For far too long, men have dominated award shows, film festivals, and all in all, the entire film industry. This is a sad truth, as women can put just as much work into a movie as a man does, but get not even half of the credit. Because of this paradox and the popular notion that by default, people just seem to believe a man directed their favorite movie, women directors have been drastically unappreciated for years.
People don’t forget their favorite movies, but they forget that it was a woman who directed those movies. It’s been an unfortunate occurrence in the film industry that women simply do not receive the appreciation that men do, for directing their movies. So let’s take a look at 10 awesome comedy movies you probably forgot - or didn’t even know - were directed by women.
10. FROZEN (2013)
Frozen is still such a talked-about, buzz worthy film today - six years after its initial release - that much about its crew gets overlooked in favour of all the hype surrounding our beloved cast of animated characters. Frozen was a milestone in Disney history, and a lot of the success is owed to the film’s director, Jennifer Lee.
She was not Frozen’s only directed, as she worked alongside Chris Buck to create the masterpiece. But Jennifer Lee definitely deserves a lot of appreciation, as she has directed several significantly successful movies, such as Wreck It Ralph and A Wrinkle In Time. She is also slated to direct Frozen’s sequel, which is to hit theatres this November.
9. BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002)
This 2002 rom-com/sports film is one that everyone often forgets is directed by a woman. Gurinder Chadha is a director who would go on to create several quirky comedies and underrated gems after her biggest film, Bend It Like Beckham, became a massive success.
The film revolves around a teenage girl, Jess, who is the daughter of very strict Indian parents, who won’t allow her to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional soccer player. This all changes when Jess meets Jules (played by Keira Knightly), who plays for a semi-pro team and convinces Jess to join. Bend It Like Beckham is a hilarious, beautiful movie that features empowering characters and friendships.
8. THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL (2015)
This dramedy romance was released in 2015. While it wasn’t a big hit at the box office, the film received exceptional critical success, and holds an almost perfect 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Diary Of A Teenage Girl is set in 1970s San Francisco, and revolves around a rebellious fifteen-year-old girl.
The film was based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s novel, The Diary Of A Teenage Girl: An Account in Words And Pictures. It stars Bel Powley, Kristin Wiig, and Alexander Skargard, and is a compelling yet hilarious journey.
7. BIG (1988)
Big is a very popular movie, but what most people forget is the fact that it was directed by Penny Marshall, who would later go on to direct other smash hits such as Riding In Cars With Boys and A League Of Their Own.
Starring Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins, Big is a quirky, comedic, and beautiful film. It was a massive success when it was released in 1988, grossing $151.7 million on a budget of $18 million. Today, the film is still remembered as a masterpiece, and holds a rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
6. AUSTENLAND (2013)
Directed by Jerusha Hess and written by Shannon Hale, Austenland might not be considered a smash hit, and is often overlooked due to the poor critical reception it received. But that doesn’t mean that the movie isn’t a fun watch.
It stars Keri Russell as an awkward woman who is obsessed with all things Jane Austen - especially the character of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. The film may not be remembered as a classic, but it’s a decent enough comedy, and entertaining for fans of Jane Austen’s works.
5. THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT (2010)
Not to be confused with NBC’s recently cancelled sitcom, The Kids Are Alright is a revolutionary film revolving around a lesbian couple and their twenty-year journey as a couple with two children. As the children grow older, they begin to get curious about their heritage, and attempt to contact their biological father.
The film stars Julianne Moore and Annette Benning. It was directed by Lisa Cholodenko, whose other works include High Art, Cavedweller, and the HBO miniseries, Olive Kitteridge. The Kids Are Alright was Cholodenko’s most successful film, and a timeless one at that.
4. JENNIFER’S BODY (2009)
This dark comedy horror film was controversial when it hit theatres in 2009, as many viewers and critics alike detested it for its bold characters, portrayal of men, excessive gore, and mocking of the horror genre and slasher movies.
But Jennifer’s Body, however poorly received, was an iconic film, and one that fans won’t soon forget. It revolves around the story of a possessed high school girl, and her friend’s desperate mission to save her life. Jennifer’s Body starred Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, and was one of director Karyn Kusama’s most successful films.
3. MAMMA MIA! (2008)
Mamma Mia! is a campy comedy musical that is thoroughly enjoyable to watch and maybe even sing along to. Utilizing Abba’s funky pop music in creative ways, Mamma Mia! received mixed reviews from critics, but was a box office success. The movie grossed $615.7 million worldwide, on a budget of $52 million.
With a cast of beloved stars such as Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth, Mamma Mia! captivated fans hearts from the beginning, and was one of director Phyllida Lloyd’s biggest successes.
2. DR. DOLITTLE (1998)
This memorable, goofy comedy starring Eddie Murphy as the lead, is a very famous movie, and a remake that has spawned several more remakes and sequels. However, this 1998 version is often regarded as the best, and funniest.
The concept of a vet who is able to converse with animals, is executed hilariously by Eddie Murphy, and director Betty Thomas makes this film a success. Thomas would later go on to direct other memorable films such as John Tucker Must Die.
1. SHREK (2001)
Shrek was one of the most famous, beloved animated movies ever made. Hitting theatres in 2001, it was a major success at the box office, and earned a whopping $484.4 million. Today, Shrek holds a rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and is remembered as being an absolute masterpiece of a film.
It’s very frequently forgotten that Shrek was directed by a woman. This is a shame, because for creating this iconic comedic milestone, director Vicky Jensen deserves a lot of appreciation. She directed alongside Andrew Adamson, and together, the two made one of the most famous, unforgettable films ever.
