The late 2000s marked a turning point in Bollywood, where women weren’t just given lead roles—they became the driving force behind more feminist-driven narratives. With coming-of-age stories like Kahaani, which shattered the damsel in distress stereotype, Bollywood has delivered some cinematic gems that have broken barriers, and made their way into mainstream cinema. These films deserve a shoutout for their bold storytelling, powerful performances, and unapologetic feminism.
Whether you’re in the mood to watch an inspiring journey of resilience or have a cozy girls’ night in to celebrate Women’s Day with the most amazing women in your life, here’s a guide to some of Bollywood’s best female-led films with strong, fierce, and independent women in charge—and where to stream them online.
Fashion
Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion is celebrated for its honest and unfiltered view of the toxic world of modeling, and the highs and lows that come with fame. Priyanka Chopra plays the role of Meghna Mathur, a doe-eyed small-town girl who makes her way to the city to become a model, only to lose herself in the glitz and chaos of the industry. From stunning runway fashion to memorable celebrity cameos, Fashion captures the glamour and grit of the modeling world. The movie offers a riveting and emotional journey through ambition, self-destruction, and redemption.
Queen
Unlike most Bollywood movies that follow the predictable path of happily-ever-afters, Queen begins with a bang, following Rani Mehra, a sheltered and naïve girl who chooses to solo-travel and experience life to its fullest after her fiancé leaves her just before their wedding. The film is lighthearted, full of heartwarming and hilarious scenes, and marked a turning point in Bollywood by having all the conventional elements of a Bollywood movie—minus the conventional ‘hero.’ Queen paved the way for female-led narratives that focused on self-discovery and independence, earning massive national and global recognition. The British Film Institute marked it as one of the 10 greatest Indian films of the 21st century, and the film even made it to Oprah’s must-watch list.
English Vinglish
Sridevi is one of the most iconic Indian film actresses, who redefined the trajectory of female-led cinema in Bollywood. With an impressive filmography of over 269 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi industries, she’s one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses in Indian cinema. English Vinglish marked the legendary actress’ return to cinema after a 15-year hiatus, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The film follows Shashi, a dedicated housewife who secretly learns English after facing ridicule from her own family for her lack of fluency. It’s endearing, relatable, and a beautiful reflection of India’s complex relationship with English as a language of status and confidence.
Neerja
Sonam Kapoor surprised everyone with her nuanced and powerful performance as Neerja, a brave and fierce air hostess who alerts the authorities in the middle of a plane hijacking and risks her own life to save passengers. The 2016 biographical thriller is based on the real-life hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986 and is a riveting, emotionally intense, and inspiring film that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film received wide critical and audience acclaim, winning Sonam Kapoor a Filmfare Award for Best Actress and a Special Mention at the National Film Awards for her exceptional performance.
Kahaani
Vidya Balan plays the role of a pregnant woman, Vidya Bagchi, who travels from Kolkata to London in search of her missing husband in this gripping thriller mystery. The film is widely acclaimed for challenging the general "damsel in distress" trope and instead spotlighting a pregnant woman as the determined protagonist and rescuer, showcasing women’s strength, resilience, and unwavering courage. The film was made on a shoestring budget of INR 80 million ($1 million) and cleverly used creative guerrilla shooting techniques for the authentic bustling city shots of Kolkata. Despite its modest budget, Kahaani went on to generate an impressive INR 100 crores ($13 million) at the box office, proving that a strong story and performance can outshine big-budget productions.
Chhapaak
Every year, India faces hundreds of acid attacks against women in acts of brutal revenge and deep-seated misogyny. Chhapaak is a 2020 emotionally powerful and inspiring biographical drama starring Deepika Padukone as an acid attack survivor. This film showcases Malti’s inspiring journey of resilience and justice, as she fights back against societal prejudice and legal loopholes. In the face of adversity, Chhapaak celebrates courage, inner strength, and survival, while shining a light on the horrific reality of acid attacks and raising awareness about the need for stricter laws and better support systems for survivors. Though the film failed commercially at the box office, it made a lasting impact on audiences, challenging the stigma associated with acid attack survivors and their place in society.
Pink
A remake of the Tamil film Nerkonda Paarvai, Pink is a powerful courtroom drama addressing the pressing issue of women’s safety in India. The film follows Minal, a strong and independent woman, who finds herself falsely accused of prostitution charges after defending herself against harassment, and the bold and intense legal battle that ensues in pursuit of justice. This hard-hitting film brought the subject of consent and women’s rights into mainstream cinema, sparking nationwide conversations about "No means No." It was widely praised by critics and audiences, earning five Filmfare Awards in 2017, including Best Film (Critics), Best Dialogue, and Best Supporting Actress for Kriti Kulhari. Pink is a riveting, thought-provoking, and socially relevant film that remains one of Bollywood’s most impactful portrayals of women’s empowerment and justice.
Mary Kom
In a sport largely dominated by men, Mary Kom shines as a testament to women's strength and perseverance. The movie is gritty, raw, and deeply inspiring. Actress Priyanka Chopra’s performance stands out as she portrays Mary Kom, a fierce and determined female boxer in this powerful biographical drama. Before filming for Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra underwent five months of rigorous training, which included intensive boxing classes, weight training, and endurance drills, along with gaining muscle mass and spending time with Mary Kom’s family to capture her essence authentically. Her dedication paid off, as the film set the record for the highest opening weekend of all time for a female-led Bollywood film and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for Priyanka Chopra.
Lipstick Under My Burkha
Lipstick Under My Burkha is a bold, unapologetic, and rebellious film that delivers laughs and sharp satire while addressing generally taboo topics like female sexual pleasure, the desires of older women, societal oppression, and gender inequality. The movie follows four women—Usha Parmar, an elderly matriarch; Rehana Abidi, a rebellious college fresher; Leela, a passionate beautician; and Shireen, a dutiful wife—as they put on a guise and defy societal norms to break free from their conservative roles, seeking freedom, self-discovery, and empowerment in life. The film was initially denied release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India for its outspoken and bold scenes. However, it eventually made its premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival and Mumbai Film Festival, where it won the Spirit of Asia Prize and the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality.
Darlings
The first film from actress Alia Bhatt’s home production, Eternal Sunshine Productions, Darlings is a satirical dark comedy-drama about a woman who finally stands up against her abusive husband and reclaims her independence in a rather unconventional and unexpectedly witty manner. The film marked Alia Bhatt’s debut as a producer, alongside Red Chillies Entertainment, and was widely appreciated for its sharp writing, stellar performances, and dark humor. Darlings won 11 Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress (Alia Bhatt), Best Actress (Critics) (Shefali Shah), and Best Screenplay, and was praised for its bold narrative and gripping execution. Definitely a must-watch if you’re in the mood for something darkly funny, empowering, and thought-provoking.
How to Watch the Best Bollywood Women's Day Movies Streaming Online
From fierce fighters to inspiring trailblazers, these films celebrate strength, ambition, and resilience, making them perfect for a Women’s Day binge-watch. Want to know where to watch them? Keep scrolling to find out how to stream, rent, or buy them online in India—legally! If you’re interested in checking out other popular movies currently trending in India, make sure to check out JustWatch’s popular guide. We regularly update this guide with the most recent and highly acclaimed titles across streaming platforms. Here’s your watch guide to Bollywood’s finest movies celebrating womanhood:
