An exploration of female friendships on screen

When looking at popular movies of recent years, we are introduced to many friend group dynamics, often diverse. Yet, it is still fairly uncommon to have female friendships at the centre of these groups in mainstream films.

Women on screen are often victims to harmful gender stereotypes, including tropes that revolve solely around romance and petty feuds with other female characters. It often seems as though women are either set against each other, or brought together by the topic of men.

When discussing the representation of female friendships on screen, it is almost impossible to not mention the Bechdel test. The Bechdel test considers on screen movies based on the fact they have to include at least two (named) women, and they must talk to each other about something besides a man. According to bechdeltest.com, as of August 2025, 5594 movies and TV shows passed, which is 57% of all movies in the database.

Yet, female friendships are so much more than stereotypes, and when represented correctly, we are able to see the true beauty and complexity in these relationships. A personal favourite of mine, is the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked, and Wicked, For Good. Both films portray an androcentric, complex female friendship between the protagonists, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). Their relationship does not revolve around men, but instead many things: such as admiration, girlhood and their experiences in general. Similarly, shows I grew up with, such as Alexa and Katie, portray the raw and honest experiences of girlhood; the protagonists, Alexa (Paris Berlec), and Katie (Isabel May), talk of their experiences and struggles, and stay loyal to one another through every obstacle they face.

Accurate representations of female friendship onscreen are undeniably important. Portraying these relationships in the correct way not only empowers women in general, creating a sense of solidarity and girlhood, but also has a real cultural impact. Female friendships are often overlooked and disregarded in mainstream media, but when they are acknowledged we take one step closer to dismantling harmful gender stereotypes. Hence why films such as Wicked are so important for all generations of women.