Escape to a whimsical, romanticized version of Paris with 'Amélie'. While released in 2001, its aesthetic and charm feel very much like a continuation of the late 90s independent film scene. Audrey Tautou is utterly enchanting as Amélie Poulain, a shy waitress who decides to secretly orchestrate the lives of those around her.

The film is a visual delight, saturated in rich greens, reds, and blues, creating a slightly surreal, storybook version of Montmartre. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet has a distinct visual style that makes every frame feel like a piece of art.

Amélie is a beautiful, quirky, and solitary protagonist whose inner world is as fascinating as the external one she tries to influence. Yann Tiersen's delightful accordion-and-piano heavy score is inseparable from the film's identity. It's a feel-good film with dramatic undertones, a strong female lead, and an absolutely lovely Parisian setting and aesthetic.

Okay, so 'Clueless' is primarily a comedy, but its influence on 1990s fashion and its focus on female friendships and experiences make it a perfect fit for an aesthetically pleasing, female-centric list. Alicia Silverstone is utterly charming as Cher Horowitz, the well-meaning but privileged queen bee of a Beverly Hills high school.

Loosely based on Jane Austen's 'Emma', the film is incredibly witty and smart, but its lasting legacy is arguably its incredible style. Cher's wardrobe, the plaid outfits, the perfect hair – it's a time capsule of mid-90s trends that still inspires today.

Set in the sunny, wealthy world of Los Angeles, the film is bright, fun, and visually appealing. While not a drama in the traditional sense, it deals with Cher's personal growth and relationships, and it's a fantastic example of a 90s film with a strong, aesthetically striking female lead and a focus on the female experience.

Baz Luhrmann's take on 'Romeo + Juliet' is a visually audacious and energetic adaptation that screams 1990s aesthetic. While a classic love story with a male lead, Claire Danes is a stunning and central figure as Juliet, bringing depth and beauty to the tragic heroine.

Set in a contemporary (for the 90s) Verona Beach, which feels very much like a stylized American location, Luhrmann uses rapid cuts, bold colors, and an iconic soundtrack to reinvent Shakespeare for a new generation. The costumes and production design are incredibly distinctive and contribute heavily to the film's unique look.

It's a high-drama, aesthetically charged film that feels both classic due to its source material and distinctly 90s in its execution. Claire Danes shines, and the film's visual flair alone makes it a fascinating watch for anyone interested in the aesthetics of the decade.

A landmark film of the 1990s, 'Thelma & Louise' is a powerful drama centered entirely on its two female protagonists. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon deliver incredible performances as two friends whose weekend getaway takes an unexpected and life-altering turn.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is essentially a road movie across the American Southwest, showcasing stunning landscapes that provide a dramatic backdrop to the unfolding events. It's a story about freedom, friendship, and pushing back against constraints, which resonated strongly upon its release and continues to do so.

While perhaps less focused on traditional 'beauty' aesthetics in the same way as some others on this list, the film has a rugged, cinematic beauty all its own, capturing the vastness of the US landscape. Its strength lies in the dynamic between Thelma and Louise and the dramatic journey they undertake together.

Before 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', Audrey Hepburn enchanted audiences in 'Roman Holiday', a classic romance set in the eternal city of Rome. She plays Princess Ann, a European royal tired of her sheltered life, who escapes to experience Rome incognito.

Gregory Peck plays the American journalist who discovers her secret. The film is a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and drama, showcasing Hepburn's natural grace and beauty in her first major leading role, for which she won an Academy Award.

The real star alongside Hepburn is Rome itself. The film takes you on a beautiful tour of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Mouth of Truth, often via a memorable Vespa ride. It's a visually lovely film with a touching story about duty versus freedom, featuring a female protagonist who is both regal and relatable.

A quintessential 90s film that feels like a modern fairy tale, 'Pretty Woman' launched Julia Roberts into superstardom. She plays Vivian Ward with such charisma and warmth that you can't help but be charmed. Her transformation throughout the film, both internal and external, is a central part of its appeal.

Set primarily in the luxurious world of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, the film follows the unlikely romance between a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere) and Vivian. While categorized as a romantic comedy, it has significant dramatic elements as Vivian navigates a world very different from her own and confronts societal judgment.

Beyond the charming story, the film is notable for its fashion moments, particularly Vivian's iconic red dress and her transformation montage. It perfectly captures a certain optimistic, glamorous aesthetic of the early 90s and features a female protagonist whose journey is at the heart of the story.

Step into the effortlessly chic world of Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. Audrey Hepburn delivers one of her most iconic performances as the quirky, stylish New York socialite. Her look in this film – the little black dress, the pearls, the cigarette holder – is absolutely legendary and defines aesthetic goals.

Set in early 1960s New York City, the film follows Holly's unconventional life and her relationship with a struggling writer. While there's romance and comedy, there's also an underlying dramatic core to Holly's story as she tries to outrun her past.

The film's style is undeniable, from the opening scene on Fifth Avenue to the interiors of Holly's sparsely furnished apartment. Henry Mancini's beautiful score, including the classic 'Moon River', adds immeasurably to the film's charm. It's a perfect blend of timeless style, a captivating female lead, and a touch of melancholy drama.

Dive into the heart of Rome in the swinging 1960s with Federico Fellini's masterpiece, 'La Dolce Vita'. While it follows a journalist, Marcello Rubini, through a week of excess and disillusionment, the film is absolutely filled with striking female characters and iconic aesthetic moments that will appeal to your taste.

From the ethereal Sylvia (Anita Ekberg) wading in the Trevi Fountain to the enigmatic Maddalena (Anouk Aimée), the women in this film are central to its exploration of modern life and its discontents. The film itself is a work of art – visually stunning with its depiction of Roman high society, wild parties, and introspective moments.

Fellini's signature style is on full display, blending reality and fantasy in a way that captures the spirit of the era. It's a cornerstone of Italian cinema and a film whose influence on fashion, photography, and culture is still felt today. A truly aesthetically rich experience set in Italy during the 60s.

From the Golden Age of Mexican cinema comes 'The Devil Is a Woman' (Doña diabla), a film where the legendary María Félix reigns supreme. If you appreciate strong, beautiful female protagonists in dramatic roles, this is a must-see. Félix, known for her fierce elegance and commanding presence, embodies the 'diabla' – a woman scorned who returns seeking revenge and rediscovering love.

The film is steeped in melodrama, featuring a plot full of passion, betrayal, and redemption. Félix's performance is magnetic; she is stunning and utterly captivating in every scene. The aesthetics reflect the classic studio glamour of the era, with lavish costumes and sets that enhance the dramatic narrative.

Set in Mexico, it offers a glimpse into the style and storytelling that defined one of the most important periods in Latin American cinema. It's a powerful vehicle for its iconic star and a perfect example of the kind of intense, female-led dramas you enjoy.

Stepping into the glamorous world of 1990s Italian cinema, 'The Raffle' (La Riffa) stars the magnificent Monica Bellucci in one of her early leading roles. Set in Sicily, much like 'Malena', this film offers a different, perhaps slightly lighter, but still compelling look at a woman's life and choices.

Bellucci plays Francesca, a recent widow facing financial ruin. In a daring move, she decides to offer herself as the prize in a private raffle among wealthy local men. The premise is certainly bold and sets the stage for a story that blends drama, romance, and a touch of dark humor.

It’s a fantastic showcase for Bellucci's captivating screen presence and beauty, fitting perfectly with your preference for films with aesthetically striking female leads. The film captures a specific early 90s Italian atmosphere and delves into themes of desperation, independence, and finding one's way against societal constraints. A true gem from the decade you love!

Prepare to be utterly captivated by the sheer visual poetry of 'Malena'. Set against the stunning backdrop of a small Sicilian town during WWII, this film is a feast for the eyes, centered around the breathtaking presence of Monica Bellucci as the titular character.

Director Giuseppe Tornatore crafts a story seen through the innocent, yet increasingly complex, eyes of a young boy obsessed with Malèna. Her beauty becomes both a source of fascination and tragedy in the gossiping community.

Bellucci's performance is largely physical, conveying volumes with her posture, gaze, and walk. The film's aesthetic is impeccable, from the sun-drenched streets to the period costumes. And let's not forget the melancholic, sweeping score by the legendary Ennio Morricone, which perfectly underscores the film's emotional weight. It's a powerful, visually rich drama about beauty, desire, and the harsh realities of war and small-town prejudice.