Not many genres have built a legacy as lasting as parenting. Since the 1970’s, stories of parents have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s divorced fathers, rebellious teenagers or silent survivors, the genre has produced many 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 parenting which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that causes parents to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage that caused emotional damage. I recall the sad night when she endured heated arguments with her husband that proved shocking sights. Following painful separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. The devastating divorce causing resentment impacted my aunt’s abilities to be an effective parent. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured heartbreaking impact of divorce on parents causing disaster as powerfully as “Kramer v. Kramer”. Ever since its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about parenting. With the greatest film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture parents going through grim divorce causing despair. Benton has always had aptitude producing engaging movies about parenting, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ted becomes aware that his wife is leaving him causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodies a struggling parent facing broken marriages experiencing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about parents of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about couples ending their marriage causing grim emotional damage, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage by making commemorated movies that deliver a meaningful message.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book about parenting that my teacher always found inspiring. I remember my teacher adored a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he would always love to discuss an inspirational book he considered precious. Parenting has always been a prominent theme in a book that my teacher found engaging. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the book about parents seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who created one of the most inspirational parents in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic film is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are outdated, it tackled themes everyone could relate to today. It delivers a meaningful message about racism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Atticus’ relationship with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing movies which deserve to be talked about without a single doubt.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect parents’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Will Smith, who portrayed a father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced great movies contributing towards greater awareness of sacrifices made by parents that experience sadness.
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 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 trauma 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about teenage girls, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 manufactured relatable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
5. Boyhood
Childhood is a time when kids often form perceptions of parents. I recall fond memories of forming perceptions of my parents that were misunderstood in childhood. I would often struggle to understand certain decisions that my parents made which left me feeling afraid. As someone cherishing fond memories of parents in childhood, I adored “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie captured the impact of co-parenting on children growing up. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over 12 years is risky but paid off. For instance, the scene in which Mason witnesses his parents arguing as a child being unaware of their marriage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ethan Hawke, who embodied a father struggling to maintain contact with children. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a great movie is its universal appeal. Despite its focus on an American family, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing over childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are often loved in Hollywood.
6. Dead Poets Society
Strict parenting can often create obstacles for teenagers that are challenging. Parents that exercise rigid control over their children often prevent them from achieving happiness. The negative impact of strict parenting on teens in a society is beautifully depicted in the movie “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured impact of strict parenting on teenagers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dead Poets Society” stand out is its depiction of strict parents. Weir uses captivating dramatic monologues capturing tensions strict parents are facing. Assisted by Sean Leanord who is amazing in the lead role, Weir created a captivating parenting drama. A powerful portrait of roles parents play inspiring children to seize the day, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
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7. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Asian-American parents can often be harsh on their children. Years ago, I formed a friendship with a Chinese girl. She would often complain about her parents that put her under pressure. As someone treasuring an Asian girl that recalled her parental experience, I loved “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie depicted the lives of Asian-American parents. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” stand out is its ingenuity. The Daniels expertly use the multi-verse to create a captivating portrait of parenting. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is amazing in the lead role, the Daniels created a compelling Asian parenting movie. As strong as Evelyn’s bond with Joy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences enjoy.
8. Matilda
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about parents 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 the struggles faced by an orphan girl raised by strict parents. 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 movies audiences acknowledge dearly.
9. A Quiet Place
Parents with strong personalities are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has made great movies about parents that face a dilemma. The strength of horror movies for capturing hardships parents face is evident in “A Quiet Place”. Released in 2018, John Krasinski’s movie captured parents struggling to keep families safe in an apocalyptic world. 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 parents seeking to protect children from violence. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is extraordinary in the lead role, Krasinski created a compelling horror movie about parenting. A powerful portrait of hardships parents face seeking to survive in a quiet place, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies which audiences embrace.
10. The Shining
Few movies ever made about parenting are as beloved as “The Shining”. Since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has become a horror classic. Kubrick used captivating foreshadowing capturing the hardships that abusive parents raising children in hotels are facing. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Kubrick created a shining horror movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of parents that abuse their authority treating children with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As As strong as Jack’s alcoholism, it’s a shining reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies offering valuable wisdom about parenting which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 