Best of the Bechdel Test bunch

These films about female friendship make the cut and more when it comes to representation of women and their stories

Ghost World

This cult classic about high-school outsiders Enid, played by Thora Birch, and Rebecca, a young Scarlett Johannsson, is based on a graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. Everything about the film is cool. For those who never quite fit in, it’s essential viewing.

Lady Bird

A coming-of-age story about 17year-old Christine (Saoirse Ronan) who constantly clashes with her mother (Laurie Metcalf). But it’s the scenes with her best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein) that stand out.

Clueless

Cher, Tai, and Dionne make up the ultimate girl squad, navigating driver’s tests, crushes, and concussions together.

Spice World

I watched this wild and wonderful movie about a million times as a pre-teen. It follows the fictional adventures of every girl’s favourite real girl group.

Thelma and Louise

Saddle up with your own “ride or die” and enjoy this movie about the unbreakable bond between two friends who embark on a road trip gone wrong. Plus, a young and very hot Brad Pitt is in the mix.

The Sweetest Thing

After meeting a man at a club, Courtney and Christina embark on an adventure to track him down. Like any good road trip movie, montages and debauchery ensue. Every woman who’s seen it has stood in front of the mirror, lifted her arms and said “18” and then put them down and said “28.”

The Spy who Dumped Me

This recently released comedy follows the adventure of besties Audrey (Mila Kunis) and Morgan (Kate McKinnon) on a secret mission that follows Audrey’s discovery that her ex is a spy.

Promising Young Woman

A dark, sometimes humorous film about a woman named Cassie (Carrey Mulligan) who is living out a revenge fantasy after an undefined trauma involving her best friend Nina. A tale of how trauma affects not just survivors but the women who love them as well.

Francis Ha

Greta Gerwig co-wrote and stars in this perceptive look at the way friendships shift as we move into (or don’t move into) the next stage of our lives. It expresses how we don’t understand how much we depend on the relationships of our teens and 20s, and going through the same experiences together. At the beginning of the film, Gerwig’s character happily plans a lifetime of connection with her friend but has to learn that sometimes BFFs are not forever at all.

Booksmart

Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with Booksmart, but Amy and Molly’s adventure to have the night of their lives is timeless.

Bend it Like Beckham

Yes, there’s a brief romantic rivalry in this one but it’s primarily the story of the friendship between two young women who love soccer. The film shines for its humour, its dynamic soccer game play and for the portrayal of a generous and loyal friendship.