The Friday Favorites segment was inspired by total unjustifiable rage. Not against anyone in particular, of course. I just get my moods. Anyhow, I thought it would be excellent to make a list of all the movies that really gets me into my “female empowerment” mode.
You see, I know there are a lot of lists out there that revolve around horror movies about feminism and “final girls”, even chicks getting revenge. But none of those lists really speak to me in a whole. Sometimes, just sometimes, I want to see women show their anger and beat the patriarchy in some way or another, without the movie being so freaking dark I can’t watch it again (I’m looking at you, I Spit on your Grave).
So, here we are. This is my answer to what I feel are great female-centric horror films …
Will the Friday Favorites posts always be about movies? Perhaps. We’ll see. 🙂 Will I post a Friday Favorites list every single week? Probably not. Don’t get greedy, sheesh.
Still, if you’re looking for some great horror flicks that’s female-centric in some way, this is a good place to start.
Friday Favorites
Ginger Snaps (2000)
This coming-of-age horror film is one of my absolute favorites, because it kinda spoke to me on a personal level in my youth. Yes, growing up totally sucks, but it could be worse … It could be much worse. Just ask Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and her sister, Brigitte (Emily Perkins).
In this movie, we’re talking about an exploration of not only the usual bodily changes and confusion of girls growing up, but also a fun little twist on the werewolf myth. Furthermore, I like the message of sisterhood that plays out, because sometimes it’s not all sunshine and roses.
And you know what? Ginger Snaps just rocks. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already, and if you have … Well, maybe it’s time to watch it again.
Misery (1990)
Not exactly the type of movie one would expect on a list about female empowerment, but surely I’m not the only one who’s gotten so angry I just wanted to scream: “shut up and do as I cockadoodie say”. Ah, there’s nothing quite like channeling my inner-Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) when the patriarchy gets on my nerves. I mean, I won’t actually hobble anyone, but sometimes I really relate to Annie. So, yes, Misery totally gets onto my list when it comes to RAGE.
Teeth (2007)
When it comes to the ultimate feminist movie, Teeth takes first prize. One could argue that this body horror is yet another coming-of-age film, but people often don’t always want to remember it exists due to certain elements. Now, I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say that it is possibly one of the most empowering flicks when I’m fuming at men. I mean, this movie goes out of its way to really make them suffer. Of course, in the film, most of the men—some would argue all of the men—had it coming. Teeth really is a flick you should watch if you are in the mood to feel empowered.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Probably everyone’s seen Jennifer’s Body by now, because all the guys were like, “Ooh Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried are kissing”, but it still deserves to be on this list. I mean, demonic revenge and total IDGAF moments really isn’t a hard sell for me, so I dig this film as a female-centric horror movie. Also, I totally enjoy how friendship is tested to its limits in this one. Honestly, it’s a good introductory horror flick for those who aren’t quite familiar with the genre, which makes it a perfect addition to my Friday Favorites list.
Final Girl (2015)
I only recently watched Final Girl, but I have to say it was pretty freaking awesome. There were some elements of the movie I would have changed a bit, but Abigail Breslin did a superb job in kicking butt. Is Final Girl as gruesome as some of the other films on this list? No. Is it full horror even? Not entirely. It actually leans more toward the thriller genre, due to the revenge aspects, but the kills … Ah, yes, those were fantastic.
Still, after my viewing, I just felt kinda invincible, which means I get to put it on this list. Yay me!
Happy Death Day (2017)
YES! OMG yes! This film has everything I didn’t know I want from a slasher. Happy Death Day drilled a massive hole into my heart, and I love everything about it. This nice little twist on the Groundhog Day trope (which I usually despise), has an amazing cast, some super fun kills, and a great plot. But best of all? Jessica Rothe’s pure, unadulterated frustration. Definitely check out Happy Death Day and its sequel, Happy Death Day 2U.
Bride of Chucky (1998)
Okay, I know, the Bride of Chucky isn’t exactly what one would call “female-centric”, but this is my list and I love Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). So, she gets to stay. I’ve watched this movie so many times that some of Tiffany’s dialogue actually gets quoted around my house when I get cranky. Now, if you haven’t seen this one, you can expect possessed dolls killing people and a lot of laughs. Yes, I did say laughs. This one is all about the snarky comebacks, baby.
Honorable Mentions
There are so many more great horror films that shows females getting their grrrrr on. I mean, horror is all about female empowerment, which is more than I can say about certain other genres. Take for example:
Carrie by Stephen King (not the remake) should be on this list, too, but I already picked Misery and thought it’ll be overkill if I added more than one King film. There’s also The Ring (of course I’m always rooting for Samara) and Silent Hill to consider. Oh, and lest I forget the Resident Evil franchise.
Heck, there’s too many to mention in one post.
Maybe I’ll do a part 2 in the future. *wink* Happy watching, y’all!
P.S. If you’re a young adult, maybe just get your parents’ permission before you watch some of these movies.
