The historical marginalisation of women in STEM is also something that is there in television and cinema, where either they are completely removed, or they have been reduced to a few cliched archetypes.
However, slowly but surely this has been improving, with more and more movies and TV shows coming out and celebrating women making their mark in these fields. Here are some of the best picks that have brought us great representation of women in STEM that you should check out.
10. Marguerite’s Theorem (2023)
This French-Swiss drama film tells the story of Marguerite, a brilliant mathematics student and the only woman in her class at France’s top university. Entirely devoted to her passion, Marguerite seems to have her future carefully planned out until a mistake in her thesis shatters everything. She decides to quit academia and start over, navigating through sexism, disillusionment and academic prejudice to rebuild her life.
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9. Alien (1979)
Although we don’t get to see direct work in STEM fields in ‘Alien’, this list deserves to mention the iconic Ellen Ripley. She challenged both occupational and cinematic conventions to bring us portrayal of a woman who is a capable engineer as well as a formidable sci-fi lead. Sigourney Weaver’s performance in this blockbuster film remains groundbreaking even decades later.
8. Big Hero 6 (2014)
This animated movie tells the story of Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy and his friends who team up with Baymax, a healthcare robot created by his late brother, to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death. But the movie actually celebrates many young and diverse scientific minds. Engineering genius Go Go Tomago and chemistry whiz Honey Lemon stand out particularly for being such an instrumental part of Hiro’s team.
7. Black Panther (2018)
Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, ‘Blank Panther’ follows T’Challa as he takes the throne and faces threats to his kingdom. But among the film’s standout characters is his younger sister, Shuri, a brilliant scientist and the most intelligent character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is not only responsible for Wakanda’s advanced technology but has repeatedly come to save the day with her skills. It isn’t a surprise why she has become such a role model for young viewers.
6. Lessons In Chemistry (2023)
First a bestselling novel and then an equally beloved series adaptation, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ is a very interesting watch. After losing her laboratory job, chemist Elizabeth Zott has to become a host of a television cooking show called “Supper at Six”. But she uses this opportunity to teach her housewife .audiences about science in the backrop of 1950s America. Alongside its feminist themes, the series has a very uniquely clever and witty storytelling style.
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5. Radioactive (2019)
Starring Rosamund Pike as Marie Curie, ‘Radioactive’ chronicles the life of this pioneering scientist to show how much she had to struggle because of the discrimination she faced as a woman. Despite being repeatedly sidelined, we see the very real story of how Curie made her revolutionary and Nobel Prize-winning discovery.
4. The X-Files (1993-2018)
This iconic TV show gave us Agent Dana Scully, the sceptical medical doctor who investigates unexplained cases alongside conspiracy-obsessed agent Fox Mulder. Scully’s ability to hold respect in a male-dominated profession made her such an influential figure that she inspired the “Scully Effect”, which refers to the influence she had on many women to pursue careers in science, medicine and other STEM fields.
3. Contact (1997)
Based on Carl Sagan’s novel, ‘Contact’ tells the story of Ellie Arroway, a SETI scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence and is chosen to make first contact. It is a fascinating movie that explores humanity’s place in the universe. But at the same time, it also highlights the many obstacles a woman must overcome to establish herself in science. From struggling to secure funding to facing criticism and lack of recognition within the scientific community, Ellie’s journey is filled with perseverance.
2. Temple Grandin (2010)
Starring Claire Danes in the titular role, ‘Temple Grandin’ tells the extraordinary true story of an autistic woman who revolutionised livestock-handling practices through her innovative approach to animal welfare. It is based on Grandin’s own memoirs and offers a very rare and moving glimpse into her life and mind. The movie is a celebration of how different ways of thinking can lead to so many remarkable scientific achievements.
1. Hidden Figures (2016)
This iconic film remains the most inspiring celebration of women who changed history through their fight to get a place in STEM fields. It tells the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African American mathematicians and scientists whose work was instrumental in NASA’s success in the Space Race. The film explores the many racial and gender discrimination they had to overcome to have their talents recognised and remains a must-watch for everyone.
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