Movies About Losing A Parent

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Roberto Benigni. In the film, Benigni plays Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner whose idyllic life is shattered when he and his family are deported to a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Despite the horrors of the camp, Guido uses his imagination and sense of humor to protect his son Giosué by shielding him from the truth of the situation and convincing him that their situation is a game. Through a series of comedic and poignant events, Guido successfully protects his son, showing the power of love and hope in the face of great tragedy.

From Asghar Farhadi, starring Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini
Rated PG-13

A Separation, directed by Asghar Farhadi and released in 2011, tells the story of an Iranian couple, Nader and Simin, who are facing a difficult decision. Nader must stay to care for his elderly father, while Simin wishes to leave the country with her daughter, Termeh. After Simin moves out of their home, Nader hires a young woman, Razieh, to care for his father while he is at work. However, when Razieh's religious beliefs and practices collide with Nader's expectations of her, a series of unexpected events take place, forcing the couple to confront the consequences of their separation. Through this powerful and complex story, Farhadi explores themes of religion, morality, gender roles and the consequences of choices.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a darkly comedic drama film directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish and Lucas Hedges. The story follows Mildred Hayes (McDormand), a strong-willed mother whose daughter was brutally raped and murdered months earlier. Frustrated by the lack of progress in her daughter's case, she puts up three controversial billboards outside her small town of Ebbing, Missouri calling out the local police department for their inaction. This leads to an ongoing conflict between Mildred and the police chief, Bill Willoughby (Harrelson), as well as his second-in-command, Officer Dixon (Rockwell), an immature, violent, and racist lawman. The film explores themes of justice, revenge, family, and redemption as the characters struggle to cope with their respective tragedies in often unexpected ways. As the story progresses, Mildred and Officer Dixon's relationship goes through a number of unexpected changes as both characters learn to understand and forgive each other's mistakes.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

"Prisoners" (2013) is a tense and gripping drama directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film tells the story of two families desperately searching for their missing daughters. Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) are two fathers that take matters into their own hands when police detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) fails to find any leads on the missing girls. Dover and Birch embark on a dangerous mission to find their daughters and bring the abductor to justice. With time running out, they must race against time to find the girls and put an end to their suffering. As the stakes become increasingly higher and the consequences of their decisions become more dire, the film takes the audience on a thrilling journey of suspense and tension.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film starring Will Smith and directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling to make ends meet in San Francisco in 1981. After losing his job, Chris is determined to provide for his son and proves his resourcefulness and resilience as he struggles to make a better life for himself and his son. Through a series of hardships and setbacks, Chris ultimately secures an internship in a competitive stock-broker training program and his efforts pay off in the end. The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring true story of the power of determination and belief in oneself.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

Wonder is a 2017 American drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio. The film stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay as the main characters of the story. The film tells the story of Auggie Pullman (Tremblay), a young boy born with severe facial deformities due to a genetic disorder. Despite facing bullies and the stares of strangers, Auggie overcomes all odds to become accepted and embraced by his peers. Along the way, he learns the importance of kindness, acceptance, and self-love. The story is ultimately a heart-warming tale of resilience, courage, and self-discovery.

From Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer, Azhy Robertson
Rated R

Marriage Story is a 2019 American drama film directed and written by Noah Baumbach. The film stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver as a couple going through a coast-to-coast divorce. The film follows the couple as they grapple with the logistics of splitting up while trying to maintain a connection and co-parent their son. Along the way, they experience the nuances of the legal system, the challenges of entering the dating world after being together for a long time, and the complexities of family relationships. Marriage Story is an honest and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of love and marriage.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 American historical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski, based on real-life events. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother whose nine-year-old son, Walter, disappears in 1928 Los Angeles. When the LAPD bring a boy they claim to be Walter, Collins insists the child is an impostor. This sets in motion a saga of police corruption, public scandal, and media frenzy that casts a harsh light on a city struggling to define itself in the midst of immense economic and social change. Described as a "true story of justice denied," the film highlights the story of a mother's struggle against a corrupt system and her refusal to accept the child the police present to her, even though it means she will be labeled "unfit" and lose custody of her son.

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 Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film tells the story of Ted Kramer (Hoffman), a work-obsessed ad executive whose wife Joanna (Streep) unexpectedly leaves him and their young son Billy (Justin Henry). When she returns to reclaim her son, Ted must learn to be a father for the first time, while Joanna struggles with the realities of being a working mother. Through a difficult and emotional court battle, both parents learn to put their son's needs first, ultimately reaffirming their love for him. The film was a critical and box office success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, 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. It follows the story of the Hoover family, who take an 800 mile road trip to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in order to enter the youngest member, seven-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin), into the competition. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles that threaten to tear the family apart. The family consists of the father, Richard (Greg Kinnear), a failed motivational speaker; the mother, Sheryl (Toni Collette), an overworked mom; Olive's brother, Dwayne (Paul Dano), who has taken a vow of silence; Grandpa (Alan Arkin), a foul-mouthed, drug-taking old man; and the uncle, Frank (Steve Carell), who recently attempted suicide. The family's journey is filled with humor, drama and heart-warming moments as they confront their individual issues and learn to come together as a family. Little Miss Sunshine is an uplifting story about the importance of family, the joy of overcoming obstacles, and the power of believing in yourself.

From Felix van Groeningen, starring Veerle Baetens, Johan Heldenbergh, Nell Cattrysse, Geert Van Rampelberg
Rated Not Rated

The Broken Circle Breakdown is a 2012 Belgian drama film directed by Felix van Groeningen. It tells the story of Elise and Didier, a married couple whose passionate relationship is tested when their six-year-old daughter Maybelle is diagnosed with cancer. The film follows the couple as they struggle to cope with their daughter's illness, while also exploring the power of their love and music to help them through their grief. Through the use of flashbacks, the film explores the couple's relationship from the beginning, and examines their differing approaches to life, faith, and death. Ultimately, the movie is a powerful and heartbreaking look at the power of love, grief, and faith in the face of tragedy.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama film directed by Jessie Nelson and starring Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) is a mentally challenged man living in Los Angeles who is struggling to raise his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning). With the help of his friends, a group of similarly challenged adults, and his lawyer, Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), Sam is determined to prove to the court that he is a capable father and can provide a good home for Lucy. When social worker Lynn (Laura Dern) attempts to take Lucy away, Sam fights a legal battle to keep her. With the guidance of Rita and the support of his friends, he learns to stand up for himself and ultimately proves himself as a capable and loving father. The film shows the determination of a father to protect and nurture his daughter, and that love and compassion can overcome obstacles.

From Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham
Rated PG-13

Philomena (2013) stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, and is directed by Stephen Frears. The film tells the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who, as a young unmarried mother, was forced to give up her son for adoption in the 1950s. Through a chance meeting in London, she is reunited with the journalist Martin Sixsmith, and together they embark on a journey to find her long-lost son. Along the way, Philomena reveals her past and the pain of her separation from her son, while Martin discovers a side of himself he never knew existed. Through their journey, Philomena and Martin learn the importance of faith and hope and the power of forgiveness.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and based on the true story of Michael Oher. The film follows Michael, a homeless African American teenager who is taken in by a wealthy white family, the Tuohys. Through the Tuohys' support and guidance, Michael is able to excel in school and on the football field, leading him to a college scholarship and a career in the NFL. The Blind Side follows the transformation of Michael from an overlooked, underprivileged boy to an All-American athlete with a successful professional football career. The film highlights the importance of family, faith, and education as it follows the inspirational story of Michael Oher.

From Henry Alex Rubin, starring Jason Bateman, Jonah Bobo, Haley Ramm, Hope Davis
Rated R

Disconnect is a 2012 American drama film directed by Henry Alex Rubin and written by Andrew Stern. The film follows multiple storylines about people searching for human connections in a technology-driven world. It stars Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård, Max Thieriot, and Colin Ford. The film focuses on three main storylines. In the first, a former Marine (Frank Grillo) discovers that his identity has been stolen by a teenager (Colin Ford). He is determined to discover why and make the teen responsible for his actions. In the second, an ambitious news reporter (Jason Bateman) investigates a story about a sex scandal involving high school students, while his wife (Hope Davis) struggles with their son's growing online addiction. In the third, a grieving couple (Paula Patton and Alexander Skarsgård) search for their son, who ran away with a stranger he met online. Through these stories, the film explores the consequences of a modern society that is increasingly disconnected from each other and the human cost of loneliness and desperation. As characters grapple with their own personal dilemmas, they learn to reconnect with each other

From Lynne Ramsay, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell
Rated R

We Need to Talk About Kevin tells the story of a mother and her relationship with her seemingly evil son, Kevin. Eva Khatchadourian is struggling to come to grips with her son's monstrous behavior, while struggling to understand why he committed a horrific mass-murder at his high school. Despite her best efforts, she finds it difficult to connect with Kevin and to understand his motives. Through flashbacks and conversations with her estranged husband, Franklin, Eva slowly begins to unravel the truth about her son and the tragedy that unfolded. In the end, Eva is forced to confront her own role in the tragedy and to come to terms with her son's actions.

From László Nemes, starring Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs Rechn, Todd Charmont
Rated R

From George Miller, starring Nick Nolte, Susan Sarandon, Peter Ustinov, Kathleen Wilhoite
Rated PG-13

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Walter Raney
Rated PG-13

From Mike Mills, starring Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup
Rated R

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson, John Goodman
Rated PG-13

From Sergio Castellitto, starring Penélope Cruz, Emile Hirsch, Adnan Haskovic, Saadet Aksoy
Rated R

From Cristian Mungiu, starring Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragus, Lia Bugnar, Mãlina Manovici
Rated R

From Chris Weitz, starring Demián Bichir, José Julián, Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo, Joaquín Cosio
Rated PG-13

From John Hillcoat, starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall
Rated R