Not many characters in movies are as engaging as siblings. Since the 1970’s, siblings have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s Autistic brothers, prejudiced lovers or wrestling boxers, 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 made about siblings which 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 causing emotional damage. I remember feeling immense terror when I was diagnosed with a grim disability that put my life in grave danger. Autism affected my abilities to succeed in a competitive school system. Nevertheless, my brother’s inspiring words of wisdom often gave me the motivation to cope with my Autism. Few films I have ever seen have captured how grim intellectual disabilities can impact the bonds between siblings 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 siblings. With the greatest film of his career Levinson used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a salesman struggling to care for his Autistic brother that faces despair. The film marked a significant breakthrough because it was the first major Hollywood movie that addressed hardships Autistic people went through. Levinson has always had an aptitude for making movies about the bonds between siblings in danger, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. or instance, the scene in which Raymond faces a tense 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 a great role by Dustin Hoffman, who created a powerful portrait of an Autistic savant. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” my favourite siblings film of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about grim disability which are meant for a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about salesmen seeking to care for brothers with Autism, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has gained stardom by making commemorated movies about siblings offering tremendous wisdom.
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. It delivers a meaningful message about rage which resonates with everyone. A bold portrait of a real boxer with rage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing movies with a message that 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. 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. Little Women
Writing is an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a writer. At an early age, I loved to engage with words written on a page. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has ever stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has always had a lifelong writing passion, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about sisters with a writing passion. Gerwig has always had an aptitude for making movies about sisters whose relationships are in danger, and “Little Women” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jo has a nervous breakdown after her book is burned by Amy destroying her writing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a female writer facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about women that have a writing passion, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about siblings which deserve celebration.
5. 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 movies about the bonds between brothers in headlines worldwide news.
6. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about siblings seeking an escape, it’s worth discussing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Since its publication in 1991, Peter Hedges’ book has become a literary classic. In 1993, Lasse Hallstrom honoured the iconic book about siblings seeking an escape in his movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” stand out is its depiction of disability. Hallstrom uses captivating montages capturing tensions faced by a man seeking to care for an intellectually disabled brother. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hedges honoured a book about disabled brothers. As strong as Gilbert’s desire to find an escape, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies at which audiences commonly gape.
7. Warrior
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 “Warrior”. Released in 2011, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted relationships between wrestling brothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Warrior” stand out is its depiction of wrestling. O’Connor uses captivating montages capturing broken bonds between wrestling brothers. Assisted by Tom Hardy who is sensational in the lead role, O’Connor created a compelling wrestling movie.As strong as Brendan’s desire to be a fighter, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about strained sibling relationships that audiences tremendously treasure.
8. 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.
9. The Colour Purple
The Colour Purple is a powerful book about siblings that has built a legacy which is memorable. Since its publication in 1982, Alice Walker’s book has become a literary classic. In 1985, Steven Spielberg honoured the book about women wearing colour purple in his movie “The Colour Purple”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Colour Purple” stand out is its depiction of abuse. Spielberg uses captivating non-linear storytelling to capture sisters torn apart by abusive husbands. Assisted by Whoopi Goldberg who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg honoured a classic book about commemorated siblings. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about powerful women that wear the colour purple, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider extremely special.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about hardships teen siblings go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured broken bonds of teen siblings facing tragedy. Junger used captivating montages to capture hardships teenage girls are facing. Assisted by Julia Stiles who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating coming-of-age movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teen girls that treat their siblings poorly affecting romantic relationships has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has produced engaging movies about siblings facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 