There is an undeniable spark of electricity that exists within a superior female ensemble comedy. When talented and comedic women come together for a film, the combination is nothing short of pure magic, whether it be chaos, catharsis, or the loudest and most prolonged laughter. Female-led ensemble films entertain us, but they also shatter boundaries and, in the process, reconfirm the significance of women’s narratives. Here’s our list of the top 15 female ensemble films that made an impact at the iconic film capital of the world, as well as our hearts.
15. Birds of Prey (2020)
Who would have thought it could be this much fun watching a spin-off from the DC Universe? Birds of Prey is an explosion of color, a blast of girl power, and Margot Robbie just takes over the screen as the erratic Harley Quinn. The movie brings together a bunch of misfit superheroes who are all different and unique in their ways, bringing their own brand of fighting skills to make for an unforgettable romp through the streets of Gotham.
14. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is at once a period drama and an incisive, affectionate treatise on female siblinghood and the will to thrive. The March sisters breathe lifelike warm air into one another in the sure hands of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Eliza Scanlen.
13. Help, The (2011)
The Help is a movie that describes the relationship between Caucasians of Mississippi and house maids employed by white families during the time of the 1960s. The Help Movie. This movie stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, and is a combination of comedy as well as sociological observations. The performance of actors is praiseworthy, as it earned Spencer an Oscar Award due to her hard work as a supporting actress.
12. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
This bubblegum bright satire targets the music industry with its cast, including Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, and Tara Reid as the Josie and the Pussycats trio. Cleverly written and self-aware with plenty of endless fun, Josie and the Pussycats presents the magic of an all-girl cast in addition to attacking pop culture and consumerism.
11. Bachelorette (2012)
Yet being the forerunner of the phenomenon that brought along the arrival of Bridesmaids, Bachelorette was somehow able to live up to its own form of raunchy fun. Featuring a likable group of leads in the form of Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, and Lizzy Caplan, this film sees a group of girlfriends getting together ahead of a wedding; naturally, things spiral hilariously out of control.
10. Clueless (1995)
The classic ’90s teen movie, Clueless, also features an entirely female cast, with Alicia Silverstone starring as the well-meaning and slightly ditsy Cher, along with Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Elisa Donovan. Clueless contains one of the most memorable lines of dialogue ever spoken in a film.
9. Mean Girls (2004)
You can’t sit with us unless you love razor-sharp high school comedy. Tina Fey’s legendary script, Lindsay Lohan’s breakout role, and a supporting cast including Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried make Mean Girls a modern classic. It’s a biting, hilarious exploration of girlhood politics that’s as relevant now as it was nearly two decades ago.
8. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Pitch Perfect made a cappella an international phenomenon. Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Brittany Snow head a cast of eccentric misfits in a musical comedy that’s quirky and heartwarming. The chemistry, laughs, and catchy songs make it pretty unrivaled in the female ensemble comedy genre.
7. 9 to 5 (1980)
Long before “girlboss” became a buzzword, 9 to 5 had Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin plotting office rebellion. Sharp satire, unforgettable musical numbers, and comedic brilliance turned this workplace comedy into a rallying cry for women everywhere.
6. A League of Their Own (1992)
There’s no crying in baseball! But there is plenty of laughter and heart in this story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, and Lori Petty lead a powerhouse cast, combining sports, comedy, and sisterhood in a way that’s still inspiring today.
5. Bridesmaids (2011)
Few films capture the chaos of female friendship like Bridesmaids. Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy lead a side-splitting ensemble comedy about pre-wedding stress, rivalry, and love. Its humor is timeless, and McCarthy’s Oscar-nominated performance cemented the film as a modern classic.
4. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Steel Magnolias offers a healthy dose of laughter, tears, and incredible acting. Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine deliver in this tale of friendship, strength, and family. By blending these ingredients of comedy, tragedy, and Southern tradition, Steel Magnolias remains timeless.
3. Joy Ride (2023)
Who thought that raunchy road-trip comedies were only for the male gender? Joy Ride turns that paradigm on its head by offering a story of a crazy, explicit road adventure for four Asian women, acted out by Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. Arranged by filmmakers Adele Lim, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, and Teresa Hsiao, this film makes those in the industry see that women can rock gross-out comedies as well.
2. The First Wives Club (1996)
Revenge has never been so chic. Starring the fabulous trio of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, this critically acclaimed comedy about three divorcees taking revenge on the men who wronged them has remained a comedy classic for those who love intelligent, female-led humor.
1. Barbie (2023)
Yes, Barbie. Greta Gerwig’s anarchic, candy-colored blockbuster isn’t only the hit of the box office but also a genre-defining comedy. Margot Robbie leads an out-of-this-world ensemble cast, including Issa Rae, America Ferrera, and Kate McKinnon, in a film that hilariously examines patriarchy, perfection, and identity. With laughs, heart, and a killer soundtrack, Barbie proves women-led comedies can be ambitious, smart, and wild pop successes.
These films remind us that among the funniest people in the room are often women, and when they come together, the results can’t be forgotten. Whether you’re in the mood for chaos, inspiration, or just some good old-fashioned laughter, these ensembles prove the future of comedy is bright and fabulous.