My Favourite Films About Brotherhood of All-Time

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like brothers. Since the 1970’s, brothers have appeared in unforgettable movies. Whether it’s siblings with disorders, warrior wrestlers or cruel gangsters, 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 about brothers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Rain Man

Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism that caused emotional damage. I recall feeling a sense of terror when I was diagnosed with a dangerous disability that placed my life in grave danger. Autism affected my abilities to succeed in a competitive school system. Nevertheless, my brother’s inspiring words of wisdom gave me the strong motivation to overcome my Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can destroy the dark relationships between brothers as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about brotherhood. With the greatest film of his career Levinson used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an Autistic savant facing despair. The film marked a significant breakthrough because it was the first major Hollywood movie demonstrating hardships Autistic people went through. Levinson has always excelled at capturing disabilities putting lives of people in danger, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown when the noise of the smoke alarm starts ringing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a powerful portrait of an Autistic savant. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” my favourite film about brothers of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about strong bonds of siblings which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about salesmen seeking to care for brothers with Autism, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has achieved stardom made bold movies offering wisdom about brothers causing problem.

2. Raging Bull

Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing a fit of rage. I remember that my parents complained about how I had a short temper. I would often beat up peers in my school that I mistreated in ways which were cruel. As someone impacted by consequences of rage that was stressful, I adored “Raging Bull”. Released in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing masterpiece celebrated the legacy of an angry boxer in American history. Scorsese has always excelled at making engaging movies about brothers in danger, and “Raging Bull” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta has a tense argument with his brother causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of the film is a towering performance by Robert De Niro, who embodies a boxer that achieved success several years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about rage that would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of a real boxer with rage, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre making movies with a message that never lost abilities to consistently engage.

3. Manchester by the Sea

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of a tragic murder. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the tragic loss of a housekeeper that died. As someone witnessing how death causes siblings to face tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a lonely janitor mourning family tragedy. Lonergan effectively used flashbacks to capture the broken bonds between brothers torn apart by death. For instance, the scene in which Lee is given heartbreaking news becoming aware that his brother has died causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who captured the turmoil faced by a depressed janitor. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of death tearing brothers apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that creates art with power to mend a shattered heart.

4. The Godfather

Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed relationships with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. An offer he couldn’t refuse, he adored gangsters impacting his worldviews. As someone treasuring a grandfather appreciating gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of beloved literature about gangster brothers. Coppola did an extraordinary job adapting a classic book about gangster families. Coppola effectively uses low-key lighting capturing bonds between brothers in a gangster family. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder in local restaurants becoming a member of mafia is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Al Pacino, who embodied a gangster seeking to mend broken bonds with brothers causing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. A grand adaptation of a great book about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about unbreakable bonds between brothers in headlines news.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. 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 original ideas as a writer. Writer’s block has often affected my relationship with my brother. Writer’s block is a barrier that often prevented me from becoming a successful author. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships screenwriting brothers 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. It delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences commonly cherish.

6. The Accountant

The relationships between brothers can often be torn apart by estrangement. Brothers that are estranged often face barriers preventing them from building bonds together. The negative impact of estrangement on brothers facing resentment is beautifully depicted in the movie “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted brothers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Accountant” stand out is its depiction of estrangement. O’Connor uses captivating montages capturing hardships estranged brothers are facing. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is extraordinary in the lead role, O’Connor created a captivating crime thriller. As strong as Christian’s desire to become an accountant, it’s an amazing reminder of a genre making great entertainment about brothers experiencing tremendous resentment.

7. The Fighter

David O. Russell is a legendary filmmaker that has often made great movies about brothers in danger. With their compelling themes, strong acting and spellbinding storytelling, O. Russell’s movies have earned a huge following. O. Russell has often explored themes of brotherhood in his movies. O. Russell’s strengths as a filmmaker are most evident in his movie “The Fighter”. Released in 2010, O. Russell’s movie captured bonds between real-life boxing brothers. O. Russell used captivating montages capturing a pair of brothers preparing for boxing matches that are frightening. Assisted by Mark Wahlberg who is extraordinary in the lead role, O. Russell created a powerful boxing drama. As strong as Micky Ward’s love for boxing, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about brothers that are worth unquestionably celebrating.

8. The Iron Claw

When discussing the world’s greatest wrestlers, one can’t forget the Von Enrich brothers. Formed during the 1960’s, the Von Enrich was a family of brothers seeking wrestling glory. Raised by an abusive father, the brothers sought to become famous wrestlers. In 2023, Sean Durkin honoured the wrestling family in his movie “The Iron Claw”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Iron Claw” stand out is its depiction of parental pressure. Durkin uses captivating flashbacks capturing tensions faced by brothers raised by an abusive father. Assisted by Zac Efron who is extraordinary in the lead role, Durkin honoured the Von Enrich wrestling family. As powerful as the Iron Claw, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies about the lives of brothers without a flaw that inspire tremendous awe.

9. Sinners

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 “Sinners”. Released in 2025, Ryan Coogler’s movie captured bonds between a pair of African-American brothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Sinners” stand out is its depiction of racism. Coogler uses captivating montages capturing hardships that brothers experiencing racism in the South are facing. Assisted by Michael B. Jordan who is amazing in the lead role, Coogler created a captivating drama about brothers. As strong as Smoke’s bond with his brother, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about brotherly bonds audiences treasure.

10. Thor

Few comic-book movies ever made about brothers are as beloved as “Thor”. Released in 2011, Kenneth Branagh’s comic-book blockbuster captured brothers facing disaster. Branagh used captivating montages capturing the broken bonds between brothers. Assisted by Chris Hemsworth who is extraordinary in the lead role, Branagh created a captivating comic-book movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of brothers that treat each other with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Thor’s bond with Loki, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about rivalrous brothers facing tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.