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 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 be successful in a tough school system. Nevertheless, my brother’s inspiring words of wisdom gave me the strong motivation to overcome my Autism. Few films I have 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 Autism, it tackles strong themes 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 offering immense 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. A bold portrait of a real boxer with rage, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre making 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. 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 Lion King
“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that was a fan of a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. Since its release in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie has stood the test of time as a great film about sibling rivalry. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers capturing tensions that lions torn apart by sibling rivalry are facing. For instance, the scene in which Scar murders Mufasa in the elephant graveyard to take the throne as king causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by James Earl Jones, who embodied a lion king facing tense sibling rivalry. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.
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 great movies about unbreakable bonds between brothers in headlines 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 consistently gape.
7. 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.
8. The Iron Claw
The Von Enrich brothers are a powerful wrestling family that created a lasting legacy. 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. 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.
10. The Accountant
Few movies ever made about brothers with disorders causing impairment are as beloved as “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted the life of an accountant with Autism. O’Connor used captivating montages capturing hardships that Autistic brothers are facing. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is brilliant in the lead role, O’Connor created a bold thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of Autism causing bonds of brothers to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Christian’s desire to overcome challenges of being Autistic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre producing terrific movies about tragic brothers which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 