The Evolution of Feminism in Film: How the Last Decade (2010-2019) Became the Turning Point for Female Representation

Female representation in movies has seen tremendous growth and change during the history of film, but it has seen ground-breaking success only within the last decade. The top-grossing movies from 2010-2019 with a female lead or co-lead show women in particularly feminist roles that depart from the traditional characterization of women as submissive, sexualized, and romantic characters only. Instead, these movies prove that there can be box-office success by putting well-rounded, independent, action-driving, and unapologetic female characters at the front and center of the screen. The feminist movement has made its mark on Hollywood by calling for greater female screen time, increased female-to-female interactions, more female filmmakers behind the scenes, and by debunking restrictive gender tropes.