The Viola Davis-led historical epic, The Woman King, had a stellar first weekend at the box office, with a $19 million take. Set during the early 19th century, the film follows the Agojie, an all-female tribe of warriors that protected the Dahomey kingdom. The Woman King is sure to be a box office success and a major awards contender, to the delight of critics and audiences, who gave the film two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Fans looking for other films like The Woman King should have no problem finding equally great and exciting options. Indeed, these films share a similar DNA as The Woman King, having similar themes and setting and sometimes even including the same cast members.
Widows (2018)
Available To Stream On Hulu
Also starring Viola Davis, Widows follows four women who hatch a plan to steal from a prominent politician to pay debt left behind by their four dead husbands. Academy Award nominee Steve McQueen directed the film, which co-stars Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, and Colin Farrell.
Black Panther (2018)
Available To Stream On Disney+
Marvel’s Black Panther follows T’Chala, as he gets crowned king of Wakanda and continues carrying the titular heroic mantle. However, his throne gets challenged by Killmonger, who plans to start a global revolution using Wakanda’s vast resources.
The film features a wide cast of Black performers, showcasing African culture and honoring its heritage. It also spotlights the Dora Miaje, T’Chala’s all-female Special Ops and bodyguard team, making it a good thematic companion for The Woman King. Black Panther already has a spin-off announced centered on the Dora Milaje, which will premiere on Disney+ and will dig deeper into its origins and importance.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 (2003/2004)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino’s ode to bloody revenge, is one of the best movie duologies in cinematic history. Uma Thurman stars as The Bride, an assassin seeking revenge against her former organization, who attacked her during her wedding rehearsal, killing everyone in attendance and leaving her for dead.
The Bride is among the most iconic and badass female characters in modern cinema, making her a great companion for the warriors in The Woman King. Kill Bill is a story of female rage and vengeance, themes that The Woman King also explores, albeit with more nuance and less panache.
Small Axe (2020)
Available To Stream On Amazon Prime
Steve McQueen’s anthology series Small Axe tells the experiences of the West Indian immigrant community living in London from the ’60 to the ’80s. Each of the five standalone episodes focuses on a new story, with the show’s large ensemble including John Boyega, Letitia Wright, Naomi Ackie, and Steve Toussaint.
Small Axe is an insightful and powerful look into the experiences of the Black community. Although they take place in the modern era, each of Small Axe‘s episodes will work well in tandem with The Woman King, thanks to their shared thematic resonance and the talent behind and in front of the camera.
Harriet (2019)
Available To Rent On Apple TV
The real-life story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman is the basis for the 2019 biopic Harriet. Cynthia Erivo stars in the title role opposite Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe. The plot centers on Tubman’s life, chronicling her escape from slavery and her subsequent missions to rescue other slaves.
Harriet and The Woman King venture into the jarring subject of slavery, albeit under very different approaches. Although Harriet takes a more conventional style in adapting its real-life story, it’s still a powerful companion piece for a film that’s all about female strength and endurance.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods follows four aging Vietnam War veterans who return to the country in search of a treasure they left behind and the remains of their fallen squad leader. It stars an ensemble cast including Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman.
Da 5 Bloods is among Spike Lee’s best movies. The film focuses on the realities of war and the camaraderie that forms among those fighting them, making it a suitable companion for The Woman King, a film that deals with similar themes from a female perspective.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Mad Max: Fury Road follows Max Rockatansky as he joins forces with Imperator Furiosa against Immortan Joe, a cult leader, and his army. The film, directed, co-written, and co-produced by George Miller, stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.
One of the best movies of the 2010s, Mad Max: Fury Road is a non-stop adventure with an undeniably feminist approach. Imperator Furiosa ranks among the best female characters in cinematic history, and Charlize Theron’s raw and committed performance will satisfy fans of Viola Davis’ thrilling work in The Woman King.
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Featuring an all-star cast of badass women, including Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, and Angel Bassett, Gunpowder Milkshake is a great time at the movies. The film follows a hitwoman who must protect a young girl from a group of assassins sent by her former employer.
Gunpowder Milkshake doesn’t juggle any deep themes or break new ground in the action genre. However, it’s a fast-paced, thrilling film with plenty of unforgettable and kickass female characters. Fans of The Woman King looking for more thrills will surely enjoy this action romp.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Ang Lee’s timeless masterpiece, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, remains one of the finest entries in the action genre. Starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi, the film features the chase for a legendary sword given to a warrior by her lover before being stolen from her.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon features some of the best and most elaborate fighting choreography in cinematic history, making it an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. With luscious production values and striking visuals, it will be perfect for viewers looking for another action escapade in a foreign land.
Jackie Brown (1997)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
A love letter to 1970s Blaxploitation films, Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown follows the titular character as she schemes her way out of a potentially dangerous plot by the ATF to double-cross her arms dealer boss. Pam Grier stars as the title character opposite Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, and Robert Forster.
Jackie Brown might be Tarantino’s most underrated film. Featuring a career-best performance by the legendary Pam Grier, Jackie Brown is a character study of a complicated, cunning, and resourceful woman, much like the characters Viola Davis usually plays.
