Movies About Family Life

From Brad Bird, starring Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee
Rated PG

The Incredibles tells the story of Bob and Helen Parr, a married couple who were once famous superheroes. Years later, Bob is now a suburbanite insurance claims adjuster, while Helen is a stay-at-home mom to their three children, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. When an evil villain threatens to take over the world, the Parrs must come out of retirement to save the day. Along the way, they must learn to balance their family life with their superhero duties. With the aid of their friend Frozone, the Parrs must fight off the forces of evil and ultimately save the world.

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

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy-drama film directed by Tim Burton and starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup and Jessica Lange. The film follows the story of Edward Bloom (Finney and Crudup), a traveling salesman who tells tall tales to his son, William (McGregor). As William's wedding approaches, he becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's embellished stories and attempts to unravel the truth behind them. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is taken on a journey of Edward's life, from his childhood in Alabama to his adventures in China and beyond, as he recounts tales of his many encounters. The fantastical elements of the story are explored, as Edward’s lies become increasingly difficult to distinguish from the truth and further his relationships with those closest to him. Ultimately, the film is about the power of storytelling and how it can be used as a tool to bring people together.

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

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The film follows the Hoovers, a dysfunctional family on a road trip to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in California. The film's stars include Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, and Alan Arkin. The family must overcome various obstacles on their journey, including a breakdown of their minivan, financial difficulties, and a surprise family member. Despite all of their hardships, the family eventually arrive at the pageant and Olive competes in the contest. The film ends with Olive being named the Little Miss Sunshine runner-up. Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming story of a family that comes together under difficult circumstances and ultimately demonstrates that it’s ok to be different. It received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress.

From Henry Selick, starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders
Rated PG

Coraline is a 2009 stop-motion animated fantasy film directed and written by Henry Selick. It is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman. The film follows Coraline Jones, an adventurous young girl who moves into a new home and discovers a hidden door that leads to an alternate world where her life appears to be perfect, with her Other Mother providing her with anything she wants. However, Coraline soon discovers that this world hides a dark secret and that her Other Mother is not who she seems to be. With the help of the mysterious cat and a kind-hearted earthly soul, Coraline must face her fears and save her family from the Other Mother's sinister plan.

From Directors: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, starring Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small
Rated PG-13

From Jay Roach, starring Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner
Rated PG-13

From David Frankel, starring Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner
Rated PG

From Brad Silberling, starring Jim Carrey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep, Liam Aiken
Rated PG

From Jodie Foster, starring Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft, Robert Downey Jr., Charles Durning
Rated PG-13