Movies have the ability to inspire and uplift, particularly when they focus on stories of strong, successful women who break barriers, achieve greatness, and impact the world in meaningful ways. These films not only reflect real-life achievements but also offer a lens into the personal and professional struggles women face as they navigate their paths to success. One actress who has consistently been involved in portraying such women is Emma Watson. Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, Watson has continued to choose films that highlight powerful and successful women. In this article, we will explore some of the standout Emma Watson movies about successful women and her role in portraying influential female characters, reflecting on how these films inspire and resonate with audiences.
Emma Watson and Her Role in Movies About Successful Women
“Little Women” – Portraying Independent Female Characters
One of the most notable films in which Emma Watson has played a strong female role is Little Women (2019). Directed by Greta Gerwig, this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel features Watson as Meg March, one of the four sisters at the heart of the story. While Meg’s journey may not revolve around grand achievements in business or science, her character is essential in showcasing the different forms that success can take for women. The film portrays Meg as a woman who finds fulfillment in love, family, and the desire to build a home for herself, rather than solely focusing on a career. This demonstrates that success for women is not monolithic; it can be found in personal contentment as well as professional accomplishments.
The other sisters in Little Women—Jo, Amy, and Beth—also embody varying definitions of success. Jo March, played by Saoirse Ronan, is an aspiring writer who fights for her independence and ambition in a society that often discourages women from pursuing creative professions. The film’s narrative contrasts traditional roles with emerging feminist ideals, where women like Jo seek professional success on their own terms. Watson’s portrayal of Meg helps balance these different paths to success, showing that fulfillment can come from pursuing one’s dreams, whatever they may be.
Emma Watson’s decision to take part in Little Women also aligns with her real-life activism for gender equality. Her role as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador has seen her champion initiatives like the HeForShe campaign, which promotes gender equality globally. By participating in a film that celebrates strong, multifaceted women, Watson continues to amplify the importance of stories that challenge societal expectations of women’s success.
“The Bling Ring” – A Cautionary Tale of Fame and False Success
Another fascinating film featuring Emma Watson that offers a perspective on success—albeit from a very different angle—is The Bling Ring (2013). Directed by Sofia Coppola, this movie is based on the true story of a group of teenagers who break into celebrities’ homes in pursuit of luxury items and a taste of the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. Watson plays Nicki, one of the group’s members who is drawn into the allure of fame and fortune without realizing the consequences of her actions.
The Bling Ring offers a critique of modern culture’s obsession with fame and material success, portraying it as superficial and fleeting. Watson’s character, Nicki, represents a misguided version of success that equates wealth and celebrity with personal worth. Throughout the film, we see the consequences of this mindset as the characters’ actions lead to criminal charges and a deeper disillusionment with the lifestyle they were so eager to attain.
Emma Watson’s role in this film differs significantly from her more traditional portrayals of strong women. Instead, The Bling Ring serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of equating success with material wealth and popularity. It invites viewers to reflect on what true success means and to consider the values they associate with achievement. In playing Nicki, Watson explores the complexity of societal pressures and how young women, in particular, can be influenced by unrealistic portrayals of success in the media.
Movies That Highlight Women’s Success Stories Beyond Watson
“Hidden Figures” – Celebrating Women in STEM
Beyond Emma Watson’s own work, there are numerous films that celebrate successful women across a range of industries. One such film is Hidden Figures (2016), which tells the incredible true story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked as mathematicians at NASA and played key roles in the United States’ space program during the 1960s. These women faced significant challenges, including racial and gender discrimination, yet their contributions were essential to the success of NASA’s missions, including astronaut John Glenn’s orbit around Earth.
Hidden Figures is a powerful reminder that women have been making significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for decades, even when their achievements went unrecognized. The film serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to enter STEM professions, showing that success is possible even in the face of adversity. It also highlights the importance of perseverance, intellect, and teamwork in achieving greatness.
“The Iron Lady” – A Portrait of Political Power
Another film that showcases a successful woman in a different sphere is The Iron Lady (2011), a biographical drama about Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Portrayed by Meryl Streep, Thatcher’s rise to power is depicted as a testament to her determination, political acumen, and resilience in the face of opposition. The film highlights her significant impact on British politics, her economic policies, and the personal sacrifices she made to achieve her goals.
The Iron Lady presents both the triumphs and challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Thatcher’s success is shown not only in her political achievements but also in her ability to withstand criticism, adapt to changing political climates, and make difficult decisions. While the film does not shy away from the controversies surrounding her policies, it nonetheless portrays her as a woman who defied expectations and rose to the highest political office in her country.
Conclusion
Movies about successful women serve as a source of inspiration, offering audiences a glimpse into the lives of women who have overcome challenges, broken barriers, and achieved greatness. Whether through Emma Watson’s roles in films like Little Women and The Bling Ring or other notable films such as Hidden Figures and The Iron Lady, these stories provide important reflections on what it means to be successful. They celebrate women’s resilience, ambition, and determination, while also acknowledging the personal and societal challenges they face. For viewers, these films are not just entertainment—they are a reminder that success is multifaceted and that women, in all their diversity, are capable of achieving extraordinary things.
