What to Watch during Women's History Month

Read Time: 9 min.

February 28, 2024

The stories of women throughout history are ones of strength, resilience, and determination. As we learn about the sacrifices made for gender equality and feminism, it's important to commemorate the women who came before us and the stories that have yet to be told. In celebration of Women's History Month, Optimum brings you a list of the best movies and series directed by women and/or starring female main characters.

You can honor Women's History from your couch with your loved ones and favorite snacks. From comedy to science to fashion and more, the following list of must-watch films and series is a great place to start this March.

30. Morning Show Mysteries “Marathon” (Hallmark Mystery)

Catch a marathon of Morning Show Mysteries starring Holly Robinson Peete, Rick Fox, and Colin Lawrence. Airing 3/11.

29. Patsy & Loretta (A&E)

The untold true story of the friendship between two of country music's greatest icons, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. When they first met, Patsy was already one of the biggest stars in country and Loretta was a hillbilly singer with a $17 guitar. Though they were the same age, Patsy took on a big sister role with Loretta, offering her tips on how to make it in Nashville. Soon they were touring together, bonding over their husband troubles and the male dominated music business. Rather than see each other as competitors, they became close friends. But it was short-lived. At only 30 years old, Patsy died in a plane crash. Today, Loretta has been acknowledged as the First Lady of Country Music. She remains grateful to Patsy, who, was not just a dear friend, but a country music trailblazer that paved the way for her. Megan Hilty and Jessie Mueller star.

28. Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (Hallmark Family)

This family Western show centers on the adventures of Michaela Quinn, a doctor who lives in the post-Civil War frontier town of Colorado Springs. Starring Jane Seymour, Joe Lando and Shawn Toovey.

27. Bold & Bougie (AMC)

Throughout the series, we witness the transformation of these badass boss women who have spent their lives being cheerleaders for others. Now, it's their turn to be the center of attention and support each other as they form an unbreakable sisterhood.

26. War Pony (Paramount+ with Showtime)

The interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Directed by Riley Keough and Gina Gammell.

25. Hightown S3 (STARZ)

In season three, Massachusetts State Trooper Jackie Quiñones is off the force, off the wagon, and obsessed with finding missing prostitutes. Her gut tells her she's onto an even bigger white whale than the drugs that plague Cape Cod but even she can't imagine how close to home the threat is and how she will come to question everything she believed in. Disclaimer: Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Hightown © MMXXII Lions Gate Television Inc. All rights reserved.

24. Missing Persons Unit (FOX)

Set in the Philadelphia Police Department's Missing Persons Unit, follow police officer Nikki Batista (Dania Ramirez), as she joins the special unit to help other people find their loved ones. A case-of-the-week show with a case-of-a-lifetime story running through the entire series, this is THE show crime junkies will love.

23. The Walking Dead, The Ones Who Live (AMC)

Rick and Michonne have been separated by distance and circumstance for years with Rick trapped in a world of purgatory by a villainous organization and Michonne weighed down by war, hardship, and motherhood. Yearning to reunite, they'll fight to find their way back to each other to not only rekindle their love, but to become unstoppable heroes determined to save the world.

22. The Equalizer (CBS)

A reimagining of the classic series in which Queen Latifah portrays an enigmatic figure who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. Airing Sundays @ 8PM.

21. Liz & Dick (A&E)

Lindsay Lohan stars as the legendary dame Elizabeth Taylor alongside Grant Bowler as celebrated actor Richard Burton in the Lifetime Original Movie based on the true story of the couple's passionate and tumultuous love affair. For nearly a quarter of a century, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were Hollywood royalty and their fiery romance--often called "the marriage of the century"--was the most notorious, publicized and celebrated love affair of its day. Swarmed by paparazzi worldwide, their love affair was played out entirely in front of the media from the time they met on the set of the major motion picture Cleopatra, left their respective spouses, married and divorced, only to remarry and divorce once again. Despite their roller coaster romance for the public eye to see, Liz and Dick shared an undeniable love greater than most people could ever dream of.

20. The Way Home S2 (Hallmark Channel)

Del, Kat, and Alice search for healing together and learn from their family history, as they seek answers in both the past and the present. Follow their journey. Starring Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, Evan Williams, and Sadie Laflamme-Snow. New Episodes Sundays.

19. Outlander S7A (STARZ)

Following the harrowing events of Season 6, Jamie and Young Ian race to rescue Claire before she's tried and wrongfully convicted for the murder of Malva Christie. But their mission is complicated by the beginning of a geopolitical firestorm: The American Revolution has arrived. In the seventh season of OUTLANDER, Jamie, Claire, and their family are caught in the violent birth pains of an emerging nation as armies march to war and British institutions crumble in the face of armed rebellion. Disclaimer: Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Outlander © 2023 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All rights reserved.

18. Tyler Perry’s Sistas (BET)

Andi, Karen, Danni, Sabrina and Fatima stand by one another through it all: breakups and makeups, career highs and lows, shady business and everything in between. Airing Wednesdays @ 9PM thru 3/13. Available on VOD thru 4/12.

17. The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story (A&E)

The inspiring true story of NBA great Kevin Durant's mother Wanda and her dedication to raise one of the greatest basketball players in the world. As a single mom of two by the time she was just 21, Wanda tirelessly worked to make ends meet and put a roof over the heads of her young sons. With the support of her mother Barbara and of her best friend, Wanda focused all her energy on keeping her boys out of trouble and on the basketball court, selflessly putting aside her own dreams and desires to make sure their goals could be achieved. Her hard work paid off as Tony earned basketball scholarships while Kevin headed to the NBA. When Kevin was named NBA's Most Valuable Player, he dedicated his speech to Wanda, naming her "the real MVP" for all of her sacrifices that allowed him to pursue his dreams.

16. Ghostbusters 2016 (AMC)

Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

15. Come Fly with Me (Hallmark Channel)

After landing a spot on the Thunderbirds team, an Air Force pilot must find a way to balance flying, family, and her budding romance with a widowed father. Starring Heather Hemmens and Niall Matter. Airing 3/9.

14. True Detective: Night Country (MAX)

When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace. To solve the case, Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice.

13. The 355 (STARZ)

CIA agent Mason "Mace" Brown joins forces with a rival German agent, a cutting-edge computer specialist and a Colombian psychologist when a top-secret weapon falls into the hands of a group of mercenaries. Disclaimer: Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. The 355 © 355 Film Rights, LLC 2020/21. All rights reserved.

12. On the Basis of Sex (VOD)

Felicity Jones stars as a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who brings a ground-breaking case to the U.S. Court of Appeals that overturns a century of gender discrimination. HD Version.

11. Power Book III: Raising Kanan S3 (STARZ)

Kanan and the rest of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity. Disclaimer: Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Power Book III: Raising Kanan © MMXXIII Lions Gate Television Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Past Lives (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Childhood sweethearts, after decades apart, are reunited for one fateful week in New York as they confront notions of love, destiny and the choices that make up a life. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro.

9. Little Women (2019) (STARZ)

Four sisters come of age in America during the aftermath of the Civil War. Disclaimer: Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Little Women © 2019 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Monarchy Enterprises S.àr.l. and Regency Entertainment (USA), Inc.

8. The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe (A&E)

Based on best-selling book by J. Randy Taraborrelli, The Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe centers on Marilyn who becomes the face and voice of an era but battles inherited demons. Brave and funny, smart and ambitious, Marilyn conquers a lonely, loveless childhood as Norma Jeane Mortenson, re-inventing herself to become an American icon.

7. Thelma & Louise (AMC)

Two best friends set out on an adventure, but it soon turns around to a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police, as these two girls escape for the crimes they committed.

6. And Just Like That... (MAX)

Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte navigate the complicated reality of friendship, family and New York in their 50s.

5. Frida (VOD)

Portrait of the bold and uncompromising life of political, artistic, and sexual revolutionary Frida Kahlo. Starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina. HD Version.

4. Yellowjackets S2 (Paramount+ with Showtime)

The Yellowjackets barely made it through summer, but now as winter begins to bite, we'll see if hunger and desperation turn into full-on psychosis. Meanwhile, 25 years later, each survivor must determine if the darkness is coming for them or from them.

3. The Devil Wears Prada (MAX)

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway star in this film about a college graduate who goes to work for the boss from hell at a fashion magazine.

2. Hidden Figures (VOD)

An incredible and inspiring untold true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history's greatest operations: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. HD Version.

1. Barbie (MAX)

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you're a Ken.