Best New Female-Driven Movies

Spy

Nobody does mouthy misfit like Melissa McCarthy. So lucky us: When the CIA needs an unknown to destroy a bomb, they tap her desk-agent character. This comedy from writer-director Paul Feig and costarring Rose Byrne had us laughing as much as Bridesmaids did.

Hot Pursuit

Reese Witherspoon returns to comedy as the cop protecting Sofia Vergara, the widow of a drug kingpin turned informant. The women have irresistible chemistry, and filming was clearly a blast (wait for the bloopers!).

Bessie

As 1920s and '30s blues siren Bessie Smith in this HBO biopic, Queen Latifah gives a performance that's all pain, beauty, and bravery—with a side of moonshine. Mo'Nique costars; the clothes are great eye candy too.

Woman in Gold

Helen Mirren, as a World War II refugee searching for a precious family painting stolen by the Nazis, forges a surprisingly touching friendship with Ryan Reynolds, who plays her underdog lawyer. This one's based on a true story and gave us a seriously good cry.

Aloha

In this dramedy by Cameron Crowe, Emma Stone is an Air Force liaison in Hawaii falling for Bradley Cooper, a cocky military contractor who's not over his ex, Rachel McAdams. Screenings have been on lockdown, but we repeat: Stone and McAdams together. Reason enough!