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

Stay warm and cozy this year 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 my 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.

Why veganism and feminism? To understand the deep intersectionality between these two worlds, I suggest checking out my book review of The Sexual Politics of Meat by Carol J. Adams. It provides essential context for the themes we’ll explore in these films.

My Favourite 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.

Thelma & Louise

Director: Ridley Scott
Country of Origin: USA

If you’re seeking a definitive feminist classic, Thelma & Louise is essential viewing. It brilliantly subverts the male-dominated “outlaw” genre by placing two women in control of their own destiny. What begins as a simple escape evolves into a powerful rebellion against social constraints, anchored by a deep, authentic female friendship. The film is far more gripping than you’d expect, culminating in an iconic ending that serves as a stunning, uncompromising masterstroke of liberation. It is a must-watch that transforms a journey of survival into a timeless statement of freedom.

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.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.

The Golden Girls (1985–1992)

Directed by: Terry Hughes, Jay Sandrich, and others
Country of Origin: USA

While it’s a classic sitcom, The Golden Girls is foundational to feminist media. It was revolutionary for centering on four women over the age of 50, showing them not just as mothers or grandmothers, but as independent individuals with active social, professional, and sexual lives.

Educational Feminist Documentaries & History

The Ascent of Woman (2015)

Directed by: Hugo Macgregor
Hosted & Written by: Dr. Amanda Foreman
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

If you are looking for a documentary that fundamentally shifts how you view history, I highly recommend The Ascent of Woman (2015). Hosted by acclaimed historian Dr. Amanda Foreman, this four-part series takes an ambitious, globe-trotting journey—from the nomadic societies of the Eurasian Steppes and ancient Mesopotamia to the imperial courts of Mughal India and the revolutionary movements of the modern West. Rather than presenting a single, linear narrative, the series explores how different cultures across time have defined, limited, or empowered women. It is a compelling, eye-opening watch for anyone eager to understand the diverse global experiences that have shaped the roles, struggles, and triumphs of women throughout human history. After watching, if you’re interested in diving deeper into these themes, please check out my blog, “Imagining a world without men,” where I continue this conversation and explore these topics further.

The Ascent of Woman is free to watch on YouTube. Click here to start watching!

Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada (2012)

Directed by: Karen Cho
Country of Origin: Canada

For a modern and unflinching look at the evolution of women’s rights, Karen Cho’s Status Quo? is an essential watch. This documentary serves as both a powerful homage to feminist pioneers and a sobering wake-up call regarding the work that remains. Cho masterfully interweaves archival footage with contemporary stories, zeroing in on three critical pillars: universal childcare, violence against women, and reproductive justice. I found it particularly moving to hear the firsthand stories from women about their experiences with domestic abuse; it was a sobering education on just how common this struggle remains within my own home country of Canada. The film opened my eyes to the systemic barriers women still face here, from the critical need for more shelters to escape domestic violence to the ongoing hurdles in accessing essential healthcare like abortion. It is a disconcerting yet invigorating film that challenges the myth that equality has already been “won,” proving that the struggle for social justice is an ongoing revolution.

Miss Representation (2011)

Directed by: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Country of Origin: United States

If you want to explore how modern culture shapes our perception of power, Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Miss Representation is a must-watch. This American documentary takes a hard look at how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in influential positions by circulating limited and often disparaging portrayals of them. I found it incredibly eye-opening to see the connection between the over-sexualization of women in news and entertainment and the lack of women in leadership roles across government and business. The film’s powerful mantra, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” really highlights why diverse and substantive representation matters so much for the next generation. It is a compelling call to action that challenges us to be more critical of the media we consume and to demand a culture that values women for their capacity as leaders rather than just their appearance.

Miss Representation is free to watch on YouTube. Click here to start watching!

She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014)

Directed by: Mary Dore
Country of Origin: United States

If you want to witness the birth of a revolution, Mary Dore’s She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry is an essential watch. This American documentary brilliantly captures the spirit of the Women’s Liberation Movement in the United States from 1966 to 1971. It moves beyond the famous names to tell the stories of the grassroots activists who fought for everything from childcare and equal pay to reproductive rights and self-defense. I found it particularly inspiring to see the diverse range of women involved—including the often-overlooked contributions of Black Power and lesbian activists—reminding us that the movement was never just a monolith. Through a vibrant mix of archival footage and contemporary interviews, the film illustrates that the progress we often take for granted today was won through the sheer grit and “irrepressible” energy of women who refused to be silenced. It is a powerful reminder that history is made by those who show up and speak out.

She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry is free to watch on YouTube. Click here to start watching!

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

MILKED (2021)

Directed by: Amy Taylor
Country of Origin: New Zealand

Directed by Amy Taylor, MILKED is an investigative documentary that peels back the layers of the dairy industry’s “fairytale” marketing to reveal the systemic exploitation at its core. I believe this film is essential viewing for feminists because it forces us to confront how the dairy industry is fundamentally built upon the commodification of the female reproductive system. By documenting the cycle of forced impregnation and the systematic separation of mothers from their calves, the film exposes a global industry that relies on the control and exploitation of female bodies for profit. MILKED provides a powerful, fact-based lens through which to examine our own consistency in advocating for bodily autonomy, reminding us that true liberation must extend to all sentient beings who are systemically marginalized by patriarchal, capitalist structures.

Note: If you are short on time, I highly recommend watching Dairy is SCARY!, a brief, high-impact video that perfectly distills these core issues regarding reproductive exploitation into just a few minutes.

Dominion (2018)

Directed by: Chris Delforce (an Australian animal rights activist)
Country of Origin: Australia

Dominion is widely regarded as one of the most visceral and transformative documentaries in the animal rights movement, primarily because it strips away the industry’s “humane” marketing to reveal the raw reality of systemic exploitation. For vegans and feminists alike, the film is a profound interrogation of dominion—the belief that one group has the inherent right to exercise absolute power over the bodies and lives of those deemed “inferior.” By using high-definition drone footage and hidden cameras, the film documents the terrifying scale of industrial agriculture while also focusing on the victims’ individual stories.

For a feminist audience, Dominion is particularly resonant in its exposure of reproductive exploitation; it highlights how the meat and dairy industries are built upon the commodification of female bodies, the forced cycles of pregnancy, and the violent severance of the mother-infant bond. By framing animal rights not just as a matter of diet, but as a struggle against a global “empire of suffering” rooted in hierarchy and control, Dominion serves as a powerful call to dismantle all systems that reduce sentient beings to mere units of production.

Dominion is free to watch on YouTube; click here to watch it.

Sled Dogs (2016)

Directed by: Fern Levitt (Toronto filmmaker)
Country of Origin: Canada

Fern Levitt’s 2016 documentary, Sled Dogs, is an unflinching investigation into the commercial sled dog industry, challenging the widely held, romanticized narrative of the Iditarod and long-distance sledding. By going behind the scenes of high-stakes races and commercial kennels, the film strips away the veneer of “tradition” to reveal the brutal reality of a system that treats intelligent, sentient beings as disposable equipment. It is a vital watch for anyone interested in investigative journalism and animal ethics, as it forces the audience to confront the human-centric policies that prioritize profit and prestige over the fundamental well-being of the animals involved. You can read more about this activism in our feature: Ending The Dog Sledding Industry.

For those of us working at the intersection of feminist animal advocacy and the fight for liberation, Sled Dogs serves as a powerful case study in how systems of power—whether industrial, patriarchal, or colonial—rely on the exploitation of the vulnerable. The film invites viewers to dismantle their own conditioned perceptions of “sport” and confront the ethics of control, making it a compelling, albeit challenging, addition to any documentary list centered on justice and compassion. By highlighting the systemic commodification of living beings, this documentary aligns perfectly with my broader exploration of the woman-animal bond, such as dogs being considered women’s best friend, and the unique role women play in cultivating interspecies harmony. It serves as an essential companion piece to my ongoing discussions on reclaiming women’s history in animal companionship and the vital importance of challenging speciesism to build a truly equitable world for all sentient beings.

Canadian Fur Farms: EXPOSED (2025)

Directed by: Developed and produced by The Fur-Bearers (a Canadian animal protection organization)
Country of Origin: Canada

The 2025 investigative documentary Canadian Fur Farms: EXPOSED provides a harrowing, up-close look at the reality of animal confinement within the Canadian fur industry. Produced by the advocacy group The Fur-Bearers and Kahani Pictures, the film serves as a critical resource for activists by documenting the often-hidden conditions inside these facilities. It challenges the industry’s polished marketing by centering the lived experiences of the animals, effectively forcing a public reckoning with the ethics of commodifying sentient life for fashion. For anyone committed to animal liberation, this documentary acts as an essential tool for education and a powerful catalyst for demanding legislative reform.

If this documentary has deepened your resolve to fight for systemic change, I encourage you to learn more about the tireless work being done on the front lines by visiting our feature: The Fur-Bearers. Their dedication to challenging the status quo and their legislative efforts to ban the fur trade are central to the mission we explore in our broader series on the woman-animal bond. By getting to know their history and their strategic approach to advocacy, you can see how cultivating interspecies harmony and challenging speciesism are not just personal choices, but public acts of resistance. I invite you to explore their impact and reflect on how we can all contribute to a more compassionate world for all species.

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.

The Butler (2013)

Directed by: Lee Daniels
Country of Origin: USA

Spanning several decades, The Butler offers a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a White House servant. It’s a powerful lesson in “quiet resistance” and the different ways we fight for equality.