8 Bingeworthy Things to Watch This International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, girls run the (STEM) world. This day is about women and girls' contributions to science, especially in global sustainability initiatives. It’s also an invitation to explore how we can improve on STEM educational offerings for girls, opening up a larger conversation about STEM equity in general.

Why not celebrate this day by cozying up and having an all-out binge fest of killer movies and shows that show women rocking it in their field?

When it comes to diverse STEM representation on screen, let’s just say that most TV shows and movies could be better. It’s 2023, and we’re so over the whole “damsel in distress” thing. There are so many incredible stories, real and fiction, that deserve to be told about women in STEM and some of the best storylines go unnoticed. Luckily, there are some stellar examples of shows and movies that are breaking the mold and putting strong, STEM-tastic women at the center.

Since International Day of Women and Girls in Science is just around the corner (February 11th), we’re stoked to compile this list of shows and movies that have some inspirational, bold, and fierce female characters:

1. The X-Files

This Sci-Fi drama is about FBI agents who specialize in cracking unsolved cases about paranormal phenomena. We’re talking aliens, science experiments gone wrong, ghosts, and so many more chilling adventures. Our STEM crush in The X-Files is Scully, a medical doctor who is tasked with debunking conspiracy theories and providing rational scientific explanations for seemingly unexplainable occurrences. If you love Supernatural or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you’ll fit right into The X-Files universe. There are over 200 episodes across 11 seasons, so there’s plenty of STEM-tastic goodness to binge!

Where to watch: Hulu

2. Black Panther

Let’s be real, would Black Panther be the same without Shuri, aka the brains behind all the wicked tech that T’Challa uses? The answer is no. I mean, those holographic monitors she invented were top-notch. If you haven’t seen Black Panther yet, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most epic examples of women in STEM on the big screen. Sure, the tech in Black Panther is fictional, but there’s nothing fictional about Shuri’s impressive wit, creativity, and innovation! If you’ve already seen the movie, go ahead and watch it again to fully appreciate her Black Girl Magic. She’s an awesome role model and shows how representation is key when it comes to shows and movies.

Where to watch: Disney+

3. The Expanse

Based on a series of novels (which are also totally bingeworthy), this Sci-Fi show has a cult following, and for good reason. Set in a future where humans have colonized the solar system, The Expanse has a healthy dose of action, drama, and cool sciency storylines that are so addictive it’ll be hard to turn away. The best character to keep an eye out for? Naomi Nagata, an ultra-talented engineer who is always outsmarting her colleagues and finding otherworldly solutions to the problems they face in outer space. Plus, she’s a go-getter who always stands up for what’s right, and you know we love an outspoken queen.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video or Google Play

4. Halt and Catch Fire

Ever wondered why there aren’t many stories of women’s contributions to the invention of the internet? We all know about Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and a number of other white men involved in the tech boom, but the common narrative is missing out on the women who also played a part. Although Halt and Catch Fire is a fictionalized take on the birth and popularization of the internet in the 1980s and 90s, the female characters in it are based on real women whose contributions were mostly forgotten. The series is captivating, providing a look at the realities of women in tech during one of the most important moments in modern history, consisting of 4 seasons of 10 episodes each.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play

5. Contact

When Contact was released in 1997, it was one of the first Sci-Fi films where the main protagonist was a female scientist. Throughout the film, astronomer Ellie Arroway battles sexism to prove herself as a professional when she develops a way to communicate with extraterrestrial beings. Even almost 30 years after its release, the movie’s retro vibe is a cool blast to the past, not to mention the immaculate 90s wardrobe that might become your new style obsession. If you love Gravity and Interstellar, don’t miss out on Contact, which inspired both films.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play

6. Hidden Figures

You already KNOW how much we love this one. Hidden Figures, which tells the stories of Black American mathematicians Katherine Goble and Dorothy Vaughan, and engineer Mary Jackson, is one of the most iconic STEM movies. Period. The work of these women was what propelled the first American into orbit in space, which is one of the greatest scientific milestones of modern history. The film depicts the unique challenges faced by these women, as well as their tremendous triumphs, and even a bit about Mary Jackson teaching herself programming, which is the perfect dose of inspiration that you need this International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Where to watch: Disney+

7. Big Hero 6

We have to include an animated movie because our advocacy for diversity in STEM extends to advocacy for diverse movie genres, too. We’re so here for the way this movie shows how diverse personalities can thrive in STEM. Using their smarts to save the day, chemist Honey Lemon and engineer Go Go Tomago are awesome role models, helping Hero throughout the movie. A stand-out moment? When Go Go Tomago tells Hero, “stop whining, woman up.” Yowza!

Where to watch: Disney+

8. Mission Unstoppable

An online show that not only highlights real women in STEM, but is also witty AND stars Miranda Cosgrove?! You got it. Mission Unstoppable is a series of YouTube videos ranging from quick and snappy STEM facts to Twitch live streams with some dope ladies in the field. Not only that, but there are also some sweet DIY projects that you can follow along to, like this one to make a projector at home.

Where to watch: YouTube

Now, all there’s left to do is grab a group of equally STEM-enthused friends, stock up on snacks, and start your International Women and Girls in STEM Day marathon. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next STEM-spiration. ;)