The Best Movies Ever Made About Sisters Ranked

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like sisters. Since the 1970’s, siblings have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s feminist writers, 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. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother acknowledging the author in English literature. She was always drawn towards sense and sensibility of an author impacting her identity. My mother would value books written from a feminist point-of-view. Sisters have always played pivotal roles in literature written by the legendary author. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that took pride in an author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Following its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about sisters. With the greatest film of his career, Wright did extraordinary jobs of adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved literary classic about the lives of sisters facing despair. Wright has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about bonds between sisters in danger, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker.  Wright effectively used montages capturing the lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about ruining her sister’s chances of marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Keira Knightley, who embodied the most iconic heroine in Jane Austen’s literature effectively. Ultimately, what makes “Pride & Prejudice” my favourite film about sisters of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. It delivers a groundbreaking message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women developing romance experiencing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing movies about sisters which deserve appreciation.

2. Little Women

Writing is an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. As far 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 stopped me from pursuing passions 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 often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about sisters facing 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about women that enjoy writing, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a fantastic genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about lives of inspirational sisters bonding together which are definitely worth celebrating.

3. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a fantastic book series that my cousin has grown to treasure. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. My cousin often believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a book holding a precious place in his heart. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the series about sisters competing in games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating dramatic monologues capturing bonds between sisters sacrificing their lives in a tense competition that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute to save her sister Prim from the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jennifer Lawrence, who portrayed a legendary literary heroine. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book series to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about competition which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Katniss’ desire to succeed in a tense game, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre making movies which have achieved fame.

4. The Colour Purple

The Colour Purple is a powerful book about sisters that my teacher always considered to be special. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of literature about sisters separated in danger. He would always love discussing a novel about women wearing colour purple. In 1985, Steven Spielberg honoured the iconic book in his movie “The Colour Purple”. Spielberg used captivating voice-over narration to capture the bonds between sisters experiencing a heartbreaking separation. For instance, the scene in which Celie reunites with her sister following several years of separation causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Whoopi Goldberg, who embodied a woman separated from her sister in tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “The Colour Purple” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about domestic abuse which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about sisters wearing colour purple, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about bonds between sisters which audiences consider special.

5. 10 Things I Hate About You

Sisters often have tense arguments that affect their relationships together. I remember witnessing my mother having tense arguments that put her relationships with sisters in danger. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t ever reconcile differences with sisters that left her terrified. As someone that has witnessed hardships sisters go through, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured the lives of teenage sisters experiencing adversities. Junger used captivating montages capturing hardships that a pair of sisters engaging in tense arguments is facing. For instance, the scene in which Kat has a tense argument with Bianca after discovering she has been framed by her sister causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Julia Stiles, who portrayed a teenage girl with styles. Ultimately, what makes “10 Things I Hate About You” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most teen comedies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Bianca’s desire to find a romantic partner, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making captivating movies about the broken relationships between estranged sisters which audiences treasure.

6. Sense & Sensibility

Sisters facing danger are a common theme in Jane Austen’s literature. Austen has often told compelling stories about sisters facing adversities. In 1995, Ang Lee honoured the sense and sensibility of the famous author telling stories about sisters in his movie “Sense & Sensibility”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Sense & Sensibility” stand out is its depiction of social class. Lee uses captivating montages capturing hardships that an impoverished pair of sister seeking love is facing. Assisted by Emma Thompson who is exceptional in the lead role, Lee honoured a classic book about sisters. A spectacular adaptation of a beloved book about women with sense and sensibility, it’s a superb reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about bonds between sisters which audiences love dearly.

7. The Descendants

Alexander Payne is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made movies about sisters facing pain. Payne has built an image of being a director that thrives at capturing sisters facing emotional damage. Payne’s strength for making movies about families facing resentments is clearly evident in his film “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Payne’s movie captured sisters impacted by a boating tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Descendants” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Payne effectively uses tragicomedy to capture a family impacted by tragedy. Assisted by George Clooney who is amazing in the lead role, Payne created a powerful portrait of families facing pain. As strong as Matt’s bond with his daughter, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.

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

A common characteristic of movies about sisters is their depiction of bonds. Movies about sisters often capture the unbreakable bonds between siblings facing tragedy. The role that bonds play in movies about sisters entering a wardrobe is beautifully depicted in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie honoured a fantasy book about children. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson uses captivating montages capturing hardships sisters in a magical world are facing. Assisted by Georgie Henley who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a book about children. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences adore.

9. Blue Jasmine

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that has shaped my identity. As far back as I remember, I have always been an anxious person. This anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure in a math class that was cruel. As someone whose life has been impacted by anxiety, I related to “Blue Jasmine”. Released in 2013, Woody Allen’s movie captured sisters affected by feelings of anxiety. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Blue Jasmine” stand out is its depiction of mental health. Allen uses captivating voice-over narration capturing a woman relying on sisters under tension. Assisted by Cate Blanchett who is sensational in the lead role, Allen created a compelling movie. A powerful portrait of painful consequences faced by women that are anxious, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that audiences consider precious.

10. Atonement

Few books ever written about sisters facing resentment are as beloved as Atonement. Since its publication in 2001, Ian McEwan’s book has become a classic. In 2007, Joe Wright honoured the book about sisters facing resentment in his movie “Atonement”. Wright used voice-over narration capturing sisters torn apart by a lie that’s frightening. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is superb in the lead role, Wright honoured a beloved book. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of sisters that treat each other poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cecilia’s love for Robbie, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies about sisters facing tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.