The Best Movies Ever Made About Siblings Ranked

Not many characters in movies are as engaging as siblings. Since the 1970’s, siblings have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s Autistic brothers, prejudiced lovers or wrestling boxers, the genre has created several 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 made about siblings which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Rain Man

Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I remember feeling a sense of terror when I was diagnosed with a disability that put my life in grave danger. Autism affected my abilities to succeed in a competitive school system. Nevertheless, my brother’s inspiring words of wisdom often gave me the motivation to cope with my Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how grim intellectual disabilities can impact the relationships between siblings as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about siblings. With the greatest film of his career Levinson used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a salesman struggling to care for his Autistic brother that faces despair.  The film marked a significant breakthrough because it was the first major Hollywood movie that addressed hardships Autistic people went through. Levinson has always had an aptitude for making movies about the bonds between siblings in danger, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. or instance, the scene in which Raymond faces a tense nervous breakdown when the noise of the smoke alarm starts ringing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a powerful portrait of an Autistic savant.  Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” my favourite siblings film of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about grim disability which are meant for a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the strong bonds between siblings which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about salesmen seeking to care for brothers with Autism, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has gained stardom by making great movies about siblings offering wisdom.

2. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature my mother has always loved dearly. I remember bonding with a mother that was a huge fan of the iconic author in English literature. She was always drawn towards the sense and sensibility of a great author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring a mother that often took pride in an author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved book about siblings. Wright used captivating montages capturing the tensions between siblings in a family torn apart by economic inequality. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Keira Knightley, who created an iconic heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a great romance is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about sad women forming romance with pride, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.

3. Little Women

Writing is an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a writer. At an early age, I loved to engage with words written on a page. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has ever stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has always had a lifelong writing passion, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about sisters with a writing passion. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making movies about sisters whose relationships are in danger, and “Little Women” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jo has a nervous breakdown after her book is burned by Amy destroying her writing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a female writer facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone.  Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about women that have a writing passion, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about siblings which deserve celebration.

4. Manchester by the Sea

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the tragic loss of a housekeeper that died. As someone witnessing how death causes siblings to face tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a lonely janitor mourning family tragedy. Lonergan effectively used flashbacks to capture the broken bonds between siblings torn apart by death. For instance, the scene in which Lee is given heartbreaking news becoming aware that his brother has died causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who captured the turmoil faced by a depressed janitor. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of death tearing siblings apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that creates art with power to mend a heart.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. Writer’s block has often affected my relationship with my brother. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter. For instance, the scene in which Charlie grows jealous of his brother when he publishes his book causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre.  At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about writing process which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences cherish.

6. The Godfather

The bonds between siblings facing a dilemma are often explored in the gangster genre. Mobster movies have often told engaging stories about brothers facing adversities. The mob genre’s ability to capture broken bonds between brothers is clearly evident in “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie captured the broken bonds between mafia brothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Godfather” stand out is its depiction of mafia. Coppola uses low-key lighting capturing tensions that brothers in a gangster family are facing. Assisted by Al Pacino who is amazing in the lead role, Coppola created a mobster movie that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about siblings earning rave reviews.

7. Warrior

As far as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my brother. I remember forming a strong bond with a brother that loved playing soccer. As someone treasuring a brother that sought to become a famous sports player, I adored “Warrior”. Released in 2011, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted relationships between wrestling brothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Warrior” stand out is its depiction of wrestling. O’Connor uses captivating montages capturing broken bonds between wrestling brothers. Assisted by Tom Hardy who is sensational in the lead role, O’Connor created a compelling wrestling movie.As strong as Brendan’s desire to be a fighter, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about strained sibling relationships that audiences treasure.

8. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about siblings seeking an escape, it’s worth discussing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Since its publication in 1991, Peter Hedges’ book has become a literary classic. In 1993, Lasse Hallstrom honoured the iconic book about siblings seeking an escape in his movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” stand out is its depiction of disability. Hallstrom uses captivating montages capturing tensions faced by a man seeking to care for an intellectually disabled brother. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hedges honoured a book about disabled brothers. As strong as Gilbert’s desire to find an escape, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies at which audiences gape.

9. The Colour Purple

The Colour Purple is a powerful book about siblings that has built a legacy which is memorable. Since its publication in 1982, Alice Walker’s book has become a literary classic. In 1985, Steven Spielberg honoured the book about women wearing colour purple in his movie “The Colour Purple”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Colour Purple” stand out is its depiction of abuse. Spielberg uses captivating non-linear storytelling to capture sisters torn apart by abusive husbands. Assisted by Whoopi Goldberg who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg honoured a classic book about commemorated siblings. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about powerful women that wear the colour purple, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider special.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Few films ever made about siblings facing a dilemma are as beloved “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie honoured a magical book about siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing the bonds between siblings entering a magical world. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is exceptional in the villainous role, Adamson created a powerful portrait of siblings. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of siblings that treat each other poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a valuable addition to the genre. As precious as bonds between the Pevensie family, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies about siblings facing adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.