“Sex and the City”

Years released: 1998-2004

Streaming service: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video

Since its debut over 20 years ago, HBO’s “Sex and the City” has continued to dazzle fans. The romantic comedy series follows the lives of four New Yorkers, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Catrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) as they navigate issues relating to relationships, family, health and careers. The actresses have undeniable chemistry and play off of each other with ease. The show’s popularity helped it garner two theatrical movies and the television prequel “The Carrie Diaries.” In 2021, HBO Max announced they would be reviving the series under the name “And Just Like That…” The 10-episode limited series is set to begin filming in Spring 2021 with Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis expected to reprise their roles.

“Hustlers”

Year released: 2019

Streaming service: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Based on Jessica Pressler’s New York magazine article, “The Hustlers at Scores,” comes STX Films, “Hustlers.” The crime drama film follows a group of New York City strippers who drug and steal money from wealthy men who visit their club. Jennifer Lopez shines as the film’s lead character, Ramona, the ringleader of the crimes. She plays effortlessly off co-star Constance Wu, who plays Destiny, a young mom looking for a better life. Aside from Lopez and Wu, the film features an all-star cast with notable names such as Cardi B, Lizzo, Keke Palmer, Lilli Reinhart and more. The film was a critical and financial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide. Lopez’s performance in the film earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 77th Golden Globe Awards.

“Girls Trip”

Year released: 2017

Streaming service: Amazon Prime Video

Brought to you from the same writer of television’s “Black-ish” franchise is “Girls Trip.” This comedy is a laugh-out-loud ride from start to finish. It follows Ryan Pierce (Regina Hall), a best selling author and lifestyle guru. After accepting an invitation to be the keynote speaker at the Essence festival, she decides to invite her tight-knit group of friends including Queen Latifah as Sasha, a fledgling Internet gossip reporter; Jada Pinkett Smith as Lisa, an uptight and overworked divorcee; and Tiffany Haddish as Dina, their outspoken and funny no-nonsense friend. The film was a critical and financial success, taking home an award for Outstanding Motion Picture at the 49th NAACP Image Awards and grossing over $140 million at the worldwide box office.

“Ocean’s Eight”

Year released: 2018

Streaming service: HBO Max

A spinoff from the original Ocean’s movie trilogy comes “Ocean’s Eight.” The film follows a newly paroled con-artist (Sandra Bullock) and her former partner-in-crime Lou (Cate Blanchett) as they attempt to heist a $150 million Cartier necklace. As they formulate a plan, they assemble a team of women from different backgrounds who have specialized crime skills. Their team includes Nine Ball (Rihanna) a security hacker; Tammy (Sarah Paulson) a profiteer and bulk goods thief; Constance (Awkwafina) a street hustler and pickpocketer; Amita (Mindy Kaling) a skilled jeweler; and Rose Weil (Helena Bonham-Carter), a renowned fashion designer in debt to the IRS. Aside from a star-studded cast, the film features cameos from celebrities such as Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian West, Serena Williams, Gigi Hadid and more. The film is visually stunning and the main cast does a great job portraying their character’s distinct personality traits.

“Mrs. America”

Year released: 2020

Streaming service: Hulu

FX’s historical drama mini-series “Mrs. America” details the political battle between second-wave feminists and conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly over the Equal Rights Movement in the 1970s. Each episode of the series is based on prominent figures from the era such as Schlafly, Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisolm, Betty Friedan and more. 

The series is a fun watch and the actresses do a fantastic job at capturing the mannerisms and likenesses of their real-life counterparts. Aside from great acting, the show has great writing and direction which helps bring out the nuanced emotions of the characters. The series was a hit and was met with widespread acclaim. It received 10 nominations at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing, as well as nominations for several of the actresses with Aduba winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her portrayal of Shirley Chisolm.