My Favourite Films About Parenthood of All-Time

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 caused families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage that caused damage. I recall the sad night when she had a heated argument with her great husband that had proved to be a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt had tense arguments with her husband that caused grim feelings of resentment. Following the sad separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to easily move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the impact of divorce on parents facing disaster as powerfully as “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Ever since its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about parenthood. With the greatest film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a marriage ending in despair. “Kramer v. Kramer” was a bold film in cinematic history becoming one of the first mainstream movies to address divorce. Benton has always had an aptitude for using montages in his movies, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased her strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Ted is 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 man stuck in a broken marriage facing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about parenthood of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about couples ending marriage causing grim damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which engage by giving meaningful message.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book 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. Parenthood has always been a crucial theme in the book with Atticus Finch being an inspirational parent. 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. As strong as Atticus’ bond 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 Place Beyond the Pines

Fathers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I can remember, I have always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I appreciated sacrifices he has made raising my family. As someone treasuring a father that never faced declines, I adored “The Place Beyond the Pines”. Released in 2013, Derek Cianfrance’s movie captured the lives of fathers committing crimes impacting children. Cianfrance used captivating montages to capture fathers bonding with their sons. For instance, the scene in which Luke takes his baby son to have ice cream before his death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ryan Gosling, who portrays a conflicted father committing crimes to provide for his son. Ultimately, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” a masterpiece is its bravery. The film takes huge risks in storytelling that pay off tremendously. A powerful portrait of the larger-than-life roles desperate fathers play in shaping children’s fate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly appreciate.

4. 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 movies contributing to greater awareness of sacrifices made by parents facing heartbreaking sadness.

5. Boyhood

Divorce is often misunderstood by kids in childhood. Years ago, my cousin saw his parents separate in a divorce causing sorrow. Following the separation, he was forced to make a tough decision. He was forced to decide which parent he wanted to live with for the rest of life. As someone that witnessed the impact of divorce on parents in childhood, I adored “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie captured the impact of co-parenting on children growing up. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is technique. 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 parenting movie is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on an American boy growing up over 12 years, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies which are treasured in modern-day Hollywood.

6. Aftersun

Fathers often face tension providing for children. Being a father comes with a great deal of responsibility that can impact a person. Fathers are often under pressure to be caregivers. Mental health issues faced by fathers struggling to raise children are depicted in the film “Aftersun”. Released in 2022, Charlotte Wells’ movie captured mental health struggles of fathers facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Aftersun” stand out is its strong depiction of mental health. Wells uses silence to capture fathers that are impacted by depression. Assisted by Paul Mescal who is phenomenal in the lead role, Wells created a fantastic film about depressed fathers. As strong as Sophie’s bond with her father, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences commonly treasure.

7. The Father

Memory loss is a painful process that causes stress. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. She had a tendency to become forgetful being unable to remember things which were crucial. As someone witnessing his grandmother suffer memory loss, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie captured impact of memory loss on an aging father. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Father” stand out is its depiction of mental disorders. Zeller uses unreliable narration to capture a father facing mental disorientation. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is amazing in the lead role, Zeller created a powerful portrait of fathers. A dazzling depiction of fathers with Dementia, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made meaningful movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

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. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted parents facing tragedy. Unlike most movies made in the genre, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a genre that produced great movies audiences consider to be extremely special.

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 strong as Jack’s alcoholism, it’s a shining reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies offering valuable wisdom about parenthood which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.