmacy due to their state having a law where the pharmacist can choose to deny them the pill based on religious or moral beliefs.
The film is hilarious but also shines on a very real problem in American society that makes birth control so difficult to obtain. These girls are put in very dangerous situations. It is a dark comedy but one with a strong feminist message about a woman's body being her choice.
5 Legally Blonde
Speaking of ruling the world in pink, Legally Blonde just may be the epitome of that idea. Elle Woods is every pink-lovers dream and every young girl's icon. She was a feminist hero ahead of her time, who went to Harvard Law and surprised everyone with her intelligence, and looked great while doing it. Similar to the characters in Mean Girls, Elle's hyper-femininity is often a barrier for her to accomplish her goals.
However, the feminist elements of the film turn that on its head, and instead, she becomes successful not despite her femininity but with it. Her choice to always wear pink, have her nails and hair done and always wear heels "should" be a barrier in the elite business world. While this is not actually true, it is how women are often perceived in media and in real life, especially in male-dominated industries. However, in Legally Blonde (and its subsequent sequel) Elle is able to fully accomplish her goals and succeed, while dressing however she so pleases.
4 Joy Ride
Joy Ride is a must-watch comedy. Released in the summer of 2023, the film was sadly overlooked at the box office but is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is worth the watch. The film focuses on Audrey Sullivan (Ashley Park) as she and her friend Lolo (Sherry Cola) take a trip to China and decide to track down Audrey's birth parents. Joining them are Audrey's old college roommate Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and Lolo's cousin Deadeye (Sabrina Wu). The group gets into some hilarious scenarios, and the film puts a strong emphasis on culture, identity, and friendship. If you missed it in theaters, it is worth checking out at home.
3 Someone Great
While there are numerous feminist comedies out there, which made a great impact, Someone Great is definitely a special one. The reason for this is that it is relatable. So relatable, in fact, that there is a chance it hits a bit too close to home. However, the multiple mimosas, fun dances, and awesome music will let any initial sadness disappear within seconds.
Jenny Young is in a wonderful relationship, ready to tie the knots with whom she thought to be the love of her life; but when a job offers requires her to move away, the once stable connection between Jenny and Nate comes crumbling down, and, eventually, Nate calls it quits. While Jenny's world is shattered, and she begins to question everything around her, her friends do their best in order to steer her away from her heartbreak and guide her in a different direction. That direction is towards female empowerment, at a high speed, to say the least. Jenny, Erin, and Blair learn about their own independence, dive deep into their feelings, and grow as individuals, while still appreciating their strong friendship. Someone Great can lift you up, no matter at which point in life you find yourself.
2 Barbie
Greta Gerwig's recently released movie Barbie has made headlines all over the world. While it is clearly due to its well-known inspiration, a specific topic tackled throughout the entire movie has been on everyone's lips. Feminism serves as a red thread from the beginning until the end of Barbie, challenging the audience to become aware of and also rethink the rigid patriarchal structures which still dominate our world.
Barbie offers an insight into a fantasy world, which is ruled by women, the Barbies, while men, meaning the Kens, are suffering in their inferior positions. They have no voice in this sparkly, pink world, but when Barbie and Ken come to the real world, they experience a patriarchy for the first time. Ken is inspired by what he witnesses, while Barbie longs for equality in the world. The themes in Barbie undoubtedly relate to our own world, and the issues, which are portrayed, have to be taken seriously. Gerwig's movie should be used as a means of inspiration in order to move closer to a society in which respectful behavior and equal rights prevail.
1 9 to 5
Despite being the oldest of the films on this list, 9 to 5 remains one of the best feminist comedies of all time. Considering it was released in 1980, it is a shock to many that not only does the story and its characters stand the test of time, but the feminist ideology of the film has fully stood the test of time as well.
Women in the workplace are often pigeonholed into roles that they may be overqualified for just because they are women. This has been happening for far too long, but when it does, one can always look at 9 to 5 for a vicarious experience. This film presents the fun fantasy of what they'd do to their misogynist boss if there were absolutely no consequences. In a time long before #MeToo, 9 to 5 is more relatable than ever and is truly motivational for people facing chauvinism in the workplace. Sadly, the reality is that many women still experience this, and there are consequences for tying up and 'torturing' your offensive boss, so when you would like to do this, just sit down with your friends and watch the classic 9 to 5 instead.