The Best Movies Ever Made About Dysfunctional Families Ranked

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 experienced murder. Her devastating death left family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from heartbreaking loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve 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 families 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 dysfunctional families which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A phenomneal 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. 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 experience 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Bipolar, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. 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 commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.

3. Short Term 12

Teenagers that are born in dysfunctional families often face tragedy. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid that faced grim abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with parents which were abusive. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”.  Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused in dysfunctional families causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a classic is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teens in a mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences care.

4. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary author whose literature impressed my mother. I remember a mother that adored the author’s literature. She had great expectations from an author she grew up to appreciate. Dysfunctional families have always been a common theme in books published by the legendary author.  In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing hardships that an orphan growing up in poverty is facing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become an author, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies which audiences treasure.

5. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 unforgettable movies about broken families which deserve to be talked about.

6. Manchester by the Sea

The painful loss of loved ones often causes families to become dysfunctional. The loss of relatives often leads families to face tragedy. The impact of loss on dysfunctional families facing tragedy is beautifully depicted in the movie “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie depicted a family impact by grief. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its depiction of grief. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks capturing hardships that a grieving janitor mourning loss of relatives is facing. Assisted by Casey Affleck who is extraordinary in the lead role, Lonergan created a compelling drama. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile dysfunctional families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured profound art.

7. Matilda

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about dysfunctional families facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted children. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration to capture an orphan girl with special abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences love dearly.

8. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Dysfunctional families facing trauma are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country where broken families face emotional damage. The problem faced by dysfunctional families in India is beautifully depicted in the film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”. Released in 2001, Karan Johar’s movie depicted broken families in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” stand out is its depiction of India. Johar uses captivating musical numbers capturing hardships that a broken family in India is facing. Assisted by Shah Rukh Khan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Johar created a powerful family drama. A powerful portrait of dysfunctional families in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

9. 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.

10. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Few movies ever made about dysfunctional families facing a disturbance are as beloved as “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie depicted an Asian family. The Daniels used montages capturing hardships that an Asian family exploring alternate realities is facing. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is great in the lead role, the Daniels created a captivating multi-verse movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an Asian family treated poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Evelyn’s desire to mend bonds with Joy, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about challenges that destroy dysfunctional families which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong passion for filmmaking that I enjoy.