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03/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/19/2026 09:17

What We’re Watching for Women’s History Month

Published Date

March 19, 2026

Article Content

Movies and television can do more than entertain - they can illuminate the experiences, challenges, achievements and perspectives that shape our understanding of history and culture. During Women's History Month, stories on screen offer powerful ways to explore the lives of women who have led, challenged expectations and opened doors for others.

To mark the occasion, UC San Diego Today contributors compiled a watchlist of films and series that highlight women's voices across fields including science, law, media and the arts. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a thought-provoking story or simply something new to stream, here are a few of the titles we're streaming this month:

"Hidden Figures" (2016)

This inspiring film, based on a book by Margot Lee Shetterly, tells the true story of three Black women mathematicians whose calculations helped propel NASA's early space missions. Set during the height of the space race, the film highlights both extraordinary scientific achievement and the barriers women of color faced while working in a segregated system.(Available to stream on HBO Max)

"On the Basis of Sex" (2018)

Before she became a Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a young lawyer determined to challenge the laws that codified gender discrimination. This biographical drama follows her early career and the landmark case that helped reshape legal arguments around equality under the law. Both moving and inspiring, the film celebrates an icon of women's history whose work transformed opportunities for generations of women and girls to come. (Available to stream on Netflix)

"Lessons in Chemistry" (2023)

Based on the bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus, the miniseries follows actor Brie Larson's character Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose ambitions clash with the gender norms of the 1960s. When she becomes the host of a television cooking show, she transforms the platform into an unconventional classroom, teaching the chemistry of cooking while encouraging viewers to question societal expectations and pursue their intellectual curiosity. (Available to stream on Apple TV+)

"My Mom Jayne" (2025)

Actor Mariska Hargitay reflects on the life and legacy of her mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, in this deeply personal documentary. Through archival footage, personal research and intimate reflections, the film reveals Mansfield as far more than the 1950s "blonde bombshell" persona. It explores her life as a mother, her lesser-known musical talents and the complexities of family and identity. (Available to stream on HBO Max)

"Barbie" (2023)

Director Greta Gerwig's record-breaking blockbuster blends humor, nostalgia and social commentary as Barbie's journey from Barbie Land into the real world sparks questions about identity and what it means to be a woman today. One standout moment comes when America Ferrera's character Gloria delivers the film's now-famous monologue on the contradictions women face - "it is literally impossible to be a woman." It's the kind of scene worth replaying, especially during Women's History Month. (Available to stream on Hulu)

"Hacks" (2021-)

This award-winning comedy follows legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance and the young writer hired to help reinvent her act. Sharp, irreverent and incredibly funny, "Hacks" also shines for its complex female characters. They're strong but sometimes vulnerable, brilliant yet capable of making mistakes. In short, they're utterly human - capturing the beautiful messiness of ambition, friendship and life. (Available to stream on HBO Max)

"Becoming" (2020)

Inspired by Michelle Obama's bestselling memoir, this documentary offers a thoughtful look at her life before, during and after her time in the White House. Following her book tour across the country, the film captures conversations that reflect on how women navigate leadership, family and public life while staying grounded in their values. (Available to stream on Netflix)

"For All Mankind" (2019-)

What if the space race had unfolded differently? This series imagines a world where the Soviet Union reached the moon first, prompting the U.S. to accelerate its efforts - including bringing women into the astronaut corps much earlier. Women take on key roles across the space program, from astronauts to engineers and program managers. It's a fitting watch for the UC San Diego community, where astronaut and physicist Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, once served on the faculty. (Available to stream on Apple TV+)

"A League of Their Own" (1992)

Often considered one of the best sports films of its era, this beloved classic tells the true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. At a time when opportunities for women in professional sports were rare, the film celebrates a group of determined athletes supporting one another while doing what they love. It's a story of teamwork, resilience and friendship - and yes, there's still no crying in baseball. (Available to stream on Peacock)

"Austenland" (2013)

In this playful romantic comedy, a woman obsessed with Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" spends her life savings on a weeklong stay at Austenland, an English estate where guests immerse themselves in a Regency-era fantasy inspired by Austen's novels. Smart, fun and tongue-in-cheek, the film pays homage to Austen's wit and social commentary by gently poking fun at romantic ideals while celebrating both the joy of stepping into a beloved literary world while also realizing that the life she has idealized for so long has significant limitations. (Available to rent or buy on Prime Video and other platforms)

"Silkwood" (1983)

Based on real events, this drama follows nuclear whistleblower and union activist Karen Silkwood as she uncovers serious safety concerns at the facility where she worked. Silkwood died under mysterious circumstances while attempting to deliver additional evidence of the company's wrongdoing to a journalist. Meryl Streep stars in the title role, delivering a powerful performance as the determined woman at the center of the story. (Available to rent or buy on Prime Video and other platforms)

"Scoop" (2024)

This behind-the-scenes drama recounts how BBC journalists secured and prepared for Prince Andrew's now-infamous television interview about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Centered on the women producers and reporters who pushed for accountability, the film highlights the persistence and professional judgment required to hold powerful figures to account. (Available to stream on Netflix)

"Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel" (2011)

Though not a common household name today, Diana Vreeland reshaped mid-century American fashion with a bold vision and a larger-than-life persona. As Vogue's editor-in-chief during much of the 1960s, she helped define an era of style while American culture was rapidly changing. Through archival footage and interviews, this documentary explores how Vreeland turned fashion - often dismissed as frivolous - into a powerful lens for understanding culture, creativity and social change. (Available to stream on Pluto TV)

"Steel Magnolias" (1989)

Set in a small Louisiana town, this beloved film centers on a group of strong women navigating life's joys and difficult choices together. Through humor, heartbreak and memorable one-liners, the story celebrates the enduring friendships that carry them through it all. With standout performances from Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton, "Steel Magnolias" remains a touching reminder of the lifelong bonds women can share. (Available to stream on Paramount+)

Please note: Streaming availability was accurate at the time of publication and may change.

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