Not many genres have built a legacy as lasting as parenting. Since the 1970’s, stories of parents have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s divorced fathers, rebellious teenagers or silent survivors, the genre has produced many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about parenting which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Kramer v. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face broken marriage that caused damage. I recall the sad night when she had heated arguments with her husband that proved shocking sights. Following painful separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to easily move on. The devastating divorce impacted my aunt’s abilities to be an effective parent. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured heartbreaking impact of divorce on parents causing disaster as powerfully as “Kramer v. Kramer”. Following its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about parenting. With the greatest film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture parents going through grim divorce causing despair. Benton has always had aptitude producing engaging movies about parenting, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ted becomes aware that his wife is leaving him causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodies a struggling parent that’s stuck in broken marriages experiencing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer v. Kramer” my favourite film about parenting of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the consequences of ending a marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about couples ending their marriage causing grim emotional damage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage by making timeless movies that deliver a meaningful message.
2. Ordinary People
Family tragedy causes parents to experience depression. Several years ago, my family faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my grandfather emotionally affected. Adopting pessimistic attitudes, my grandfather lost interest in activities that he had once valued. As someone that has seen parents facing emotions that are painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured impact of depression on parents. Redford used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by loss of a loved one causing depression. 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 finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father unable to overcome painful loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the impact of grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful grief faced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great films audiences consider special.
3. Boyhood
Divorce is often misunderstood by kids in childhood. Years ago, my cousin saw his parents separate in a divorce causing sorrow. Following the separation, he was forced to make a tough decision. He was forced to decide which parent he wanted to live with for the rest of life. As someone that witnessed the impact of divorce on parents in childhood, I adored “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie captured the impact of co-parenting on children growing up. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is technique. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over 12 years is risky but paid off. For instance, the scene in which Mason witnesses his parents arguing as a child being unaware of their marriage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ethan Hawke, who embodied a father struggling to maintain contact with children. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a great parenting movie is its message. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
4. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect parents’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a profession, he struggled to take care of his children. His inability to find a job affected his ability to care for his family. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Will Smith, who portrayed a father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies contributing towards greater awareness of sacrifices made by parents facing sadness.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always found inspiring. I remember my teacher adored a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he would always love to discuss an inspirational book he considered precious. Parenting has always been a crucial theme in the book with Atticus Finch being an inspirational parent. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the book about parents seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who created one of the most inspirational parents in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic film is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are outdated, it tackled themes everyone could relate to today. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
6. Room
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about parents that bloom, it’s worth discussing Room. Since its publication in 2010, Emma Donoghue’s book has become a literary classic. In 2015, Lenny Abrahamson honoured the classic book about a room in his movie “Room”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Room” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Abrahamson effectively uses confined locations to capture the tension faced by parents raising children in an environment of isolation. Assisted by Brie Larson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Abrahamson created a beautiful adaptation of a book about parenting. A beautiful adaptation of a book about parents that are isolated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences have appreciated.
7. A Quiet Place
Parents with strong personalities are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has made great movies about parents that face a dilemma. The strength of horror movies for capturing hardships parents face is evident in “A Quiet Place”. Released in 2018, John Krasinski’s movie captured parents struggling to keep families safe in an apocalyptic world. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Quiet Place” stand out is its use of silence. Krasinski effectively uses sequences of silence to capture parents seeking to protect children from violence. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is extraordinary in the lead role, Krasinski created a compelling horror movie about parenting. A powerful portrait of hardships parents face seeking to survive in a quiet place, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies which audiences embrace.
8. Lady Bird
Mothers shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I have shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things is often irritating. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a powerful portrait of mothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lady Bird” stand out is its strong depiction of teenagers. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a conflicted teen girl sharing a complicated bond with her mother. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Gerwig created a captivating parenting classic. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made relatable movies which audiences treasure.
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9. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Asian-American parents can often be harsh on their children. Years ago, I formed a friendship with a Chinese girl.. She would often complain about her parents that put her under pressure. As someone treasuring an Asian girl that recalled her parental experience, I loved “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie depicted the lives of Asian-American parents. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” stand out is its ingenuity. The Daniels expertly use the multi-verse to create a captivating portrait of parenting. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is amazing in the lead role, the Daniels created a compelling Asian parenting movie. As strong as Evelyn’s bond with Joy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences enjoy.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about American parents seeking beauty are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Following its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a beautiful classic. Mendes used captivating voice-over narration to capture a depressed father struggling to care for a daughter. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is exceptional in the lead role, Mendes created a captivating satire about parenting. Although I’ve admired the movie, it has aged poorly. Recent allegations against Kevin Spacey have tarnished the movie’s legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about parents seeking to raise families which I will forever treasure for motivating me to turn dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 