My Favourite Films About Mothers of All-Time

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like mothers. Since the 1970’s, moms have appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s mothers of rebellious teenagers, silent survivors or Asian fighters, the genre has produced 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 about mothers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Forrest Gump

Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism that caused damage. I remember feeling immense terror when I was diagnosed with a grim disability placing my life in grave danger. During a dark time when hope seemed to have vanished, my mother gave me strength to have my dreams accomplished. Through her valuable wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges posed by Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the powerful roles that mothers play in lives of children facing a bump as powerfully as “Forrest Gump”. Ever since its release in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about mothers.  With the greatest film of his career, Zemeckis captured compassionate mothers seeking to care for children with grim intellectual disabilities causing despair. Zemeckis has always had aptitude for making engaging movies about mothers with a caring nature, and “Forrest Gump” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Zemeckis deftly used voice-over narration to capture a mother struggling to care for a child with grim disabilities causing tension. For instance, the scene in Mrs. Gump gives Forrest valuable advice about how to live his life before her devastating death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Sally Field, who embodied one of the greatest mothers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” my favourite film about mothers of all-time is its appeal.  Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities, it tackles themes which everyone can easily relate to. It delivers a bold message about motherhood which resonates with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of an iconic films about veterans recalling memories of Alabama, its a bold reminder of a great genre making movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.  

2. The Sound of Music

“The Sound of Music” is a legendary musical that my mother always considered iconic. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that admired Maria. I remember my mother was once a big fan of a musical about naval captains facing disaster. She was always drawn towards the melodious sound of a classic musical that she considered profound. Ever since its release in 1965, “The Sound of Music” has stood the test of time as a masterpiece about motherhood. Robert Wise’s classic movie celebrated the lives of mothers through a musical. Wise has always had an aptitude for making great movies about mothers with a compassionate nature, and “The Sound of Music” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Captain Von Trapp first hires Maria to take care of his household facing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Julie Andrews, who portrayed a strong mother facing issues. Ultimately, what makes “The Sound of Music” a classic is timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. As strong as Maria’s love for the sound of music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies about mothers that have captivated the public.

3. Kramer vs. Kramer

Divorce is a devastating process causing mothers to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt experience a broken marriage causing damage. Following her sad separation, my aunt struggled to raise her children. Her inability to move on from a heartbreaking separation affected her ability to successfully raise children. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how divorce causes mothers to face disaster as powerfully as “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of divorce on mothers. Benton uses captivating montages to capture the trauma experienced by a mother that is forced to separate from her child following divorce. For instance, the scene in which Joanna breaks down in court discussing marriage causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a magnificent performance by Meryl Streep, who embodies a conflicted mother facing a dire divorce. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about divorce which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent portrait of mothers facing a fallen marriage, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has manufactured movies with a meaningful message.

4. Lady Bird

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have always shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things has often been irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. 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 beautiful portrait of a mother-daughter relationship. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making feminist movies about powerful mothers, and “Lady Bird” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker.  For instance, the scene in which Lady Bird has an argument with her mother in a car trip causing traum is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodied a teenager sharing a complex bond with her mother. Ultimately, what makes “Lady Bird” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made relatable movies which audiences treasure.

5. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Asian-American mothers can often be harsh on their children. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a Chinese girl in school that came from a conservative family. She would often complain about not getting along well with her mother that put under intense academic strain. As someone treasuring fond memories of an Asian girl that recalled her mother’s experience, I loved “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie depicted a tragic mother-daughter relationship facing catastrophe. The Daniels used the ingenious concept of the multi-verse to explore the strained relationship between an Asian-American woman and her daughter. For instance, the scene in which Evelyn finally reconciles with her daughter causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Yeoh, who portrays an Asian-American mother facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on Asian-American mothers, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Evelyn’s love for Joy, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences enjoy.

6. A Quiet Place

Mothers with powerful personalities are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has often made engaging movies about mothers that face a dilemma. The strength of horror movies for capturing hardships mothers face is evident in “A Quiet Place”. Released in 2018, John Krasinski’s movie captured mothers struggling to keep families safe in a tragedy. 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 mothers facing a traumatic experience. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is excellent in the lead role, Krainski created a magnificent horror movie about mothers. A powerful portrait of hardships mothers face seeking to survive in a quiet place, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences embrace.

7. Room

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, I was locked up in a room for injuring my cousin. Driven towards insanity, I couldn’t cope with isolation. As someone haunted by memories of being stuck in a room, I adored “Room”. Released in 2015, Lenny Abrahamson’s movie honoured a book about isolated mothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Room” stand out is its larger-than-life depiction of isolation. Abrahamson uses captivating confined locations to capture long-lasting bonds between a mother and her child. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Abrahamson honoured literature about mothers. As strong as Ma’s desire to escape a room that’s isolated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences have appreciated.

8. Jerry Maguire

Singer mothers often face tension raising children. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt face a divorce causing sorrow. She struggled to her children without the support of her husband. As someone that has seen dire obstacles single mothers acquire, I appreciated “Jerry Maguire”. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s movie captured mothers facing tension. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Jerry Maguire” stand out is its depiction of single mothers. Crowe uses captivating montages capturing hardships a single mother without a stable job is facing. Assisted by Renee Zellweger who is amazing in the lead role, Crowe created a captivating single mother drama. As powerful as Jerry Maguire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about mothers that audiences admire.

9. Dune: Part Two

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mothers that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing Dune. Since its publication in the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has become a literary classic. In 2024, Denis Villeneuve honoured the classic book about hardships mothers go through in his movie “Dune: Part Two”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dune: Part Two” stand out is its depiction of conflicted mothers. Villeneuve uses captivating symbolism capturing the hardships that mothers raising children on doomed planets are facing. Assisted by Rebecca Ferguson who is outstanding in the lead role, Villeneuve honoured a book about mothers that’s inspiring. As precious as dune planets that shine beneath the moon, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies that won’t be forgotten soon.

10. Barbie

Few dolls made out of plastic have built a legacy as strong as Barbie. Since creation in the 1960’s by Ruth Handler, Barbie has become a doll women treasure. In 2023, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic doll’s legacy in her movie “Barbie”. Gerwig used bold montages capturing a mother and daughter using Barbie dolls. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is exceptional in the lead role, Gerwig honoured Barbie’s legacy. Although I love the movie, it isn’t perfect. Its depiction of mothers using dolls to reunite with children is unrealistic. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Barbie’s desire to discover her identity, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre producing memorable movies which I will forever treasure for reminding me of my bond with my mother that inspired me to turn dreams of film criticism into reality.