6 Female-led Movies and TV Shows to Watch With Your Teen

As a Film and TV major, a key part of my preparation for my first semester of college was, well, to watch as many films and TV shows as I could. 

When I felt stressed with planning and packing, the most comforting genre proved to be coming-of-age comedies, especially those about the college experience. My comfort films and TV shows have always been stories about complex women, so, naturally, that still rang true.

This summer, as I enter my final year of undergrad, I’ve found myself revisiting my favorites — and I’ve brought them here to you. 

Between dorm shopping and those first few registration meetings, late summer is one of the most hectic times in the process for incoming freshmen — trust me, I know. Prioritize your mental health, and watch something good!

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed about college or have everything under control, here are six essential movies and shows to watch before you leave the nest.

Booksmart (2019)

The story of two overachievers determined to finally have some fun before leaving for the Ivy League, Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart is, in my eyes, an absolute masterpiece. 

With outstanding performances by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, a storyline that rivals Superbad, and dialogue that deserves an A+, this film is a heartwarming display of female friendship — and a reminder to savor those last few moments of high school (responsibly).

Lady Bird (2017)

Though Lady Bird takes place mostly in high school, its ending (which I won’t spoil for you) is one for the books. Thus, it’s landed on this list.

Greta Gerwig’s solo directing debut tells the story of an artsy teen who longs to escape her stuffy Catholic high school and attend college on the East Coast. It’s raw, hilarious, and delightfully awkward, juggling comedy and drama in a way only Gerwig can.

Dear White People (2014)

A sharp, witty criticism of Ivy League life as a Black student, Dear White People follows Samantha White, who hosts a hit collegiate radio show criticizing the school’s white majority’s blatant racism.

Brilliantly satirical and undoubtedly necessary, this film is a must-watch for anyone and everyone entering college. Its brilliant script addresses the nuances of race, gender, power, and privilege as they exist in colleges around the country, especially prestigious ones.

If you can’t get enough of this movie, you’re in luck: it also inspired a 2017 Netflix series of the same name.

The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-)

From the mind of Mindy Kaling, The Sex Lives of College Girls centers around four roommates as they work their way through their freshman year at a prestigious New England college.

Though its name implies a strict focus on sex, the show sees the girls navigate common aspects of the college experience, such as Greek Life, extracurriculars, and academic integrity, among others. Additionally, its focus on diversity and the development of truly unique characters make it an absolute success — and a must-watch.

Gilmore Girls (2000-)

I’ll admit it — the Yale seasons of Gilmore Girls aren’t my favorite parts of the series. However, it was refreshing for me to see a complex female character — who had previously been praised for being perfect in all aspects of her life — fail.

From an out-of-control ego to out-of-whack social priorities, Rory Gilmore handles the pressures of college less than gracefully. However, although she doesn’t make life in the Ivy League look easy, her time at Yale teaches us a valuable lesson: what not to do. 

At its core, however, Gilmore Girls just has so much heart. If you haven’t taken the time to enjoy all seven seasons by yourself or with family, add it to the top of your list. 

Pitch Perfect (2012)

A hilarious look into the world of college a capella, Pitch Perfect offers a glimpse into the college experience that no other movie even comes close to. 

The film follows the Barden Bellas, a previously successful a capella group, after a humiliating accident. What ensues is a hilarious and heartfelt display of healthy competition and unbreakable sisterhood. Pitch Perfect is a wonderful choice if you want to learn more about extracurricular a capella — or if you just need a good laugh. Not to mention, you’ll have the riff-offs on repeat for months.

The summer before college is an exciting time — but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Spend these months taking care of yourself, whether that includes prioritizing a relaxing hobby or spending time with your family. 

Watch these films and TV shows as a way to unwind after a long day of packing, to get excited after an anxiety-inducing stretch of class planning, or to reconnect with your family during your final weeks in the nest.

For more of TeenLife’s entertainment recommendations, check out Samantha’s 2024 Must-Read Books or Chloe’s glowing review of Inside Out 2! 

To read more of my thoughts on film and TV, check out my Substack.