Movies About Family Violence

Updated April 1, 2024

For Movies About Family Violence, there are so many directors who explored this topic. Here are 16 of our favorites.

Once Were Warriors (1994)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Lee Tamahori, starring Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga
Rated R

Once Were Warriors is a 1994 New Zealand drama film directed by Lee Tamahori and based on the novel of the same name by Alan Duff. The film follows a Maori family in 1984 Auckland, New Zealand and their struggles with poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence. The film is an unflinching look at the impact of violence on a family and the strength of a mother's love, as exemplified by Beth Heke (played by Rena Owen). Despite the family's struggles, the film is ultimately about hope and redemption, and Beth's determination to bring her family together and start anew.

3-Iron (2004)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Seung-Yun Lee, Hee Jae, Hyuk-ho Kwon, Jin-mo Joo
Rated R

3-Iron is a 2004 South Korean romantic drama film by director Kim Ki-duk. The film tells the story of a young drifter, Tae-suk, and a wealthy housewife, Sun-hwa, who meet by chance and embark on a journey of self-discovery. With Tae-suk's penchant for breaking into vacant homes, the two break into one home after another, living as if they were the owners of the place. Along the way, they encounter various people who affect their lives in unexpected ways, pushing them to question their views of the world and appreciate the beauty of life. Ultimately, 3-Iron is a story of love and redemption.

Lilya 4-Ever (2002)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Lukas Moodysson, starring Oksana Akinshina, Artyom Bogucharskiy, Pavel Ponomaryov, Lyubov Agapova
Rated R

Lilya 4-Ever is a 2002 Swedish drama film written and directed by Lukas Moodysson. The film follows the story of an impoverished 16-year-old girl, Lilya (Oksana Akinshina), who is abandoned by her mother and forced to fend for herself in a desolate suburb of a post-Soviet Lithuania. Desperate and alone, Lilya turns to prostitution in order to survive. She eventually falls in love with a young man and begins to dream of a better life, only to have her dreams dashed when she is tricked into becoming a sex slave and trafficked to Sweden. The film examines the harsh realities of human trafficking, poverty, and the corrupt forces that exploit young people.

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Andrew Jarecki, starring Arnold Friedman, Jesse Friedman, David Friedman, Elaine Friedman
Rated Not Rated

Capturing the Friedmans is a 2003 documentary film directed by Andrew Jarecki which examines the 1988 arrest and trial of Arnold and Jesse Friedman, a father and son accused of hundreds of incidents of child sexual abuse. Drawing on hours of home movies, interviews with family members, and court documents, the film builds a complex portrait of the Friedmans as it follows their dramatic story over the course of more than a decade. Through the lens of this family’s personal tragedy, the film ultimately examines the broader implications of the child abuse panic that swept through America in the 1980s. As the documentary reveals, the Friedmans’ story is far from straightforward and ultimately forces viewers to grapple with difficult questions about truth and justice.

Mysterious Skin (2004)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is an American independent film directed by Gregg Araki, released in 2004. It is based on the novel of the same name by Scott Heim. The film follows the story of two boys in a small Kansas town in the 1980s, whose lives become intertwined after they are both victims of childhood sexual abuse. The main character, Neil McCormick, is an 18-year-old hustler who struggles with his sexuality and confused understanding of his past. His best friend Brian Lackey is a shy, isolated individual who has become obsessed with UFOs and believes he was abducted by aliens. Their lives intersect when Neil realizes he and Brian were both abused by their baseball coach when they were 8-years-old. As the boys attempt to make sense of their pasts and the trauma associated with abuse, they both come to terms with their individual identity and sexuality. Mysterious Skin is a dark, edgy drama that explores the effects of abuse and sexual confusion on young individuals. It is a powerful film that deals with sensitive subjects in an honest and uncompromising manner.

Little Children (2006)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Todd Field, starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley
Rated R

Little Children is a 2006 drama film directed by Todd Field and written by Field and Tom Perrotta, based on Perrotta's novel of the same name. The film follows the lives of several suburban families whose lives intertwine due to extramarital affairs and other personal issues. It follows the story of Sarah Pierce, a frustrated stay-at-home mother who begins an affair with another father, Brad Adamson. Brad's wife, a former police officer, discovers the affair and begins to use her authority to disrupt the lives of the people involved. Meanwhile, Ronnie McGorvey, an ex-convict, has recently moved into the neighborhood and is befriended by Sarah's daughter. As their worlds collide, the families must cope with the consequences of their indiscretions. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Connelly, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Todd Field and Tom Perrotta.