Historically, women have often appeared to be underrepresented in various scientific fields. In many cases, this is because their contributions have been overlooked and conspicuously absent from public presentations and/or recognition. Films, both fictional and documentary, are slowly beginning to respond to this misrepresentation. There is certainly room for improvement and growth regarding media representations of women in science; this is why it is important to celebrate the films that clearly demonstrate the achievements of women (and girls) in science. This list of ten films includes both narrative films and educational documentaries depicting women in scientific careers. These titles would be perfect for young adult library programming.
Big Hero Six (2014)
This animated film highlights an array of young scientists, including two high school girls: Go Go Tomago, an engineering genius, and Honey Lemon, a chemist. The film makes the scientific community cool and underscores the power and importance of teamwork, critical for success in science and life.
Read our review of Big Hero 6
Get your copy of the Big Hero 6 4K Blu-ray here.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther introduced Marvel fans around the world to Shuri, by far one of the most accomplished scientists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This empowering young woman shines in the film as her technological skills save the day over and over again. The film even ends (spoiler alert) in celebration of science and Shuri as the Black Panther creates a center for scientific learning in Oakland that she herself will oversee as chief scientist.
Read our review of Black Panther
Get your copy of the Black Panther Blu-ray here.
Code Girl (2015)
We all know that computer science can be a valuable tool for solving problems and fostering positive change. This documentary highlights young women from around the world, ages 10-18, who have entered the Technovation Challenge in Silicon Valley and seek to address problems in their communities through the use of technology and the power of teamwork.
Get your copy of the Code Girl DVD here.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Ghosts have returned to Manhattan and, this time, a crew of women is prepared to save the city. The comedic line-up features Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig, and these women know their stuff. In particular, Kate McKinnon’s Jillian Holtzmann reminds us that scientists don’t have to be boring. She is a brilliant electrical engineer, but also eccentric, fun, and relatable. While the whole film celebrates women in science, Holtzmann, in particular, has been praised as an impressive on-screen representation of a multidimensional woman working in STEM.
Read our review of Ghostbusters (2016)
Get your copy of the Ghostbusters (2016) Blu-ray here.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures celebrates three pioneering women in science: Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, women who played integral roles in the growth and success of the U.S. space program at NASA, despite the many obstacles they faced. For educators, Journeys in Film provides a free comprehensive curriculum that can expand the film’s celebration of science.
Read our review of Hidden Figures
We also recommend Hidden Figures for your Black History Month collection
Get your copy of the Hidden Figures 4K Blu-ray here.
Jane (2017)
Jane is a National Geographic Film that follows the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, who patiently integrated herself into the community of chimpanzees she was studying and pioneered a methodology of observation that allowed us to gain a new understanding of what it means to be human. She also proved that women could be successful as scientists in a world previously dominated by men. Journeys in Film’s free discussion guide would be useful for classrooms, homeschooling, or a group movie night.
Order your copy of the Jane DVD here.
Mission Blue (2014)
This Emmy-award-winning documentary follows Dr. Sylvia Earle, an environmentalist, oceanographer, and marine biologist, who is on a mission to create a global network of protected marine sanctuaries.
Picture A Scientist (2020)
One of the newest films on the list, this documentary highlights the groundswell of women changing the face of science as it celebrates women pioneers in various scientific fields today while also highlighting the continued challenges faced by women in STEM education and STEM careers.
Get your copy of the Picture A Scientist DVD here.
Temple Grandin (2010)
Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who revolutionized practices for the humane handling of livestock. In this biographical drama, Temple is played brilliantly by Claire Danes as the film chronicles Temple’s life as a leading scientist in the livestock industry.
Read our review of Temple Grandin
We also recommend Temple Grandin for Autism Awareness Month programming
Order your copy of the Temple Grandin DVD here.
Woman In Motion (2021)
Only recently released on Amazon, this documentary follows Nichelle Nichols, the actress who played Lt. Uhuru on Star Trek, as she undertakes the daunting task of recruiting 8,000 individuals for NASA, including various trailblazing Latina, Asian-American, and African-American women who went on to travel in space.
Get your copy of the Woman In Motion DVD here.
