Claudia Winkleman's favourite films

The five movies every woman should see

Self-confessed movie buff Claudia Winkleman reveals her five films every woman should see.

As the presenter of Film 2011, Claudia is cinema-obsessed, hosting Film Sundays with her family every week. She took us through her life in film in the latest issue of Stylist Magazine, but found it trickier to pick her favourites for women:

“I’m a feminist and there are lots of nice films Like Pretty Women and Thelma and Louise, but I don’t like what they say about the roles of women.”

Claudia is currently working with BT Infinity Broadband.

What do you think of Claudia’s choices? Suggest your favourites in the comment box below.

Picture Credits: Simon Songhurst, Rex Features

1. Precious (2009)

In this harrowing tale (based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire), Gabourey Sidibe stars as Precious, an illiterate teen from Harlem who after becoming pregnant with her second child, tries to turn her life around by enrolling in an alternative school.

Claudia says: "It’s hard core. It’s not a perfect film but it has a perfect scene at the end that you won’t be able to get out of your head."

2. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

A trio of silver screen legends - Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart – come together for this classic tale of love, divorce and fast-paced dialogue. Hepburn plays the heiress planning her second marriage – but her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter have other ideas…

Claudia says: "It’s got Katharine Hepburn (who’s one of my all time favourite actresses) in it and the dialogue is amazing – that’s a really key thing for me when I’m watching a film."

3. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

This Austen classic tells the tale of the two Dashwood sisters - sensible and rational Elinor and wild romantic Marianne. Both left poor after the death of their father, Austen’s satire revolves around the sister’s attempts to find a suitor.

Claudia says: "I love period drama and Jane Austen and this one is particularly brilliant because Emma Thompson wrote it - she’s very good. And it’s got Kate Winslet in it."

4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

This influential film made a star of Meg Matthews. Set over 12 years in New York, it tells the tale of two young professionals who cross the fine line between friends and lovers, making witty observations about the differences between men and women along the way.

Claudia says: "It’s funny, Meg Ryan is adorable in it and it makes me want to go to New York in Autumn. And it’s written by Nora Ephron."

5. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

In this spoof documentary, Spinal Tap are a has-been British heavy metal group on an American comeback tour that never really gets off the ground.

Claudia says: "It’s always sold as a boys’ film and I think women should reclaim it. It’s just the funniest film you’ll ever see and you definitely don’t have to be male to love it."

Tags: film