“I hadn’t been aware that there were doors closed to me until I started knocking on them.” ~ Gertrude Elion, Biochemist and Pharmacologist, 1988 Nobel Peace Prize recipient
With the gender gap persisting in a large number of STEM fields, Hollywood has a unique ability to normalize the sight of women heading science laboratories and discovering mathematical breakthroughs. While there needs to be a more widespread depiction of women in STEM, there are plenty of awesome movies and brilliant actresses that have begun to pave the way.
Keira Knightley in “The Imitation Game”
Set during World War II, Knightley joins a team of mathematicians turned computer scientists tasked with decoding messages that were sent using the German Enigma machine.
Jodie Foster in “Contact”
Based in part on American astronomer Jill Tarter, Foster takes center stage as Dr. Ellie Arroway, an astronomer dedicated to finding proof of intelligent extraterrestrial life beyond Earth.
Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway in “Interstellar”
Director Christopher Nolan made a big leap when casting for this space-centered sci-fi movie — he placed Jessica Chastain as the brilliant lead scientist and Anne Hathaway as an astronaut.
Helen Hunt in “Twister”
Driven by an intense fascination with tornadoes and the destruction they cause, Hunt plays a storm chaser and researcher intent on risking her life to learn more.
Lauren Dern in “Jurassic Park”
In this sci-fi phenomenon, Dern plays Dr. Ellie Sattler — a paleobotanist well-respected for her expertise and with some amazing survival skills to boot.
Natalie Portman in “Thor”
Astrophysicist and extreme science-enthusiast Jane Foster, played by Portman, finds Thor in the New Mexico desert while investigating a mysterious wormhole.
Sigourney Weaver in “Gorillas in the Mist”
“Gorillas in the Mist” brings to life the autobiography of wildlife expert Dian Fossey, played by Weaver, highlighting her dedication to protecting the gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda from ruthless poachers.
Emma Stone in “The Amazing Spider-Man”
In this Spider-Man rendition, Stone plays Gwen Stacy, top intern to genetic biologist Dr. Curt Connors, who is eventually tasked with cooking up an antidote for Peter Parker and saving New York from his destruction.
What are YOUR favorite movies depicting women in STEM? Share them with us!