For a long time, there has been a vacancy in the market that needed to be filled. I mean, how many times do we have to watch men blow things up and shoot each other? Along those same lines, how many times do we have to watch women stuck in romantic comedies, playing the role of femme fatale, or playing the ditzy quirky character in supporting actress slot? The vacancy that is finally being filled, is the need for films primarily led by women who play strong, powerful, enlightened roles. There has been a need for films to star women leading the cast, carrying the film, going beyond “traditional” female characters, and doing more than supporting a male lead.

Article by Summer Walker

So far this year, we have been blessed with female-dominated films such as A Wrinkle in Time, Red Sparrow, Ocean’s 8, and Annihilation. These next five female-led movies coming up this year show that maybe, just maybe, Hollywood is finally starting to get it.

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Who doesn’t revel in the opportunity to see a new Melissa McCarthy movie? Well, this one looks like it’s going to be a little bit different than her Bridemaids and Tammy films, because McCarthy will be entering into a more serious role. Not that she doesn’t have the chops for it, but I think this will be a great opportunity for her to hit home that she can be more than just the funny lady. McCarthy will be portraying the true story of celebrity biographer Lee Israel, and her turn from respected author to a deceptive, lying thief. The film is said to have a dark underlying humor, so it will be interesting to see McCarthy take the reigns on a film outside what audiences have come to expect from her.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web 

Release Date: November 9, 2018

Finally, the sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will hit the screens this year, 7 years after its release. Claire Foy (The Crown) is set to play the illustrious computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. This time, Lisbeth is caught in an intricate web of cybercrimes and corruption and must find a way to outsmart the spider’s closing in around her. This film contains the epitome of a strong female lead and is adding up to be a must-see.

Mary Queen of Scots 

Release Date: December 7, 2018

I am still reeling from Saoirse Ronan’s amazing Academy Award-nominated performance in Lady Bird released last year, as well as Margot Robbie’s Academy Award-nominated performance for last year’s I, Tonya. I was not prepared to be given the opportunity to see these two amazing women perform together in a film about two powerful royal women shortly after. Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie will star as Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I respectively. The film depicts the story of the two cousins, and Mary’s schemes to overthrow Queen Elizabeth from her throne. This film is sure to be a success with two of Hollywood’s most talented actresses going head to head.

Bumblebee 

Release Date: December 21, 2018

The Transformers films did rather well with lead roles by men like Shia Labeouf and Mark Wahlberg, but it looks like they are going to finally branch out and hand the reins over to a female character to take the lead. Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2 and Term Life) will be the star of the newest addition to The Transformers franchise, and I for one am all for it. Bumblebee, a trusted Autobot lieutenant who is often a crowd favorite, has fallen battle-scarred and broken into a California town where he is found by Charlie (Steinfeld). The film seems to parallel Bumblebee healing and realizing his destiny and Charlie coming of age and finding out who she is. Only time will tell in the long wait until the film’s release in December, but I think a female lead that is more than just a pretty face, i.e. Megan Fox, is just what The Transformers has been missing.

Alita: Battle Angel 

Release Date: December 21, 2018

After watching the trailer for this movie, I’m 100% obsessed and cannot wait to watch this movie! The film, directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by James Cameron, appears to be along the lines of a futuristic Frankenstein where Alita is a human who is rebuilt to be half human and half machine. She is an angel of heaven but also an angel of death who may be the only one who can break the cycle of death and destruction in her world. With female leads like Rosa Salazar (The Maze Runner: The Death Cure and The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trails) voicing Alita, Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind and Requiem for a Dream), and Michele Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious and Avatar), this film is sure to end the year on a high note.

*Honorable Mention*

Ocean’s 8 

Released: June 8, 2018

Although this film has already been released this year, with an all-star cast such as this, I had to add it to the list. How can you possibly pass up on the opportunity to see Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, AWKWAFINA, and Dakota Fanning in one kick-ass film? There are even more names to mention, but I won’t give it all away. Essentially, the ladies are planning to pull off the biggest heist New York has ever seen. If you haven’t seen this film yet this year, rent, buy, or stream it and experience the magnificent ensemble cast that won’t disappoint.

Have you heard the scoop on any other female-dominated films coming up this year? If so, tell us about them in the comments below!

Featured image credit: MGM Studios