I recently watched an old TV movie from 1980, Fun and Games, that deals directly with sexual harassment in the workplace. It is the first movie I could find that deals with the topic candidly. So I went on a quest to find more movies that address or highlight sexual harassment at work. Early movies from the 1980’s are made for TV movies, based on true stories. Over the last forty years, the subject of harassment has evolved, and more stories are being told. Here are 13 movies that feature sexual harassment in the workplace – to inspire, infuriate, entertain and educate.

Fun and Games – 1980

Fun and Games 1980

This ABC made for TV movie, is the first movie about sexual harassment in the workplace. Fun and Games stars Valerie Harper as Carol Hefferman, a factory worker promised a promotion, until she refuses the advances from her boss.

This movie is a great throwback to a time when people had never heard the term “sexual harassment” or the “EEOC”.

PG – Drama – Stream via Yo

9 to 5 – 1980

9 to 5 Movie 1980

Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin star in this popular comedy about office workers dealing with discrimination and sexual harassment, who manage to take back some control by sidelining their abusive boss.

PG – Comedy – Stream via TUBI

I Can Make You Love Me – 1993

This made for TV Movie by CBS, also called Stalking Laura, is based on a true story of workplace harassment that escalates to stalking and more.  Starring Brooke Shields and Richard Thomas.

This movie provides a good example of how a company can dismiss accusations early on, blame the victim, and allow a toxic work environment to fester.

PG – Drama – Stream via YouTube

Disclosure – 1994

This thriller, starring Michael Douglas and Demi Moore, flips the gender script as it tackles sexual harassment in the workplace.

Sadly this movie has been used to dismiss or minimize women’s claims of sexual harassment on a number of occasions, “because women sexually harass men too.” Yes! Men ARE victims of sexual harassment too. There is no need to dismiss claims from either gender.

R – Thriller – Rent from your favorite steaming company

Hostile Advances – The Kerry Ellison Story – 1996

This made for TV movie is based on the true story of the landmark case Ellison v. Brady.  Staring Rena Sofer as Kerry Ellison, this movie deals with sexual harassment and stalking. While working for the IRS and finding no help from management, Kerry files a suit that sets the precedent for the  “reasonable woman” standard in sexual harassment cases, where the case will be examined from the point of view of the complainant, and not the defendant.

TV14 – Drama – Stream via Tubi

North Country – 2005

North Country, starring Charlize Theron and Francis McDormand, is inspired on a true story.  Josey is one of a few women working in an iron mine in 1989.  The women must deal with sexual harassment, abuse, retaliation and assault from their male colleagues and their company.

Based on the book: Class Action: The Story of Lois Jenson and the Landmark Case that Changed Sexual Harassment Law by Clara Bingham and Laura Leedy Gansler

R – Drama – Rent from your favorite steaming company

Horrible Bosses – 2011

Horrible Bosses is a dark comedy about men dealing with their abusive bosses, toxic work environment and sexual harassment.

R – Comedy – HBOMax or Rent from your favorite steaming company

The Invisible War – 2012

The Invisible War is a documentary about sexual assault in the US Military.

“There’s much about being raped in the military that’s very different from civilian rape. In many ways it can be even more profoundly damaging. If you’re a civilian, you can seek immediate comfort and support from friends and family, and you can seek recourse through the criminal justice system. If you are raped in the military, you don’t have these options.” – Amy Ziering, filmmaker
“There’s much about being raped in the military that’s very different from civilian rape. In many ways it can be even more profoundly damaging. If you’re a civilian, you can seek immediate comfort and support from friends and family, and you can seek recourse through the criminal justice system. If you are raped in the military, you don’t have these options.” – Amy Ziering, filmmaker

NR – Documentary – Stream via HBOMax or Prime

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power – 2013

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power is a documentary profiling Anita Hill, the attorney who testified to the sexual harassment she experienced while working for Clarence Thomas, when he was the chairman of the EEOC and before his nomination to the Supreme Court. 

NR – Documentary – Stream via Prime

Working Woman – 2018

Working Woman is an Israeli drama, about a woman who juggles being a wife, a mother to three children, and her job, where she must deal with sexual harassment. This film has a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes

NR – Drama – Rent from your favorite steaming company

The Assistant – 2019

Jane is a temp worker hoping to land a permanent job as an assistant to a film producer. She realizes her boss is having sex with young women in his office. Her colleagues are aware of their boss’s behavior, but everyone chooses to look the other way.

R – Drama – Stream via Hulu or rent from your favorite steaming company

Bombshell – 2019

Staring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margo Robbie, this drama is based on the true stories of women who worked at Fox News, and experienced sexual harassment at the hands of CEO, Roger Ailes.

R – Drama – Stream via Hulu or Prime

Athlete A

Athlete A is a documentary following journalists that broke the story of doctor Larry Nasser sexually assaulting hundreds of gymnasts from the USA Gymnastics team. 

NR – Documentary- Stream via Netflix

Did we miss any movies that deal with harassment in the workplace? Send us your recommendations.  


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