What We are Watching or Have on the Watchlist During COVID-19
Photo by Nasim Keshmiri
Happy Sunday and what feels like Day 100 of Social Distancing and Home Quarantine. We don’t mean to joke about such a serious situation, but at times, you have to find ways to lighten the mood so you don’t get too blue. We hope you are all doing as best you can given the current situation we are under globally and hope you are in good health and home safely with your families and friends.
It is still Women's History Month - and as we count down the days to the new Hulu series, Mrs. America, to start on April 15th, it got us thinking. Especially given most of us are finding ourselves spending more time than usual browsing the rabbit holes that are Netflix, hulu, amazon prime, apple tv, HBO, and any of the other (too) many streaming services out there.
But what is everyone watching while they are cooped up in their homes??
Our founders, Lisa and Cara have each turned to a specific movie or show to distract themselves from the news. For Lisa, that is getting lost in Schitt’s Creek and for Cara, having Little Women on repeat is keeping her calm. But we also spend a good part of our streaming time searching for a good movie or documentary on an influential woman.
Maybe you are the same?
So, to spare you some time, we did the work for you! Below is a huge list of movies - some we have watched, some that are on our watchlist, and some that are not available on streaming, but are soooo good, they are well worth the price tag.
Please let us know in the comments below what we are missing! What are you watching?! We are always looking for recommendations. Actually...did you know andieanderin is named after strong female characters from movies? Andie is Molly Ringwald’s character in ‘Pretty in Pink’ and Erin Brockovich from the self titled film.
Ok, enough of all the chit chat, now onto the movies! (They are listed in no particular order)
First...did you see Netflix is teasing us with an Untitled Naomi Osaka Documentary...whenever this is out, we will be on the couch front and center!
Hillary
We couldn’t leave the couch when watching this one! Binged the 4 part series all at one time because it is THAT GOOD! A remarkably intimate portrait of Hillary Clinton interweaves revealing moments from never-before-seen 2016 campaign footage with biographical chapters of her life. Featuring exclusive interviews with Hillary Rodham Clinton herself, Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, friends, and journalists, the series examines how she became at once one of the most admired and vilified women in the world.
Makers: Women Who Make America
MAKERS originated from a very clear premise: over the last half century, the work of millions of women has altered virtually every aspect of American culture. The MAKERS platform tells the story of these exceptional women - both famous and heretofore unknown individuals - whose pioneering contributions continue to shape the world in which we live. MAKERS is OUR FAVORITE source when wanting to learn about women in history. We love their documentaries, their instagram, their articles….everything! You have probably seen us share this short clip from Part 3 of the series where Meg Whitman talks about women’s neckwear in the 80s - it’s kind of a fave. In looking for their website, it looks like they are now part of Yahoo. Not sure when that happened, but their website is now yahoo.com/lifestyle/makers
Iris
The film follows then 93-year-old quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed style-maven, Iris Apfel and her now late husband Carl Apfel. The film is touching and an anthem for self expression and fun, at any age. Co-founder, Lisa has seen this documentary literally a hundred times - she will just play it in the background when doing just about anything. Did you see the pic of when she met Iris at a trunk show in NYC. Let’s just say, a few happy tears were involved.
He Named Me Malala
This documentary brings you into Malala’s family, telling the story of her days after being shot and her continued advocacy efforts for women’s education.
Maiden
The inspiring true story of the first all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World yacht race. We don’t want to spoil it, but they kick some ass. A must watch!
Maya Lin: A Clear Strong Vision
This 1995 Oscar winning documentary explores a decade of Maya Lin’s works, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. You can rent the film from vimeo or if you can get past the dots and the film being cropped, you can watch it on youtube :).
Harriet
Harriet tells the thrilling and inspirational story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Also, did you see Cynthia Erivo’s musical performance at the Oscars?? Soooo good.
Hidden Figures
One of our favorite movies of all time and based on a true story, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae play three female African American NASA mathematicians (Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan) that were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations - the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. If you are inspired to learn more, Margot Lee Shetterly first wrote about the story.
RBG
Before ‘On the Basis of Sex’ came to the big screen, this documentary takes you behind the scenes with then 85 year old U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. You get to explore her unique and unknown personal journey of her rise to the nation’s highest court.
On the Basis of Sex
The RBG documentary is tops, but ‘On the Basis of Sex’ is a close second with Felicity Jones playing a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg who brings a groundbreaking case to the U.S. Supreme Court of Appeals that overturns a century of gender discrimination. Also, there is a little cameo that brought us to tears!
Selfmade
Based on a true story. Octavia Spencer plays Madam C.J. Walker in a series inspired by her rise from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self made millionaire. Check out her products for sale today at Sephora.
Homecoming: A film by Beyonce
Always worth putting on, Homecoming is a rare glimpse into Beyonce’s private life as she returns to the stage after delivering twins. The film includes her live performance at the 2018 Coachella, the first time an African American woman headlined the show.
If you are looking for other female artist documentaries, check out Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation (Stream on Hulu), Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana (Stream on Netflix), Lady Gaga’s Five Foot Two (Stream on Netflix), and Amy Winehouse’s Amy (Stream on Netflix).
Frida
Salma Hayek as Frida, an unforgettable woman who lived an unforgettable life. A product of humble beginnings, Frida Kahlo earns fame as a talented artist with a unique vision. And from her enduring relationship with her mentor and husband, Diego Rivera.
Rent on Amazon Video
Dolores: Rebel. Activist. Feminist. Mother
Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the 20th century.
Available with PBS Thirteen membership or for rent on Amazon Video
Being Serena
The five-part HBO Sports series follows Serena through the end of her pregnancy and training to return to her professional tennis career.
American Masters: Althea
Before Venus and Serena made us all pay attention to tennis and even before Arthur Ashe set records for African American’s in the sport, Althea Gibson was truly THE first African American to hit the competitive tennis circuit, winning her first grand slam in 1956. Also, did you see that she was finally recognized this past summer (2019) at the U.S Open with a statue? Better late than never.
Inside Bill’s Brain
This is the closest we can get to a film on Melinda Gates, but it's a good one. The series speaks about the mission of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as specific global projects they are tackling.
Gentleman Jack
The epic story of 19th century landowner Anne Lister, and the first recorded lesbian, who returns to her home to transform its fate - and with plans to marry a woman.
Shine On
Reese Witherspoon visits groundbreaking women to discuss their inspiring journeys, including Dolly Parton, Ava DuVernay, P!ink, Cleo Wade and Elaine Welteroth, Sara Blakely and Candace Nelson, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, America Fesrrera, Kacey Musgraves, and Simone Askew (First African American captain at West Point Military Academy.
Julie and Julia
An oldie, but a goodie. Amy Adams (amateur cook and blogger) decides to spice up her life by cooking all 524 recipes from chef, Julia Child’s cookbook (played by Meryl Streep).
Confirmation
Before Christine Blasey Ford took the stand against Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, there was Anita Hill’s hearing against the 1991 Supreme Court nominee, Clarence Thomas. Kerry Washington plays Anita Hill.
Knock Down the House
The wave of women in U.S. politics is hopefully something that continues for years and years to come. This documentary goes behind the scenes of four women in their 2018 race for congress, most notably including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Oprah Winfrey stars in the true story of a woman’s search for enlightenment about her mother - whose ‘immortal’ cells would save millions of lives.
AND MORE:
Diana: In Her Own Words (Netflix)
Betty White: First Lady of Television (Netflix)
Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers (Netflix)
Feminists: What Were They Thinking (Netflix)
Miss Representation (Netflix)
Losing Sight of Shore (Netflix)
Ladies First (Netflix)
What She Put on the Table (Netflix)
The Poetist (Netflix)
Standing Tall (Netflix)
Limitless (Netflix)
The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson (Netflix)
Waterschool (Netflix)
Woman: Documentary by Gloria Steinem (Hulu)
Outlier: The Story of Katherine Johnson (Amazon Video)
Remarkable Women of the 20th Century (Amazon Video)
The Extraordinary Life of Amelia Earhart (Amazon Video)
American Masters: Billie Jean King (Amazon Video)
Chisholm ‘72: Unbought and Unbossed (Amazon Video)
Betty Davis (Amazon Video)
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (Amazon Video)
Anita (Amazon Video)
Diana Vreeland: The Eyes Have to Travel (Amazon Video)
Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict (Amazon Video)