Movies About Family Drama

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The crew is led by former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and includes scientists Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) and Romilly (David Gyasi). Along the way, they explore alien planets and face extreme conditions in an attempt to save mankind. Along the way, they encounter strange creatures and forces that challenge their survival. The film features stunning special effects and a powerful soundtrack from composer Hans Zimmer. Ultimately, the crew must make a decision that will determine the fate of the human race.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic Christmas fantasy-drama film directed by Frank Capra. The story follows the life of George Bailey, a small-town banker who has spent his entire life sacrificing his own dreams to help others. When an angel named Clarence appears to him in crisis, Bailey must decide whether he wants to keep living or end his life. After a series of flashbacks, Bailey finally realizes how fortunate his life is and how his selflessness has impacted his family and the town. In the end, Bailey's guardian angel earns his wings and everyone celebrates the fact that it's a wonderful life.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a 1977 science fiction film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, and follows the story of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader. Along the way, Luke learns the ways of the Force and must confront his own destiny in order to save the galaxy. This classic science fiction adventure film features groundbreaking special effects, iconic characters, and an epic story.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving to a new house with her parents, stumbles into a world of spirits and demons. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for the witch Yubaba to find a way to free them and herself. Along the way, she meets many strange creatures and learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and trust. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 and was the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time until it was surpassed by Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name in 2016. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest animated films ever made.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Andrew Niccol. It stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who has unknowingly been the star of a globally broadcast reality television show his entire life, without his knowledge. The film also stars Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Ed Harris and Natascha McElhone. The film follows Truman, who lives a seemingly ideal life and is unaware that his every move is being broadcasted on live television. When he begins to suspect the truth, he discovers that his entire life is an elaborate construct created by a mysterious figure known as Christof. With the help of his best friend Marlon, Truman begins to unravel the truth, finally coming to terms with his manufactured existence. The film ends with Truman leaving the fabricated world and entering the real one.

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is a 2003 computer-animated adventure film by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. The film follows Marlin, a timid clownfish, and his young son Nemo who are separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is taken by a diver. Marlin, accompanied by a forgetful fish named Dory, sets out on a journey to find him. Along the way, Marlin and Dory encounter colorful coral reefs, deep-sea creatures, and ocean dangers. With the help of sea turtles, jellyfish, and a family of vegetarian sharks, Marlin and Dory eventually find Nemo. The story is filled with adventure, comedy, and a valuable lesson about the importance of family.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

"There Will Be Blood" is a drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. It tells the story of a ruthless oilman, Daniel Plainview, in the early 20th century American West. After striking oil on a remote Californian ranch, Plainview's ruthless ambition and need for power drive him to success and wealth. Along the way, he clashes with a young, charismatic religious leader, Eli Sunday, and the two engage in a bitter struggle for control. Fueled by greed, Plainview will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, destroying anyone who stands in his way. In the end, his pursuit of power leads to a tragic, violent climax, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in its wake.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 film directed by Steven Spielberg. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist and forger who ran away from home at the age of 16 and successfully posed as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer for several years, all while being pursued by an FBI agent (Tom Hanks). As Frank is tracked down and apprehended, he ultimately forms a bond with the FBI agent and helps him bring down other criminals. The film follows Frank's journey as he learns the consequences of his choices and discovers the importance of family and relationships.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 film directed by John G. Avildsen about a small-time boxer, Rocky Balboa, who gets the chance of a lifetime to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. Rocky is a hardworking and determined boxer who has been stuck in a dead-end job as a debt collector in Philadelphia. When the reigning heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, announces his plans to have a "holiday fight" with a local boxer, Rocky sees this as his one chance to prove himself. With the help of his trainer, Mickey and his unlikely friend, Adrian, Rocky embarks on a journey to train and fight for the championship. Through his hard work and determination, Rocky goes the distance and proves that he is more than just a fighter—he's a champion.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the two young daughters of a professor and their interactions with friendly wood spirits in postwar rural Japan. When the youngest daughter, Mei, gets lost in the woods, the spirits, led by a giant named Totoro, help her reunite with her family. The film also explores themes of family and the environment as the sisters, accompanied by Totoro and his friends, experience the joy and wonders of nature. The film is beloved by fans around the world for its celebration of childhood and its exploration of the power of nature.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is a 1959 epic historical drama directed by William Wyler, and starring Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, and Haya Harareet. The film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Judea, who is falsely accused of treason by his childhood friend, Messala. Ben-Hur is sentenced to life as a galley slave, and he is determined to seek revenge against Messala. Along the way, he meets a wealthy sheik who takes him in, and Ben-Hur eventually returns home to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, he reunites with his family and falls in love with a beautiful woman, Esther. Ben-Hur eventually finds himself in a chariot race against Messala, and he ultimately seeks revenge by winning the race. In the end, he is reconciled with his former friend and is reunited with his family. The film was a massive box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by The Titanic in 1998. The film was also nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning 11, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.

From Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt
Rated R

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen and based on the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. The film follows the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South. After being held as a slave for 12 years, Solomon is eventually able to secure his freedom with the help of a sympathetic Canadian abolitionist. Throughout the film, Solomon is subjected to horrific abuse and mistreatment, yet he never gives up hope in his ultimate quest for freedom. As a result, 12 Years a Slave shines a light on the unimaginable cruelty of the American slave trade.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
Rated Passed

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 drama film directed by Stanley Kramer. It is based on the famous play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. The film focuses on a trial set in a small town in the 1920s, in which a high school science teacher is accused of teaching evolution in defiance of state law. The town is thrown into chaos as the high-profile case draws attention from the national media. The film follows two lawyers, Henry Drummond and Matthew Brady, representing opposite sides of the case. The trial's outcome has a significant impact on the small town, and on the nation as a whole.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Tom Cruise, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated R

Magnolia is a drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and released in 1999. It tells the intersecting stories of several Los Angeles residents over the course of one day, including a troubled former child star, a televangelist, and a dying police officer. Through their struggles, the characters come to terms with the consequences of their choices and the power of fate and chance. The film is punctuated by interwoven motifs of coincidence, love, and loss, leading to a climactic conclusion that is both emotionally devastating and life-affirming.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 American fantasy drama film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose impossible stories of his life fascinate his son, Will. As Will grapples to understand the truth behind his father's epic tales, he embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. Along the way, he learns of his father's great adventures and the spirit of friendship and courage that defines him. The film features an all-star cast, including Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, and Danny DeVito. Big Fish is an imaginative and visually stunning exploration of family, memory, and the power of storytelling.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is a Disney animated classic from 1991, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. The film tells the story of Belle, a beautiful young woman who is taken prisoner by a mysterious beast in his castle. Despite her fears, Belle gradually learns to appreciate the Beast's kind heart and falls in love with him. In order to break the spell cast upon the Beast, Belle must learn to love him before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls. With the help of her lovable companions, Lumiere the candlestick, Cogsworth the clock, Mrs. Potts the teapot, and her father Maurice, Belle must find a way to make the Beast love her in return. Along the way, they must thwart the schemes of the villainous Gaston, who wants to take Belle away and make her his own. In the end, Belle discovers the Beast's true identity and wins his heart. The movie ends happily ever after as the Beast is transformed back into a handsome prince.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a fantasy romance directed by Tim Burton in 1990. The film follows the story of an artificial man named Edward, who was created by an old inventor, who died before finishing him. Left with scissors for hands, Edward is taken in by a kind suburban family who help him to adjust to life in their town. Despite his strange appearance and his supernatural ability to sculpt topiaries, Edward quickly becomes popular with the locals, especially a teenage girl named Kim who falls in love with him. Despite Edward's best intentions, his scissor hands lead to misunderstandings and chaos, putting him in dangerous situations. Ultimately, Edward's true identity is revealed, and he must face the consequences of living in a world that doesn't understand him. In the end, Edward learns to accept himself and his place in the world, proving that love and understanding can overcome any obstacle.

From Jean-Marc Vallée, starring Michel Côté, Marc-André Grondin, Danielle Proulx, Émile Vallée
Rated Not Rated

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a coming-of-age story set in Montreal during the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the life of 15-year-old Zac Beauchamp (Marc-André Grondin). Zac is the fourth of five sons in a tight-knit Catholic family led by his father Gervais (Michel Côté). Zac's brothers are all very different from him, and Gervais struggles to understand his fourth son's unique tastes and behaviors. As Zac grows up and tries to discover his own identity, he finds himself struggling against his family's expectations for him and the social norms of the time. With the help of his mother and grandmother, Zac begins to embrace his uniqueness and come to terms with his identity. Ultimately, Zac's journey of self-discovery leads him to a more accepting attitude towards himself and his place in the world.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is a coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater, filmed over the period of 12 years with the same cast. The film follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane), from age 5 to age 18, as he grows up with his divorced parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke) in Texas. It chronicles the ordinary life experiences of Mason as he struggles with the emotions and events of growing up, such as the impact of his parents’ divorces and new partners, his academic and social life at school, and the ups and downs of his relationships with family and friends. The film is a unique, intimate exploration of the human experience of growing up, told through the eyes of Mason and his family.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a sci-fi drama set in a future where gene manipulation has created an elite class of people with superior genetic make-ups. A genetically inferior man, Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), dreams of becoming an astronaut and traveling to the stars, but his aspirations are hindered by the regulations of his society. He then devises a plan to pass as one of these genetically superior citizens in order to achieve his dreams. With the help of a sympathetic doctor, he assumes a false identity and begins a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he faces tremendous struggles, but ultimately comes closer to realizing his goal.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama directed by Robert Benton and starring Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman. The film tells the story of a married couple, Joanna and Ted Kramer (Streep and Hoffman), and their struggles to adjust to divorce after Joanna unexpectedly leaves to pursue her career. Ted is left to care for their son Billy, and learns to be a good father while also having to deal with the pressures of his job. Joanna later returns and a legal battle ensues over who should get custody of Billy. The film is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, and shows how love and relationships can be complicated and messy. The film was a critical and commercial success, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hoffman) and Best Supporting Actress (Streep).

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The story follows a dysfunctional family who travel across the country in a Volkswagen Type 2 to reach the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant in California. The family is composed of Richard (Greg Kinnear), a failed motivational speaker and father; Sheryl (Toni Collette), his stressed wife; Dwayne (Paul Dano), an adolescent who has taken a vow of silence; Frank (Steve Carell), the suicidal gay uncle; Olive (Abigail Breslin), the young daughter who dreams of winning the pageant; and the grandfather (Alan Arkin). During the journey, the family must deal with a number of crises, including a failed attempt to bribe the pageant judges, a police encounter, and a broken-down car in the middle of the desert. Despite their troubles, they manage to make it to the pageant on time and Olive goes on to be a runner-up in the contest. The film ends with the family celebrating Olive's success and coming together as a family.

From John Hughes, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Rated R

The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American teen comedy-drama film written, produced and directed by John Hughes. It stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy as teenagers from disparate cliques who spend a Saturday in detention in their high school library. During the course of the day, they each reveal their innermost secrets and gradually become friends. The film examines the cliques that many teenagers find themselves in and how they interact with each other and their environment. The film has become a cult classic and is often regarded as one of the best teen films of the 1980s.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is a biographical drama directed by Joe Johnston and released in 1999. It tells the true story of a group of teenage boys living in Coalwood, West Virginia in the 1950s who, inspired by the launch of Sputnik, defy the expectations of their small-town life and pursue the science of rocketry. Led by Homer Hickam, the boys battle personal and economic adversity to develop their own rocketry skills and launch their homemade rockets into the sky. Through their efforts, they gain a newfound respect from their peers and community, and they eventually win a national rocketry contest, inspiring Homer to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

From Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono, Yôko Maki, Lily Franky
Rated Not Rated

Like Father, Like Son is a 2013 Japanese drama directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. The film tells the story of two families who discover that their 6-year-old sons have been switched at birth. As the families struggle to come to terms with the news, they must decide which of their sons they will keep and which they will give up. The film is a nuanced and poignant exploration of the meaning of family, identity, and love. It stars Masaharu Fukuyama and Machiko Ono as the fathers of the two boys, and explores their struggles to come to terms with their sons' changes and the implications it will have on their relationships. The film won numerous awards, including the Jury Prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.