As little girls grow up, they all realize at some point that they are conditioned to be in an unspoken competition with one another. This often comes in the form of status, romance, and even friendships. They know to look out for thetypical mean girl, who might, as depicted in film, wear the mini skirt and push other girls into lockers, but young girls are rarely warned about the fake smiles plastered on some seemingly friendly faces. There are too many films and television shows that use this backstabbing mean girl trope to carry on a storyline, but that is starting to change.
Happily, with the amount of successful women stepping out of the spotlight and carving their placesbehind the camerasand writing desks, it has become more common to find women supporting one another on- and off-screen. These healthy interactions and positive relationships between women characters become a reflective piece for audiences in real life. It shifts the idea that women do not have to be (and never should have been) in constant competition with their friends or even their colleagues. Instead of channeling all of their energy into judgment and doubt, they can choose to cheer for one another’s accomplishments. These 12 movies and TV shows remind us of all the good things that come when women celebrate and uplift other women.
12The Other Woman
Cheating often plays a part in scripts because it easily adds conflict to a storyline. However, when three women — a wife, a long-term girlfriend, and a fling — discover that one man has been playing all of them, as seen inThe Other Woman, girl code is kicked into overdrive. Instead of tearing one another apart in hopes that the guy will pick them over the others, the three women team up to get back at the pathetic cheater. From amusing pranks, like incorporating laxatives and estrogen pills into his diet, to taking on legal action to help his soon-to-be-ex wife, the three women learn to support one another through this horrible experience.
11Gilmore Girls
Aside from Taylor Dooseand Luke Danes, Stars Hollow seems to be run by women inGilmore Girls. Miss Patty teaches dance, Gypsy is the town mechanic, Mrs. Kim sells the best furniture, Sookie is the most amazing chef, and Lorelai might as well be the town’s entrepreneurial queen. All of these women help one another when in need, but they also serve as incredible role models for Rory. As she sees town’s women supporting one another, it reinstates the idea that she does not have to be in competition with other women. Even Rory’s competitive streak with Paris morphs into a beloved friendship as the two mature and learn to hold up one another.
10Bridesmaids
It is often said that every little girl dreams of her wedding day, butBridesmaidschallenges that statement. While helping prepare for Lillian’s wedding, Annie begins to feel that societal urge to compete with another woman, Helen, for her best friend’s validation and attention. During her struggle, she finds herself adopted into an odd friendship with the groom’s sister, Megan. Through a lot of self reflection and harsh but honest conversations, Annie and Lillian’s friendship is restored. They are able to openly speak about insecurities and celebrate how far the other has come.
9Girls Trip
When old girlfriends reunite and throwback to their party animal days, fans know there is a recipe for disaster in the making. InGirls Trip, Ryan invites her three best friends, Sasha, Lisa, and Dina, on a trip to New Orleans, so they can all catch up. Being that each woman is dealing with her own conflict back home, a getaway with the girls is perfect to rekindle old friendships. This film shows the craziness of a girls' weekend away, but it also brings to light how supportive old friends can be when vulnerable topics arise. As expected, there are some problems that take place within the group, but the women are able to set aside differences and encourage one another to face harsh truths and move on.
8Firefly Lane
In a field dominated by men, Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart had only each other to lean on while desperately trying to make their way in the world of news reporting. Their friendship began at the peak age of girls not trusting one another, but it got stronger with every twist and turn. From dealing with traumatic occurrences to encouraging one another to pursue their dreams, this unique pair shows what decades of friendship can accomplish. The second part ofFirely LaneSeason 2, which airs April 2023, will further show how two women who have been through seemingly everything together can overcome hardship.
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7Grace & Frankie
There is something so pure when it comes to women friendships being born from previous hatred, and when the two individuals are wildly different older women, whose husbands left them after coming out of the closet, a masterpiece is made.Grace & Frankiestarted out with the women barely tolerating one another, but they knew absolutely no one else would understand their situation. Between learning to deal with getting older, dealing with families, and essentially starting over in life, the duo comes to accept and support one another on their new adventure.
6The Golden Girls
An iconic sitcom,The Golden Girlsbroke barriers with the leading women openly discussing sex, addiction, and the realistic struggles that come with getting older. Thesefour lovely ladies— Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia — set the tone for women everywhere, and they taught fans that a man is not necessarily needed when you have your girls around you. Each woman is independent in her own way, but they also rely on one another in times of need. They prove that witty one-liners and targeted threats do not diminish the love between true friends, but rather solidify that bond even more.
5Legally Blonde
Elle Woods is one of the most recognized characters that breaks the “dumb blonde” stereotype. By never talking down to her less-than-intelligent friends and genuinely trying to help the women around her, Elle shows what it means to be a modern-day feminist. InLegally Blonde, she helps her friend Paulette gain the confidence needed to stand up to her ex, she refuses to expose a trusted secret from her client, and she even befriends Vivian who previously hated her. Elle goes on to empower and celebrate the hard work of more women inLegally Blonde 2, anda third movieis in the works.
4Sex and the City
The women-centered series,Sex and the City, beautifully portrays what it means to celebrate and support women’s achievements. From motherhood, to climbing the ladder in one’s career, to having the best sex, these women are able to communicate and share with one another what they want in life. It is important to note how the four leading ladies all live different lifestyles and have differing views of success. Instead of having a one-track mind and sharing the struggles of similar careers, the characters are able to sympathize with one another and help each other reach their goals.
3Hidden Figures
Based on a true story, three highly intelligent African American women prove that the mind of a woman is equal and sometimes better than that of a man. Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy work at NASA inHidden Figures, where they are already seen as lesser-than due to their race as well as their gender. Katherine proves herself worthy of her position by showing what her mind can do with impossible mathematical equations in a room full of white men. Mary protests to further her own education. Lastly, Dorothy sees that technology is on the brink of replacing “the computers,” so she takes it upon herself to learn and teach others about programming. Thesewomen break barriersand assist one another to later celebrate their accomplishments.
