Top 20 Rated Films Directed By Women According To Letterboxd

In recent years, there has rightfully been growing recognition of women's contributions to the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Many female filmmakers have created masterpieces that have received critical acclaim but deserve to be held in the same regard by audiences worldwide. We will be exploring the top 20 rated films directed by women, as determined by Letterboxd, the popular film review website. These films showcase the diverse talents and perspectives of female filmmakers from around the world and will give you a selection of compelling stories to add to your watch list.

Here are the top 20 rated films directed by women according to Letterboxd:

• City of God (2002)
  
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
  
• Moral (1982)
  
• The Second Mother (2015)
  
• The Ascent (1997)
  
• Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
  
• Aftersun (2022)
  
• Past Lives (2023)
• The Company of Strangers (1990)
  
• Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
  
• Little Women (2019)
  
• The Matrix (1999)
  
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
  
• A Silent Voice (2016)
  
• Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962)
  
• The Turin Horse (2011)
  
• Ode to Nothing (2018)
  
• The Red Point of Marriage (2022)
  
• Jacquot de Nantes (1991)

City of God (2002)

Directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund, City of God is a Brazilian crime drama film that tells the story of a young man named Rocket who grows up in a violent and poverty-stricken neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro. The film explores the harsh realities of life in the favelas and features a large ensemble cast of non-professional actors.

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film set in the impoverished and violent neighbourhood of the same name in Rio de Janeiro. The film follows the lives of several characters, including Rocket, a young man who dreams of becoming a photographer, and Li'l Ze, a ruthless drug dealer who seeks to control the neighbourhood. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that depict the brutal reality of life in the City of God, where gangs and violence reign supreme. As Rocket becomes more involved in the criminal underworld, he must confront the harsh realities of his community and make difficult choices about his future. City of God is a masterful and intense film that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Directed by Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French historical drama film set in the 18th century. The film tells the story of a painter named Marianne who is commissioned to create a portrait of a young woman named Héloïse. 

Héloïse is a young woman who has just left a convent and is soon to be married off to a wealthy man in Milan. However, Héloïse is reluctant to sit for the painting, and Marianne must spend time with her in secret to capture her likeness. As the two women spend more time together, they develop a deep connection and fall in love. The film explores themes of love, desire, and the constraints of societal expectations, as Marianne and Héloïse navigate their feelings for each other within the confines of their time and place. The film is a beautifully shot and emotionally charged meditation on the power of love and the importance of self-expression.

Moral (1982)

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Moral is a Filipino drama film that explores themes of morality and corruption. The film tells the story of a journalist who investigates a corrupt government official and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of political intrigue.

The story is set in a small, conservative town in the Philippines during the 1970s, where the strict Catholic values of the community are challenged by the arrival of Elsa, a young and free-spirited woman who moves in with her grandmother. Elsa's behaviour, including her unapologetic sexuality and rejection of traditional gender roles, causes a stir among the townspeople, particularly the men, who are both intrigued and scandalized by her. As Elsa becomes more involved in the community, she forms a relationship with a local teacher, who is also struggling with his own conflicts between his desires and his religious beliefs. The film explores themes of morality, sexual liberation, and the clash of tradition and modernity in a deeply conservative society. With its frank and honest depiction of sexuality and social issues, Moral is a ground-breaking film that challenged the status quo and continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Second Mother (2015)

Directed by Anna Muylaert, The Second Mother is a Brazilian comedy-drama film that tells the story of a live-in housekeeper named Val who has been working for a wealthy family in São Paulo for years. When Val's estranged daughter comes to visit, their relationship is put to the test as Val confronts the class differences that have separated them.

Val is a hardworking and loyal employee who is treated like a member of the family, but her relationship with her teenage daughter Jessica is strained as Jessica has grown up with her grandparents in a different city. When Jessica comes to visit and expresses a desire to attend university in São Paulo, Val is excited but also anxious about the impact of her daughter's presence on her carefully structured life. As the family's dynamic is disrupted by Jessica's arrival, tensions and long-held resentments rise to the surface, leading to a dramatic and emotional climax. The Second Mother is a poignant exploration of class, privilege, and family dynamics, as well as a powerful indictment of the often-invisible labour of domestic workers.

The Ascent (1997)

Directed by Larisa Shepitko, The Ascent is a Soviet war drama film set during World War II. The film tells the story of two Soviet partisans who are captured by the Germans and forced to betray their comrades. The film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the brutalities of war.

The soldiers, led by two friends, Sotnikov and Rybak, face numerous obstacles as they climb the treacherous mountain in freezing conditions, including limited supplies and the constant threat of attack from the enemy. As they struggle to make progress, tensions rise within the group, and secrets and betrayals are revealed, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion. The film is a harrowing and powerful exploration of the cost of war and the human toll of conflict, as well as an intimate portrayal of the bonds between soldiers and the sacrifices they make for their country.

Werkmeister Harmonies (2000)

Directed by Béla Tarr, Werkmeister Harmonies is a Hungarian drama film that tells the story of a small town that is visited by a traveling circus. The film explores themes of power, manipulation, and the ways in which people are controlled by those in authority.

The story is set in a small Hungarian village, where a traveling circus arrives with a mysterious attraction, a giant whale. János, a young man who works at the local pub, becomes fascinated by the whale and its power to mesmerize the villagers. János becomes involved in a plot to use the whale to stage a revolution against the corrupt government, but as the plan unfolds, chaos and violence erupt, leading to a tragic and unsettling conclusion. The film is a powerful allegory about power, control, and the manipulation of the masses, as well as a meditation on the power of art and the mysteries of the universe. The film's haunting black-and-white cinematography and slow, deliberate pacing create a mesmerizing atmosphere that immerses the viewer in the strange and unsettling world of the village.

Aftersun (2022)

Directed by Charlotte Wells, Aftersun is a British drama film that explores themes of love, loss, and the ways in which people change over time.

Charlotte Wells' Aftersun is a coming-of-age drama film that premiered in 2022, featuring an ensemble cast led by Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, and Celia Rowlson-Hall. The movie is set in the late 1990s and follows Sophie, an 11-year-old girl, who travels to a Turkish resort with her father on the eve of his 31st birthday. As they navigate their time in the idyllic vacation spot, Sophie grapples with growing up and coming to terms with the complexities of adulthood while her father tries to hold onto his youth. Twenty years later, Sophie reflects on their last holiday and attempts to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn't.

Past Lives (2023)

In her feature directorial debut, Celine Song writes and directs the American romantic drama film, Past Lives. The movie features Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, and focuses on two childhood friends reuniting and exploring their connection while reflecting on their personal lives.

Celine Song's upcoming film, set to be produced and distributed by A24 alongside Killer Films and CJ ENM, originally announced Choi Woo-shik as the lead actor and Song as the director in January 2020. However, in August 2021, the cast underwent changes, with Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro joining the film and Yoo stepping in to replace Woo-shik.

The Company of Strangers (1990)

Directed by Cynthia Scott, The Company of Strangers is a Canadian drama film that tells the story of a group of women who become stranded on a bus during a snowstorm. The film explores themes of isolation, community, and the ways in which people form connections with one another.

The story follows a group of eight elderly women who are stranded in a rural area after their bus breaks down during a tour. As they wait for help to arrive, the women form a bond and share stories from their past. They build a temporary community and engage in acts of imagination, reflection, and storytelling, revealing their life experiences, fears, and dreams. Through their conversations, the women confront issues such as aging, mortality, and isolation, while also celebrating their resilience and the power of friendship. The film is a moving tribute to the strength and spirit of older women, highlighting the importance of human connection and the richness of life experience.

Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)

This is a Belgian film directed by Chantal Akerman, and is a study of the daily life of a middle-aged widow and mother. The film is known for its slow, deliberate pacing and long takes, and is considered a classic of feminist cinema.

The film follows the daily routine of a single mother, Jeanne Dielman, who lives with her teenage son in a small apartment in Brussels. Over the course of three days, the film meticulously documents every aspect of Jeanne's life, from cooking and cleaning to running errands and servicing male clients as a prostitute. As the days pass, the film slowly builds tension and a sense of unease as Jeanne's routine becomes increasingly disrupted. The film is an experimental and meditative exploration of the domestic and the mundane, and is often considered a seminal work of feminist cinema.

Little Women (2019)

This is a film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel of the same name, directed by Greta Gerwig. The film follows the lives of four sisters in 19th-century New England, and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet.

Set in the 1860s, the film follows the lives of the four March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth - as they navigate their way into adulthood in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The story is told through flashbacks and jumps between different timelines, exploring the sisters' relationships with each other, their struggles and triumphs, and their personal and creative ambitions. The film features a star-studded cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, and has been praised for its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and modern take on the classic story.

The Matrix (1999)

This is a science-fiction action film directed by the Wachowskis. The film is set in a dystopian future where humans are trapped inside a simulated reality created by machines, and follows the story of Neo (Keanu Reeves), a hacker who learns the truth about his world and joins a rebellion against the machines.

After being contacted by a mysterious woman named Trinity, Neo learns that the world he knows is a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by sentient machines to keep humanity in perpetual slavery. Neo joins a group of human rebels led by the enigmatic Morpheus, who believes that Neo is "the One," a prophesied hero who can defeat the machines and free humanity from the Matrix. The film is known for its ground-breaking visual effects, stylized action sequences, and complex philosophical themes exploring the nature of reality, free will, and the human condition.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

This is a comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The film follows a dysfunctional family as they embark on a road trip to get their daughter to a beauty pageant. The film stars Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, and Alan Arkin.

The story follows the dysfunctional Hoover family as they embark on a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to California so their daughter, Olive, can compete in the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant. Along the way, they encounter numerous setbacks and personal crises, including financial troubles, a grandfather with drug addiction and a teenager who has taken a vow of silence. Through their struggles, the family learns to come together and support each other, culminating in an unforgettable finale at the beauty pageant. The film is noted for its dark humour, poignant moments, and strong ensemble cast, including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, and Alan Arkin.

A Silent Voice (2016)

This is a Japanese animated film directed by Naoko Yamada. The film follows a young man named Shoya Ishida, who seeks redemption after bullying a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in elementary school. The film deals with themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the challenges of communication.

Shoya Ishida is a former elementary school bully who reconnects with his former classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, who he had relentlessly bullied for being deaf. Tormented by guilt and regret, Shoya seeks redemption by befriending Shoko and learning sign language to communicate with her. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, including the lingering trauma of Shoko's past mistreatment, the two discover that they have much to learn from each other about forgiveness, empathy, and the true meaning of friendship. The film is acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of disability and mental health, as well as its emotional storytelling and beautiful animation.

Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962)

This is a French film directed by Agnès Varda. The film follows a young singer named Cléo as she awaits the results of a medical test, and explores themes of mortality and existentialism.

Cléo, a young pop singer, wanders through Paris for two hours and anxiously awaits the results of a medical test that may reveal that she has cancer. As she roams through the city, she meets various people who challenge her perception of the world, including a soldier on leave and a mysterious stranger who seems to have a deep understanding of her. Over the course of the film, Cléo confronts her mortality and contemplates the meaning of life, love, and art. The film is celebrated for its unconventional structure, its poignant exploration of existential themes, and its vivid portrayal of Parisian life during the early 1960s.

The Turin Horse (2011)

The Turin Horse is a Hungarian film directed by Béla Tarr. It tells the story of a farmer and his daughter who live in a desolate Hungarian village, and their struggle to survive after their horse becomes ill. The film is known for its slow pacing and minimal dialogue, as well as its black-and-white cinematography. It won the Jury Grand Prix at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2011.

The opening scene depicts the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche witnessing a cabman beating his horse in Turin in 1889, an incident that ultimately drives him insane. The film then transitions to a rural farm where the man, his daughter, and their horse live in near-isolation. As the days pass, their lives become increasingly bleak and repetitive, as they face a series of challenges and setbacks that test their endurance and resilience. The film is celebrated for its stunning black-and-white cinematography, its minimalist storytelling, and its powerful meditation on the human condition.

Ode to Nothing (2018)

Ode to Nothing is a Filipino film directed by Dwein Baltazar. Through a series of vignettes, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. It was well-received by critics and won the Best Film award at the 2018 Cinema One Originals Film Festival.

The film follows a woman named Sonya, who is trying to cope with the sudden disappearance of her husband. As she grapples with her grief, Sonya begins to take stock of her life and the choices she has made. She reflects on her career as a writer and her relationships with her friends and family, questioning whether she has truly lived up to her potential. Meanwhile, her husband's absence creates a void in her life that she struggles to fill, leading her to explore new avenues of creative expression and personal growth. The film is a poignant and introspective exploration of loss, identity, and the search for meaning in life.

The Red Point of Marriage (2022)

Directed by Sabrina Rochelle Kalangie, Noktah Merah Perkawinan (The Red Point of Marriage) is a romantic melodrama film from Indonesia released in 2022. The script was written by Sabrina and Titien Wattimena, and it is based on the eponymous 1996 soap opera.

The film depicts the relationship of Ambar (Marsha Timothy) and Gilang (Oka Antara), which hits a rough patch after a heated argument due to the interference of their parents in their personal life. While Gilang works as a landscape architect, Ambar, who takes care of their household and children, finds solace in teaching ceramics workshop classes. Her life takes a turn when she meets Yuli (Sheila Dara Aisha), one of her students, but their bond complicates matters between Gilang, Ambar, and Yuli when Gilang works on Yuli's lover, Kemal's (Roy Sungkono), garden project. Yuli's presence provides comfort to Gilang, who has been feeling lost. However, Yuli also falls in love with Ambar's husband and realizes the pain of unrequited love. Ambar's heartbreak and doubts about the worth of her marriage are explored as she contemplates whether love alone is enough to sustain a relationship.

Jacquot (1991)

Jacquot is a French drama directed by Agnès Varda. The film tells the story of filmmaker Jacques Demy's life growing up in Nantes, France, and his love for cinema. It depicts his childhood experiences, including his fascination with the magic of movies, his close relationship with his mother, and his discovery of his talent for creating films. 

As he grows older, he falls in love with his wife, the writer and director Agnes Varda, and the two of them collaborate on several films. However, Jacques is diagnosed with a terminal illness, and the film chronicles his final days as he looks back on his life and his love of cinema. The film is a poignant tribute to Jacques Demy's life and his enduring passion for filmmaking.

Each movie on this list is a powerful testament to the creativity, talent, and vision of women directors from around the world who have contributed significantly to the art of cinema. These films are a testament to the power of storytelling, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in the film industry. As more women from all backgrounds continue to break barriers in film, we can’t wait to see even more ground-breaking talent emerge in the film industry.

Thanks for reading "Top 20 Rated Films Directed By Women According To Letterboxd" on January Media.