This curated list celebrates the lives of remarkable young women whose stories were brought to the screen. These films not only entertain but also inspire, showcasing the resilience, ambition, and impact of schoolgirls from various backgrounds. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or contemporary tales, these biopics offer a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary individuals who started their journey in the classroom.

The Miracle Worker (1962)
Description: This biopic tells the story of Helen Keller, a young girl who, despite being deaf and blind, learns to communicate with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan.
Fact: Both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Academy Awards for their roles, with Duke becoming the youngest actress to win an Oscar at age


The Princess Diaries (2001)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film captures the transformation of an ordinary high school girl into a princess, reflecting the journey of many young women finding their identity.
Fact: Julie Andrews, who plays the queen, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role.


The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
Description: This film, based on the novel, follows a young girl in the 1960s who escapes her abusive home to find solace with three beekeeping sisters, exploring themes of race, family, and identity.
Fact: The film features a strong ensemble cast including Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson.


The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
Description: This film adaptation of Anne Frank's diary captures her life in hiding during WWII, highlighting her experiences as a schoolgirl with dreams and aspirations amidst the horrors of war.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters.


The Young Victoria (2009)
Description: This film explores the early life of Queen Victoria, focusing on her youth and education before she ascended to the throne.
Fact: Emily Blunt, who played Victoria, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.


The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Description: While not a biopic, this coming-of-age film captures the essence of high school life, focusing on a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence.
Fact: Hailee Steinfeld's performance was critically acclaimed, earning her several award nominations.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: Although primarily about Stephen Hawking, the film includes scenes from his school days and his relationship with Jane Wilde, who was also a schoolgirl at the time.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: While not exclusively about schoolgirls, this film includes the story of Katherine Johnson, who as a young girl showed exceptional math skills, paving her way to NASA.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Queen of Katwe (2016)
Description: Based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan schoolgirl who becomes a chess prodigy, this film showcases her journey from the slums to international chess competitions.
Fact: Lupita Nyong'o, who plays Phiona's mother, learned to speak Luganda for the role.


The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Description: This anime film, while not a traditional biopic, follows a high school girl who discovers she can time travel, exploring themes of youth and decision-making.
Fact: It was the first Japanese animated film to be released in the United States with English dubbing by the same studio that produced the original.
