In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, JustWatch—the world’s leading streaming guide—is spotlighting Canada’s most streamed films produced, written, or directed by women.
This exclusive ranking highlights the impact of female filmmakers and storytellers, showcasing films that captivate audiences with compelling narratives, bold artistic visions, and groundbreaking representation.
From gripping psychological dramas to thrilling crime stories, these films have made a lasting impression across streaming platforms, underscoring the power of female-driven storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape.
1. The Substance (2023) - Available to stream on MUBI
A gripping body horror film that explores society's obsession with youth and perfection and follows a fading celebrity who takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself, directed by Coralie Fargeat.
2. Anatomy of a Fall (2023) - Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
A riveting courtroom drama directed by Justine Triet about a woman suspected of her husband's murder, while their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the sole witness.
3. I Saw the TV Glow (2024) - Available to stream on Crave and Hoopla
A haunting psychological horror film by Jane Schoenbrun that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The movie follows teenager Owen, who is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate Maddy introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.
4. Past Lives (2023) - Available to stream Amazon Prime Video
Celine Song’s deeply moving tale of love, fate, and identity, follows two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, who reunite after decades apart. The pair, who has shared a strong bond since their childhood, are separated when Nora's family moves away from South Korea. After twenty years, they unexpectedly meet again in New York where they have a decisive week to confront the concepts of fate, affection and the decisions that shape one's life.
5. Barbie (2023) - Available to stream on Crave
Greta Gerwig’s globally celebrated phenomenon that redefines an iconic character and sparks discussions on gender and identity, follows Barbie after she was banished from Barbie Land and embarks on a journey to the human world. The new society is both fascinating and challenging for her, as she must learn to navigate unfamiliar customs, norms, and language. As Barbie struggles with adapting to her new surroundings, Ken seems to be having no issues adjusting to the strange human world standards.
6. Blink Twice (2024) - Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
This thrilling mystery, directed by Zoë Kravitz, delves into the dark underbelly of privilege and deception. Tech billionaire Slater King meets Frida, a cocktail waitress, at his fundraising gala and invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation to his private island. As unusual events unfold, Frida begins to question her reality.
7. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) - Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla
This high-stakes crime thriller, with an intense romance at its core, was directed by Rose Glass and follows reclusive gym manager Lou who falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou's criminal family.
8. Maria (2024) - Available to stream on MUBI
A biographical drama about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie. In the movie, Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity.
9. Priscilla (2023) - Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
Sofia Coppola’s intimate portrait of Priscilla Presley’s life, offering a fresh perspective on a legendary love story. In West Germany, American teenager Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, a renowned rock 'n roll star turned regular soldier. Their ensuing love story is marked by both intimacy and turbulence, showcasing the challenges of young womanhood amidst fame, addiction and the sinister force of love.
10. Hidden Figures (2016) - Available to stream on Disney Plus and Netflix
The inspiring true story of the brilliant Black women mathematicians – Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who played a crucial role in NASA’s space program and the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film was directed by Theodore Melfi and adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly’s book.
With this ranking, JustWatch furthers its mission to connect audiences with the most compelling and significant films. Whether revisiting a beloved classic or discovering a new favorite, this list celebrates the creativity and impact of women in filmmaking.
