Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like brothers. Since the 1970’s, brothers have appeared in unforgettable movies. Whether it’s siblings with disorders, warrior wrestlers or cruel gangsters, 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 about brothers that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather
Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved dark gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with grim stories of gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for figures I have grown to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how the strong bonds between brothers can be destroyed in dark gangster families as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about brothers. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone negotiates with his brothers seeking to prepare for his first murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Al Pacino, who transformed into a powerful don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about brothers of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies about brothers earning rave reviews.
2. Rain Man
Autism has shaped my personality. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a disease causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to form a strong relationship with my brother. I remember finding it hard to interact with my brother due to my intellectual disorder. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can affect relationships with family as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about relationships between brothers. Levinson has always excelled at using montages in his movies, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a complicated mental condition. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Autism, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers that would resonate with everyone. An inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre that produced movies achieving stardom.
3. Raging Bull
Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing a fit of rage. I remember that my parents complained about how I had a short temper. I would often beat up peers in my school that I mistreated in ways which were cruel. As someone impacted by consequences of rage that was stressful, I adored “Raging Bull”. Released in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing masterpiece celebrated the legacy of an angry boxer in American history. Scorsese has always excelled at making engaging movies about brothers in danger, and “Raging Bull” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta has a tense argument with his brother causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of the film is a towering performance by Robert De Niro, who embodies a boxer that achieved success several years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about rage that would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of a real boxer with rage, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre making movies with a message that never lost abilities to engage.
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. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of a tragic murder. 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 brothers 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 brothers apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated 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. Writer’s block is a barrier that often prevented me from becoming a successful author. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships screenwriting brothers 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. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences cherish.
6. 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.
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7. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a country where brothers are often torn apart causing trauma. India has built an image of being a country where siblings often experience intense rivalry. The heavy burden faced by brothers experiencing despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie captured impoverished brothers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by brothers in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. The Iron Claw
When discussing the world’s greatest wrestlers, one can’t forget the Von Enrich brothers. Formed during the 1960’s, the Von Enrich was a family of brothers seeking wrestling glory. Raised by an abusive father, the brothers sought to become famous wrestlers. In 2023, Sean Durkin honoured the wrestling family in his movie “The Iron Claw”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Iron Claw” stand out is its depiction of parental pressure. Durkin uses captivating flashbacks capturing tensions faced by brothers raised by an abusive father. Assisted by Zac Efron who is extraordinary in the lead role, Durkin honoured the Von Enrich wrestling family. As powerful as the Iron Claw, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies about the lives of brothers without a flaw that inspire awe.
9. The Fighter
David O. Russell is a legendary filmmaker that has often made great movies about brothers in danger. With their compelling themes, strong acting and spellbinding storytelling, O. Russell’s movies have earned a huge following. O. Russell has often explored themes of brotherhood in his movies. O. Russell’s strengths as a filmmaker are most evident in his movie “The Fighter”. Released in 2010, O. Russell’s movie captured bonds between real-life boxing brothers. O. Russell used captivating montages capturing a pair of brothers preparing for boxing matches that are frightening. Assisted by Mark Wahlberg who is extraordinary in the lead role, O. Russell created a powerful boxing drama. As strong as Micky Ward’s love for boxing, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about brothers that are worth celebrating.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Few films ever made about brothers facing a dilemma are as beloved “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie honoured a magical book about brothers. Adamson used captivating montages capturing broken bonds between brothers entering a magical world. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is exceptional in a villainous role, Adamson honoured a fantasy book about brothers. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of brothers that treat each other poorly without trust has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Aslan’s desire to defend Narnia’s kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies offering wisdom about brothers which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 