Plus size women have long been neglected and abused by Hollywood. However, times are changing. Full-figure women are popping 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 that plus size women face in a humane way. The characters are real people. They are much more than a fat girl joke. So, grab some popcorn and make it movie night.
1. Real women have curves (2002) – America Ferrera plays Ana, a Mexican-American teenager trying to find her way. The story explores family dynamics, ambition, body image issues, and more. Follow Ana as she becomes a woman, searching for her identity, and struggling to blend other people’s belief systems with her own.
2. Shag the movie (1989) – This lighthearted film set in the summer of 1963 follows a group of four friends who intend to have one last girlie affair before one of the members’ upcoming wedding. Caroline, nicknamed “Pudge”, is a plump girl who loves to dance. As her friends go crazy all weekend, Pudge makes up with herself, finds a guy, and fucks until her heart is content.
3. Last vacations (2006) – Queen Latifah plays Georgia Byrd, a plus-size woman who lives life on the sidelines until she discovers she is terminally ill. Georgia is quick to make at least some of her dreams come true before she dies. She takes the trip of a lifetime, eats with abandon, and gets a makeover to die for, among other things.
Four. Phat girlz (2006) – Ah … what to say about this movie? Well, it’s certainly the worst of all in my opinion. The cinematography is not great, the jokes are raw, and many of the attitudes expressed in it are contrary to everything I believe in. However, there are definitely some aspects that are worthwhile. Jazmin, the main character, is a smart and talented businesswoman. His struggles with weight and self-acceptance are very moving. Shows different cultural beliefs about weight. And all men are in shape dispelling the myth that only fat men are attracted to fat women. That’s good enough to watch this one at least once on cable.
5. To camp (2003) – Teens attend a performing arts camp. While most of the set of characters struggle to figure out who they are, the most prominent one for me is Jenna. Jenna’s jaws are wired shut for most of the movie, a compromise made to avoid fat camp, but when she finally faces 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 everywhere others fall incredibly short.
7. Bridget Jones: On the Edge of Reason (2004) – In this sequel, we see overly analytical chubby Bridget doing her usual antics in dating and life. Funny and heartwarming, this movie is worth watching, if only for one scene: Bridget tries to get dressed under a sheet, groping until her boyfriend tells her he has “great respect for your unstable parts.”
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 a little chubby find self-acceptance and happiness. You have to love all the singing, dancing and plus size pride abound. And you can’t beat John Travolta in drag!