What were the most read Women’s eNews stories published this year? Find out.

Mainly, I’m looking back on a bounty of roles for actresses. But real women were also the subject matter of a trio of documentaries about Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. See as many of these standouts from the year as you can.

This drama raises vital questions about women’s relationships. Also opening today, Dec. 11, is “The Girl in the Book,” with a bit of a contrived plot but strong performances.

Varied interpretations of the Quran are widely linked to Islamophobia and global terrorism. Less is said about the strain it can also cause within families. These girls strive to be good daughters and good Muslims. But what about being good friends to male classmates too?

Writer Abby Richmond loves fashion, but not the exclusive body ideals promoted by companies like Brandy Melville.

Her performance alone makes this movie a major must-see. Read on for more about other Dec. 4 openers, including Spike Lee’s liberal adaptation of “Lysistrata” to the murderous world of Chicago today.

Despite her father’s abandonment, teen writer Joyce Wanjiru learned about strength and empowerment through the women who stepped up to give her a better life.

What if “self-defense” made its way into school curriculum? Students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., would be thrilled.