Why We Need More Films Like Running Point: The Power of Women Leading On-Screen

A Shift in Storytelling: The Power of Women Leading On-Screen

For decades, Hollywood has positioned women as supporting characters in male-driven narratives. While strong female leads have existed, they were often written as exceptions rather than the norm. Running Point, Netflix’s latest sports comedy, challenges this by placing a woman at the helm of a professional basketball team—a setting long dominated by men. This isn’t just refreshing; it’s necessary.

We need more films like Running Point—stories where women lead not because they are proving a point, but because they belong there. These narratives go beyond token feminism and deliver authentic, inspiring portrayals of women in leadership roles.

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Why Women Leading On-Screen Matters

1. Representation Shapes Reality

Research confirms that media representation influences real-world perceptions and aspirations. According to a Geena Davis Institute study, when girls see women in positions of power on screen, they are more likely to envision themselves in leadership roles. This extends to corporate offices, sports industries, politics, and beyond.

But representation isn’t just about showing women in these roles—it’s about normalizing them. Running Point doesn’t frame Isla Gordon’s leadership as extraordinary; it treats it as a given. That’s the mindset shift we need.

2. Breaking the ‘Strong Female Lead’ Stereotype

For years, Hollywood has defaulted to the “strong female character” trope: a woman who is tough, emotionally impenetrable, and often written as a gender-swapped version of a male hero. This is limiting.

Films like Running Point introduce complexity—showing female leads who are flawed, funny, ambitious, and vulnerable. Isla Gordon isn’t perfect, but she’s competent and driven, just like any male character in her position would be. This realism makes female characters more relatable and inspiring to audiences.

3. The Power of ‘Unapologetic Female Leadership’ in Storytelling

Women in leadership are often depicted as struggling to balance work and personal life, proving themselves at every turn, or facing gender-based adversity at every step. While these challenges exist in reality, it’s also powerful to see women in leadership just leading—without the constant need to justify their place.

This is what Running Point does well. Isla isn’t burdened by endless monologues about “proving herself as a woman.” She simply takes charge. More films should adopt this approach, moving beyond narratives that treat female leadership as a novelty.

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Realistic Inspirations: Films That Got It Right

While Running Point is a recent addition, there have been other films and series that broke barriers with female-led, realistic storytelling. Some of them include:

• The Intern (2015) – Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules Ostin, is a successful CEO portrayed without the typical “cold boss” stereotype.
• Moneyball (2011) – but with a woman? – While this film starred Brad Pitt, imagine if a similar sports-management story featured a female GM. Running Point is a step in that direction.
• Hidden Figures (2016) – A brilliant, fact-based story about women who changed the world, showing the power of true representation.
• Molly’s Game (2017) – A gripping portrayal of a woman navigating high-stakes leadership without being reduced to a gendered trope.

These films worked because they treated their female protagonists as capable professionals first, and female second. They weren’t outliers; they were people making an impact.

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The Excitement of More Stories Like Running Point

The world is shifting, and storytelling should reflect that. Women are running businesses, leading sports teams, managing billion-dollar industries, and excelling in every field. Yet, our screens are still catching up.

Imagine a world where:

✅ A woman leads a sports team in a Moneyball-style drama.
✅ A female CEO runs a Fortune 500 company in a gripping biopic.
✅ A woman navigates the highest levels of political strategy, without being a side character in a man’s story.

We need films that make these stories feel as common as their male counterparts—not just as special exceptions.

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Conclusion: The Stories We Deserve

Films like Running Point show that women can lead—flawed, funny, brilliant, and human. These portrayals don’t just entertain; they shape perceptions, inspire future leaders, and contribute to a more equal industry.

Hollywood, take note. We need more stories where women lead, not because they are proving themselves, but because they are the best person for the job. The future of storytelling depends on it.

💬 What do you think? What other films would you love to see with powerful female leads? Let’s discuss!