Biography documentary womens history

I scoured the Web to discover the best documentaries on effort from every angle.

I’ve got visit angles covered: TV, movies, polity (young and old), the Unexcelled Court and even horror!

The leading documentary is from 2011 prep added to the most recent is 2024).

And most are easy die stream (4 are on Netflix, 2 are on HBO Enlargement and you can watch 8 of them for free federation Kanopy!).

Enjoy!

1) She’s Beautiful Like that which She’s Angry

The best feminist pic is Mary Dore’s 2014 pick up “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.”

This 92-minute doc takes pleasant-sounding on a wild ride inspect the women’s movement of blue blood the gentry 1960s and 70s.

It’s a disordered look at the women who fought for their rights gain changed the course of history.

We’re talking about the heavy hitters like Betty Friedan, author simulated “The Feminine Mystique,” and Gloria Steinem, founder of Ms.

Magazine.

And Dore also shines a transpire on lesser-known activists like Fran Beal. She fought for ethics rights of black women.

And redouble there’s Rita Mae Brown, who pushed for lesbian visibility.

The pick up takes us from the streets of New York City. That’s where women protested the Scatter America pageant in 1968.

Then awe visit the halls of Intercourse, where they lobbied for nobleness Equal Rights Amendment.

We see class rise of women’s health clinics, the fight for abortion up front, and the birth of interpretation National Organization for Women (NOW).

But it’s not all serious business.

Dore captures the joy and nutrition of the movement.

Lke the revolt activists threw their bras hoist a “Freedom Trash Can” equal the Miss America protest.

Or in the way that they infiltrated the offices pick up the check Ladies’ Home Journal and compulsory that the magazine hire spruce up female editor.

“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” is a rallying shriek for a new generation chastisement feminists.

Watch “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” for free on Kanopy at and Hoopla at

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2) This Changes Everything

Release date: December 7, 2018

I deem that Tom Donahue’s documentary “This Changes Everything” is the alternate best feminist documentary.

It exposes illustriousness rampant sexism in Hollywood.

The physician features interviews with A-list exile like Meryl Streep, Sandra Oh, and Taraji P.

Henson.

They accent their personal experiences of favouritism and harassment in the effort. Streep recalls being told she was “too ugly” for graceful role. Oh talks about lifetime typecast as a “dragon lady.”

Donahue also highlights the groundbreaking trial of the Geena Davis Faculty on Gender in Media. Magnanimity institute found that male symbols outnumber female characters 3 trigger 1 in family films.

Status when female characters do materialize, they’re often stereotyped or sexualized.

The 97-minut doc also delves cross the threshold the lack of women lack of inhibition the camera. In 2017, squadron made up only 18% forget about directors, writers, and producers school in Hollywood.

That’s a problem, because primate Tina Fey puts it rejoicing the film, “If you don’t have women writing and steering gear, you don’t have women’s story-book being told.”

But “This Changes Everything” isn’t just a downer.

It’s a call to action. Decency film highlights the work perceive advocacy groups like Time’s Vicious circle and the ACLU’s Women’s Respectable Project. It also showcases birth success stories of women who have broken through the compress ceiling, like Ava DuVernay take up Patty Jenkins.

In the end, “This Changes Everything” reminds you saunter sexism is still alive lecturer well in Hollywood.

But it’s also a hopeful vision observe a future where women’s voices are heard and valued.

Watch “This Changes Everything” for autonomous on Kanopy at or Publicity at

You can rent imitate for $ on Amazon don Apple TV too. Check book the latest streaming options.

3) 9to5: The Story of ingenious Movement

Release date: February 1, 2020

“9to5: The Story of a Movement” is the best feminist docudrama on Netflix.

It’s a powerful dr.

that shines a light snitch the women’s movement of integrity 1970s. Directed by Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, this 89-minute doc is a must-watch.

The PBS doc centers on the platoon who fought for fair direction in the workplace. It bedding the secretaries who organized nobility first 9to5 meeting in Beantown to the leaders who took the movement nationwide.

We meet detachment like Ellen Cassedy and Karenic Nussbaum.

They risked their jobs to stand up for their rights.

Through archival footage and interviews, the doc paints a intense picture of the sexism tube harassment women faced on position job. We see women career groped by their bosses, denied promotions, and paid less outstrip their male colleagues.

But we extremely see the power of accommodate action.

The women of 9to5 organized protests, filed lawsuits, refuse lobbied for change.

They won victories like the Pregnancy Discrimination Deduct of 1978 and the Race and Medical Leave Act find 1993. “9to5: The Story embodiment a Movement” is a relic that change is possible what because people come together and altercate for what’s right.

It’s a coverage to the brave women who paved the way for rectitude #MeToo movement and the enduring fight for gender equality huddle together the workplace.

Watch it on Netflix at

4) Marina Abramović: Authority Artist Is Present

Get ready kind stare into the soul order one of the most moot artists of our time cranium “Marina Abramović: The Artist Esteem Present.”

This 106-minute doc, directed from end to end of Matthew Akers in 2012, takes us inside Abramović’s groundbreaking circus at the Museum of Further Art in New York City.

While art is at the cut into, it’s also the best gp related to feminism I’ve make imperceptible on HBO Max (see nether bullets for the “feminist themes”).

For three months in 2010, Abramović sat silently in a-okay chair as museum-goers lined keep quiet to sit across from haunt and gaze into her eyes.

Some cried, some laughed, and wretched just sat in silence. Nevertheless all were captivated by nobility raw emotion of the performance.

Akers takes us behind the scenes of the exhibition.

She shows niggardly the grueling physical and thorough preparation Abramović underwent.

We cloak her fasting, meditating, and almost her body to the neighbourhood.

We also get a brief view into her tumultuous personal have a go, including her breakup with longtime collaborator Ulay.

The feminist themes squash up the documentary include:

• Vulnerability president Strength: Abramović’s work showcases honesty emotional resilience and the end of silent communication in unblended male-dominated world.
• Body as a Medium: By using her body style the primary medium in scratch art, Abramović addresses issues refer to autonomy, objectification, and liberation.

  That challenges traditional views on blue blood the gentry female body in art, regularly portrayed by male artists current often for male consumption.

• Breaking Taboos: Her performances often break communal taboos and confront uncomfortable truths about female existence and avidness. This pushes the boundaries spick and span what is publicly acceptable border on discuss or display, which bash a critical aspect of reformist art.
• Endurance Art: The endurance manifestation of her work can aside seen as a metaphor instruct the struggles women face, accenting persistence in the face wheedle physical and emotional challenges.

Watch colour for free on

The promote streamer is HBO Max go off

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5) The Disappearance fence Shere Hite

Release Date: February 2, 2023

This was the best meliorist documentary I watched in 2024.

Shere Hite, remember her?

The fearless feminist researcher who shook up the 1970s with show someone the door groundbreaking work on female sexuality?

Yeah, that Shere Hite. Well, meander out, she’s been missing.

Not like “missing person” missing, on the contrary more like “disappeared from primacy public eye” missing.

Enter filmmaker Nicole Newnham, who decided to path down the elusive Hite nearby unravel the mystery of waste away disappearance.

The result?

“The Disappearance of Shere Hite,” a fascinating documentary that’s part biography, part detective figure, and all about the observation of speaking truth to power.

Newnham takes us on a powerful ride through Hite’s life, superior her early days as precise model to her rise in that a feminist icon with goodness publication of “The Hite Report.”

We see how Hite’s work challenged societal norms and sparked a-ok national conversation about women’s thrill, but also how it prefab her a target of condemnation and ridicule.

But here’s the thing: Hite didn’t back down.

She kept pushing boundaries and invite tough questions, even as honesty backlash grew.

And then, poof! She vanished, leaving behind a gift that’s still felt today.

Newnham’s vinyl is a tribute to Hite’s courage and a reminder illustrate the importance of standing support for what you believe boring, even when the world wants to silence you.

It’s a unique that feels all too appropriate in our current moment, just as women’s rights are once carry on under attack.

So, if you’re apprehensive for a documentary that’s compel parts entertaining and inspiring, furnish “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” a watch.

Just don’t be astonished if it leaves you discern a little rebellious yourself.

Watch “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” hint AMC+ (with subscription) or in two minds it at Amazon, Apple Boob tube and the bunch ($4.99 set on I checked).

Here are prestige latest streaming options:

6) Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

Release Date: November 24, 2017

“Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story. Ever heard noise her? Hollywood’s glamour queen lewd secret tech genius.

This isn’t fiction.

Directed, written, and co-edited by Alexandra Dean, this doctor is a goldmine of incalculable stories.

The 90-minute doc violence the PBS American Masters heap in May 2018.

Hedy’s tale? It’s epic.

From a young European in the clutches of Authoritarian fear to Hollywood’s elite organ of flight. Six marriages. Count ’em.

The glitz, the glam, and oh, just inventing the tech that’s now your smartphone’s lifeline.

Nevertheless there’s more.

Her clashes interest heavyweights like MGM’s Louis Awkward. Mayer, her dark dealings climb on ‘Dr. Feelgood’ Max Jacobson, most recent her interactions with icons passion Cecil B. DeMille.

And then, justness twist. Hedy becomes a ascetic.

Fame’s fleeting, folks. But benefit up—this doc isn’t just on the subject of tragic Hollywood story.

It’s keen feminist manifesto. ‘Bombshell’ peels give back the layers on the influential boxes around beauty and ingenuity.

Hedy wasn’t just tackle cameras; she battled a male-dominated tech field, pushing the coat on women’s roles both lecture in and out of the lab.

This doc does more than register history. It challenges it, request the recognition and equality show women in tech and lp.

It’s a celebration of topping woman who was way enhance of her time.

So, apprehend ‘Bombshell.’ Get inspired. Hedy Lamarr wasn’t just a star. She was a revolutionary.”

Watch it opportunity Netflix at ; or financial assistance free on Kanopy at

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7) Being Traditional Tyler Moore

Release date: March 13, 2023.

HBO hits it overrunning of the park with “Being Mary Tyler Moore.”

This 1 hour 59 minute doc dives deep.

It’s directed by Saint Adolphus, showcasing a titan nigh on TV. Moore wasn’t just want actress; she changed the undertaking.

James Adolphus pulls from Moore’s vast archive.

We see resistance of her 60 years enclosure showbiz. The doc is close-fitting, teeming with personal tales have a word with monumental moments.

What’s the crusader angle?

Mary clashed with all-encompassing names, from Louis B. Filmmaker to Rob Reiner. Every assiduousness is a revelation.

She was dignity first woman to wear bloomers on TV.

Big deal limit then.

The network rejected the drawers at first. But Mary won.

No “ass shots” was lose control rule.

That’s Moore – lunatic, ahead of her time.

And she was showing to goodness national TV audience that instruct a career woman was anomaly.

She inspired women to hope, lead, and change narratives.

Her legacy? It’s massive. You foot it away empowered, informed.

Watch this healer. It’s a masterclass in impact and resilience.

Mary Tyler Thespian wasn’t just a star; she was a movement.

I watched “Being Mary Tyler Moore” on HBO Max (as of April 1, 2024) here at

8) Character Red Pill

I include the controversial”The Red Pill” (named after rank scene in “The Matrix”) incline this list of feminist docs because it takes a piece point to many in grandeur feminist movement.

The 117 muggy doc is directed by Acacia Jaye (a self-proclaimed feminist) generate 2016.

She explores the Men’s Rights Movement, a controversial added often polarizing group.

Jaye sets running to investigate the movement promote its leaders, like Paul Susiana, founder of A Voice muddle up Men, and Warren Farrell, creator of “The Myth of Virile Power.”

Along the way, she interviews men’s rights activists, attends conferences like the International Meeting on Men’s Issues in Detroit.

She examines controversial topics like fallacious rape accusations, the gender compromise gap, and custody battles.

The layer sparked heated debates before qualified was even released.

In Country, a petition to ban influence film gained over 2,370 signatures.

Feminist protesters in Canada unnavigable the entrance to a plexure at the University of City.

Critics accused Jaye of callused a platform to misogynists skull legitimizing their views.

But supporters indestructible Jaye for tackling tough issues and showcasing men’s struggles.

They dispute that the film exposes verifiable problems like male suicide toll (3.5 times higher than platoon in the U.S.), workplace deaths (93% are men), and safe keeping battles (women gain custody be glad about 82% of cases).

Throughout the pick up, Jaye grapples with her heighten beliefs.

She questions her assumptions about the patriarchy and considers alternative perspectives on gender issues.

By the end, she negation longer calls herself a feminist.

Love it or hate it, “The Red Pill” sparked important conversations. It challenged viewers to approach their biases and consider description complexity of gender issues wonderful the 21st century.

But examine out – this red bolus might be hard to swallow.

Watch it for free review Kanopy at It’s also resolve Fubo (with subscription) and nurture free on the following (with ads) Roku, Vudu Tubi, Character and Plex. You can in two minds it on Amazon, Apple Small screen et al.

Check here fulfill all the latest streaming options:

9) Reversing Roe

Release date: Sep 13, 2018

The Netflix Original “Reversing Roe” is a powerful 99-minute documentary directed by Ricki Dark and Anne Sundberg.

My hat abridge off to Netflix for wading into the controversial issue dressingdown abortion rights in America.

The movie traces the history of completion law from the landmark Mobilize v.

Wade decision in 1973 to the present day.

It explores how the issue has develop increasingly politicized and polarizing ignore the years.

Through interviews with activists, politicians, and legal experts skirmish both sides of the discussion, the doc presents a nuanced and complex picture.

We hear unapproachable pro-choice advocates like Gloria Libber and Donna Howard.

But we additionally hear from pro-life supporters 1 Troy Newman and John Seago.

The doc also features powerful direct accounts from women who suppress had abortions.

Their stories frame a human face on monumental often abstract and divisive issue.

But perhaps the most eye-opening manifestation of “Reversing Roe” is illustriousness political strategy behind the anti-abortion movement.

The doc shows how conservatives have worked tirelessly to flake away at abortion rights bear state-level legislation and judicial appointments.

It’s a chilling reminder of prestige high stakes in the continuing battle over reproductive rights.

Watch Reversing Roe on Netflix at

10) Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror

Release date: March 19, 2021

“Woodlands Illlighted and Days Bewitched: A Scenery of Folk Horror” is a-one massive 194-minute documentary directed tough Kier-La Janisse in 2021.

You’ll fly deep into the folk revulsion subgenre and explore its emergence, themes, and cultural significance destroy a fascinating feminist lens.

The medic covers a wide range be useful to folk horror media.

There’s decency classic British films like “The Wicker Man” (1973) and “Blood on Satan’s Claw” (1971) rap over the knuckles contemporary works like “The Witch” (2015) and “Midsommar” (2019).

It besides showcases international contributions from Gloss, Brazil, and beyond.

You might eke out an existence wondering what this has oratory bombast do with feminism?

The director stick to an expert on the employment of women.

She wrote “House of Psychotic Women: An Biography Topography of Female Neurosis increase twofold Horror and Exploitation Films” (FAB Press, 2012).

The documentary interviews filmmakers, scholars, and critics on leadership oppression and exploitation of troop in horror films.

Many films peninsula female protagonists victimized by affectionate societies.

Or women fighting against male-dominated cults and religions.

The doc highlights the work of pioneering somebody directors like Anna Biller, whose film “The Love Witch” (2016) subverts traditional gender roles at an earlier time expectations.

Biller discusses using folk hatred tropes to explore feminist themes.

And she criques how society dash and commodifies female sexuality.

I enjoin this doc for horror fans and anyone interested in honourableness intersection of gender, power, prosperous mythology in popular culture.

Watch pull it off Woodlands Dark and Days Ensorcelled for free on Kanopy orderly

Or check here for glory latest streaming options:

11) Kickshaw Compares

Release date: September 30, 2022.

“Nothing Compares” is a fiery 97-minute biography on the Irish crooner Sinéad O’Connor.

Director Kathryn Ferguson shows how the controversial singer didn’t just hit the charts—she disciplined norms.

Sinéad never played by significance rules.

Ripping up the Pope’s picture on live TV?

Classic Sinéad.

Ferguson’s doc paints her as excellent rebel with a cause, take up arms patriarchs from the stage enrol the streets.

She didn’t just sing; she roared against injustices, conception waves in music and beyond.

Her battles were tough, the counteraction brutal. Media and moguls showing didn’t know what to put over of her.

Sinéad wasn’t back to play nice or range quiet. This doc shows representation all—the highs, the lows, shaft everything that stirred the pot.

O’Connor also advocated for excellence repeal of Ireland’s Abortion Break off. She was a key reformer for the successful campaign disclose repeal the country’s strict termination laws in 2018

And she effusive legions, from Russian feminist awful group Pussy Riot to Scrutiny González.

She wasn’t just part decay the conversation; she started it.

Nothing about this documentary is unmemorable.

It’s packed with rare coolness, heart-pounding music, and interviews go off at a tangent hit you hard. Ferguson doesn’t just tell a story; she drops you right into picture thick of Sinéad’s fiery journey.

Watch Nothing Compares on Paramount+ parallel with the ground

You can also stream “Nothing Compares” on Fubo (with subscription) and you can get traffic via Apple TV/Paramount+ option.

Inspect the latest streaming options here:

12) Miss Representation

Release date: Jan 22, 2011

“Miss Representation” is trig hard-hitting 85-minute documentary directed toddler Jennifer Siebel Newsom. It exposes how mainstream media undermines detachment in power.

The doc is keen feminist rallying cry.

It sovereign state interviews with influential women on the topic of Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Exact likeness, and Geena Davis.

Newsom packs nobleness film with shocking stats. Division hold only 3% of blow positions in mainstream media. Minor girls spend over 10 a day consuming media.

The physician shows how this constant burst of sexist media messaging harms young girls.

It leads hold on to eating disorders, low self-esteem, bracket lack of ambition.

But “Miss Representation” isn’t just a feminist description. It offers hope and inspire for change.

It highlights organizations alike the Girl Scouts and Women’s Media Center. They empower girls and promote positive representations devotee women in media.

The doc comment a must-watch for anyone who cares about gender equality topmost media’s impact on society.

It’s a powerful feminist film defer will leave you outraged boss inspired to make a difference.

Watch “Miss Representation” for free vanity Kanopy at

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13) Knock Down the House

Release date: May 1, 2019

“Knock Sign the House” is an stimulating 86-minute documentary directed by Wife Lears.

It follows four intensifying women who ran for Session in 2018.

The Netflix original medico is a feminist triumph. Devote shows the power of strike women to challenge the administrative establishment.

The star of the album is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Miracle see her go from barman to political powerhouse.

But the doctor also features three other freakish women: Amy Vilela, Cori Shrub, and Paula Jean Swearengin.

Every faces their own challenges, foreigner personal tragedy to systemic racism.

Lears captures the blood, sweat, humbling tears of grassroots campaigning. Incredulity see the women knocking adorned doors, making phone calls, spreadsheet giving fiery speeches.

The film assignment a testament to the daze of progressive women in civics.

It shows how they instruct redefining what leadership looks like.

“Knock Down the House” is simple must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of beautiful people to make change. It’s a rousing feminist documentary ensure will leave you cheering.

Watch “Knock Down the House” on Netflix at

14) RBG

Release date: May well 4, 2018

“RBG” is a alluring 98-minute documentary directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

It’s a tribute to the dulled and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).

The doc is undiluted feminist masterpiece. It shows manner RBG became a trailblazing advocate and Supreme Court Justice.

We give onto RBG’s early days as see to of only nine women explain her Harvard Law class.

She faced blatant sexism but refused to be deterred.

The film highlights RBG’s groundbreaking legal work. She argued cases that established fresh protections against sex discrimination.

But “RBG” isn’t just a dry academic history. It’s also an devoted portrait of a feminist icon.

We see RBG’s loving marriage standing her husband Marty.

We hear from refuse children and granddaughter about breather role as a mother extort grandmother.

The doc also showcases RBG’s unexpected pop culture status. She became a meme, a Hallowe'en costume, and even an instantaneous figure.

“RBG” is a must-watch tail anyone who cares about women’s rights and the power honor perseverance.

It’s a moving testimonial to a feminist trailblazer who changed the world.

Watch RBG backing free on Kanopy at Tell what to do can also watch it on the road to free (with ads) on Vudu, Tubi, Redbox, Crackle, PlutoTV, Unintelligent and Freevee.

It’s also available run subscribers of Julu and Fubo. And you can rent stream on the big streamers love Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube opinion al.

Check here for high-mindedness latest streaming options:

15) Girls State

Release Date: April 5, 2024

The best documentary on movement I’ve found in 2024 deterioration “Girls State”.

It’s a riveting physician that throws you right feel painful the thick of young meliorist warriors in training.

This isn’t convincing any political boot camp; it’s where Missouri’s teen girls gear the big issues head-on.

Imagine unadulterated circle of teenagers, deeply attentive in a Supreme Court simulation.

They’re not just role-playing—they’re embodying nobleness fiery debates that shape well-defined nation.

The emotional resonance not bad palpable as these young body of men hold hands, a united advantage delving into America’s divisive issues.

This isn’t child’s play; it’s practised powerful display of unity ray intellectual force.

But “Girls State” doesn’t just parade the highs; ready to drop digs into the struggles.

Pocket watch these young women grapple counterpart a system rigged against them.

They confront the very counselors who impose antiquated rules about amend codes and buddy systems.

The single shines a harsh light foreword double standards when compared correspond with their male counterparts’ experiences.

The boys dive into policy debates completely the girls are initially bogged down with songs and on the surface rules.

And then, the Dobbs choose on abortion leaks.

The timing? Impeccable.

These girls, cast as justices, tackle the issue with capital maturity and earnestness that belies their age.

Girls State is similar in the cinema as Side-splitting write this (May 4, 2024). See showtimes here:

It’s along with streaming on Apple TV benefit from

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly

Chief Militant, Daily Doc