Inequity in Hollywood has been a hot topic for years, and in 2023 Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie“ further underscored the small quantity of big name female directors and the lack of recognition afforded to them. Despite the industry glass ceiling, women directors have made films this year in a huge spectrum of genres from horror and indie to action and drama, gracing both big box screens and niche film festivals. Check out these 2024 female-led feature films.

Babes

Directed by Pamela Adlon

Where to Watch: Currently in theaters

“Babes“ shines a comedic light on motherhood and friendship. New mother Dawn and her best friend Eden, recently pregnant from a one-night stand, try to navigate the challenges of motherhood together with varying degrees of success. Though the film is first and foremost a comedy, it sheds an important spotlight on the struggles of parenthood, including post-partum depression and work-family balance, as well as the significance of supportive female friendships.

Lisa Frankenstein

Directed by Zelda Williams 

Where to Watch: Peacock, Prime Video

Zelda Williams’ feature-length directorial debut is a romantic dark comedy and horror film. In it, a misfit teenage goth girl meets a reincarnated Victorian corpse (as one does). They begin to date while searching for human body parts to make the zombie real, Frankenstein-style. The film is an affectionate homage to the quirky, gory horror films of the 1980s and Williams‘ says its set in the same universe as the cult classic “Jennifer’s Body.“  

Madame Web

Directed by S.J. Clarkson 

Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video

This film’s critical and viewer reception has been abysmal, so much so that it’s led to an ongoing meme about star Dakota Johnson’s utter disinterest in the film. The film has garnered so much hype for being bad that it might end up being a classic. Or not. Despite the reviews, it’s heartening to see a film in the Marvel Universe that’s both directed by a woman and that centers female characters.

Love Lies Bleeding

Directed by Rose Glass

Where to Watch: Prime Video

Against the backdrop of 1989, a solitary gym manager with ties to organized crime falls in love with an ambitious bodybuilder who gets wrapped up in the mob activity. The film draws on a rich history of pulpy, retro action films through a contemporary lens with two powerful actors (Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian) portraying the central couple.

Good One

Directed by India Donaldson

Where to Watch: Special screenings 

In this probing drama that flourished at the Sundance Film Festival, 17-year-old Sam goes on a backpacking trip in the Catskills with her father and his best friend. As they navigate the landscape and the joys of trials of hiking, egos clash between the adults and generational differences and family bonds are tested.