Mimi is a proud Latina writer and beauty junkie, always looking for her next female empowerment story to tell. Her work has been published in Thought Catalog, Your Tango, Rawly Bold, Guddi and Read Unwritten. She also has a beauty and lifestyle blog called Life With Mims and has collaborated in projects with NYX Cosmetics, OPI and Pandora.
Locked up at home for a few weeks because of Coronavirus? Same. Being indoors for days on end can be challenging, especially if you’re the kind of person that loves to go out and socialize. Movies can be a fun way to kill time and stay sane. They can also teach you something new or make you feel empowered.
Here’s a list of movies starring women of color that are guaranteed to entertain in these challenging times.
1. Homecoming, A Film by Beyoncé (pictured, above)
Homecoming gives us a front-row view of Beyoncé‘s epic Coachella performance. The two-hour-long film shows us how Queen B trained for months for her show, which included special appearances from Destiny’s Child, her sister Solange, and her husband Jay-Z. Besides being inspired by her rigorous work ethic you’ll be able to enjoy her awesome music which will make you feel like you’re at the festival even if you’re on your couch.
2. Frida
Frida tells the life story of the iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. The movie starts with the accident that changed her life and shaped her career, then navigates through her relationships, the most significant one being with muralist Diego Rivera. The film sends an empowering message to everyone that sees it, as it shows how even through chronic pain, Kahlo was able to forge her own path and become one of the world’s most renowned artists.
3. Hustlers
If you want to surround yourself with some sizzling feminine energy, Hustlers is a must-watch film. The movie is based on a true story about NYC strippers that become rich by swindling wealthy men using their charm and looks. While we don’t condone criminal activity, the cast is exceptional (Jennifer Lopez’ moves will blow you away) and you’ll be hooked on the plotline which happened IRL just a few years ago. It’s based on this New York Magazine article.
4. Crazy Rich Asians
This 2018 movie is all about the love story between Nick, a rich bachelor from Singapore, and Rachel, an economics professor from NYC. As the viewer, you’re taken on a wild ride of old money splendor, high fashion and luxury destinations. Aside from being over the top fabulous and romantic, the movie is also about learning to defend what you believe in, just like the main character, Rachel Chu, does.
5. Selena
This biographical film about Latina legend Selena Quintanilla shows us the meteoric rise and tragic death of the Mexican-American singer. Along the way, we learn a lot about relationships and get a glimpse into the charm, talent, and personality that made her an icon. This movie is also the film that put Jennifer Lopez on our radar as an actress.
6. Always Be My Maybe
Rom-com lovers, this one is for you. Everyone thought Sasha and Marcus were going to end-up together, except them. Both characters live different lives, Sasha is a successful and hardworking chef, while Marcus isn’t quite sure what he wants out of life, and works with his father.
Both of them reconnect after Sasha opens a restaurant in San Francisco, and that’s how their story develops. This movie adds some fun and romance to your quarantine days starring the hilarious Ali Wong.
7. Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures tells the story of three women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who were some of the masterminds behind launching astronaut John Glenn into space in 1962. While they were helping the United States advance in the Space Race they were experiencing segregation at work. The movie showcases the brilliant work and resilience of three incomparable women who changed history.
8. What’s Love Got to Do with it?
Take a look into Tina Turner’s life with this film. It tells the story of the beloved singer, from how she got her start as a singer to how her toxic relationships affected her personal life and career.
The movie also includes an amazing soundtrack with all the well-known Turner songs. It’s perfect for when you need to find your inner voice and courage, just like Turner did in her life.
9. Roxanne, Roxanne
Roxanne Shanté was a pioneer in hip-hop music and this film narrates the struggles she faced as a young woman, that went from shoplifting to financially support her family to succeeding in an industry dominated by men. If you’re looking for something that shows you how to overcome difficulties while doing something you love, watch Roxanne, Roxanne.
10. Real Women Have Curves
Body image and acceptance are topics we always need to talk about to empower future generations, and even though this film was released more than 18 years ago, the message still holds up today.
The movie tells the story of Ana García, played by America Ferrara, a first-generation Latina who is expected to live by her family’s expectations, have a great body and get a husband, even though all she wanted was to have a college education.
This movie celebrates women, their bodies and the power they have to achieve their dreams and speak for themselves.
Which movies did you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!