An evolving list of the 150+ films directed by women that I consider essential viewing. Films are organized chronologically.

This list includes only films I have seen so there are definite gaps currently. I plan on having it eventually grow to 200 films. As I blog each decade for my “A Century+ of Cinema” blogging project and fill in these gaps, I will add or subtract films as needed.

This list does not include films that are co-directed by men. It's a choice.

This list is very different from my list of favorite films by women, which you can find here: letterboxd.com/sylvie/list/films-by-women-100-favorites/

Also, if you are wondering why [insert major film by major woman director here] isn't here, it may be because I haven't seen it yet: letterboxd.com/sylvie/list/films-by-women-to-be-watched/

For a (much, much) more comprehensive list of films directed or co-directed by women, I recommend this list: letterboxd.com/michaelhaneke/list/films-directed-by-women/

Last updated: 7/22/23