The Best Female-Led Movies To Watch on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ offers a wide range of movies. Many of these films feature strong female leads. This collection of movies highlights stories about women, told from their perspectives. Viewers can find inspiring, powerful, and entertaining narratives centered around female characters. These films span various genres, from drama and comedy to action and documentary.

This list presents 30 of the best female-led movies available on the platform. Each movie showcases a compelling female protagonist. The stories explore different aspects of life, from personal struggles to professional triumphs. Whether you are looking for a thought-provoking drama or a lighthearted comedy, this list has something for everyone. It is a celebration of female talent in front of and behind the camera.

CODA (2021)

This film tells the story of Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family. She has a passion for singing, which she must balance with her family’s reliance on her to communicate with the hearing world. The movie follows her journey as she joins her high school’s choir and forms a close bond with her music teacher.

CODA is a heartfelt and moving drama about family, dreams, and finding your own voice. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its screenplay and the performances of its cast. It went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it a landmark film in cinematic history.

The Farewell (2019)

Based on a true story, this film follows a Chinese-American family who decides not to tell their grandmother that she has terminal cancer. Instead, they stage a fake wedding to bring the family together to see her one last time. The story is told from the perspective of the granddaughter, Billi, who struggles with the family’s decision.

The Farewell is a touching and often humorous exploration of cultural differences and family dynamics. It delicately balances comedy and drama while providing insight into the complexities of love and grief. The film was praised for its honest and personal storytelling.

On the Rocks (2020)

A young mother named Laura suspects her husband may be having an affair. She teams up with her charismatic and somewhat roguish father, Felix, to investigate. The two of them embark on a series of adventures through New York City, tailing her husband and exploring their own relationship along the way.

Directed by Sofia Coppola, On the Rocks is a charming and witty comedy-drama. The film examines modern relationships, marriage, and the bond between a father and daughter. Its lighthearted tone and sharp dialogue make it an enjoyable watch.

Hala (2019)

The film centers on Hala, a Pakistani-American teenager who is navigating the challenges of high school, her first crush, and her identity. She finds herself caught between her traditional Muslim upbringing and her modern American life. As she explores her own desires, she uncovers a family secret that changes her perspective on everything.

Hala provides an intimate look at a young woman’s journey of self-discovery. It tackles themes of culture, faith, and sexuality with sensitivity and nuance. The film is a quiet and powerful coming-of-age story that resonates with authenticity.

The Sky Is Everywhere (2022)

Lennie Graul, a shy high school student and musical prodigy, experiences overwhelming grief after the sudden death of her older sister. As she copes with her loss, she finds herself caught between her sister’s devastated boyfriend and a new boy at school who shares her love for music.

This film is a vibrant and emotional adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name. It explores grief, love, and healing through a visually creative and whimsical lens. The movie uses music and magical realism to portray Lennie’s inner world.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

While the film’s protagonist is a young man, the story is driven by his relationship with a young mother named Domino and her autistic daughter, Lola. A recent college graduate starts a business as a party starter for bar and bat mitzvahs, where he forms a unique bond with Domino and Lola.

Cha Cha Real Smooth is a heartfelt and honest film about the uncertainties of life after college and the beauty of human connection. It explores themes of love, responsibility, and finding your purpose in an authentic and touching way. The performances of the lead actors were widely praised for their chemistry and depth.

Causeway (2022)

A U.S. soldier named Lynsey suffers a traumatic brain injury while deployed in Afghanistan and returns home to New Orleans. As she struggles with her physical and emotional recovery, she forms an unlikely friendship with a local car mechanic who has his own past trauma.

Causeway is a quiet and powerful character study about two people finding solace in each other’s company. The film explores the slow and difficult process of healing from invisible wounds. It is anchored by strong performances from its lead actors, who bring a deep sense of humanity to their roles.

Flora and Son (2023)

The film follows Flora, a single mother living in Dublin who is having trouble with her rebellious teenage son, Max. In an attempt to find him a hobby, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster. With the help of a Los Angeles-based online guitar teacher, she and Max discover the transformative power of music.

Flora and Son is a charming and uplifting musical comedy-drama. It explores the bond between a mother and son and how shared creativity can help bridge emotional distances. The film is filled with humor, heart, and original music that drives the narrative forward.

Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021)

This concert film offers an intimate and cinematic performance of Billie Eilish’s album, “Happier Than Ever.” Filmed at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, the special features Eilish performing every song from the album in sequential order, accompanied by her brother Finneas.

The film blends live performance with animated sequences, taking viewers on a dreamlike journey through Eilish’s hometown of Los Angeles. It provides a unique and visually stunning way to experience her music, offering insights into her artistic vision and creative process.

The Beanie Bubble (2023)

This film tells the story of the rise and fall of the Beanie Baby craze in the 1990s. The narrative focuses on the three women who played a crucial role in the success of the toy company but were largely written out of its history. It explores their contributions and their relationships with the company’s eccentric founder.

The Beanie Bubble is a colorful and energetic dramedy about ambition, creativity, and the often-unseen women behind a cultural phenomenon. It uses its unique story to examine themes of corporate greed and the American dream.

Swan Song (2021)

In this science-fiction drama, a loving husband and father named Cameron is diagnosed with a terminal illness. To spare his family from grief, he is presented with an alternative solution: replacing himself with a carbon copy clone. The film centers on his wife, Poppy, as she unknowingly interacts with the clone.

While the main protagonist is male, the emotional core of the film revolves around his wife and the family he is trying to protect. Swan Song raises profound questions about love, loss, and what it means to be human, all through the lens of a family facing an impossible choice.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)

This documentary provides a raw and intimate look into six years of Selena Gomez’s life. The film follows her journey through personal struggles with her mental and physical health. It highlights her advocacy work and her efforts to destigmatize conversations around mental well-being.

The documentary offers an unfiltered look at the pressures of fame and the importance of self-care. It showcases Gomez’s vulnerability and resilience, providing an inspiring message for viewers about facing personal challenges and using one’s platform for good.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

This film is a stark and visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play. The story is driven by the ambition and guilt of Lady Macbeth, who convinces her husband to murder the king and seize the throne. Her descent into madness is a central part of the narrative.

Joel Coen’s adaptation is a masterclass in filmmaking, with breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances. Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth is fierce and compelling, capturing the character’s complexity and psychological unraveling. The film offers a fresh and haunting take on a timeless story of power and consequence.

Wolfwalkers (2020)

In 17th-century Ireland, a young apprentice hunter named Robyn comes to the country with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. Her life changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl named Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.

Wolfwalkers is a beautifully animated fantasy adventure that celebrates folklore, nature, and the importance of understanding others. The film’s story is centered on the friendship between two young girls from different worlds who come together to challenge prejudice and protect the magic of the forest.

Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020)

This documentary, co-directed by Werner Herzog, explores the cultural and scientific impact of meteorites and other celestial objects. The film takes viewers on a global journey to different sites where meteorites have landed, examining how they have shaped human history and belief systems.

While not female-led in a traditional sense, the documentary features several prominent female scientists and researchers who are experts in the field. It highlights their contributions to our understanding of the cosmos and the profound connections between Earth and space.

Sharper (2023)

This neo-noir thriller unfolds in a world of high-stakes deception and manipulation in New York City. The story is told from multiple perspectives, with a young woman named Sandra being a key figure in the intricate web of lies. She becomes entangled with a family of con artists, where no one is who they seem.

Sharper is a sleek and suspenseful film that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The narrative structure reveals new layers of the plot with each character’s point of view, making for a compelling and engaging watch.

Spirited (2022)

This musical comedy is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” While the main characters are male, the film features a strong female supporting role in Kimberly, a key figure in the protagonist’s life who helps guide his journey of redemption.

Kimberly’s character is instrumental to the story’s emotional core, representing kindness and the possibility of change. Her interactions with the main character provide much of the film’s heart and humor, making her an essential part of this festive and entertaining movie.

Greyhound (2020)

Set during the Battle of the Atlantic, this war film stars Tom Hanks as a U.S. Navy commander leading a convoy of ships under attack by German U-boats. The story is driven by his leadership, but the film is dedicated to his wife, Evie, whose memory and letters serve as his emotional anchor throughout the perilous journey.

Evie’s presence is felt throughout the film, representing the life and love that the commander is fighting to return to. Her role, though seen only in flashbacks, provides the emotional motivation for his actions and underscores the human cost of war.

Palmer (2021)

After 12 years in prison, a former high school football star returns home to put his life back together. He forms an unlikely friendship with a boy from a troubled home, and the boy’s teacher, Maggie, becomes a source of support and romance.

Maggie is a kind and compassionate teacher who plays a crucial role in the story. She advocates for the well-being of the young boy and helps the protagonist find a new sense of purpose and connection. Her character represents hope and stability in the lives of the main characters.

Finch (2021)

In a post-apocalyptic world, a robotics engineer who is one of the last survivors on Earth builds an android to protect his beloved dog when he’s gone. The story is a journey of survival, but the engineer’s motivation is rooted in a promise to a young girl he failed to protect years earlier.

The memory of this girl and the lessons he learned from that experience drive the entire narrative. Her influence shapes his mission to ensure his dog’s safety, making her an unseen but pivotal female presence in this touching science-fiction film.

The Banker (2020)

Based on a true story, this film follows two African American entrepreneurs who hire a working-class white man to pose as the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. The story also features the significant role of Eunice, the wife of one of the entrepreneurs, who is instrumental to their success.

Eunice is a sharp and intelligent woman who helps develop the strategies for their real estate and banking ventures. She is a key partner in the operation, providing crucial insights and support. Her character highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in business and history.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)

Based on a true story, this film follows a man who leaves New York in 1967 to bring beer to his childhood buddies in the Army while they are fighting in Vietnam. The film features a strong female character in the protagonist’s sister, a determined anti-war protester.

His sister serves as the voice of reason and conscience in the film. She challenges her brother’s naive patriotism and forces him to confront the harsh realities of the war. Her perspective provides a critical counterbalance to the main character’s journey and adds depth to the story’s exploration of the Vietnam War.

Tetris (2023)

This biographical thriller tells the incredible story of how the world-famous video game Tetris was brought out of the Soviet Union. A key figure in this high-stakes endeavor is Sasha, a KGB translator who risks everything to help the game’s creator and the American businessman.

Sasha is a courageous and resourceful character who becomes an unlikely ally in the fight for the rights to Tetris. Her role is essential to navigating the dangerous political landscape of the late-stage Soviet Union. She represents the personal risks taken by ordinary people during a pivotal moment in history.

Ghosted (2023)

After a successful first date, a salt-of-the-earth man named Cole discovers that his new love interest, Sadie, is secretly a CIA agent. Before he can decide on a second date, Cole and Sadie are swept away on an international adventure to save the world.

Sadie is a highly skilled and capable spy who subverts the traditional damsel-in-distress trope. She is the competent action hero of the story, with Cole often being the one who needs rescuing. The film is a fun, action-packed romantic comedy that flips gender roles in the spy genre.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023)

This documentary explores the life and career of actor Michael J. Fox and his decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The film heavily features his wife, Tracy Pollan, who has been his steadfast partner and source of support throughout his journey.

Tracy Pollan’s presence in the documentary is central to understanding Fox’s resilience and optimism. The film portrays their enduring love story and her crucial role as his caregiver and advocate. It is a powerful testament to their partnership in the face of immense challenges.

The Velvet Underground (2021)

This documentary by Todd Haynes explores the legacy of the iconic rock band The Velvet Underground. The film gives significant focus to the female members of the band, particularly the singer Nico and the drummer Moe Tucker, highlighting their immense artistic contributions.

Nico’s haunting vocals and stage presence became a signature part of the band’s first album, while Moe Tucker’s unconventional and influential drumming style helped define their sound. The documentary celebrates them as pioneering women in a male-dominated rock and roll scene.

Beastie Boys Story (2020)

In this live documentary, surviving Beastie Boys members Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond tell the story of their band and their 40 years of friendship. The film acknowledges the evolution of their music and their regret over misogynistic lyrics from their early career, often influenced by their interactions with women in their lives.

While the story is about the male band members, it includes a journey of growth and accountability, partly shaped by the women who challenged their perspectives. The film honestly addresses their past and their efforts to move beyond it, making it a story of personal transformation.

Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (2021)

This documentary offers a deeply intimate look at the life of teenage singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. The film follows her journey as she tours and records her debut album, all while navigating the pressures of global stardom and the challenges of growing up.

The film is a raw and unfiltered portrait of a young woman’s creative process and her close-knit family life. It showcases her vulnerability, her artistic genius, and her struggles with mental health, providing an honest look at the realities of being a young female artist in the modern music industry.

On the Line: The Richard Williams Story (2022)

This documentary tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film is told through a series of interviews with Williams himself, but the narrative is entirely centered on his daughters and his mission to turn them into champions.

The documentary provides insight into the early lives and training of Venus and Serena, two of the most dominant female athletes in history. It is a story of a father’s ambition, but its ultimate subjects are the two young women who changed the sport of tennis forever.

Lucy’s School (2022)

This “Peanuts” special focuses on Lucy van Pelt, who decides to start her own school after being inspired by her teachers. She soon discovers that teaching is not as easy as it looks and learns to appreciate the hard work that her own teachers do every day.

The special puts Lucy, one of the most iconic female characters in the “Peanuts” universe, front and center. It is a charming and lighthearted story about leadership, learning, and gaining a new perspective. The narrative celebrates education and the important role of teachers.