From NASA to the jungles of Africa: 6 best films about talented women who conquered science

On February 11, the world celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In honor of this event, we have compiled a selection of inspiring films about women who made breakthroughs in scientific research - from NASA mathematicians to the first female Nobel laureate.

"Hidden Figures" (2016)

Director: Theodore Melfi

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe

Plot

Racial segregation and gender biases prevent talented African American female mathematicians from realizing their potential at NASA. The film tells how these women overcame obstacles and played a key role in the success of the United States' Mercury space program.

A group of dark-skinned women in 1960s clothing walking down the hallway — Scene from 'Hidden Figures'

Why You Should Watch

An inspiring story of overcoming prejudice
Strong female roles
Based on true events

I was actively involved in the space race from an early age, watching every launch and return on a black-and-white TV. 'Hidden Figures' takes me back to that world. No, it's not a meticulously accurate picture. But much of it feels real. Very real. If you lived through that time, watch this film to reminisce. If you were born later, watch it to understand how it was.

Reviewer steven-leibson from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2017)
Academy Award Nomination for Best Picture (2017)

"Agora" (2009)

Director: Alejandro Amenábar

Starring: Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac

Plot:

In the 4th century Alexandria, religious intolerance threatens to destroy the knowledge of the ancient world. Imagine your scientific research and philosophical beliefs putting your life at risk. The film follows Hypatia, a female philosopher and astronomer, who desperately tries to preserve knowledge and protect her freedom of thought.

A young dark-haired woman in burgundy ancient clothing, against the background of an older man in ancient attire — Scene from the film Agora

Why You Should Watch

Captivating historical plot
Excellent cinematography
Historical accuracy

The sets, cinematography, costumes, etc., are magnificent, and the shots of Earth from space give the film a slight 'Kubrick' feel because below, people in their madness kill each other over tales of 'my God is better than your God', while the Universe, which we are gradually beginning to understand through SCIENCE, remains unexplored and holds many secrets.

Reviewer endofthelinefilm from IMDb

Awards and Nominations

Goya Award for Best Original Screenplay (2009)
Goya Award Nomination for Best Film (2009)

"Contact" (1997)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods

Plot

Humanity feels alone in the Universe, with no evidence of extraterrestrial life. But one day, astronomer Ellie Arroway receives a mysterious signal from space and embarks on a cosmic journey to prove we are not alone.

A young woman in a flight suit floats in weightlessness inside a spacecraft — Scene from the movie Contact

Why You Should Watch

Engaging science fiction storyline
Outstanding performance by Jodie Foster
High-quality visual effects

All our science, compared to reality, is primitive and naive—yet it's the most precious thing we have. 'Contact' conveys this simple message in a subtle but very powerful way. It's one of the most convincing productions I've seen, especially with Jodie Foster and David Morse. Simply magnificent.

Reviewer SteveHevetS from IMDb

Awards and Nominations

Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1998)
Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation (1998)

"Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" (2017)

Director: Alexandra Dean

Starring: Hedy Lamarr (archival footage), Mel Brooks, Jennifer Hom

Plot

The documentary tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, a Hollywood actress who secretly developed frequency-hopping technology, which became the foundation for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

A young beautiful woman is looking at cages with mice, next to her on the table are test tubes and books on medicine — Actress and Inventor Hedy Lamarr

Why You Should Watch

An inspiring story of a brilliant woman
An informative documentary

She was a woman who wanted nothing but love. Not love for her screen image, but love for the real woman behind all the glamour—the inventor. It's very sad that recognition came too late. Today, many admire her for giving us the technologies we have.

Reviewer Sara Clements from 'Letterboxd'

"Marie Curie" (2016)

Director: Marie Noëlle

Starring: Karolina Gruszka, Arieh Worthalter, Charles Berling

Plot

The scientific world of the early 20th century was closed to women, especially in Europe. Here lives and works Marie Curie, the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. The plot reveals her struggle for recognition in the scientific community.

A young red-haired woman in a strict black dress stands at a table by a chalkboard with formulas written in chalk — Still from the film "Marie Curie"

Why You Should Watch

A quality drama about an outstanding scientist
Excellent acting by Karolina Gruszka
Lovely costumes and sets

I liked how events unfolded dynamically. Everything moved at the same pace and was never boring. It's the perfect film for our feminist era because it's about a woman who fights in a society that looks down on her... But the men close to her loved her mind the most and wanted her success to be acknowledged.

Reviewer subxerogravity on "IMDB"

Awards and Nominations

Winner of the 2017 Bavarian Film Award for Best Director
Winner of the 2017 Bavarian Film Award for Best Production Design

"Gorillas in the Mist" (1988)

Director: Michael Apted

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Bryan Brown, Julie Harris

Plot

Mountain gorillas are on the brink of extinction due to poaching and habitat destruction in Rwanda. Zoologist Dian Fossey dedicates herself to saving them, spending nearly twenty years in Central Africa studying primates.

A smiling woman sits in the grass with a baby gorilla in her arms — Scene from the movie 'Gorillas in the Mist'

Why You Should Watch

An enlightening story about a love for nature
Based on the real work of Dian Fossey

Sigourney Weaver is magnificent in this film and completely immerses herself in the role. You feel her character's passion and respect her for risking her life to conduct important research. She never gives up and never faces defeat. This is a very emotional film that calls on you to respect the Earth and all living creatures on it. I promise you won't be disappointed and might even learn something.

Reviewer Shopaholic35 from 'IMDB'