Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Ladies First’ is a comedy film inspired by the French film ‘I Am Not an Easy Man.’ Helmed by Thea Sharrock, it follows Damien Sachs (Sacha Baron Cohen), a wealthy, arrogant advertising executive who enjoys a life of power, success, and casual relationships. Confident that he is about to become CEO of his agency, Damien suddenly finds his world completely transformed after he hits his head on a pole and wakes up in a parallel society dominated by women. In this reversed reality, Damien experiences the same dismissive treatment and inequality that he was comfortable with in his original reality.
At the center of his struggles is Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike), a talented colleague he previously underestimated, who now stands above him professionally. As the two compete for control within the agency, Damien is forced to confront a reality that challenges his ego, perspective, and understanding of power. If you found the themes of the story engaging, you should check out this list of movies similar to ‘Ladies First’ that will not only entertain you, but also deal with profound themes of gender, equality, power, and more.
12. Battle of the Sexes (2017)
‘Battle of the Sexes’ centers on Billie Jean King (Emma Stone), the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, as she fights against unequal treatment and prize money in professional tennis. Frustrated by the large pay gap between male and female athletes, Billie Jean joins forces with promoter Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman) to help establish a separate women’s tennis organization. At the same time, former tennis champion Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), eager to return to the spotlight, publicly challenges Billie Jean to a heavily publicized exhibition match.
While preparing for the high-pressure event, Billie Jean also faces personal struggles with her marriage and her growing relationship with Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough), all while recognizing the match’s broader cultural significance. With Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton at the creative helm, the sports comedy-drama film is loosely based on the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Sexism, gender equality, female liberation, the clash between traditional and modern ideas, and professional and personal tribulations are some of the many common themes that both ‘Battle of the Sexes’ and ‘Ladies First’ explore.
11. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Crafted by Billy Wilder, ‘Some Like It Hot’ takes place in Chicago in 1929 and follows struggling musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon). The two friends accidentally witness a brutal gangland murder committed by mobster Spats Colombo (George Raft). Fearing for their lives, they desperately search for a way to leave the city before the gangsters find them. Their escape leads them to disguise themselves as women in order to join an all-female jazz band traveling to Miami. Adopting the identities of Josephine and Daphne, the pair attempt to maintain their cover while hiding from danger.
Complications soon arise when Joe falls for singer Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), while Jerry unexpectedly becomes the target of wealthy admirer Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown). The crime comedy film is based on the French film ‘Fanfare of Love.’ Akin to ‘Ladies First,’ the core idea of ‘Some Like It Hot’ is gender role reversal and the intricate ways in which it affects the psychological realities of the male mind, shaping the male gaze and thoughts about women.
10. Swiped (2025)
Hulu’s ‘Swiped’ is a biographical drama film directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg and chronicles the life of Whitney Wolfe Herd (Lily James). Set during the early 2010s, the narrative follows Whitney as she attempts to establish herself in the heavily male-dominated tech industry. After an unsuccessful startup venture, she joins the team behind MatchBox, which would later become Tinder. As vice president of marketing, she plays a major role in expanding the app’s popularity.
However, as tensions increase between Whitney and several male colleagues, she becomes the target of workplace harassment. Refusing to let the experience end her career, Whitney leaves the company, pursues legal action, and eventually moves to Texas, where she creates Bumble, a dating platform designed to give women greater control while also seeking personal happiness. Whitney’s encounters with sexism at the workplace and her relentless desire to succeed on her own terms will remind you of Alex Fox’s complex journey towards success in ‘Ladies First.’
9. Working Girl (1988)
‘Working Girl’ delves into the life of Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), an ambitious young secretary determined to build a successful career in the world of finance despite constantly being overlooked in the workplace. Frustrated by being stuck in low-level positions, Tess becomes hopeful after beginning work for executive Katherine Parker (Sigourney Weaver). However, after Katherine leaves town following an injury, Tess discovers that her boss plans to claim credit for one of her business ideas involving a major corporate deal.
Refusing to let her opportunity slip away, she secretly moves forward with the proposal herself and partners with investment broker Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford), which leads to complications. Mike Nichols steers this romantic comedy-drama film, which is both engaging and unique. While ‘Ladies First’ is about a man suddenly losing everything he thinks he owns, ‘Working Girl’ twists this idea on its head by depicting a young woman’s efforts to gain what she believes is owed to her.
8. Tootsie (1982)
‘Tootsie’ is the tale of Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), a talented but difficult NYC actor whose demanding personality has made him nearly unemployable within the industry. Desperate for work and hoping to help finance a friend’s play, Michael disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to audition for a daytime television drama. What begins as a temporary solution unexpectedly turns Dorothy into a major success. As Michael becomes increasingly absorbed in his new identity, Dorothy’s confidence and independence begin inspiring the women around her.
At the same time, Michael’s personal life grows far more complicated as he develops feelings for his co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) while struggling to maintain the secret behind his double life. The acclaimed filmmaker Sydney Pollack shapes the creative vision of this romantic comedy film, inspired in part by Don McGuire’s play. Like Damien Sachs in ‘Ladies First,’ Michael is a man trying to succeed in a highly competitive environment while learning more about gender roles and their complexities. Both Damien and Michael learn valuable lessons about the female experience and the power structure that fuels businesses.
7. The Stepford Wives (2004)
Guided by Frank Oz’s direction, ‘The Stepford Wives’ is a sci-fi black comedy film based on the eponymous novel by Ira Levin. The narrative explores the experiences of Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman), a Manhattan TV executive whose life changes dramatically after a professional breakdown leads her husband Walter (Matthew Broderick) to move the family to the wealthy suburban community of Stepford, Connecticut. At first, Stepford appears peaceful and perfect. However, Joanna soon becomes unsettled by the behavior of the town’s women, who all seem strangely obedient and devoted to domestic life.
Alongside her outspoken friend Bobbie Markowitz (Bette Midler), Joanna begins investigating the secrets hidden behind Stepford’s polished image, gradually uncovering disturbing truths connected to the powerful men controlling the community. The movie has much in common with ‘Ladies First’ as both stories explore power structures, gender norms, specific spaces with altered rules, and confused characters trying to decipher their puzzling realities.
6. 9 to 5 (1980)
‘9 to 5’ or ‘Nine to Five’ centers on three office employees, including Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), and Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda). They are forced to endure the constant arrogance and sexism of their boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman). Violet is an experienced supervisor repeatedly denied proper recognition, Doralee becomes the target of cruel office rumors, and Judy struggles to adjust to working life after her recent divorce. Frustrated by Hart’s abusive behavior, the three women fantasize about getting revenge on him.
However, after a bizarre accident leads them to believe they may have seriously harmed him, the situation spirals into chaos. Eventually, they take control of the office themselves, while secretly keeping Hart confined and attempting to expose his misconduct. Colin Higgins serves as the driving force behind this comedy, which explores workplace harassment, the female experience, moral compromises, justice, and women rebelling against sexist individuals in positions of power. These themes and the claustrophobic visuals connect the movie to ‘Ladies First’ and its characters.
5. Down with Love (2003)
Brought to life by Peyton Reed’s seasoned vision, ‘Down with Love’ is a rom-com that unfolds in 1960s NYC. It focuses on Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger), an author who encourages women to pursue independence, success, and casual relationships without relying on love or marriage. Her ideas quickly become a cultural sensation, disrupting the lifestyle of charming journalist Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor), who suddenly finds women far less interested in his usual seductive behavior.
Determined to expose Barbara as a hypocrite, Catcher creates a false identity and attempts to make her fall in love with him. However, Barbara has plans of her own, and they both find themselves caught in a playful battle of attraction and deception. Both ‘Down with Love’ and ‘Ladies First’ feature a game of cat and mouse between an ambitious man and a relentless woman, the traps of sex and desire, and the clash of the sexes in manipulative realities.
4. Barbie (2023)
Based on the popular eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, ‘Barbie’ unfolds in Barbieland, a colorful society where Barbie (Margot Robbie) and other Barbie versions live seemingly perfect lives while encouraging girls to believe they can become anything they want. Meanwhile, Ken (Ryan Gosling) largely defines his identity through Barbie’s attention and approval. Everything changes when Barbie suddenly begins experiencing unfamiliar thoughts and emotions that disrupt her ideal world. Guided by Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), she travels to the real world to discover the cause of the problem, with Ken insisting on accompanying her.
Once there, both are confronted with a society very different from Barbieland, leading them to question their identities, gender roles, and understanding of the world around them. Greta Gerwig serves as the director of the fantasy comedy film that is sprinkled with satire and over-the-top moments. Barbie and Ken have a spiritual and special relationship with Damien and Alex in ‘Ladies First’ as they, too, learn more about the realities of sexism, alternative power structures, parallel realities, and the status quo of gender norms.
3. What Men Want (2019)
‘What Men Want’ is a romantic fantasy comedy film directed by Adam Shankman and serves as a loose remake of ‘What Women Want.’ It follows Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson), a successful sports agent in Atlanta who constantly struggles to gain equal respect within her male-dominated workplace. After being denied a promotion, Ali is told that she fails to connect with men, a criticism that frustrates her even further. Hoping to gain an advantage, Ali visits a psychic and unexpectedly develops the ability to hear men’s thoughts.
Using her unusual new power, she begins navigating professional and personal situations in completely different ways while trying to sign a rising basketball star. As Ali turns the tables on the men around her, she also starts reassessing her relationships and approach to success. Ali experiences a different life when fate intervenes in intricate ways, allowing her to turn the tables on male domination and sexism, which is exactly what Alex does with charm and confidence in ‘Ladies First.’
2. What Women Want (2000)
‘What Women Want’ is a romantic fantasy comedy film that deals with Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson), a Chicago advertising executive who thrives in a male-dominated industry. Expecting a major promotion, Nick is shocked when the position goes instead to Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt), who is brought in to help the company better understand female consumers. While adapting to Darcy’s leadership, Nick suffers a bizarre accident that grants him the ability to hear women’s thoughts. Although the power initially unsettles him, he soon begins using it to gain advantages at work and navigate his personal life.
However, as Nick spends more time around Darcy, his rivalry with her slowly develops into something far more complicated. The Nancy Meyers directorial, akin to ‘Ladies First,’ is a story of an ambitious man and an equally ambitious woman who must deal with workplace dynamics and reversed traditional gender roles when the woman gains a superior corporate position. The moral messages of the two films also bring them closer on a spiritual level.
1. I Am Not an Easy Man (2018)
Netflix’s ‘I Am Not an Easy Man’ (‘Je ne suis pas un homme facile’) is a French rom-com that centers on Damien (Vincent Elbaz), a confident and chauvinistic man who lives comfortably in a patriarchal society. However, after suffering a head injury, Damien wakes up in a parallel world where gender roles are completely reversed, and women hold the power. Struggling to adapt to this unfamiliar reality, Damien suddenly experiences the sexism and objectification he once ignored. During this period, he meets Alexandra (Marie-Sophie Ferdane), a successful and dominant novelist whose attitude toward men is like Damien’s former behavior toward women.
As the two develop a complicated romantic relationship, Damien is forced to confront his beliefs and navigate a society where the balance of power has shifted dramatically and may remain so forever. Helmed and penned by Éléonore Pourriat, the movie serves as the inspiration for ‘Ladies First.’ While both movies are culturally and linguistically diverse, their storylines are closely related and place characters in similar situations in which they must adjust to new, puzzling realities with unexpected rules and moral standards.
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