Some 30 years ago, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon were propelled to new heights of stardom for their leading roles in crime drama Thelma & Louise.

In the 1991 film, the American actors played two women whose characters' journey challenged traditional notions of femininity.

At the event in Los Angeles, Davis and Sarandon considered the film's impact.

When the film was released, the media predicted there were "going to be so many movies starring women, about women, female road pictures, whatever", Davis said in a Q&A session, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The film did change the lives of Davis, 65, and Sarandon, 74, though.

Seen as a feminist trailblazer by many, Thelma & Louise only burnished their credentials.

For those who have not seen it, the film casts Davis as Thelma, a meek housewife whose friend Louise - who is played by Sarandon - convinces her to come on an impulsive road trip.

Spoiler alert: the film ends in dramatic fashion, culminating in a police chase that sees Thelma and Louise kiss before driving off a cliff at the Grand Canyon.

The film's portrayal of Thelma and Louise as plucky, independent women prepared to risk it all for friendship was praised as a step forward for female empowerment in Hollywood.

"I completely underestimated that we were backing into territory held by white heterosexual males," Sarandon said at Friday's event.

For Davis, the backlash was worth it, not least for the degree to which the film inspired women.