Which Ensemble Films Should Be Remade With All-Female Casts?

Kellie Kreiss
Updated January 15, 2024 75 items
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3.5K votes
191 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the films that you'd most like to see remade with a cast of femme fatales.

When it comes to ensemble films, male-dominated casts have certainly had their fair share of the spotlight. From action films to comedies to dramas, male characters have made their mark as leaders in the ensemble movie trend, almost guaranteeing filmmakers box office success in the process. These bad-boy casts have become an essential piece of the ensemble film-making puzzle, with movies as diverse as Goodfellas and National Lampoon's Animal House featuring all-star casts of male actors that skyrocketed them to the top of the charts.

Yet, what if we were to re-imagine some of these films with a cast of leading ladies instead? Which ones would make the cut, and maybe even surpass their male-led counterparts? Would the substitution of a female cast of characters alter the plot line beyond recognition, or give the original some stiff competition?

Vote up the films you'd like to see remade with some empowered leading ladies; and vote down those that Hollywood should probably just let be.

  • The Hangover
    1

    The Hangover

    Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
    71 votes
    In the raucous comedy The Hangover, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) awake after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night. The trio's soon-to-be-married buddy Doug (Justin Bartha) is missing, their hotel suite is trashed, and a tiger lurks in the bathroom. As they scramble to piece together the events of their blackout night and locate Doug, they encounter an array of eccentric characters and outrageous situations. A Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, The Hangover delivers laughs with its unforgettable blend of chaos and camaraderie.
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  • The Full Monty
    2

    The Full Monty

    Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy
    48 votes
    The Full Monty is a comedy-drama film that centers on six unemployed men from Sheffield, England. Gaz (Robert Carlyle), their de facto leader, hatches a plan to start a striptease act in order to make money. The motley crew, including the overweight Dave (Mark Addy) and former foreman Gerald (Tom Wilkinson), must overcome personal inhibitions and societal prejudices as they embark on their risqué venture. The film won the 1998 BAFTA for Best Film while also earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The movie's unique blend of humor and social commentary makes it a standout piece in British cinema.
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  • Wedding Crashers
    3

    Wedding Crashers

    Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Christopher Walken
    65 votes
    In the comedy Wedding Crashers, we follow John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn), a pair of committed womanizers who sneak into weddings to take advantage of the romantic ambiance. Their foolproof plan begins to crumble when John falls for Claire Cleary (Rachel McAdams), the bridesmaid at one such wedding, leading to unexpected twists. Isla Fisher shines as Gloria Cleary, an eccentric character that adds another layer of humor. This movie, directed by David Dobkin, won the MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team in 2006.
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  • The Goonies
    4

    The Goonies

    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    38 votes
    In the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.
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  • The Outsiders
    5

    The Outsiders

    Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio
    51 votes
    In the heartland of 1960s Oklahoma, The Outsiders tells the story of a group of underprivileged teenagers known as the Greasers. Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), an introspective youth, and his friends Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) and Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon) navigate their way through social inequalities and personal struggles. This coming-of-age drama, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is built on themes of friendship, societal pressure, and the harsh realities of socio-economic divisions. The film has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of teen angst amidst class conflicts.
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  • American Pie
    6

    American Pie

    Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan
    51 votes
    In American Pie, a raucous teen comedy, five high school friends - Jim (Jason Biggs), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), and Stifler (Seann William Scott) - make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. The film, peppered with iconic scenes and unforgettable one-liners, explores the trials and tribulations of adolescence in a humorous yet honest way. As graduation looms, the boys navigate relationships, peer pressure, and their own insecurities. Their misadventures lead to hilarious situations that have since become staples of the genre. Though not an award winner, its impact on pop culture is undeniable.
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  • Fight Club
    7

    Fight Club

    Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
    59 votes
    In the gritty urban drama Fight Club, Edward Norton (the unnamed protagonist) finds himself spiraling into the underbelly of his own psyche. Stuck in a monotonous job, he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a soap salesman with an unconventional philosophy. Together, they form an underground fight club as a radical form of psychotherapy. As their nocturnal activities escalate, so does their bond. But when Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), a fellow support group crasher, enters their lives, things start to unravel. Directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is a jarring exploration of masculinity and identity that won't soon be forgotten.
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  • The Usual Suspects
    8

    The Usual Suspects

    Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
    57 votes
    The Usual Suspects is a mystery-thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Five criminals, including Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) and Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), meet during a police lineup. Soon after, they are entangled in an intricate plot involving a legendary criminal mastermind named Keyser Söze. The movie won two Academy Awards, one for Best Original Screenplay and another for Best Supporting Actor (Spacey). Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, it's a film of deception, power plays, and secrets that constantly challenges its audience.
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  • Superbad
    9

    Superbad

    Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
    44 votes
    Superbad is a coming-of-age comedy that navigates the tumultuous terrain of teenage life. Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), high school seniors, aim to lose their virginity before graduation. Aided by their unpredictable friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who adopts the infamous alias 'McLovin', they embark on a wild night of misadventures. Their quest for alcohol and female attention involves dodging irresponsible cops and navigating raucous parties. Directed by Greg Mottola and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film provides an honest, humorous glimpse into adolescent anxieties amidst chaotic circumstances.
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  • Reservoir Dogs
    10

    Reservoir Dogs

    Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen
    39 votes
    In the gritty world of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, a group of seasoned criminals, including Mr. White (Harvey Keitel) and Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes diamond heist gone awry. Directed with Tarantino's signature blend of dark humor and visceral violence, the movie unfolds primarily in a warehouse, where the men grapple with trust issues and the looming threat of police capture. The film weaves a complex narrative web through flashbacks, revealing more about each character's backstory while keeping audiences on edge. A critical success, it helped establish Tarantino as a force to be reckoned with in cinema.
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  • Stand by Me
    11

    Stand by Me

    Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
    50 votes
    In the engaging film Stand by Me, four young boys - Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) - embark on an unforgettable quest. Their aim? To locate a missing teenager's body somewhere in the woods of Oregon. Directed by Rob Reiner, this coming-of-age drama is based on Stephen King's novella The Body. It's a gripping tale about friendship, adventure, and the harsh realities of growing up. The film, ripe with poignant performances and a captivating storyline, won critical acclaim upon its release in 1986.
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  • Holes
    12

    Holes

    Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette
    42 votes
    In Holes, Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf) finds himself at a juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake, after being falsely accused of stealing. The camp has an odd practice: each boy must dig one hole every day in the scorching desert sun. The warden (Sigourney Weaver) claims it's to build character, but Stanley suspects there's more to these holes than meets the eye. As Stanley digs deeper into the mystery, he unearths a story of destiny and redemption that stretches back generations. This adventurous family film is based on Louis Sachar's award-winning novel of the same name.
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  • This Is the End
    13

    This Is the End

    Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill
    45 votes
    In the comedic horror film This Is the End, Hollywood's funny guys find themselves facing an apocalypse of biblical proportions. Seth Rogen (as himself) hosts a party with his fellow actors, including Jay Baruchel (as himself), James Franco (as himself), and Jonah Hill (as himself). The gathering, intended for fun, takes a terrifying turn when cataclysmic events begin to unfold. As society crumbles outside their fortress home, friendships are tested while they struggle for survival. With demons roaming the earth and supplies dwindling, these actors must confront their worst nightmares in a world where fame is meaningless.
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  • The Expendables Franchise
    14
    The Expendables is an American series of action films written by and starring Sylvester Stallone and originally created by David Callaham. The film series itself was created to pay homage to the blockbuster action films of the 1980s and 90s and also pays gratitude to the action stars of those decades, as well as more recent stars in action. The series consists of three films: The Expendables (2010), The Expendables 2 (2012) and The Expendables 3 (2014), with a final fourth film scheduled to be released in 2018. The series has received mixed critical reception, in regard to its plots and dialogue between the characters; however, many critics praised the use of humor and action scenes. The films have been box office successes.
  • Pineapple Express
    15

    Pineapple Express

    Seth Rogen, James Franco, Gary Cole
    31 votes
    Dale Denton (Seth Rogen), a process server, enjoys his routine life of serving subpoenas and smoking pot. His peaceful existence takes a turn when he witnesses a murder by his drug dealer's boss, Ted Jones (Gary Cole). In panic, Dale leaves behind a rare strain of marijuana named 'Pineapple Express'. Realizing the unique weed can be traced back to him, Dale ropes in his dealer, Saul Silver (James Franco), to flee from the hitmen. This action-comedy film directed by David Gordon Green is an exhilarating ride of friendship, drug haze, and survival.
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  • O Brother, Where Art Thou?
    16

    O Brother, Where Art Thou?

    George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
    37 votes
    In the uniquely styled film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) leads a motley crew of escaped convicts through 1930s Mississippi. Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro) and Delmar O'Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson) accompany him in an ambitious quest for hidden treasure. The unlikely trio navigates a landscape as rich in folklore as it is in danger, meeting a colorful cast of characters along their way. This Coen Brothers' cinematic odyssey, inspired by Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', marries comedy with drama and won a Grammy for its distinctive soundtrack.
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  • Men in Black Franchise
    17

    Men in Black Franchise

    Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Tessa Thompson
    62 votes
    Men in Black is a series of American comic science fiction action spy films directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, and based on Malibu / Marvel comic book series The Men in Black by Lowell Cunningham. The first film, Men in Black, was released in 1997, the second film, Men in Black II, in 2002, and the third film, Men in Black 3 was released in 2012. Amblin Entertainment and MacDonald/Parkes Productions produced all three films and distributed through Columbia Pictures.
  • The Fast and the Furious
    18

    The Fast and the Furious

    Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
    43 votes
    In the adrenaline-fueled world of The Fast and the Furious, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), a street racing kingpin, lives by his own rules. Enter undercover cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker), tasked with infiltrating this high-speed underground culture. He's drawn in by its allure - and Toretto's sister, Mia (Jordana Brewster). As engines roar and rubber burns, loyalties are tested and boundaries blurred. This action-packed thriller, directed by Rob Cohen, blends crime drama with car chases, offering viewers a fast-paced ride through Los Angeles's street racing scene. It's a thrilling journey where speed is a currency and trust is as elusive as the finish line.
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  • The Sandlot
    19

    The Sandlot

    Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
    41 votes
    In the heart of summer 1962, a group of boys gather at The Sandlot, a local baseball diamond. The movie follows Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry), who recently moved to the neighborhood and struggles to fit in. Benny Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), the team's star player, takes him under his wing. Together they embark on a series of adventures involving a monstrous dog nicknamed The Beast, and a coveted Babe Ruth baseball. This coming-of-age film, directed by David Mickey Evans, blends comedy with drama as it explores friendship, courage, and the joyous days of youth.
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  • 21 Jump Street
    20

    21 Jump Street

    Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson
    45 votes
    In 21 Jump Street, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum), two underachieving cops, are sent back to high school in an undercover operation. Their mission is to bring down a synthetic drug ring run by the popular kid, Eric (Dave Franco). As they navigate teenage drama and old high school rivalries, they must avoid blowing their cover. This action-comedy, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, won the Golden Trailer award for Best Comedy Poster. It's a comedic twist on crime dramas with a dash of nostalgic high school reminiscence.
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  • The Matrix Franchise
    21

    The Matrix Franchise

    Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishbourne, Carrie Moss
    31 votes
    The Matrix is a science fiction action media franchise created by The Wachowskis and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The series began with the feature film The Matrix (1999), and continued with two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003). The characters and settings of the films are further explored in other media set in the same fictional universe, including animation, comics, and video games.
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  • 12 Angry Men
    22

    12 Angry Men

    Jack Lemmon, George C. Scott, Douglas Spain
    44 votes
    In a remake of the 1950s classic, bias and group-think influence the deliberations of a dozen jury members. Initially, one of the jurors (Jack Lemmon) is the only roadblock between the panel and unanimous conviction of the Latino alleged murderer they've been called to judge. But the all-male jury's negotiations prove fluid, and as the hours pass, more and more of the dissenter's peers come over to his side. Before long, the trial of an oppressed youth becomes a meditation on social justice.
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  • The Avengers
    23

    The Avengers

    Robert Downey, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
    44 votes
    In The Avengers, the world faces an unprecedented threat. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are brought together by S.H.I.E.L.D., helmed by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), they form an unlikely team. This action-packed superhero film, marred with tension and conflict amongst its own ranks, sees them battling Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save humanity. Directed by Joss Whedon, it is a high-stakes blend of adventure and humor that garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
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  • Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
    24

    Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

    Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd
    35 votes
    Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, a comedy set in the 1970s, features Will Ferrell as egotistical news anchor, Ron Burgundy. This San Diego star is thrown off his throne when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) challenges the male-dominated industry. Directed by Adam McKay, this laugh-out-loud film showcases an ensemble cast including Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. It's a comedic exploration of gender dynamics in the workplace, wrapped up in absurd humor and vintage fashion. The film was nominated for two MTV Movie Awards, further cementing its cult status.
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  • Lord of the Flies
    25

    Lord of the Flies

    Balthazar Getty, Chris Furrh, Danuel Pipoly
    35 votes
    In this updated take on William Golding's classic novel, a group of American military schoolboys become marooned on a remote island after a plane crash. While initially cooperative, after the discovery of a "beast," the boys split into two warring camps, one headed by the liberal-minded Ralph (Balthazar Getty), the other by the militaristic Jack (Chris Furrh). Their society begins to descend into violence, and boys soon learn there's a thin line between society and savagery.
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  • Back to the Future Franchise
    26

    Back to the Future Franchise

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
    37 votes
    The Back to the Future franchise is an American science fiction–comedy film series written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, produced by Bob Gale and Neil Canton for Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, and distributed by Universal Pictures. The franchise follows the adventures of a high school student, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), and an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett L. Brown (Christopher Lloyd), as they use a DeLorean time machine to time travel to different periods in the history of Hill Valley, California.
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  • The Godfather
    27

    The Godfather

    Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
    38 votes
    The Godfather, a celebrated crime-drama, presents an intimate study of the Corleone family. At its core is Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), initially an outsider, who gets reluctantly drawn into the family's criminal enterprises. His father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), is the patriarch, whose power and influence cast long shadows over his family's affairs. The movie paints a vivid tableau of post-war New York's underworld, riddled with betrayal and power struggles. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, swept the 1973 Academy Awards winning Best Picture amongst others.
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  • From Dusk till Dawn
    28

    From Dusk till Dawn

    Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino
    18 votes
    In the gritty movie From Dusk till Dawn, two criminal brothers, Seth (George Clooney) and Richard Gecko (Quentin Tarantino), find themselves on the run from law enforcement. A hostage situation turns into a desperate cross-border escape to Mexico. Unexpectedly, their refuge, a seedy bar named the Titty Twister, morphs into a nightmarish realm as dusk falls. The patrons aren't what they seem - bloodthirsty vampires emerge, ensnaring everyone inside. The brothers, along with an unconventional group that includes their hostages, a pastor (Harvey Keitel) and his family, must band together to survive until dawn in this uniquely twisted horror-action flick.
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  • The Hateful Eight
    29

    The Hateful Eight

    Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
    28 votes
    In Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, a western thriller, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) escorts fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) through wild Wyoming winter. On their path, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a former Civil War soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade claiming to be the town's new Sheriff. A blizzard forces them to seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover. Inside, they confront four more strangers and the tension mounts as betrayal and deception unfold amidst a brewing storm. The film bagged three Academy Award nominations.
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  • Wild Hogs
    30

    Wild Hogs

    Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence
    25 votes
    Tired of their humdrum lives, some middle-aged friends (Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence) decide to temporarily ditch their responsibilities and take a motorcycle trip. The freedom of the open road holds many surprises for the group, including an encounter with the Del Fuegos, a hardcore gang, who take a dim view of the novice bikers.
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