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. Forrest Gump
Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism causing damage. I recall feeling sense of terror when I was diagnosed with a grim disability that put my life in danger. During a dark time when all hope seemed to be lost, my mother gave me the strength to cope. Through her valuable wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges posed by Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the powerful roles that mothers play in lives of children facing a bump as powerfully as “Forrest Gump”. Ever since its release in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about mothers. With the greatest film of his career, Zemeckis captured compassionate mothers seeking to care for children with grim intellectual disabilities causing despair. Zemeckis has always had aptitude for making movies about bold mothers, and “Forrest Gump” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Zemeckis deftly used voice-over narration to capture a mother struggling to care for a child with grim disabilities causing tension. For instance, the scene in Mrs. Gump gives Forrest valuable advice about how to live his life before her devastating death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Sally Field, who embodied one of the most memorable mothers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” my favourite film about mothers of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities, it tackles strong themes which everyone can easily relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about disabilities which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic classic about veterans recounting with nostalgia memories of Alabama, its a bold reminder of a great genre that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
2. The Sound of Music
“The Sound of Music” is a legendary musical that my mother always considered iconic. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that admired Maria. I remember my mother was once a big fan of a musical about naval captains facing disaster. She was always drawn towards the melodious sound of a classic musical that she considered profound. Ever since its release in 1965, “The Sound of Music” has stood the test of time as a masterpiece about motherhood. Robert Wise’s classic movie celebrated the lives of mothers through a musical. Wise has always had an aptitude for making great movies about mothers with a compassionate nature, and “The Sound of Music” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Captain Von Trapp first hires Maria to take care of his household facing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Julie Andrews, who portrayed a strong mother facing issues. Ultimately, what makes “The Sound of Music” a classic is timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. As strong as Maria’s love for the sound of music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies about mothers that have captivated the public.
3. 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 message. 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 public.
4. 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 treasure.
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 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 themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Evelyn’s love for Joy, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences enjoy.
6. A Quiet Place
Mothers with strong personalities are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has made great movies about mothers that face a dilemma. The strength of horror movies for capturing hardships mothers face is evident in “A Quiet Place”. Released in 2018, John Krasinski’s movie captured mothers struggling to keep families safe in a tragedy. 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 mothers facing a traumatic experience. Assisted by Emily Blunt who is excellent in the lead role, Krainski created a magnificent horror movie about mothers. A powerful portrait of hardships mothers face seeking to survive in a quiet place, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences tremendously embrace.
7. 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 tremendously appreciated.
8. Home Alone
House burglaries are terrifying events that have always scared my mother. I remember my mother being afraid of home invasions causing disaster. She would be afraid leaving me home alone. As someone treasuring a mother that never left me home alone, I adored “Home Alone”. Released in 1990, Chris Columbus’ movie depicted mothers facing home burglaries. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Home Alone” stand out is its humour. Columbus uses humour to capture mothers leaving children home causing terror. Assisted by Macauley Culkin who is amazing in the lead role, Columbus created a strong comedy about mothers. A hilarious depiction of hardships experienced by mothers leaving kids home alone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made well-known films that are in a league of their undeniable own.
9. 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.
10. Barbie
Few dolls made out of plastic have built a legacy as strong as Barbie. Since creation in the 1960’s by Ruth Handler, Barbie has become a doll women treasure. In 2023, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic doll’s legacy in her movie “Barbie”. Gerwig used bold montages capturing a mother and daughter using Barbie dolls. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is exceptional in the lead role, Gerwig honoured Barbie’s legacy. Although I love the movie, it isn’t perfect. Its depiction of mothers using dolls to reunite with children is unrealistic. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. A terrific tribute towards a doll whose life in plastic is fantastic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing iconic movies I will forever treasure for reminding me of my bond with my mother without whose words I wouldn’t have been a film critic.
The Film Buff 