My Favourite Films About Motherhood of All-Time

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like mothers. Since the 1970’s, moms have appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s mothers of rebellious teenagers, silent survivors or Asian fighters, the genre has produced 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 mothers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Kramer vs. Kramer

Divorce is a devastating process that causes mothers to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage that caused grim 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 dire 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 big impact of divorce on mothers that face 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 mothers. 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 role by Meryl Streep, who embodies a conflicted mother stuck in a broken marriage facing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about mothers of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about couples ending marriage causing grim damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making bold movies about the lives of mothers which engage by giving a meaningful message.

2. Psycho

Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death by her lover, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left devastated, my mother never recovered from the murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housekeeper that died many years ago, I adored “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s horror movie captured mothers that are psychotic. Hitchcock used the concept of mothers causing trauma to create one of the greatest movies in the horror genre. For instance, the scene in which the frightening identity of Norman Bates’ mother is revealed causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Anthony Perkins, who portrayed a man haunted by his abusive mother. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a mother masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A frightening portrait of mothers that are psychotic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies which have captivated the movie-going public.

3. 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 fond memories of 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 message. 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 made relatable movies which audiences commonly treasure.

4. Forrest Gump

Mothers are powerful figures that help children overcome disability. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to cope with the challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disability causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its compassionate voice-over narration. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making iconic movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

5. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Asian-American mothers can often be harsh on their children. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a Chinese girl in school that came from a conservative family. She would often complain about not getting along well with her mother that put under intense academic strain. As someone treasuring fond memories of an Asian girl that recalled her mother’s experience, I loved “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie depicted a tragic mother-daughter relationship facing catastrophe. The Daniels used the ingenious concept of the multi-verse to explore the strained relationship between an Asian-American woman and her daughter. For instance, the scene in which Evelyn finally reconciles with her daughter following years of tense feuds causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Yeoh, who portrays an Asian-American mother facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on Asian-American mothers, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Evelyn’s desire to mend her broken bond with Joy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made meaningful movies which audiences commonly enjoy.

6. Boyhood

Mothers often play a strong role in raising kids during childhood. Whether it’s teaching kids lessons, taking care of clothes or imposing restrictions, mothers play a crucial role in the lives of children. The strong roles that mothers play raising kids during childhood is beautifully depicted in the movie “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie captured a mother raising a child over 14 years. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its depicting of aging. Linklater effectively uses the technique of shooting the film over 14 years to capture mothers that are aging. Assisted by Patricia Arquette who is excellent in the lead role, Linklater created a captivating motherhood drama.  A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre making great movies in modern-day Hollywood.

7. Dune: Part Two

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mothers that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing Dune. Since its publication in the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has become a literary classic. In 2024, Denis Villeneuve honoured the classic book about hardships mothers go through in his movie “Dune: Part Two”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dune: Part Two” stand out is its depiction of conflicted mothers. Villeneuve uses captivating symbolism capturing the hardships that mothers raising children on doomed planets are facing. Assisted by Rebecca Ferguson who is outstanding in the lead role, Villeneuve honoured a book about mothers that’s inspiring. As precious as dune planets that shine beneath the moon, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

8. Little Women

Little Women is a legendary book about mothers that has earned immense recognition. Since its publication in 1868, Louisa Mary Alcott’s book has become a classic. In 2019, Greta Gerwig honoured the book in her movie “Little Women”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its depiction of compassionate mothers. Gerwig uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing Jo March’s long-lasting relationships with her compassionate mother. Assisted by Laura Dern who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gerwig honoured a legendary book about motherhood. A larger-than-life adaptation of a celebrated book about mothers raising little women, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies about parents which deserve worldwide celebration.

9. Room

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, I was locked up in a room for injuring my cousin. Driven towards insanity, I couldn’t cope with isolation. As someone haunted by memories of being stuck in a room, I adored “Room”. Released in 2015, Lenny Abrahamson’s movie honoured a book about isolated mothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Room” stand out is its larger-than-life depiction of isolation. Abrahamson uses captivating confined locations to capture long-lasting bonds between a mother and her child. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Abrahamson honoured literature about mothers. As strong as Ma’s desire to escape a room that’s isolated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences have absolutely appreciated.

10. Home Alone

Few movies ever made about mothers that leave children home alone are as beloved as “Home Alone”. Released in 1990, Chris Columbus’ comedy captured mothers behaving irresponsibly. Columbus used captivating montages capturing a mother leaving her child in homes that are frightening. Assisted by Catherine O’Hara who is amazing in the lead role, Columbus created a captivating comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of mothers that treat children with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Kevin’s desire to survive a home invasion, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has made great movies about powerful mothers with compassion which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.