14 Must-Watch Movies That Pass the Bechdel Test

If you want your script to stand out, you need more than witty banter and dramatic plot twists. You need characters—especially women—who actually talk to each other about something besides a guy. That’s where the Bechdel Test comes in, and honestly, it’s not as basic as it sounds.

You’re about to dive into these movies that pass the bechdel test, and trust me, this list isn’t just another round of film trivia. It’s a look at how real conversations between women can make your story smarter, sharper, and more authentic. If you care about making better movies (or just want to survive your next film festival Q&A), understanding this stuff is non-negotiable.

The 3 Simple Rules of the Bechdel Test

Before we dive into the list, let’s get one thing straight: What exactly is the Bechdel Test?

Originating from a 1985 comic strip by Alison Bechdel, the test calls out how rarely women get meaningful dialogue in films. To pass, a movie must meet three simple criteria:

1. It must have at least two named female characters
2. They must talk to each other
3. Their conversation must be about something other than a man

Sounds easy, right? You’d be surprised how many films fail this. But when movies pass—and do it with intention—they often end up with richer characters, smarter dialogue, and stories that reflect the real world a little more honestly.

1) Frozen

Release Date: November 27, 2013
Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad
Box Office: $1.28 billion
Budget: $150 million
Fun Fact: “Let It Go” was written in a single day and changed the entire direction of Elsa’s character.

Yes, that Disney juggernaut with the ice queen and the earworm song passes the Bechdel Test. No, it’s not just because Anna and Elsa share the screen—a lot of the time, they’re actually talking about more than just men. Think about it: sisters hashing things out, plans to save a kingdom, or the whole “please stop freezing everything” debate.

If you’re writing for families, know that Disney finally got wise with Frozen. It’s not just singing snowmen and moose—these women drive the plot without leaning on a prince. Screen time goes to female characters making choices that matter.

Want to create stories with layered women? Take a page from Frozen’s playbook. Give your characters real stakes, real dialogue, and let them talk about, well, anything besides Prince Charming. Your audience will thank you—and you won’t have to explain why your movie flunked a 3-question test from a comic strip.

2) Moana

Release Date: November 23, 2016
Stars: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Box Office: $687 million
Budget: $150 million
Fun Fact: Moana was Disney’s first Polynesian princess and the film was developed with input from Oceanic cultural experts.

If you’re building stories with strong female leads, you’ve got to study Moana. This isn’t your classic damsel-waiting-for-a-prince stuff. Moana drives her own adventure. She’s the problem solver, and she takes action even when everyone else chickens out.

Pay close attention to Moana and her interactions with other women—especially her grandmother, who kicks off Moana’s journey. They talk about real stuff: heritage, leadership, and Moana’s role in saving her people. No love interests needed. Just women discussing their futures and their responsibilities.

This movie nails the Bechdel Test simply by letting women have meaningful scenes together. Disney finally abandoned the “Pixie Dream Girl” for a heroine who asks questions, pushes boundaries, and, honestly, is a bit of a rebel.

If you want your scripts to pass the Bechdel Test, steal a page from Moana. Make your female characters talk to each other about things that actually matter. It’s not just box-checking—it’s better storytelling.

3) Raya and the Last Dragon

Release Date: March 5, 2021
Stars: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
Box Office: $130 million
Budget: $100 million
Fun Fact: Raya is Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess.

If you still think major studio animation can’t clear a simple Bechdel hurdle, here’s your wake-up call. Raya and the Last Dragon doesn’t just pass—it strolls right over. Multiple named women in this flick have real conversations about trust, saving the world, and the best ways to survive, not just about sidekicks or villainous dudes.

You get Raya, Sisu, Namaari, and even her mom. They butt heads, make deals, argue strategy—all without dragging the script back to a guy. If you’re crafting female characters, pay attention. Disney’s team put real substance in these conversations, and it shows.

Want your scenes to pass the test? Take notes here: give your female characters agency, conflict, and a mission that’s bigger than high school drama or relationship drama. Raya proves audiences are hungry for this. No secret formulas, just honest dialogue.

And for the indie filmmakers out there: you don’t need a dragon or a $100 million budget. You just need women talking about something that matters. Raya sets the bar. Time to raise yours.

4) Inside Out

Release Date: June 19, 2015
Stars: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling
Box Office: $858 million
Budget: $175 million
Fun Fact: Each emotion’s design is based on a specific shape—Joy is a star, Sadness is a teardrop, and so on.

You don’t need a PhD in animation to know Pixar’s got skills. “Inside Out” puts emotions in the driver’s seat—literally. Most of those emotions? They’re women, and they talk. A lot. And not just about boys or crushes. Think core memories, honesty, and the occasionally awkward dinner table.

If you’re looking for a film that handles female characters with actual personalities, “Inside Out” has you covered. Joy, Sadness, Disgust—each one is distinct, motivated, and interacts with each other about real issues. There’s not a love interest in sight, and that’s refreshing.

Here’s the gold nugget: Pixar could have played it safe with talking animals. Instead, they gave you a lead cast of women who actually drive the plot. If your own scripts are still treating named female roles like rare birds, it’s time for a rewrite. Take a page from “Inside Out”—if Pixar can do it, so can you.

5) The 355

Release Date: January 7, 2022
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o
Box Office: $27.8 million
Budget: $75 million
Fun Fact: The film’s title comes from Agent 355, a real-life female spy during the American Revolution.

If you want proof that women can lead an action flick—and talk about more than boy drama—look at The 355. This is a globe-hopping spy movie where women are actually in charge, not just window dressing. The story centers on top agents from around the world teaming up for a mission.

Forget those one-dimensional “token woman” sidekicks. In The 355, these women have names, agency, and plenty to say to each other. They’re discussing strategies, double-crosses, and the job at hand—not just their love lives. You get dialogue between women that’s about saving the world, not waiting for a man to do it.

As a filmmaker, take note: The 355 doesn’t just squeak by the Bechdel Test. It swings past it with confidence. If you’re writing a script, this is your reminder to give your female leads something real to do—and something genuine to say. Audiences notice, and so do producers.

6) Afterlife of the Party

Release Date: September 2, 2021
Stars: Victoria Justice, Midori Francis, Robyn Scott
Box Office: N/A (Netflix release)
Budget: Estimated under $20 million
Fun Fact: The film was shot in South Africa and blends comedy with supernatural elements.

If you ever wanted proof that a party movie can handle the Bechdel Test without breaking a sweat, “Afterlife of the Party” is it. This Netflix romp throws out the usual romance-driven plots for something with more range—and yes, actual conversations between women about things that aren’t boys.

You get women talking about friendship, regrets, and growing up—real-life stuff you actually care about. Names get dropped, feelings get aired, and you don’t have to squint to find it. That’s how simple it can be.

For indie filmmakers, take note: you don’t need an epic budget to pass the Bechdel Test. Just let your female characters communicate like real people. “Afterlife of the Party” runs on authentic dialogue and a little supernatural charm, not gender stereotypes.

This isn’t some feminist manifesto in disguise. It’s a movie where women exist as humans with their own stories. Take the hint—audiences notice when you get this right, especially the ones tired of background girlfriends and token sidekicks.

7) Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Release Date: February 12, 2021
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Jamie Dornan
Box Office: $32 million (VOD and limited theatrical)
Budget: $20 million
Fun Fact: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo co-wrote the film and previously collaborated on “Bridesmaids.”

If you’re tired of buddy comedies where women only talk about men, cue up Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. This film flips the script. Barb and Star, two middle-aged best friends, spend a lot of screen time chatting about just about everything—friendship, culottes, and slightly odd vacation plans.

You want real, two-women conversations that don’t orbit around a dude? You’ll get them here. Their talks are weird, funny, and more authentic than half the character development workshops you’ve sat through.

It’s proof you don’t need romance or heartbreak to drive a story. That’s a wake-up call for screenwriters stuck in rom-com autopilot. The next time you’re workshopping dialogue, think about Barb and Star geeking out over seashells and hotel amenities. There’s magic in the mundane.

Of course, passing the Bechdel Test wasn’t even the movie’s big agenda item. They nailed it by focusing on personality, oddball chemistry, and small stakes that somehow feel huge. You want character-driven comedy? Take notes, not just popcorn.

8) Being the Ricardos

Release Date: December 21, 2021
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Nina Arianda
Box Office: $450K (limited release), Amazon Prime debut
Budget: $40 million
Fun Fact: Nicole Kidman won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Lucille Ball.

If you’re eyeing Oscar-bait drama that passes the Bechdel test, toss Being the Ricardos onto your watch list. This isn’t just a Lucille Ball biopic. It’s basically a master class in dialogue—especially if you’re after scenes with more than two women trading gossip about men.

Nicole Kidman and Nina Arianda don’t just play iconic women. They actually get in the trenches, hashing out work, comedy, and the pressures of live TV. You see them clash, scheme, and joke—all about the job, not about a man.

If you want proof you can write female characters with agency (and screen time), study how these scripts juggle strong personalities colliding over creative control and the nuts-and-bolts of making great TV. No damsels. No sideline chit-chat. Just relentless professionals grinding through the chaos.

You’re not just watching history; you’re seeing how to build tension and authenticity without falling back on tired tropes. Take notes. Your scenes could use a little less romance and a lot more rivalry.

9) Black Panther

Release Date: February 16, 2018
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira
Box Office: $1.34 billion
Budget: $200 million
Fun Fact: The Wakandan language is based on Xhosa, a South African dialect.

Here’s the deal with Black Panther: it slips past the Bechdel Test, but it’s not exactly doing victory laps. The bar for the test is pretty low—two named women talk about something other than a man. Black Panther makes it, mostly because the Dora Milaje and Shuri get actual screen time to swap lines about tech and Wakanda.

If you’re writing your own scripts, pay attention to how this movie gives space to its female characters. Okoye and Shuri aren’t just sidekicks; they actually move the plot. That’s rare in a lot of blockbuster movies, especially those swimming in testosterone.

You want your script to have real women talking about real things? Look at scenes where Nakia and Okoye argue about Wakanda’s politics. Watch how Shuri throws shade at T’Challa’s fashion sense—banter and all. There’s an easy lesson here: your female characters deserve more than background noise.

So, if you’re scoring your script against the Bechdel Test, Black Panther shows you it can be done. Barely, maybe, but at least it’s not just checking boxes. Give your characters—and your audience—a shot at something a little smarter.

10) Hidden Figures

Release Date: December 25, 2016
Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Box Office: $236 million
Budget: $25 million
Fun Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Hidden Figures is your gold standard if you want a script that smashes the Bechdel test. Three brilliant women—Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary—talk about math, computers, and rocket science, not just the dudes around them. They’re too busy solving NASA’s problems to waste time on boring love triangles.

The scene work here is sharp. You see actual work tension, not billowed drama. When these women talk, it’s about code, trajectories, and getting credit for their genius. That’s a screenwriter’s wake-up call: meaningful dialogue doesn’t require a male focus.

Take notes on how the film lets women be technical, frustrated, comedic, and powerful—all at the same time. You want layers? These characters have them, and that’s what makes them real. If you still write women who only chat about boyfriends, it’s time to upgrade your playbook.

Studios didn’t make this movie because it was easy; they made it because someone wrote gutsy women who could actually get a man to the moon—without talking about men at all. You want your script to last? Give your women something worth saying.

11) Legally Blonde

Release Date: July 13, 2001
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Jennifer Coolidge
Box Office: $141 million
Budget: $18 million
Fun Fact: Reese Witherspoon kept all 60 outfits Elle Woods wore in the film.

You want proof a feel-good, crowd-pleaser can clear the Bechdel Test? Cue Legally Blonde. Elle Woods doesn’t just talk about her ex or nails—she’s busy passing law exams and having real conversations with women who aren’t just set dressing.

Take a look at those salon scenes or shots in the courtroom. When women in this film chat, it’s about jobs, goals, and, yes, a bold hair transformation strategy or two. Plot moves because the women talk, connect, solve problems, and back each other up, not because someone’s pining over a guy.

Legally Blonde flips the “dumb blonde” trope and then runs it over with a pink convertible. If you’re writing a script and think you need a love angle to make female characters talk, this film proves you wrong. Give your characters something real to do—they’ll carry your story a lot further than another tired romance subplot.

12) Mad Max: Fury Road

Release Date: May 15, 2015
Stars: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Zoë Kravitz
Box Office: $380 million
Budget: $150 million
Fun Fact: The film won 6 Oscars, including Best Editing and Best Costume Design.

If you’re hunting for a Bechdel Test pass, “Mad Max: Fury Road” checks all the boxes and doesn’t break a sweat. There are multiple named women—Furiosa, the Five Wives, heck, even the tough-as-nails Vuvalini. They talk. They argue. They scheme. None of it’s about Max or any other dude.

You get to watch these women problem-solve, fight, and take charge in ways that don’t require a man’s approval or rescue. Want to see action heroes who aren’t just accessories to the male lead? This film delivers, then drives off at 80 miles per hour.

Bonus for indie writers: George Miller didn’t write these women as props. Their storylines have weight, their choices matter, and the camera never treats them like eye candy. Mad Max: Fury Road speaks fluent “show, don’t tell,” and it’s a solid reference for building active, compelling female characters.

So, if your script has two named women who do nothing but whisper about their love lives, level up. Fury Road proves the action genre can give women their own arcs, voices, and plenty of screen time. Your script can do the same—without sacrificing explosions.

13) Barbie

Release Date: July 21, 2023
Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera
Box Office: $1.45 billion
Budget: $145 million
Fun Fact: Barbie was directed by Greta Gerwig and became the highest-grossing film by a female director.

If you’re aiming to pass the Bechdel Test, take a cue from “Barbie.” This movie doesn’t just squeak by—it checks every box cleanly. Named female characters talk to each other about plenty of things that have absolutely nothing to do with men. Clothes, identity, patriarchy, job descriptions—pick a topic.

“Barbie” is basically a crash course for indie filmmakers on how to write female characters who aren’t defined by their relationships to guys. Notice how the conversations keep the action moving and don’t stall out with small talk. That’s the trick: keep your dialogue about goals, fears, or even weird dreams—they all count.

Even with its candy-colored style, the script never falls into lazy patterns. You’re not stuck with stereotypes or one-note sidekicks. If you want your next project to pass the Bechdel with zero stress, watch how “Barbie” pulls it off. It’s not about ticking off a box—it’s about treating every character like they actually matter. Maybe try that in your next draft.

14) Don’t Worry Darling

Release Date: September 23, 2022
Stars: Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde
Box Office: $87 million
Budget: $35 million
Fun Fact: The movie was directed by Olivia Wilde and drew significant media attention during its promotion.

If you haven’t seen “Don’t Worry Darling,” put it on your list—especially if you care about female characters who actually talk to each other about more than just men. Yeah, that’s rare enough to celebrate. The film passes the Bechdel Test, so it’s already ahead of plenty of big-budget titles.

You get real conversations between women about their lives, their strange world, and what the heck is happening beneath the surface. No, it’s not just about romance drama.

Olivia Wilde, the director, doesn’t just put women front and center—she lets them drive the story, question the rules, and challenge the setup. That’s lesson one for your next script: let your characters think for themselves. Fake conflict gets old fast.

You want to write scenes where women connect, push back, or even disagree without everything circling back to a man? Watch this one. Take notes. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but at least give it four tires that aren’t all the same.

What The Bechdel Test Actually Means

If you think the Bechdel Test is just a checklist for woke points, think again. It’s a quick way to spot if women are actually doing anything in a movie besides orbiting the leading man. But don’t get too comfortable—it’s not a badge of feminist honor.

Origins And Pop Culture Impact

The Bechdel Test came from a comic strip in the 1980s by Alison Bechdel. As mentioned above, the rules are simple:

• The movie needs at least two named women
• they have to talk to each other
• and the conversation can’t be about a man. That’s it.

Why does it matter? Because for decades, women have been background noise in way too many scripts. The test blew up in pop culture circles, dragging attention to just how rare it is for women to exist on screen with their own goals, feelings, or basic personalities.

Studios and critics started throwing around Bechdel stats like trivia at a bar. Some streaming services even filter movies that pass or fail, which honestly says a lot about demand. Is this test a meme? Sure. But it’s also a mirror on lazy writing that still happens today.

Why Passing Isn’t A Gold Medal For Feminism

Here’s the real talk: Passing the Bechdel Test does not mean your film is suddenly progressive. It just means two women had a conversation about literally anything other than a dude—even if it’s about salad dressing.

A film can technically pass and still treat its women as stereotypes, sidekicks, or props. You can check every box and still fail at writing deep, complicated, or even remotely interesting female characters.

The Bechdel Test is the bare minimum. If your goal is richer storytelling, don’t stop at passing—ask if your women matter to the plot. Anyone can follow three rules. Only good storytellers build characters who feel real, alive, and worth rooting for.

How To Write Scenes That Pass The Bechdel Test

Want your script to get that Bechdel Test seal of approval? Start by ditching boring conversations and flat female leads. Focus on real dialogue and show women as people with full lives—not just background props or plot tools for the guys.

Breaking Out Of Predictable Dialogue

You know that moment when two women finally get a scene together…and talk about a boyfriend? Yeah, skip that.

Start with honest, everyday topics. Maybe it’s work frustration, a shared hobby, or world domination plans—just keep men out of it. Treat them like any character who has goals, opinions, or that weird allergy to shellfish.

Bulletproof your scenes by writing lines you’ve actually heard real women say. Argue about pizza toppings, debate a plot twist in a favorite show, or vent about a broken laptop. Write conversations you’d want to watch, not background chatter that fades away.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Is this about a man? (If yes, cut it)
• Would two guys have this convo? (If not, why?)
• Are both characters driving the scene? (Don’t just let one nod along)

Crafting Complex Female Characters

Forget the “strong female character” trope—go for actual people. Give your female characters quirks, flaws, and weird obsessions. Dream up women who annoy you, inspire you, or could literally outwit you in a bar fight.

Give them power, but also uncertainty. Motivation, but also hesitation. Write them angry, messy, and funny.

Try this as a litmus test: Write a full scene where their main problem isn’t a guy. Maybe they want a promotion, or they’re trying to fix a car. If you can swap out a female character for a male and nothing changes but the name, you’re doing it right.

Before you call it finished, ask yourself: Would you actually want to see this woman as the main character? If the answer is “meh,” keep digging. Authenticity always beats stereotypes.