Top 5 Movies Starring Women

[Elle]

It's because you are hot for Gabriel Byrne's professor character, aren't you? Don't worry, I am right there with you. That opera stuff?

[Zombie]

I tend to agree with Kyle on Fury Road. She's a badass, don't get me wrong, but he gets just as much screen time. Juno should count. Michael Cera's role is essentially a role that women usually settle for. He barely has any scenes, is used more as a plot device, and does not have a character arc. I chose to not include animated/anime films, but a couple good ones have already been mentioned.

My List:

1. Pan's Labyrinth
2. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
3. Short Term 12
4. Pariah
5. Hana

Honorable Mentions:
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Winter's Bone
The Hours
Run Lola Run
Fish Tank
Juno
Amelie

[Elle]

A lot of you have Aliens, which I am wondering about. Specifically, how do you not prefer Alien to Aliens? I'm thinking of renting Alien for my kids' Halloween party because it's one of the scariest things I have ever seen, and none of them have experienced it. In Aliens you know what's going on, basically, so it's not as scary anymore. That first one just about made me take leave of my skin in at least two scenes. You have no idea what the hell is happening but it's clearly bad, and at the time it was like nothing I had ever seen before. Plus you have the terrifying stuff with Ash. And the cat, which is all-important.

Also a couple of you mentioned Hanna, which I had avoided watching but maybe am up for trying now. Presumably worth it? But is it a scary sort of movie I don't want my 13 year old watching?

[Cazmonster]

The one drag to Alien is it's almost an hour in before things start getting good and scary. Yes, Kane gets facehugged a bit before that, but there's a long build to get through before the screaming and the attacks. If you think they can hold out for an hour of tension go for it.

[Kyle]

[Mike]

There is definitely violence, and a lot of it very casual (which is part of what the film is commenting on). And there's some tense scenes of a child having to hide while scary killer person hunts for her--like kids hiding from raptors in Jurassic Park. I wouldn't have a problem with my 13-year-old watching, but you decide how sensitive your child is.

[Zen]

Alien and Aliens are two really great movies in two completely different genres. Alien is one of the best horror films ever made, while Aliens is pretty much a pure action film. Both of them qualify for this category because Ripley is, without a doubt, the star of both. I included Aliens simply because I liked it better. I'm not as much of a fan of horror as I am of action. However, in terms of pure quality, I'd rate them about equal.

[Reika]

I know I've mentioned my childhood trauma with Alien which is why Aliens got the rating from me. So Alien would probably be an honorable mention.

[Elle]

I remember you saying something about this but not all the details! It scared the living bejeezus out of me and my family.

[Reika]

[bralbovsky]

Alien, for the creeping dread
You didn't care for Monster?
I'd argue Gone with the Wind, with a nod to Wizard of Oz
Am I dating myself if I mention Norma Rae and Silkwood?
Chocolat

[Mike]

Evil Dead (the remake)

I appreciated Monster for its amazing performances, but ultimately did not really enjoy it.

[Elle]

I have not seen Monster and should remedy that, so thanks for the reminder. I loved Norma Rae, Silkwood, and Chocolat. I think Gone with the Wind counts because that's all Scarlett's story no matter who else pops in and out. Not my favorite movie, no, but counts.

[poorpete]

Feel dumb missing Amelie. Of course, Amelie!