My Favourite Films About Dysfunctional Families of All-Time

Not many characters make movies that are as engaging as dysfunctional families. Broken families often make for memorable movies. Whether it’s suspects of murders, ordinary people or men with mental disorders, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite dysfunctional family films that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of grim murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t move on from the heartbreaking loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how painful deaths of people affect families as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Ever since its release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about dysfunctional families. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a family facing despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making family dramas, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by a death causing tragedy. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite dysfunctional family film of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies about broken families which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of ordinary people impacted by passings of family members that are insurmountable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable films about dysfunctional families that audiences consider to be special.

2. Boyhood

Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up in youth that shaped my persona. I remember that I was an aimless child daydreaming that was unconcerned about the future. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of growing up in childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s masterpiece captured a child growing up over the course of 12 years. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its innovative cinematic techniques. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over the course of 12 years using the same actors is risky but paid off. Linklater effectively uses the technique to create a portrait of a dysfunctional family over 12 years. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids emotional farewell to his mother as he leaves for college causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Ellar Coltrane, who captures a child growing up. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over 12 years of childhood, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that made movies which are treasured in Hollywood.

3. Knives Out

Social class has impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper regarding my grandparents in a kind manner. However, my grandparents were shocked to discover he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery captured a dysfunctional family. Johnson effectively uses humour to capture a dysfunctional family impacted by murder. For instance, the scene in which the members of the Thrombey family have a tense meeting causing a dilemma following the death of their patriarch is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a dedicated detective investigating a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which definitely deserve to be talked about.

4. Manchester by the Sea

Grief is an emotion that has impacted my friend deeply. Several years ago, my friend’s mother passed away from Cancer causing sorrow. Left devastated, my friend couldn’t cope with a terrifying tragedy that left him affected. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from the death of his mother that left him terrified. As someone that witnessed a friend face grief following family tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a grieving janitor affected by a family tragedy. Lonergan has always had an aptitude for making compelling family dramas, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks to capture a grieving janitor. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife several years after a tragic accident causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who embodies a grieving man impacted by family tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced meaningful art.

5. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Several years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. She would often face mood swings that caused her to have tense arguments with my family. Afflicted with mental illness, she struggled to find silver linings in a life shrouded in darkness. As someone that has seen the way Bipolar can leave a family shook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the impact of Bipolar disorder on a dysfunctional family. Drawing from his personal experience, Russell captured disorders causing family dysfunction For instance, the scene in which Pat has a tense argument with his family after he can’t finding his wedding video causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who embodies a Bipolar man. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of mental illness causing romance to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies which audiences appreciate.

6. Monsoon Wedding

Dysfunctional families that face trauma are common in India. India has built an image of being a country where families often face tragedy. The terrifying hardships that dysfunctional families in India are facing are beautifully explored in the film “Monsoon Wedding”. Released in 2001, Mira Nair’s magnificent Bollywood masterpiece captured Indian families. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Monsoon Wedding” stand out is its sensitive depiction of India. Nair uses mesmerizing musical montages to capture the beauty of the country. Assisted by Naseerudin Shah who is amazing in the lead role, Nair created a powerful portrait of families in India. A dazzling depiction of families arranging weddings in India causing a dilemma, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies worth seeing in the Cinema.

7. Hereditary

Dysfunctional families are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has often told compelling stories of families facing trauma. The power of horror movies that capture family tragedy is clearly evident in the movie “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s horror movie captured a family impacted by tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hereditary” stand out is its depiction of family trauma. Aster effectively uses foreshadowing to capture a family reacting to a terrifying tragedy. Assisted by Toni Collette who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aster created a compelling horror movie about dysfunctional families. A powerful portrait of families experiencing fear, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre producing memorable movies about dysfunctional families about which audiences care.

8. The Farewell

Families follow unique traditions in China. In Chinese culture, families confront death in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences embrace.

9. The Descendants

Alexander Payne is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made movies about families facing pain. Payne has built an image of being a director that thrives at capturing families facing emotional damage. Payne’s strength for making movies about families facing resentments is clearly evident in his film “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Payne’s movie captured a family impacted by a boating tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Descendants” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Payne effectively uses tragicomedy to capture a family impacted by tragedy. Assisted by George Clooney who is amazing in the lead role, Payne created a powerful portrait of families facing pain. As strong as Matt’s bond with his daughter, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.

10. American Beauty

Few movies ever made about a dysfunctional family are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a classic. Mendes’ film forever changed the genre through its depiction of suburban families facing trauma. Mendes effectively used voice-over narration to capture a dysfunctional American family facing tension. Although I’ve always loved the movie, it has aged poorly. Recent sexual allegations against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies about dysfunctional families enduring tragedy that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.