I’m a few weeks late in posting this, but I think it’s still a good time to update you on my 52-Films-By-Women challenge of the year so far. I added five more films this month, so I’ve completed 37 out of 52, so there are only 15 more to go until the end of 2026.

Now, in addition to movies, I also seek out series created by women. I just finished watching Netflix’s How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, which was written and created by Lisa McGee. Right now, I’m checking out the action comedy series Ride Or Die (starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer) on Amazon Prime, created by writer and comedian Tessa Coates, along with co-creator and showrunner Matt Miller.

I saw a lot of good ones at MSPIFF back in April, but there have been some wonderful recent releases on streaming and in theaters, as well as press screeners. I logged them on Letterboxd in a ranked list, which I update regularly. So here’s my ranking of the Top 15:

1) Little Amélie (2025)

Little Amélie is truly one of the most delightful animated films I’ve ever seen, celebrating the beauty of childhood memories in a magical way. The stunning hand-drawn animation in an impressionistic style completely grabbed my attention. Seriously, every scene in this film could be framed; It has rightfully earned numerous awards, including an Oscar nod for Best Animated Feature Film. Similar to last year’s Flow, it’s refreshing to witness smaller animation studios going head-to-head with giants like Disney/Pixar.

2) Lies We Tell (2023)

Inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1864 novel Uncle Silas, the story unfolds in the wilds of Ireland. 18-year-old Maud Ruthyn is mourning the sudden death of her wealthy father, who has left her the vast Knowls estate as her inheritance.

I have a lot of respect for Lisa Mulcahy‘s subtle and gradually unfolding storytelling style, and I appreciate how she keeps Lies We Tell to a concise 90 minutes without any fluff. The plot has its fair share of surprises, but it’s the kind of narrative that doesn’t rely on twists to leave a mark. Agnes O’Casey shines as Maud, who, despite her naivety and innocence about the world, possesses a strong survival instinct that’s captivating to watch. 

3) Don’t Call Me Mama (2025)

This is definitely one of my top 5 favorites from this year’s MSPIFF. It’s a gripping, atmospheric Norwegian forbidden romance featuring a teacher (Pia Tjelte) and a refugee student (Tarek Zayat) that will leave you shaken. The line ‘Don’t Call Me Mama‘ is never actually uttered, but you can almost feel Eva whispering it in a pivotal moment. Even weeks after the festival has ended, this is the film that has lingered with me the most. Nina Knag makes an impressive debut here, showcasing a strong, confident voice and direction.

4) Broken English (2025)

This genre-blending documentary creatively introduces a fictional organization called The Ministry of Not Forgetting (led by Tilda Swinton). Directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard take a unique approach to explore the life and legacy of singer Marianne Faithfull, who truly is a pioneer. George MacKay portrays a fictional investigator/interviewer who leads us through Faithfull’s story, utilizing a wealth of archival footage and honest interviews with the legend herself before her passing in January 2025. I didn’t know much about Faithfull before, but I’ve grown to love and admire her after watching this film.

5) Forastera (2025)

Lucía Aleñar Iglesias‘s debut feature is a beguiling, haunting tale of familial loss set in Mallorca. It effectively portrays the intergenerational relationship authentically as young Catalina (brilliantly portrayed by Zoe Stein) suffers the loss of her grandmother while on vacation in the beautiful Spanish island. The film makes you think about the people we’ve lost that we wish we could say goodbye to. More than that, it makes me reflect on the profound losses in my own life that have helped shape who I am.

6) 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

It took me a while to see this one after the amazing 28 Years Later. I was so impressed by Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, and his performance here is truly the reason to see this film. How is Ralph Fiennes NOT nominated for an Oscar and a bunch of other awards for his astounding performance here??! Just the dance scene to the Iron Maiden song alone is absolutely incredible!

My friend Vince reviewed this film, and I agree that the violence and gore have their place in the story as well as serving as visual stimuli for fans of the series. Nia DaCosta did a fantastic job directing this post-apocalyptic horror film that’s as unflinchingly scary as it is beautifully graceful. The juxtaposition of Dr. Kelson’s presence and the inevitable intersection with the inhumane, demon-worshipping cult called the Jimmies (led by Jack O’Connell, who’s convincingly despicable) provides a satisfying look into human duality.

7) The Invite (2026)

This is a fantastic psychological sex comedy you must RSVP to ASAP. Hats off to Olivia Wilde for crafting a brilliant showcase of domestic tension and utilizing an amazing cast that features Penelope Cruz, Ed Norton, Seth Rogen, and Wilde herself.

The dialogue is sharp and full of wit, while the sexual tension practically ricochets off the apartment walls. In a year filled with blockbuster spectacles, I really appreciate having a fantastic film where the performances and dialogue shine.

8) Toy Story 5 (2026)

Pixar has done it again! The fifth entry in this beloved animated series wins me over and justifies its existence. It’s penned and helmed by Pixar pro Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall•E) along with McKenna Harris, who has been a character designer and story artist on several big films at Pixar. I love that Jessie (Joan Cusack) finally takes the lead of the toy crew on a lively, tech-focused adventure. In a world where screens are everywhere, the story of the toy gang battling against electronics taking over playtime feels timely and relevant.

9) Queen of Chess documentary (2026)

My hubby and I loved Netflix’s The Queen Gambit series from 2020, which is a work of fiction. Well, the character Beth Harmon is inspired by real-life chess players, and while Judit Polgár wasn’t one of its direct inspirations, her subsequent legendary career mirrored Beth’s fictional trajectory in extraordinary ways. In 1991, at just 15 years and 4 months old, she broke Bobby Fischer’s record to become the youngest grandmaster in history. I wish I knew how to play chess; somehow I just never learned, but it’s still fascinating to see how a young girl managed to be a champion in a male-dominated world.

10) Honeyjoon (2025)

Another favorite from MSPIFF that introduces me to a talented female director is Lilian T. Mehrel. Her amazing debut feature was made possible by winning the AT&T Tribeca Untold Stories grant. Honeyjoon is a light and fun comedy that wraps up nicely in just 75 minutes. Mehrel expertly blends comedy and tragedy in the story, as humor really shines when contrasted with serious moments.

I really like Ayden Mayeri, who I first noticed in Confess, Fletch, but she truly gets to shine in a leading role here. She’s a fantastic comic actress—beautiful and hilarious—and I’d love to see her take on more prominent roles in the future.

11) Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023)

I signed up for a MUBI free trial because of its great selection of films made by women, including this one directed by Rachel Lambert. It features Daisy Ridley as a socially awkward loner who, as the title says, often thinks about dying. She meets a new coworker, played by Dave Merheje, and they surprisingly connect. However, as they start dating, Fran herself is the main obstacle.

Ridley proves once again that she’s more versatile than you think. This indie dramedy is a quiet, minimalistic take on depression and social anxiety, presented in a moody and thought-provoking manner. Set in a beautiful coastal town in Oregon that I’d love to visit one day, it may seem too gloomy for some, but I actually find it oddly charming.

12) Couture (2026)

This French drama by Alice Winocour features Angelina Jolie in her most vulnerable role to date. Being a fan of fashion, I found the backdrop of French Fashion Week pretty appealing, but themes of female solidarity, empathy, and resilience aren’t overshadowed by the glamorous fashion scene. I think anyone who has dealt with a serious health diagnosis or knows someone who has will connect deeply with this story. I value the message that cancer isn’t merely a death sentence; it’s a chance to confront the fragility of life and encourages us to appreciate our limited time here on Earth.

13) Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)

Here’s another film set in a beautiful coastal town that I’d love to explore. Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC, represents the fictional Sowell Bay. I really enjoy the combination of the legendary Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, who’s got that charming everyman quality just like his famous father. And let’s not forget Marcellus the octopus, mostly a CGI creation, who really steals the show. The story has a touch of whimsical coincidence, reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle (where Bill Pullman plays a key role), and it can get a little too schmaltzy at times. However, the chemistry and warmth between the two main characters make this a joy to watch.

14) The Chaplain and the Doctor (2025)

I’m constantly inspired by health care providers, who are society’s unsung heroes. This is the first film I’ve come across that delves into the relationship between doctors and hospital chaplains. Chaplains offer emotional, spiritual, and existential support to patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Directed by Dr. Jessica Zitter, who is also a physician featured in the film, the documentary highlights her unexpected friendship with Chaplain Betty Clark. I believe that a patient’s well-being goes beyond just physical health; their emotional and spiritual wellness is equally, if not more, crucial.

15) Daughters of the Forest (2025)

This documentary made its debut at SXSW, but it’s not available for streaming right now. It’s a bummer because Daughters of the Forest is a truly unique, genre-blending film that stands out from any documentary I’ve encountered. It mixes sci-fi elements with nonfiction storytelling set in a Mexican forest. It’s pretty rare to see female Indigenous scientists represented on screen, so it’s fantastic to witness their in-depth research on fungi. This isn’t your usual film where you just watch interviews; instead, director Otilia Portillo Padua creates a captivating sensory experience that’s both intriguing and slightly surreal.

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Which of these films have you seen and/or are you most looking forward to seeing?