The Best Comic Book Movies Directed By Women

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of animated films and graphic novels, I find it truly enchanting to delve into these underappreciated gems that are often hidden from the limelight. Each one of these movies tells a unique story, crafted by talented women directors with distinct voices and perspectives.

It’s quite astonishing to note the growing number of films adapted from comic books and graphic novels that are helmed by women directors. Historically, women have been marginalized in the directorial role, but recent trends suggest a shift towards more representation for female filmmakers. Although male directors continue to outnumber their female counterparts, the landscape is slowly changing with an increasing number of films being directed by women in this genre. Here are some notable examples:

Tank Girl (1995)

In the 1990s, movies based on comic books were quite uncommon compared to today, especially those adapted from alternative comics like “Tank Girl.” However, in 1995, director Rachel Talalay decided to bring this popular underground comic to life on the big screen. Lori Petty played the main character, and while it may not be the finest adaptation, it was one of the first female-led comic book movies and a notable early example of such films.

Captain Marvel (2019)

In 2019, one of Marvel’s strongest superheroes made her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through the film “Captain Marvel.” Brie Larsen played the lead role, and interestingly, this movie was not just any ordinary production; it was co-written and co-directed by women. The directing duo comprised Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, while Geneva Robertson-Dworet contributed to the script-writing process as well.

Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

It’s worth keeping in mind that not all comic books belong to Marvel or DC, and not every film based on a comic book is centered around a superhero. The 2001 movie “Josie and the Pussycats” serves as a wonderful illustration of this fact, although it may not be considered high art, it’s an enjoyable watch. Rachel Leigh Cook plays Josie in the film alongside Tara Reid, with Rosario Dawson as her fellow Pussycats.

Wonder Woman (2017)

2017’s film “Wonder Woman,” featuring Gal Gadot and directed by Patty Jenkins, stands out as the top-notch offering in the previously active DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This movie is set against the backdrop of World War I, where we witness the iconic DC character Wonder Woman performing her signature heroics. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Gal Gadot portraying Wonder Woman, and Patty Jenkins’ direction adds an authentic touch that just seems fitting for the role.

Venom: The Last Dance (2024)

It’s fantastic to witness female-led superhero movies, but it’s particularly exciting to note that Kelly Marcel, a woman, is directing the upcoming Venom movie, Venom: The Last Dance in 2024 – a film based on a traditionally male villain/anti-hero character. Interestingly, she was also responsible for the previous Venom films starring Tom Hardy, and this final installment is said to bring the series to an end.

The Old Guard (2020)

2020’s lesser-known film “The Old Guard” faced a tough break as it debuted during the pandemic. Starring Charlize Theron and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also wrote the movie based on Greg Rucka’s comic, this film is noteworthy. Notably, Prince-Bythewood has a knack for directing films that center around strong female characters, such as “The Woman King” released in 2022.

Batman: Year One (2011)

Not only live-action films, but women are also making their mark on the exciting world of animation. For instance, the remarkable 2011 animated film “Batman: Year One” was jointly directed by Lauren Montgomery, a seasoned professional in the field of animated productions and television shows. What’s more, she is slated to direct “Avatar: The Last Airbender” in 2026, which is truly thrilling news!

The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)

2015’s “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” stands as a genuine female-driven production, with Bel Powley portraying the central role, accompanied by Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård in supporting roles. The film is the brainchild of Marielle Heller, both written and directed by her. It’s an adaptation from the graphic novel penned by Phoebe Gloeckner. Unfortunately, it didn’t garner as much attention as it deserved, making it a hidden gem worth discovering if you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet.

Madame Web (2024)

In 2024, S. J. Clarkson assumed control as both writer and director for the film titled “Madame Web,” featuring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney in leading roles. Upon its release, this production faced a barrage of criticism, but some of these comments seemed overly harsh. While it’s not the greatest superhero movie, the intense negativity began to feel like bullying, as critics appeared to be competing with one another to deliver the most sarcastic reviews. This may not have been entirely fair.

Radioactive (2019)

One of the most interesting graphic novels of the last couple of decades is Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss. The movie adaptation, called simply Radioactive starring Rosamond Pike and Anya Taylor-Joy and directed by Iranian director Marjane Satrapi is a mixed bag, but it’s really cool story and one worth learning about.

Eternals (2021)

Choosing filmmaker Chloé Zhao for a movie such as Eternals seemed like an obvious choice, leading many to anticipate a fantastic outcome. Regrettably, it falls short of those high expectations. It’s challenging to pinpoint the specific areas that don’t resonate, but the story’s rhythm seems disjointed. Despite this, there are compelling moments in the plot and the acting is commendable. We have faith in Chloé Zhao’s ability to create masterpieces; this film merely missed its mark.

Speed Racer (2008)

As a fan, I fondly recall how “Speed Racer” was an iconic Japanese manga series from the ’60s that gained popularity in America during the ’80s, post its importation. Fast forward to 2008, the Wachowskis breathed life into this classic on the silver screen. Initially receiving lukewarm reviews and box office performance, much like their unique style, it has since garnered more appreciation over time. Today, it is often viewed in a much more favorable light than when it initially debuted.

Birds of Prey (2020)

There is no way anyone could make a movie like Birds Of Prey and not have a woman direct it. In this case, that director was Cathy Yan. While the movie struggled as part of the overall disappointing DCEU, it’s really not a bad movie by any means, especially from a “grrl power” point of view. The writer was also female, Christina Hodson.

The Marvels (2023)

Similar to the initial Captain Marvel film, the upcoming movie The Marvels boasts a talented female director, Nia DaCosta. DaCosta has already established herself in Hollywood with her early works, such as Little Woods, Candyman (released in 2021), and of course this latest project.

Superman: Doomsday (2007)

The animated movie titled “Superman: Doomsday” initiated the DC Universe Animated Original Movies back in 2007, which has turned out to be much more successful than the troubled DCEU (DC Extended Universe). This film is an adaptation of the comic series “The Death of Superman“, making it a must-watch for any dedicated DC fan. Similar to other films in the series, “Superman: Doomsday” was directed by artist Lauren Montgomery and Bruce Timm.

American Splendor (2003)

Harvey Pekar, an underground comic book author, was unlike many other writers, and the film “American Splendor,” which is based on his life and autobiographical comics, is also distinctly unique. Paul Giamatti delivers a remarkable performance as Pekar in this unusual blend of cartoon and live-action, directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini.

Black Widow (2021)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow stands out as the most renowned female superhero. It was long overdue when she received her own solo film, and it logically followed to enlist a woman director for the project. Australian director Cate Shortland was chosen to helm the movie, with a screenplay penned by Eric Pearson.

Punisher: War Zone (2008)

It might initially appear unusual to have a woman at the helm of a movie like “Punisher: War Zone“, given the hyper-masculine nature of the Punisher character in comics. However, director Lexi Alexander is far from timid; her background as a stuntwoman and martial artist makes her more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with her male counterparts. In fact, she seemed almost ideal for this gritty adaptation of the “Punisher” series.

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been privileged to witness the exceptional work of Director Lauren Montgomery in the thrilling realm of DC animated universe. Time and again, her name has echoed through its halls, gracing some of its most daring projects like “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” back in 2010. At this point, she’s arguably the top-tier animation director shaping the narrative of DC movies.

The Kitchen (2019)

2019’s “The Kitchen,” directed by Andrea Berloff for her first time, was unfortunately not successful despite having a cool comic and captivating story. The movie seemed to fall short in many aspects, but given that Berloff is a talented writer, I hope she gets another opportunity to direct because she deserves another shot at doing it right.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Following the massive triumph of “Wonder Woman”, Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins collaborated once more on “Wonder Woman 1984” which came out in December 2020. The film received mixed reviews, making it challenging to determine its success with viewers since it was simultaneously available for streaming along with a limited box office release due to the ongoing pandemic. Despite not being as strong as its predecessor, it remains an enjoyable movie.

The Demon Stirs (2005)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I don’t come across many romantic comedies adapted from graphic novels, but when I did with the 2005 French film “The Demon Stirs,” directed by the esteemed Marie Pascale Osterrieth, I was intrigued! It seems there are indeed a handful of rom-coms birthed from comic book pages, proving that they’re not all about superheroes.

Gemma Bovery (2015)

2015 comedy “Gemma Bovery,” directed by French filmmaker Anne Fontaine, features Gemma Arterton and Jason Flemyng in its cast. This film is an adaptation from the graphic novel of the same title by British comic artist Posy Simmonds.

Father Of Four (1953)

In the 1950s, Alice O’Fredericks, a Danish filmmaker, launched a series inspired by a Danish comic strip titled “Father Of Four.” Over an eight-year period, she penned and directed seven additional films in this series which have since become beloved classics for Danish children.

Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High (2018)

You might not have heard about “Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High” if you’re not a parent of girls, but it was quite trendy among young audiences around the mid-2010s. This film, which is derived from the series, was skillfully directed by Elsa Garagarza.

Falcon Lake (2022)

In the English-speaking community, French-Canadian films aren’t commonly discussed, but “Falcon Lake” is definitely worth discovering. This film, based on a graphic novel by French author Bastien Vivès and directed by Montreal native Charlotte Le Bon, is a heartwarming tale of growing up that resonates across cultures.

Aya of Yop City (2013)

In a different rendition, Aya of Yop City represents another style of French animated production, originating from a graphic novel penned by Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie. The duo also served as the feature’s director. Set in the Ivory Coast, this animation delves into the universal theme of young love, making it accessible to all viewers.

Persepolis (2007)

2007’s “Persepolis,” a film directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, is an impactful autobiographical piece based on the graphic novel of the same name by Satrapi. It tells the story of her life in Iran during the tumultuous 1970s from a female perspective with a compelling narrative.

Ninjababy (2021)

Although Norway might not immediately spring to mind when considering graphic novels or films, the movie “Ninjababy” could certainly change your perspective in both areas. Directed by Yngvild Sve Flikke, this film offers an intriguing exploration of a young girl’s challenging journey with an unwanted pregnancy – a tale that carries the unique perspective only a woman can provide.

The Hunters (2013)

Have you heard that the Hallmark Channel ventured into the realm of science fiction back in 2013? This was evident in the film “The Hunters”, directed by Nisha Ganatra, which was based on the graphic novel “Mirror Mirror” by Joshua Williamson. If you’re a fan of sci-fi/fantasy and Hallmark Christmas movies, this could be just the thing for you!

2024-11-01 08:09