Movies don’t have to be boring to teach us something.

Whether it’s Josie Alibrandi navigating a cut-throat private school, or a group of Little Women trying to comprehend their sister’s death – women of all ages can learn a lot about life from the films below.

Clueless (1995)

Adapted from Jane Austen’s novel Emma, Alicia Silverstone’s most famous role is the hilarious story of a spoiled Beverly Hills girl growing up, coming back down to earth and falling in love.

Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

As a hopeless, single, cigarette-smoking 30-something, Renee Zellweger reminded millions of women of themselves on a bad day – and to not discount the boy in the daggy Christmas jumper.

The Way We Were (1973)

Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford are the perfect imperfect couple.

Considered one of the greatest romantic films of all time, Barbara Streisand’s ambitious Katie learns that the husband she idolised is just an illusion.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

It doesn’t get more ‘girl power’ than Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon’s badass feminist road trip, featuring a very young and hunky Brad Pitt.

Erin Brokovich (2000)

Based on a true story, Julia Roberts stars as a single mother (with great hair) who singlehandedly takes on a big power company for poisoning residents.

Miss Congeniality  (2000)

Sandra Bullock stars as the rough-and-ready cop who’s forced to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant. Although Bullock winning the man after her makeover isn’t exactly feminism 101, she does learn that being glamorous and being intelligent aren’t mutually exclusive.

Mean Girls (2004)

The teen movie of a generation, this Tina Fey-written comedy produced a wealth of one liners, and gave a bittersweet look into how hard it is to be a girl in high school.

This film stood the test of time. If only the same could be said for Matthew Newton.

He Named Me Malala (2015)

After the Taliban tried to kill her, Pakistani teen Malala Yousafzai became a leading advocate for children’s rights and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Looking For Alibrandi (2000)

An Australian adolescent classic, Looking For Alibrandi manages to nail so many of the struggles young women face: boys, year 12, identifying with heritage – and dealing with overbearing (crazy) families.

The First Wives Club (1996)

Who better to form a fierce female trio than Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton? Laugh and cry as they get revenge on their no-good ex-husbands.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Yes, we all know the famous line, but what does putting “baby in the corner” really mean? Dirty Dancing isn’t just a vapid musical romp: it’s the story of a privileged girl learning there’s a big world out there, and sometimes you’ve got to ruffle feathers.

An Education  (2009)

An Education: the perfect alternative to a fairy tale ending.

Cutesy Carey Mulligan had her breakout performance in this coming-of-age film, featuring one of the more pragmatic and inspirational endings in recent years.

Riding in Cars With Boys (2001)

It’s hard not to feel like this is a bit autobiographical for lead actress Drew Barrymore, whose own childhood reads a bit like a ‘What Not to Do’. Watch this one for the harsh life lessons.

My Brilliant Career (1979)

A perfect film for those in need of an ‘I don’t need a man to make me happy’ moral, Judy Davis and Sam Neil star in this Australian outback romance, based on the book by Miles Franklin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FfZiEJ8Nu8

Mary Poppins (1964)

It’s likely most kids didn’t realise that Mary Poppins was a feminist film. With jingles that catchy, who’s studying the lyrics? It’s worth a re-watch just for Mrs Banks’ song about female suffrage and Poppins’ very casual romance with Bert the chimney sweep.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Ah, the perils of working in the fashion world. Meryl Streep plays the ice queen to a tee and makes you wonder, would people think the same way aboutVogue editor Anna Wintour (who the film is based on) if she were a man?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTDSwAxlNhc

Out of Africa (1985)

The unstoppable Meryl Streep stars again in this story about a headstrong baroness and her passionate love affair with a game hunter in Africa.

Little Women (1994)

Just try not to cry in this one. Adapted from the literary classic, Little Women may be set in the 19th century, but the story of four sisters grappling with womanhood is as relatable as ever.

Little Women‘s dream cast: Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Clare Danes.

Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)

Three Aboriginal girls from the Stolen Generation run away from their white families and embark on a 1500-mile journey across the desert and back to their tribe.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Arguably Reese Witherspoon’s most enduring character, Elle Woods captured our hearts by proving you can be a fashion-obsessed sorority girl and still beat the boys at law school.