The Best Films Directed by Women: A Path to Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar Win

In 1954, 25-year-old medical student Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile, the "Holy Grail" of running, a barrier so psychologically powerful amongst runners that it had been held for almost 10 years. Bannister's 4-minute mile didn't last another 10 years though, it lasted only 46 days.

What does running have to do with women filmmakers?

By ending a drought that has lasted 82 years, Kathryn Bigelow's Academy Award win for Best Director has broken through a barrier that is bound to be repeated sooner rather than later. Because along the arid path to this victory were decades of excellence by women in film.

So, without further ado, buckle your seat belts and fire up your Netflix account, because I've put together the most comprehensive list of the best films directed by women with a little help on the classics/indie end by my resident film aficionado and friend, Michael Meade.  Some of these may downright surprise you.

Blockbusters:
"The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow
"Julie & Julia," Norah Ephron
"Little Miss Sunshine," Valerie Feris
"Twilight," Catherine Hardwicke
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High," Amy Heckerling
"Mama Mia," Phyllidia Lloyd
"Bridget Jones' Diary," Sharon Maguire
"A League of Their Own,""Big," Penny Marshall
"Something's Gotta Give," Nancy Meyers
"Desperately Seeking Susan," Susan Seidelman
"Wayne's World," Penelope Spheeris

Indie Faves:
"The Piano," Jane Campion
"Lost in Translation," Sofia Coppola
"Boys Don't Cry," Kimberly Peirce
"American Psycho," Mary Harron
"Monster," Patty Jenkins
"Frieda," Julie Taymor

Classics: 
"Mi Vida Loca," Allison Anders
"Skyscraper," Shirley Clarke
"Chocolat," Claire Denis
"Europa, Europa," Agnieszka Holland
"Triumph of the Will," Leni Riefenstahl (controversial, but still a worthy director)
"Cleo From 5 to 7," Agnes Varda
"The Seduction of Mimi," Lina Wertmuller
"Children of a Lesser God," Randa Haines

Newbies/Underdogs/Ones to Watch:
"Fish Tank," Andrea Arnold
"Fat Girl," Catherine Breillat
"The Ballad of Jack & Rose," Rebecca Miller
"Away from Her," Sarah Polly
"Girlfight," Karen Kusama
"Orlando," Sally Potter