Greatest Films Written and Directed by Women

Description: Although not solely directed by a woman, "Big" was co-written by Anne Spielberg, who contributed significantly to its heartwarming narrative about a boy who magically becomes an adult. It's included for its innovative storytelling and the emotional depth it brings to the coming-of-age genre.

Fact: Anne Spielberg was Steven Spielberg's sister, and this film was one of her first screenwriting credits. The iconic FAO Schwarz scene was improvised.

Description: Amy Heckerling's "Clueless" is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's "Emma," set in the world of Beverly Hills high school. It's included for its cultural impact, humor, and its contribution to the teen comedy genre.

Fact: The film's fashion has been credited with influencing '90s fashion trends. It was also one of the first films to use a website for promotion.

Description: Niki Caro's "Whale Rider" tells the story of a young Maori girl who defies tradition to become the leader of her tribe. This film is included for its powerful message of female empowerment and cultural identity.

Fact: The film was shot in Whangara, New Zealand, where the story is set. Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards at age

Description: Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" explores the fleeting connection between two lost souls in Tokyo. It's included for its nuanced portrayal of loneliness, connection, and the subtleties of human interaction.

Fact: Coppola won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, becoming the third woman to win in this category. The film was shot on location in Tokyo.

Description: Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" is a tense, realistic portrayal of a bomb disposal team in Iraq. It's included for its groundbreaking depiction of war from a female director's perspective and its critical acclaim.

Fact: Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this film. The film was shot on location in Jordan.

Description: Ava DuVernay's "Selma" chronicles the historic voting rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's included for its powerful depiction of civil rights history and DuVernay's directorial prowess.

Fact: DuVernay was the first African-American woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director. The film was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Description: Debra Granik's "Winter's Bone" is a gritty, compelling drama about a teenage girl in the Ozarks who must find her father to save her family. This film is included for its raw portrayal of rural America and its strong female protagonist.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence's breakout role, earning her an Academy Award nomination at the age of

Description: Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook" is a psychological horror film about a widow dealing with grief and a mysterious children's book. It's included for its innovative approach to horror and its exploration of motherhood and mental health.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $2 million but has since become a cult classic. The Babadook has been embraced by the queer community as a symbol of resilience.

Description: Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird" is a coming-of-age story about a high school senior in Sacramento, California. It's included for its authentic portrayal of adolescence, family dynamics, and its semi-autobiographical nature.

Fact: Gerwig was the fifth woman to be nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards. The film was shot in Sacramento, where Gerwig grew up.

Description: Jane Campion's masterpiece, "The Piano," tells the story of a mute woman in 19th-century New Zealand, whose piano becomes her voice and her connection to the world. This film is included for its profound narrative depth and its exploration of female autonomy and desire.

Fact: Campion became the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes for this film. The film was also nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three.