The Ultimate 2026 Guide: Best Feminist and Vegan Movies to Watch This Winter

Stay warm and cozy this winter with a curated list of films and series that challenge the status quo. As a vegan feminist, my media choices often reflect my values—seeking out stories that focus on female agency, bodily autonomy, and a deep respect for all sentient beings. This January, while the frost settles outside, I’ve put together a list of the best feminist and vegan movies to watch in 2026. I’ve revisited many of these titles to find the ones that truly resonate, offering unique perspectives on power, compassion, and resilience.

Top Feminist Movie Recommendations for Empowered Viewing

Women Talking (2022)

Directed by: Sarah Polley
Country of Origin: USA / Canada

This was a profound start to my viewing journey. Based on true events, it follows a group of women in a remote religious colony who must decide whether to stay and forgive, stay and fight, or leave and start anew after years of systemic abuse. It is a masterclass in feminist film themes, focusing on collective action and the power of female voices.

The Keeping Room (2014)

Directed by: Daniel Barber
Country of Origin: USA

Set during the American Civil War, this film centers on three women—two sisters and an enslaved woman—defending their home. It’s a gritty, realistic portrayal of survival that shifts the focus away from traditional “battlefield” narratives to the domestic front, highlighting the immense strength required to navigate a world where men have abandoned all morality.

Wadjda (2012)

Directed by: Haifaa al-Mansour
Country of Origin: Saudi Arabia

This was the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia by a female director, Haifaa al-Mansour. It’s a heartwarming yet poignant story of a young girl who enters a Quran recitation competition to win money for a bicycle. Her quiet rebellion against cultural constraints is incredibly inspiring and reminds us that the fight for freedom often begins with the simplest dreams.

Moxie (2021)

Directed by: Amy Poehler
Country of Origin: USA

Inspired by her mother’s rebellious past and a new friend’s confidence, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school. It’s a fantastic entry point for “riot grrrl” feminism and shows how small acts of resistance can spark a revolution among young women.

One thing I particularly loved about this film is how it weaves in subtle but sharp critiques of the dairy industry. It highlights the misconception that dairy is a healthy necessity, subtly pointing out that the exploitation of female bodies—whether human or animal—is a central social justice issue. It’s a rare and refreshing moment where mainstream feminist cinema acknowledges animal rights as a sister struggle.

Must-Watch Feminist TV Series and Modern Retellings

Ophelia (2019)

Directed by: Claire McCarthy
Country of Origin: USA / UK

If you enjoy retellings, Ophelia is a must. It reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet from the heroine’s perspective. It’s important to me because it transforms Ophelia from a tragic, passive figure into a sharp, cunning woman who takes her fate into her own hands. It’s a beautiful example of reclaiming narratives often dominated by male perspectives.

Maid (2021)

Directed by: John Wells, Helen Shaver, et al.
Country of Origin: USA

This limited series is an incredibly raw and necessary look at a mother escaping an abusive relationship and navigating the exhausting reality of the “poverty trap.” It resonated with me because it highlights the invisible labor and the sheer grit required for a woman to build a life from nothing while the system often works against her.

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Directed by: Scott Frank
Country of Origin: USA

Watching Beth Harmon dominate the male-dominated world of chess was exhilarating. Beyond the competition, the show explores her journey of self-actualization and breaking through the “strong independent woman” stereotype.

Woman of the Hour (2023)

Directed by: Anna Kendrick
Country of Origin: USA

Directed by Anna Kendrick, this film is a chilling look at the reality of male violence and societal dismissal. It depicts the true story of a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game. It highlights the systemic sexism that often allows predators to hide in plain sight.

Cruella (2021)

Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Country of Origin: USA

While often seen as a villain origin story, Cruella works as a brilliant feminist film theme of subversion. It’s about a woman refusing to be “small” or “agreeable” to fit into a corporate hierarchy, celebrating ambition and creativity.

Ginny & Georgia (2021 – Present)

Directed by: James Genn, Danishka Esterhazy, et al.
Country of Origin: USA

This series offers a raw look at the mother-daughter dynamic. Georgia’s fiercely protective parenting style illustrates the lengths women must go to survive in a patriarchal world, all while navigating themes of race, class, and identity.

Essential Vegan Documentary and Movie Picks for Animal Advocacy

Okja (2017)

Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Country of Origin: South Korea / USA

This is a perfect vegan animal rights documentary and movie pick, especially for families. While it starts as a “girl and her pet” story, it evolves into a scathing satire of corporate greed and the meat industry, making the concept of animal sentience accessible for all ages.

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

Directed by: Kelly Asbury & Lorna Cook
Country of Origin: USA

A nostalgic favorite that holds up remarkably well. Spirit is a story of indomitable will and the refusal to be “owned.” It’s an excellent way to introduce themes of animal rights and freedom to children.

Slay (2022)

Directed by: Rebecca Cappelli
Country of Origin: France / USA / Australia

This documentary exposes the “ugly truth” behind the leather, fur, and wool industries. For anyone interested in social justice in cinema, this is essential viewing. It connects the dots between animal exploitation, environmental destruction, and human rights.

Top Animal Rights Documentaries to Stream Now

For those looking for a deeper dive into local and global advocacy, I highly recommend exploring the resources provided by Animal Rights Toronto. Their curated list of documentaries offers a wealth of knowledge on how we can better protect the planet.

Powerful Social Justice in Cinema: Broadening the Lens

Capernaum (2018)

Directed by: Nadine Labaki
Country of Origin: Lebanon

This Lebanese film is an absolute masterpiece of social justice in cinema. It tells the story of Zain, a 12-year-old boy who sues his parents for the “crime” of giving him life in a world of neglect. It is an urgent call for global empathy regarding the rights of children.