Plus size women have long been neglected and mistreated by Hollywood. However, times are changing. Full figured women are appearing 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 cast by any kind of cinematic genius. They made the list because they handle the issues plus-size women face in a humane way. The characters are real people. They are so much more than a fat girl joke. So, take some popcorn and turn it into a movie night.

1. real women have curves (2002) – América Ferrera stars as Ana, a Mexican-American teenager trying to find her way. The story explores family dynamics, ambition, body image issues, and more. She follows Ana as she enters adulthood, she searches for her identity and struggles to blend other people’s belief systems with her own.

2. fuck the movie (1989) – This light-hearted film set in the summer of 1963 follows a group of four friends who intend to have one last girlie fling before one of the members’ upcoming wedding. Caroline, nicknamed “Pudge”, is a chubby girl who loves to dance. While her friends go wild all weekend, Pudge makes peace with himself, finds a guy, and fucks until her heart’s content.

3. Last vacations (2006) – Queen Latifah stars as Georgia Byrd, a plus-size woman living on the sidelines until she discovers she is terminally ill. Georgia quickly sets out to make at least some of her dreams come true before she dies. She takes the ride of her life, eats with abandon, and gets a to-die-for makeover, among other things.

Four. fantastic girls (2006)- Ah… what can I say about this movie? Well, it’s certainly the worst of the bunch in my opinion. The cinematography isn’t great, the jokes are crude, and many of the attitudes expressed in it are contrary to everything I believe in. However, there are definitely some worthwhile aspects. Jazmin, the main character, is a smart and talented businesswoman. Her struggles with weight and her self-acceptance are very moving. She displays different cultural beliefs about weight. And all men are in shape dispelling the myth that only fat guys are attracted to fat women. That’s good enough stuff to watch this at least once on cable.

5. To camp (2003)- Teenagers attend a performing arts camp. While most of the cast of characters struggle to figure out who they are, Jenna stands out for me. Jenna’s jaws are wired shut for most of the movie, a compromise made to avoid fat camp, but when she finally stands up to 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 where others fall incredibly short.

7. Bridget Jones: On the Edge of Reason (2004) – In this sequel, we see Bridget chubby and overly analytical down to her usual dating and life antics. Funny and moving, this movie is worth watching if only for one scene: Bridget tries to dress herself under a sheet, fumbling until her boyfriend tells her that she has “great respect for your wobbly bits.”

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. Gotta love all the singing, dancing, and plus-size pride that abounds. And you can’t beat John Travolta in drag!