Plus-size women have long been neglected and abused by Hollywood. However, times are changing. Full figured women are showing up everywhere in movies now and in more three dimensional roles. While some of the movies on this list are clearly better than others, none of them were chosen by any kind of cinematic genius. They made the list because they handle the issues faced by plus size women in a humane way. The characters are real people. They are so much more than a fat girl joke. So grab some popcorn and turn it into movie night.
1. real women have curves (2002) – América Ferrera plays Ana, a Mexican-American teenager trying to find her way. The story explores family dynamics, ambition, body image issues, and more. Following Ana as she enters adulthood, she searches for her identity and struggles to blend other people’s belief systems with her own.
two. fuck the movie (1989) – This light-hearted film set in the summer of 1963 follows a group of four friends who intend to have one last girlie adventure before one of the members’ upcoming wedding. Caroline, nicknamed “Pudge”, is a chubby girl who loves to dance. While her friends go crazy all weekend, Pudge makes peace with herself, finds a guy and fucks until her heart is content.
3. Last vacations (2006) – Queen Latifah stars as Georgia Byrd, a plus-size woman who lives on the fringes until she discovers she is terminally ill. Georgia quickly sets out to make at least some of her dreams come true before she dies. She takes the trip of a lifetime, eating with abandon and getting a makeover to die for, among other things.
Four. fantastic girls (2006)- Ah… what about this movie? Well, it’s certainly the worst of the bunch in my opinion. The cinematography isn’t great, the jokes are crude, and a lot of the attitudes expressed in it are contrary to everything I believe in. However, there are definitely some worthwhile aspects. Jazmin, the main character, is a smart and talented business woman. Her struggles with weight and her self-acceptance are very moving. She displays different cultural beliefs about weight. And all fit men are dispelling the myth that only fat men are attracted to fat women. That’s enough good stuff to watch this one at least once on cable.
5. To camp (2003)- Teenagers attend a performing arts camp. While most of the cast of characters struggle to figure out who they are, Jenna stands out for me. Jenna’s jaws are wired shut for most of the movie, a compromise made to avoid fat camp, but when she finally confronts her overbearing parents… it’s all worth it.
6. Friend circle (1995)- This film chronicles the dynamics of a single peer group in 1950s Ireland. Benny, our curvy heroine, experiences the ups and downs of love and betrayal. She shows strength and poise where others fall incredibly short.
7. Bridget Jones: On the Edge of Reason (2004) – In this sequel, we see Bridget chubby and overly analytical down to her usual shenanigans in dating and life. Funny and heartwarming, this movie is worth seeing if only for one scene: Bridget tries to get dressed under a sheet, groping until her boyfriend tells her that she has “a great deal of respect for your wobbly bits.”
8. hair spray (2008)-While the previous version captivated me, the last one stole my heart. It’s great to see women who are more than just a little chubby find self-acceptance and happiness. You have to love all the singing, dancing and plus size pride that abounds. And you can’t beat John Travolta in drag!
