Celebrating the Most Impactful Female-Led Films of 2017

A Review of 2017's Most Notable Female-Driven Films

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The year 2017 marked a significant shift in Hollywood, highlighted by the remarkable success of movies led by talented women. These films broke box office records, echoing the dominance last seen in 1958 with hits like Auntie Mame and South Pacific. Female-centric stories increasingly gained prominence, paving the way for diverse narratives and empowering female roles on big screens.

Blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Wonder Woman led the box office chart, showcasing the rising influence of women in Hollywood. Despite industry challenges and scandal revelations, these successes affirmed a positive change in women’s representation and empowerment in film. This year marked a turning point, inspiring further stories driven by powerful female characters.

Highlighting these achievements emphasizes the industry's shift towards inclusivity and diverse storytelling.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (featuring Daisy Ridley as Rey)

This film led the domestic box office with earnings of $533.1 million, praised for its strong female protagonist, Rey, played by Daisy Ridley. It showcased Rey’s journey of discovering her inner strength, with iconic moments involving Carrie Fisher’s final appearance as General Leia. The film emphasized resilience and leadership among women in sci-fi narratives.

Beauty and the Beast (featuring Emma Watson as Belle)

The live-action adaptation grossed over $504 million worldwide, retelling the classic fairy tale with a modern, empowered twist. Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle depicted independence and courage, as she chooses her own destiny and refuses to conform to traditional roles, making this version notably empowering for female audiences.

Wonder Woman (featuring Gal Gadot as Diana)

As a symbol of strength and justice, Wonder Woman earned $412.6 million, becoming the highest-grossing action film led by a woman. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Diana highlighted themes of compassion and bravery. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film’s success underscored the increasing demand for female heroes in mainstream action movies, inspiring many around the world.

More Female-Centric Films

Beyond these blockbusters, 2017 featured films like the coming-of-age story 'Lady Bird' with Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, and the comedy 'Girls Trip' starring Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah. These films further showcased the diversity and depth of female narratives, making 2017 a landmark year for women in cinema. Let’s hope the momentum continues to grow in the years ahead!