8 Films That Challenge Gender Norms 

Team OTTplay

1. Hidden Figures  

This biographical drama film centers around three strong female African-American mathematicians bringing a revolutionary change to their workspace. It features Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe.  

2. Queen  

Queen, which stars Kangana Ranaut in the title role, breaks gender stereotypes and social prejudices against marriage-related clichés in India. It chronicles a woman's courageous quest for self-discovery.

3. Dangal  

Featuring the robust cast of Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanya Malhotra, Dangal is a captivating sports drama defying gender norms in the male-dominated field of wrestling.  

4. Barbie  

Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated film Barbie features Margot Robbie as the titular character and explores themes like existential crisis, patriarchy, and feminism with its strong narrative and social commentary.  

5. Pink  

Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, and several others – Pink is a must-watch film that challenges the gender norms of society as it revolves around justice, molestation, and a woman’s consent.  

6. Billy Elliot  

This captivating drama film stars Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, and Julie Walters and centers on a young, passionate ballet dancer. However, he finds himself struck when his father objects due to negative gender stereotypes of male ballet dancers.  

Bend It Like Beckham  

This breezy sports dramedy film shatters social stigmas, cultural stereotypes, and gender roles. Starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in pivotal roles, it revolves around football and parental disapproval. 

Mulan (2020) 

A gripping live-action adaptation of Disney's animated film, Mulan traces the adventures of the eldest daughter (Yifei Liu) of a warrior as she grapples to battle against gender stereotypes by impersonating as a man to help her sick father.