APPENDIX III

FILM LIST FOR KIDS AGE 0–14

This is a crowd-sourced list of films, so we haven’t seen them all, but they’ve been recommended as having themes that are broadly feminist. It will go without saying that there are never any ‘perfect’ films, although it’s nice to know they should all pass the Bechdel test and then some, and are marked as such. We hope it’s helpful.

If you’d like to suggest films to add to the list then tweet us @GenderDiary.

Certificate U (suitable for all)

Lilo & Stitch (2002) Passes Bechdel

Two orphaned sisters in Hawaii are desperate to stay together but they have to prove to the social work department that they are up to it. A task made all the more difficult when a little blue alien called Stitch enters the fray bringing big dose of chaos with him.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988) Not Bechdel listed

Where would 21st-century children be without Studio Ghibli? When two sisters move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby. Ghibli magic.

Hoodwinked! (2005) Passes Bechdel

Hoodwinked fuses the classic fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood with the criss-crossing storylines of film noir – pretty ambitious stuff for a computer-animated cartoon. Well-known fairy tale given a twist.

The Secret Garden (1993) Passes Bechdel

Opening in India in the early 1900s, when Mary is orphaned she is sent to live in Misselthwaite Manor with her melancholy uncle who is often away. Mary explores the estate alone until she finds friends. Together they restore a neglected garden. Mary is ace. And Maggie Smith is in it.

Matilda (1996) Passes Bechdel

Neglected by her stupid, self-interested parents, the remarkably intelligent Matilda develops telekinetic powers. The original book is on our booklist, and though the film is not as good as the book, it’s worth a mention because the main character is a strong, confident and brilliant girl.

The Hideaways (1973) Not Bechdel listed

A young brother and sister run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The girl becomes entranced with a statue that has baffled experts. She becomes determined to track down its former owner and uncover the secrets for herself. Based on the children’s book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler.

Inside Out (2015) Passes Bechdel

Set in the mind of a girl approaching puberty, it follows five personified emotions as they attempt to guide her through life. One the one hand it’s a caper featuring cartoon blobs, on the other it contains important messages about mental health and growing up.

Nim’s Island (2008) Passes Bechdel
Nim is a resourceful girl living on a remote island who is faced with a number of problems including a father who’s gone missing, a neurotic children’s author who isn’t the hero she’d hoped and marauding Australian tourists.

Mary Poppins (1964) Passes Bechdel

Gotta love the IMDB summary of this: ‘A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family.’ Well yes, but also a 1960s critique of patriarchy and capitalism. Mary Poppins is in control of everything and entirely independent. And it’s got suffragettes.

Mulan (1998) Passes Bechdel

Disney’s first attempt at a kickass female lead failed at the box office but the tale of a girl in old China who takes her father’s place as a soldier and becomes a hero in the process has built up a following in the years since.

The Railway Children (1970) Not Bechdel listed

The Waterbury’s happy middle-class Edwardian life is shattered when their father leaves one night without explanation. Their mother takes the children to the countryside where she earns money through writing. The children become fascinated with the railway line. I can break into tears just thinking about the ending. But that’s not the point here. Bobby is clever and kind and spunky and it’s a brilliant story about how children can be powerful in their own right.

The Rescuers (1974) Passes Bechdel

Two mice of the Rescue Aid Society search for a little girl kidnapped by unscrupulous treasure hunters. Though this shows its age now (there are some sexist comments that irritate me on every viewing in our house), it is unusual in having several main female characters of varying and interesting sorts – all of them are brave and forthright, including the baddie.

Labyrinth (1986) Passes Bechdel

Fifteen-year-old Sarah accidentally wishes her baby half-brother away to the Goblin King, Jareth, who will keep him if Sarah does not complete his labyrinth in 13 hours. Remember that important line, ‘You have no power over me.’ That’s an important message for a teenage girl.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) Passes Bechdel

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

The Wild Thornberrys (2002) Not Bechdel listed

Eliza and Debbie are two sisters who don’t always get along. But their relationship is put to the test when Debbie’s life is in danger, and Eliza might have to give up her power to talk to animals.

Certificate PG (parental guidance)

Enchanted (2007) Passes Bechdel

An archetypal Disney Princess is dropped in the middle of modern-day New York. Soon after her arrival, Princess Giselle begins to change her views on life and love. Recommended by a follower because it’s ‘good at breaking stereotypes, challenges roles and she becomes self-employed!’

Castle in the Sky (1986) Not Bechdel listed

Inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, the orphan Sheeta, with the help of Pazu and a rollicking band of sky pirates, makes her way to the ruins of the once great sky-kingdom of Laputa. Sheeta and Pazu must outwit the evil Muska.

Spirited Away (2001) Passes Bechdel

An Alice in Wonderland-style tale which sees Chihiro and her family wander into a world ruled by gods, witches and monsters. When her parents are changed into pigs Chihiro flees. She befriends a boy, and learns the rules of the land. Complex, layered and imaginative – not things often said about kids’ films.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Not Bechdel listed

It’s a thousand years since the war that almost wiped out the whole of the human race. A ship crashes in the valley and warrior/pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet. Described in one review as ‘the only princess story worth watching’. She basically protects the whole planet.

MirrorMask (2005) Passes Bechdel

In a fantasy world of opposing kingdoms, a 15-year-old girl must find the fabled MirrorMask in order to save the kingdom and get home. This is not only a movie that passes the Bechdel test with flying colours, it’s a film with a resourceful, intelligent and, most of all, believable young woman as a main character who overcomes long odds with her intellect and creativity.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) Passes Bechdel

The ‘real’ story of Cinderella. A refreshing take on the classic fairy tale – so says the blurb. Slightly sceptical about this one, but we haven’t seen it, so feel free to tell us otherwise.

Brave (2012) Passes Bechdel

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007) Passes Bechdel

A preteen’s life is changed after befriending the new girl at school. We’ve already plot-spoiled this over on our book list, so we’ll leave the summary at that. Haven’t seen this film version but expect it to be thoughtful, sad and moving like the novel.

Whale Rider (2002) Passes Bechdel

A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfil a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognise. A film that deals with the pain that a traditional patriarchal culture can bring into the life of a young girl. Powerful and beautiful.

Frozen (2013) Passes Bechdel

THE big Disney movie of recent years, we swithered over whether this qualified for this list. Although the marketing men have made it all about singing and Elsa’s shimmery dress in the years since its release the film is still about two strong sisters who are brave, resourceful and independent. And upon its release that was a rarity.

Moana (2016) Passes Bechdel

Frozen proved to the execs that female-led movies could succeed, hence, three years later, this tale with a lead who is not just female but has brown skin! Moana sets out to prove herself a master wayfinder and along the way has to help a fallen demi-god. Also notable for a spirited older character in Moana’s grandmother.

Zootropolis (2015) Passes Bechdel

Both the male and female leads in this animated caper about a city populated by animals have to overcome bullying and stereotyping about the roles they ought to play.

Alice in Wonderland (2010) Passes Bechdel

Tim Burton’s rendering of the classic Lewis Carroll tale is predictably unpredictable but his Alice has agency. One parent tweeted us to say it was joyful hearing their daughter declare, ‘I make the path!’ Powerful and empowering stuff.

Certificate 12A (suitable for 12 years and over)

Ghostbusters (2016) Passes Bechdel

When it was announced that this remake of the 1984 classic would feature women playing the four lead roles taken by men in the original it certainly raised eyebrows. By doing so and succeeding it’s hopefully triggered some different thinking in Hollywood. But best and most important of all the story of a quartet of oddballs teaming up to catch spooks in New York City still works as a knockout comedy movie.

Fast Girls (2012) Passes Bechdel

Shania and Lisa come from different backgrounds but both want to qualify for a major world athletics championship. The actresses trained alongside Team GB athletes to prepare for the roles. The film focuses on training hard to achieve a goal, which is nice. It’s also funny, touching and action packed.

The Hunger Games (2012) Passes Bechdel

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take the place of her sister in the yearly Hunger Games where underprivileged youth fight to the death to entertain the rich and give hope to the poor – but not too much. In the ruins of North America she must go up against Tributes who have trained for the Games all their lives. Only one contestant can win.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) Passes Bechdel

We all left the cinema uplifted after this one. Not just because they had faithfully restored the Star Wars universe but best of all, the Jedi around which the saga looks set to revolve is a girl. (And her buddy Finn is less than the usual impervious, brave leading man – which is a good thing.) There’s been few more gratifying sights in recent years than taking our young son to Star Wars-themed parties and seeing lots of little girls dressed as the impressive Rey.