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. To Kill a Mockingbird
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that acknowledged a book about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love to discuss an iconic book that he considered to be precious. He would speak fondly about a book that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love for a book about mockingbirds, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my father’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book, Robert Mulligan’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about parenting. Mulligan has always had an aptitude for making movies about parents that face danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal 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 embodied a lawyer fighting racism in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about parenting of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a commemorated film about righteous lawyers fighting racism in an intense courtroom case, it’s a fantastic reminder of a groundbreaking genre that has manufactured strong movies which audiences embrace.
2. 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.
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. Kramer vs. Kramer
Fathers that file for divorce often face tension. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. A drastic decision, the divorce left my uncle heartbroken. He drifted apart from his beloved children that had once held a special place in their heart. As someone that has seen divorce causing fathers to face disaster, I adored “Kramer V. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of divorce on a father. The film forever changed the genre by becoming one of the first films to address impact of divorce on fathers. Benton uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the bond between a divorced father and his son. For instance, the scene in which Ted rushes his son to the hospital after he faces an accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who portrays a heartbroken father facing divorce tension. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer V. Kramer” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a meaningful message about child custody which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Kramer’s desire to save his marriage from disaster, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
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 over 12 years, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood 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. Lady Bird
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have shared complicated bonds with my mother. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that made me feel heard, I adored “Lady Bird”. Released in 2017, Greta Gerwig’s movie captured teen girls bonding with mothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lady Bird” stand out is its depiction of motherhood. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing a teen girl and her mother arguing. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Gerwig created a captivating teen masterpiece. As powerful as Lady Bird’s bond with her mother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies that audiences commonly treasure.
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 commonly 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 precious as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated genre with engaging stories to tell about parents which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I commonly excel.
The Film Buff 