My Favourite Films About Sibling Rivalry of All-Time

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. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures facing danger that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that was a huge fan of dark gangsters that faced damage. He was often fascinated with the grim stories of dark 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 grand figures that I have grown to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how the bonds between siblings can be destroyed in big 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 sibling rivalry.  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 a great role by Al Pacino, who becomes into a bold don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about sibling rivalry of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most mob movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about the bold bonds of brothers that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a genre producing movies which achieve rave reviews.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that often causes sibling rivalry. 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 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.

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. 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 rivalry with sisters. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. 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 great movies about siblings experiencing rivalry which deserve celebration.

4. The Lion King

“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. Since its release in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie has stood the test of time as a great film about sibling rivalry. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers capturing tensions that lions torn apart by sibling rivalry are facing. For instance, the scene in which Scar murders Mufasa in the elephant graveyard to take the throne as king causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by James Earl Jones, who embodied a lion king facing tense sibling rivalry. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.

5. 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 movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about sad women forming romance with pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.

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.

7. Rain Man

Autism is a sensitive disease that is rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often struggled to depict a mental disorder that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding stories of Autistic people with a plan, it’s worth praising “Rain Man”. Released in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie offered a powerful portrayal of Autistic siblings. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Rain Man” stand out is its depiction of disability. Levinson uses captivating montages capturing the tensions siblings affected by Autism are facing. Assisted by Dustin Hoffman who is exceptional in the lead role, Levinson created a compelling disability drama. As strong as Raymond’s desire to overcome Autism, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies which offer meaningful sibling wisdom.

8. The King’s Speech

When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. A troubled leader, George V shared tense relationships with his brother affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure that suffered from speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth celebrating.

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

The Chronicles of Narnia is a legendary book about siblings that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 1950, C.S. Lewis’ book has become a beloved literary classic. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the iconic book about siblings in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of orphans. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about lasting bonds between siblings which audiences adore.

10. 10 Things I Hate About You

Few movies ever made about hardships teen siblings go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured broken bonds of teen siblings facing tragedy. Junger used captivating montages to capture hardships teenage girls are facing. Assisted by Julia Stiles who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating coming-of-age movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teen girls that treat their siblings poorly affecting romantic relationships has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has produced engaging movies about siblings facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.