By Savannah Salazar
International Women’s Day is a globally celebrated day on March 8 that honors the many achievements of women. And here at D23, we’re celebrating with the many amazing Disney women in some of our favorite films. Here’s a roundup of nine films showcasing inspiring women available to stream on Disney+.
Lilo & Stitch
Sisters Nani and Lilo aren’t perfect. Lilo is young, imaginative and extremely spirited, and Nani is just trying to juggle being young, in a relationship, and having a job, all while trying to be the sole guardian to her sister. The two care deeply for each other. They’re “ohana,” but like most siblings, they often get on each other’s nerves, especially after Lilo brings home a pet alien named Stitch. From there, things only get weirder as they must save Stitch from alien bounty hunters, and Lilo and Nani must keep their family together.
Captain Marvel
Always going higher, further, faster, Carol Danvers inspires us to find our inner strength. Set in the ‘90s, Captain Marvel follows Carol as she crash lands to Earth in pursuit of the enemy Skrulls. She soon meets a young Nick Fury and starts to slowly discover the origin and extent of her powers.
The Princess and the Frog
Since Tiana was a child, she learned that wishing upon a star was only half the trick. She’s always worked hard for her dream. That dream? Opening up the restaurant she and her late father had always wanted. But when she meets the laidback Prince Naveen—after he’s been turned into a frog—and kisses him, she ends up on a whimsical adventure through the mystical Louisiana bayou.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The middle chapter of the latest Star Wars trilogy puts all of our favorite characters through many trials. One of them is Rey. After heading off to find the legendary Luke Skywalker, Rey struggles with her primal connection to the Force. She’s brave yet vulnerable, and the sheer power that awakens in her is daunting, but she’s determined to learn more about it and herself—even if it means reaching out to the Dark Side.
Then there is General Leia Organa, who must deal with devastating loss after loss with the Resistance. Both poised and intelligent, Leia and her friend Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo must teach Poe Dameron what it truly means to be a leader.
And last but not least, Star Wars: The Last Jedi introduces us to the lovable, plucky, and headstrong Rose Tico. She joins ex-stormtrooper Finn as they attempt to save the remaining Resistance fleet. Through it all, Rose is selfless and shows Finn a different meaning of being the hero, thus delivering one of the most memorable quotes in Star Wars: “That’s how we’re gonna win: Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love.”
Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama
Kim Possible juggles a lot: boys, family, homework, and saving the world. And in Kim Possible: So the Drama, she starts feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders as all her worlds collide. While trying to find a date for junior prom, she experiences growing pains with her best friend, Ron Stoppable; deals with the evil Dr. Drakken; saves her kidnapped dad; and gets swept up by a mysterious new guy named Eric.
Moana
Young and adventurous, Moana yearns for a life on the sea. Torn between staying on land (per her family’s request) or following her heart and exploring the world, it’s not until she embarks on a daring mission to help her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti that she discovers life beyond her island. And, there’s no telling how far she’ll go!
Princess Diaries: The Royal Engagement
Growing up can be a royal pain, especially when you soon have a whole kingdom to run. In the sequel to the beloved Princess Diaries, Mia Thermopolis is a little older, wiser, and finally ready to take on her role as princess… until she learns from her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, that it’s her turn to assume the crown. Though, unmarried women cannot be crowned queen, so Mia must find a husband in less than a month. While the prospect worries Mia, she has by her side her intelligent and wonderful grandmother, her best friend Lily, and another close friend and fellow princess, Asana.