10 Movies Without Male Characters You NEED to Watch

It might seem otherwise, but movies starring mainly women are gaining more attention in today’s culture. By “all-female cast,” I mean films where the major characters are predominantly women, with men making occasional appearances to add variety. In recent times, films exclusively featuring female leads were quite rare.

These genres have become extremely popular! Gather your friends, explore the following selection, and then spend a cozy evening together watching some classic movies. Keep in mind that this isn’t an all-inclusive list; instead, it provides a starting point for further exploration.

10. ‘After Blue’ (2021)

IMDb Score: 5.5

In a world where women are the sole inhabitants, “After Blue” narrates the tale of Roxy, a teenage girl who frees a criminal from the sand. Unfortunately, her actions set off a chain of events that she didn’t intend, making her the bringer of dread and devastation, affecting the entire planet.

9. ‘The Duke of Burgundy’ (2014)

IMDb Score: 6.5

As a film enthusiast, let me highly recommend “The Duke of Burgundy” to you this month. This captivating tale, nestled within the realm of S&M love story, stands out as both intellectually stimulating and humorously engaging. The setting is a picturesque rural area in an unnamed European nation, likely the 1970s, where we find ourselves amidst the immaculate, imposing residence of Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen), meticulously cleaned by a woman named Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna). Don’t miss out on this masterpiece!

In the scene, Evelyn is reprimanded for being late, yet she persists in dusting quietly. However, she’s informed that her tasks are not yet complete and that Madame requires a foot massage instead. The situation seems reminiscent of a familiar trope often seen in 1970s budget European erotica.

8. ‘Suspiria’ (2018)

IMDb Score: 6.7

In the throbbing heart of ’70s Berlin, I, a young and ambitious American dancer named Susie Bannion, embark on an extraordinary journey. My goal: to secure a spot in the prestigious Helena Markos Dance Company, a name synonymous with global excellence. As fate would have it, I rise through the ranks to claim the coveted position of lead dancer. Yet, when I reach this pinnacle, the enigmatic Madame Markos weeps and imputes the company’s esteemed female directors with witchcraft.

Simultaneously, an intrigued psychiatrist and a theater performer uncover chilling mysteries and unsettling truths as they delve into the secretive subterranean spaces of the studio.

8. ‘Olivia’ (1951)

IMDb Score: 7.0

The story ‘Olivia’ is based in 19th-century France and focuses on the rivalry between two school principals, Miss Julie (Edwige Feuillère) and Miss Cara (Simone Simon, famously known to American audiences for Jacques Tourneur’s film Cat People).

In the stunningly beautiful, predominantly female world captured by the masterful cinematographer Christian Matras, two headmistresses have established distinct factions, each favoring their chosen students. As a fresh arrival, I find myself amidst these clashing allegiances, yet there’s an undeniable spark that distinguishes me. That spark is none other than me, Olivia (Marie-Claire Olivia), a young, naive newcomer with an infectious optimism, but one who harbors a secret uniqueness.

Olivia’s name, which is not English but French, and hints at a strange otherness.

6. ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ (1958)

IMDb Score: 7.0

1958’s film ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ centers on a student named Manuela von Meinhardis, who is placed at an austere all-female boarding school. Amidst the rigid discipline and regulations, Manuela finds herself developing a profound emotional connection with her understanding teacher, Fräulein von Bernburg, as she navigates the challenges of her new life.

5. ‘Suicide Kale’ (1995)

IMDb Score: 7.2

How would you react if you and your new partner attended a relaxed, boozy lunch with your married friends, only to find what appeared to be a suicide note? It seems that these five-year-old friends are struggling with domestic issues while maintaining a bright facade in their Pinterest-inspired suburban home filled with sunshine.

Are you more about challenging your friends, or do you prefer spending your days enjoying vegan skewers, Panang curry, and kale salads while trying to decipher who sent the message and their motive behind it?

Following an outing at a Kanye West and Drake performance, Jasmine (Brittani Nichols) and Penn (Lindsay Hicks) have been dating for about a month. Billie (Jasika Nicole) and Jordan (Brianna Baker) invite them to lunch, during which time Jasmine and Penn slip away to their bedroom as the hosts argue softly downstairs. In this private space, they discover a note that appears to be both a break-up message and a suicide note.

4. ‘House’ (1977)

IMDb Score: 7.3

A chilling horror film titled “House” was released in Japan back in 1977. The plot centers around a group of school friends who decide to spend their summer vacation at one of their homes, which is rumored to be haunted. As they delve deeper into the house, they experience eerie supernatural occurrences and are systematically haunted and murdered by the very house itself.

The movie blends aspects of horror, humor, and the fantastical, showcasing strange and incongruous events. Over time, it has earned a dedicated fanbase due to its innovative and non-traditional methods in crafting a horror narrative.

3. ‘The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant’ (1972)

IMDb Score: 7.6

Petra von Kant, a renowned fashion designer, is characterized by her arrogance, sarcasm, and self-assuredness. Some time ago, she ended a marriage that no longer held her affection. She maintained a relatively content S&M dynamic with Marlene, who served as both her secretary, maid, and collaborator in design.

In the narrative, we meet Karin, a 23-year-old aspiring model who embodies beauty. As the story unfolds, she becomes the central figure. Captivated by Karin’s charm, the character develops an intense affection for her, extending an invitation for Karin to share her living space. The film then explores the emotional landscape of this romantic entanglement and its repercussions.

Fassbinder structures his story using a series of long, continuous takes spread across five to six scenes, which he maintains with a stationary camera and deep field depth.

Fassbinder constructs his narrative through a sequence of 5 or 6 lengthy shots that are kept constant by a single stationary camera and feature deep focus for an extended duration.

2. ‘The Women’ (1939)

IMDb Score: 7.7

In a surprising turn of events, wealthy Mrs. Mary Haines remains oblivious to her spouse’s infidelity with Crystal Allen, a store employee. Sylvia Fowler and Edith Potter become privy to this information from a nail technician and arrange a clandestine meeting for Mary to be informed about the gossip. As Mary journeys towards Reno on a train to finalize her divorce, she unexpectedly comes across the Countess and Miriam – who happen to be involved in an affair with Sylvia Fowler’s husband.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself immersed in a tale unfolding at Lucy’s rustic ranch hideaway. Upon her arrival, the protagonist, Fowler, was seeking solace after her own divorce, while the Countess was preparing to tie the knot for the sixth time with a man named Buck. The city of New York played host to an intriguing twist: Mary’s former spouse had found himself in an unsatisfying marriage with Crystal, who, in turn, had already embarked on an affair with our elusive Buck.

At a high-end club, Sylvia reveals a secret about the owner, boasting about her plans for an even more affluent marriage. Unbeknownst to her, it’s revealed that the Countess is the one who financially supports Buck. This revelation forces Crystal back to her job at the perfume counter, while Mary is compelled to return home to her husband.

1. ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

IMDb Score: 8.1

1760 in France: Marianne is employed to create a wedding portrait of Hélose, a woman fresh out of the convent. Pretending to be there for company, Marianne observes Hélose during the day and secretly paints her by candlelight at night, as Hélose is reluctant about her upcoming marriage.

In the world of cinema, as I watched these two captivating women dance around each other, their bond deepened and the spark between them ignited. With every step Hélose took into her newfound liberty, she became an embodiment of their shared affection, a collaborative work of art that celebrated their love story.

2025-05-25 05:15