LIFE

It’s Tuesday night, your homework is done and that soft, fluffy couch is calling your name. Now, what should you watch? Sure, you could binge Chopped again, or you could flick on a movie with a totally determined, ambitious female lead that will leave you ready to dominate your Wednesday (and everyday). Watching them go after their dreams, take down those who doubt them and change the world is super inspiring, so grab a bag of popcorn and press play on one of these flicks!

Akeelah and the Bee

After winning her school spelling bee, 11-year-old Akeelah advances closer to the National Spelling Bee. With the support of her coach, her community and her friends, she is nothing if not fierce in going after her dream of winning. An inspirational story about believing in yourself and overcoming obstacles, Akeelah and the Bee is a M-U-S-T.

Moana

The daughter of a Polynesian island chief, Moana Waialiki is next in line to rule the people. For years, the island has provided everything they need. But one year the harvest dries up and fish becomes scarce, Moana bravely sets sail behind her dad’s back to find the demigod who can help save their island. Her journey is not only courageous, but selfless, too. 

Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer tells the true, amazing story of Bethany Hamilton, a talented teen surfer who lost her arm in a near-fatal shark attack. After the incident, she does everything she can to continue her passion and become a champion again. Check out this flick to see how she overcomes her handicap with determination and drive.

Divergent

In a futuristic society, everyone is placed into a faction based on their greatest virtue. Tris, however, is Divergent, meaning she belongs in more than one faction. Since Divergents are extremely rare and regarded as dangerous, she must hide her secret. When something threatens to overthrow the city, Tris harnesses her "dangerous" traits to stop it. If you’re a fan of the Hunger Games or action movies in general, chances are you’ll enjoy this well-loved dystopian movie series.

Legally Blonde

When Elle's boyfriend breaks up with her, she enrolls in Harvard Law School to win him back. It turns out, her ex and the other Harvard students don’t think she’s smart enough for them. She sets out to prove them wrong. What follows is a funny, relatable tale of a girl who never lets what others think of her dictate her path—and proves that, yes, you can have the best of both worlds.

Bend It Like Beckham

Jess Bhamra lives in London with her Indian parents. She’s in love with European football and dreams of playing it professionally. Her traditional family doesn’t approve, but Jess follows her dream behind their backs. She's a girl so determined to get what she wants, she'll even betray her family's wishes to do so.

What’s your favorite girl-power movie? Share down below!

Photo credit: iMDB, Giphy.

by Grace Zhou | 1/24/2017