20 of the Best Movies of All Time to Inspire Women of a Certain Age

In a world where society often sidelines older women, incredible real-life stories shatter these outdated notions. Women over 40 are not only breaking barriers in their careers and personal lives but also achieving remarkable feats in physical fitness. Whether it's hiking 2,650 miles, swimming with sharks, or starting a business, these women prove that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and achieving greatness.

In this blog post, we celebrate these inspirational figures through a curated list of non-fiction movies. Each film captures the essence of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of women who defy expectations and redefine what it means to be fabulous at any age. Get ready to be inspired by their incredible journeys and perhaps find a spark of motivation to embark on your own adventure!

Wild (2014)

Cheryl Strayed, in her mid-40s, undertakes a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome personal losses and find inner strength.

The Miracle Worker (1962)

Anne Sullivan, in her 40s, helps the blind and deaf Helen Keller learn to communicate, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and teaching skills.

Growing Young (2014)

This documentary follows several elderly people who engage in extreme sports and physical activities, challenging the stereotypes associated with aging and showcasing their incredible physical capabilities.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

The story of Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined woman in her 30s who trains with a hardened boxing coach to become a professional boxer, overcoming personal and physical challenges.

The Mirnavator (2017)

A documentary short about Mirna Valerio, a ultra-marathon runner in her 40s, who challenges stereotypes of body size and inspires others with her passion for running and fitness.

Nyad (2023)

The incredible true story of Diana Nyad, who, at the age of 64, became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. This film highlights her relentless determination, physical endurance, and the years of training that led to her historic achievement.

Gotta Dance (2008)

This documentary follows the New Jersey Nets' first-ever senior hip-hop dance team, composed of women and men in their 60s and 70s, as they audition, rehearse, and perform, showcasing their physical prowess and enthusiasm.

Silver Skies (2016)

While not a traditional sports movie, this film focuses on a group of retirees who band together to save their senior community, emphasizing the physical and mental strength of older adults.

American Woman (2019)

The true story of several women, including a former athlete, who become activists in the 1970s, showcasing their physical and mental resilience.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Julia Child, in her 40s, finds her calling in cooking and eventually writes a groundbreaking cookbook. Meanwhile, Julie Powell, also in her 30s, is inspired by Child’s book to cook all 524 recipes in a year.

The Zookeeper's Wife (2017)

Antonina Żabiński, in her 40s, saves hundreds of Jews during World War II by hiding them in her zoo in Warsaw, Poland.

Harriet (2019)

The story of Harriet Tubman, who, in her 40s, escapes slavery and becomes a leading abolitionist, helping hundreds of enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Norma Rae (1979)

The story of a Southern textile worker, Norma Rae, who, in her 40s, becomes a union organizer to fight for better working conditions, highlighting her bravery and leadership.

Advanced Style (2014)

A documentary about seven New York City women aged 62 to 95 who embrace their unique style and aging with confidence, featuring their active and vibrant lifestyles.

Hidden Figures (2016)

The true story of three black women mathematicians at NASA who played crucial roles in the early years of the U.S. space program, breaking barriers in both their professional and personal lives.

The Iron Lady (2011)

A biographical film about Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, focusing on her rise to power and her political career.

Calendar Girls (2003)

An empowering British comedy-drama inspired by a true story. A group of middle-aged women from a Yorkshire Women's Institute decides to produce a nude calendar to raise money for leukemia research. The calendar's unexpected success challenges societal norms about aging and beauty, showcasing the courage to break stereotypes and embrace new roles in life.

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

The story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who, in her 40s, fights for gender equality and becomes a Supreme Court Justice, reshaping U.S. law and society.

Joy (2015)

The story of Joy Mangano, a divorced mother of two, who invents the Miracle Mop and builds a business empire in her 40s.

Fauja Singh: The Runner (upcoming)

A documentary about Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, who completed a marathon at the age of 100, inspiring many with his dedication to fitness.

So there you have it! A lineup of phenomenal films that celebrate women who defy age, break barriers, and redefine what it means to be extraordinary at any stage of life. Grab some popcorn, get comfy, and let these stories inspire you to embark on your own journey of inspiration and fabulousness!